Hyde Park Citizen 5-29-2024

Johsua Harris is the Vice President of Public Engagement at The Obama Foundation. PHOTO BY THE OBAMA FOUNDATION.

Kevin Warren, President of the Chicago Bears, participates in a Future Series event in March in Lake Forest, Ill. PHOTO BY THE OBAMA FOUNDATION.

Students from the Future Series visited Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Ill. PHOTO BY THE OBAMA FOUNDATION.

CITY OF CHICAGO STATEMENT ON EXPANDED OUTDOOR DINING ON CLARK STREET

CHICAGO – The City of Chicago is pleased to announce the issuance of a permit allowing expanded outdoor dining on Clark Street that balances the needs of residents, businesses, workers, visitors, and the local community.

The Chicago Department of Transportation issued a permit allowing curb lane closures along Clark Street between Grand Avenue and Kinzie Street that allows food establishments the opportunity to extend their dining areas into the sidewalk and parking lane, also known as the curb lane, without fully closing Clark Street to vehicle traffic.

The format will give participating restaurants extra capacity and create an inviting outdoor space for dining, while taking into account the need for accessibility and traffic flow in the River North community.

This permit is effective immediately and will remain valid until October 31, 2024.

COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER DONNA MILLER CONVENES SECOND HEARING TO EXAMINE

MATERNAL MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY RATES IN COOK COUNTY Health and Hospitals Committee hearing featured testimony from elected officials, health care providers, advocates and others to address Illinois’ disproportionately high maternal mortality rates

Cook County, Ill. -- Cook County Commissioner

Donna Miller convened a hearing of the Cook County Board’s Health and Hospitals Committee to hear from stakeholders about ways Illinois can better protect women during and after pregnancy and childbirth. In June 2023, Commissioner Miller held the first hearing on the topic after reports showed that in 2020, Illinois had a maternal mortality rate of 23 deaths per 100,000 live births, and for Black women, that rate was six times higher — surpassing the national average. In 2024, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported that Black women in Illinois are three times as likely to die from a pregnancy-related condition as white women, an improvement over the previous report, but still unacceptable.

During the hearing, the committee heard testimony from Dr. Lisa Masinter, IDPH’s Deputy Director of the Office of Women’s Health and Family Services; Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of Cook County Department of Public Health and IDPH and CEO and President of the Sinai Chicago hospital system; Dr. Nicole Williams of Cook County Physicians Association; representatives from Cook County Health including COO Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, Dr. Fidel Abrego, Dr. Priscilla Augustine Ware and Dr. Yvonne Collins; the Cook County Department of Public Health; CountyCare and other outside experts on the maternal health crisis. They also heard from Cook County Health about the progress made towards standing up the Cook County Health Doula Program. Commissioner Miller secured $1 million in the FY2024 budget for Cook County Health to implement that program.

During her time in office, Commissioner Miller has used her previous experience in the healthcare industry to make reducing maternal mortality a priority. She called the second hearing as part of her broader efforts to address disparities in health care that result in worse outcomes for Black women. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 700 women die in the U.S. each year as a result of pregnancy or delivery complications, with higher deaths in women of color compared to white women. The U.S. has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the developed world. In 2024, Commissioner Miller passed national legislation to support doula funding throughout the U.S. through the National Association of Counties (NACo).

Obama Foundation Continues To Engage

UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital adds beds, staff for behavioral health

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Phase two will be the big grand opening of the full campus in Spring 2026.

Joshua Harris has been the Vice President of Public Engagement at the Obama Foundation for two years. Harris oversees community engagement, alumni affairs and economic development. In his role, he has been putting together the pieces to get the Foundation to a successful opening of the Obama Presidential Center.

“President and Mrs. Obama chose to put the center on the South side to give back to a community that has given so much to them. But, for the South side and Chicago, they would not be where they are today. That’s why they chose to put the center in Woodlawn,” Harris said.

Harris said that construction of the Obama Presidential Center campus is going well. There is a diverse workforce building the center and that workforce is reflective of the South and West sides of the city. He added that having the grand opening of the full campus in Spring 2026 gives the foundation the opportunity to have people from the city and all over the world celebrate the opening.

Series student participants had the opportunity to tour

Harris said the part the Obama Foundation is most looking forward to in regards of the opening of the Obama Presidential Center are the programs. Currently, the foundation has a partnership with Hyde Park Academy High School for the Future Series. With that program, experts and professionals share their career paths and give advice on success to the high school students.

“Our CEO Valerie Jarrett always says, ‘if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.’ We want to expose young people to these opportunities early on,” Harris said. He added the hope is to expand programs like the Future Series and give more young people access and exposure.

The Museum Tower will have the journey of the Obamas and how they rose to the White House, the accomplishments of the administration, their life post-presidency. There will be a replica of the Oval Office and Mrs. Obama’s dresses. At the top of the tower, people will have an opportunity to look out at the South and West sides and reflect how they bring about change in their own neighborhoods. The Home Court is a community space that will have community programming. There will be a restaurant and café, as well as a 300-seat auditorium. The auditorium will be able to accommodate guest lectures and community forums. There will also be a first-of-itskind Chicago Public Library branch on the campus. A fruit and vegetable garden and teaching kitchen will be on the campus. The goal is to bring healthy eating and nutrition programming to young people and intergenerational people across the city. Most of the space on the 19.3acre campus is free to access. The only exception is the Museum Tower, which will have timed entry. There will be free high-speed WIFI throughout the campus.

My Brother’s Keeper Alliance celebrated its 10th year anniversary. Young people in the program went on a trip to Phoenix, Ariz. to get behind the scenes access to the Final Four. It gave those students an opportunity to see career paths in sports. The Girl Opportunity Alliance launched a fund where $500,000 was distributed to 14 local organizations. For more information about the Obama Foundation, visit www.obama.org.

Chicago United for Equity Announces 2024 Fellowship Cohort

Chicago, Ill. – Chicago United for Equity (CUE) is thrilled to announce the 2024 CUE Fellows, a cohort of 24 passionate leaders dedicated to reshaping the narrative of equity in Chicago.

This year’s cohort embodies a rich tapestry of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and expertise, united by a common goal: to shift power to communities and build an equitable Chicago for everyone.

The CUE Fellowship is a year-long immersive program designed to empower leaders, disruptors, and healers from across Chicago. Through a comprehensive curriculum rooted in racial equity principles, Fellows will embark on a journey of learning, collaboration, and transformation.

“We are proud to partner with these 24 exceptional individuals and their organizations,” said Rachel Pate, Director of Civic Programming at Chicago United for Equity. “Their commitment to advancing racial equity and justice will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on transformative change in our city.”

Throughout the fellowship, participants will collaborate in a powerful learning community designed to enhance their skills through a curriculum that includes decolonizing research, racial equity impact assessments, principles of co-design, and more. By leveraging their collective wisdom and diverse perspectives, the Fellows will work collaboratively to reimagine Chicago’s civic

structures, policies, and practices utilizing a racial equity lens.

“We believe in the power of community voices and collective action to drive meaningful change,” added Terri Johnson, Board Chair at Chicago United for Equity. “Together, we can work towards an equitable city where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.”

Join us in welcoming the 2024 CUE Fellowship cohort to the vibrant CUEmmunity!

Meet the 2024 CUE Fellows:

Andrew Herrera, Warehouse Workers Action

Athena Williams, Oak Park Regional Housing Center

Bahati Marie Aimee, Woods Fund Chicago

Cecily Relucio, Umuwi Ethnic Studies

Courtney Hanson, People for Community Recovery

Danielle Beavers Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)

Emily Cole, Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI)

Emily Laflamme, Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT)

Jacqueline S. Brissett, Coalition for African American Leaders

James Rudyk Jr. Consultant

Jenna Pollack Chicago Dance History Project Ji Yang 6018lNorth

To help address the growing need for more mental health services on Chicago’s South Side and the south suburbs

To help address the growing need for mental health services on Chicago’s South Side and the south suburbs, the University of Chicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital is adding 15 beds to its behavioral health department inpatient unit. The new space is now open.

To help address the growing need for more mental health services on Chicago’s South Side and the south suburbs, the University of Chicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital is adding 15 beds to its behavioral health department inpatient unit. The new space is now open.

In addition to the capital investments to open the new unit, Ingalls Memorial has added an inpatient attending psychiatrist and an outpatient psychiatric nurse

practitioner at its Tinley Park location.

“Since the pandemic, it seems the severity of psychiatric illness has been increasing exponentially,” said Carolyn Shima, MD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago Medicine. “There’s a really large need in our community for behavioral health services.”

The new space and staffing will support continuity of care, said James Stroble, Executive Director of Primary Care and Behavioral Health at UChicago Medicine. Behavioral health patients in Emergency Departments at Ingalls in Harvey and at the University of Chicago Medical Center in Hyde Park will be able to get to an inpatient bed more quickly, and stay within the UChicago Medicine network more easily.

effort is vital for the area, particularly when other facilities are reducing or closing behavioral health services.

“Mental health is one of the biggest determinants of health,” Antoniades said. “We are committed to improving behavioral health access and care in our communities with the academic level of care that sets UChicago Medicine apart. This is just the beginning of our efforts to improve the experience for behavioral health patients and their families at Ingalls.”

While UChicago Medicine has satellite sites throughout Chicagoland offering behavioral health services, including intensive outpatient programs, Ingalls is the primary inpatient psychiatric unit for the entire health system.

Illinois Legislature Passes FirstIn-The-Nation Bill to Cover Alzheimer’s Treatments for State Employees

After unanimous votes in both the Senate and House, the Illinois legislature passed Senate Bill 3318, an initiative of the Alzheimer’s Association that ensures state employee health insurance provides coverage for all FDA-approved Alzheimer’s treatments. Illinois is the first state in the country to legislatively enact this requirement for Alzheimer’s treatment coverage, further expanding access to these new drugs that slow the progression of the disease.

“My uncle Mike suffered from Alzheimer’s disease which took his life at a young age,” said House sponsor State Representative Mary Gill.

The new unit also will support future plans at Ingalls to develop a “first-break” psychosis program for patients and their families facing an inpatient behavioral health hospitalization for the first time by connecting them with educational and community support resources, Stroble said. The program will help to provide wraparound treatment to those with psychotic illness early in the disease process to improve outcomes and access to preventative care.

“The UChicago Medicine health system and Ingalls Memorial are both voicing right now a really strong dedication to behavioral health on all fronts,” Shima said, “recognizing the needs of our community, recognizing the needs of our patients and recognizing, I hope, a shift in attitudes toward behavioral health nationwide.”

“We are one of the only hospitals on the South Side of Chicago that is providing an academic level of care for behavioral health,” Shima added, noting that Ingalls Memorial has one of the state’s highest Emergency Department visit rates for behavioral health issues, according to the UChicago Medicine Community Health Needs Assessment 2021-2022.

“The majority of our patients have had some exposure to trauma in their lives.”

Mike Antoniades, President of Ingalls Memorial, said the $840,000 expansion

One goal of the expansion is to reach people sooner in their illness. Many patients are coming to Ingalls in crisis, even though the support and care options are available to them well before then, Shima said.

“It’s a sign of investment from the hospital in behavioral health, which is a really positive thing for both the hospital and for the community,” said Shima, who urges people who feel like they are in crisis or are concerned about a loved one to seek out behavioral healthcare immediately.

Ingalls offers free, confidential assessment and referrals, where trained mental health professionals are available 24/7 by calling 708-915-6411. Patients also may make an appointment by calling 708-915-8600. Walk-in screenings at Ingalls are also offered.

Behavioral health services are available at the following locations:

UChicago Medicine at Ingalls Memorial, 1 Ingalls Drive, Harvey

UChicago Medicine at Ingalls - Tinley Park, 6701 W. 159th Street, Tinley Park

UChicago Medicine at IngallsFlossmoor, 19550 Governors Highway, Flossmoor

UChicago Medicine at Ingalls - Calumet City, 1600 Torrence Avenue, Calumet City

UChicago Medicine Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine - Hyde Park, 5758 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago

“This bill hits close to home, so couldn’t have been more proud to carry this bill to help someone in the future have a better chance at life.” Recently, the FDA approved the first-ever treatments to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease - with several more promising drugs in the approval pipeline. However, these treatments are only effective if administered in the early stages of the disease. Senate Bill 3318 ensures that state employee health insurance plans provide coverage for these Alzheimer’s treatments when medically necessary, while prohibiting the use of step therapy which can unnecessarily delay treatment. The bill also requires coverage of diagnostic imaging or tests needed to confirm a diagnosis.

“For individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones, access to effective treatment is a lifeline of hope,” said State Senator Laura Murphy, the Senate sponsor of Senate Bill 3318. “By removing step therapy requirements, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting patients on their journey, providing them with the best possible chance for improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life.”

“Early-onset Alzheimer’s shortened my mother’s life and stole her dreams of a retirement filled with joy in her grandchildren,” said Holly Blastic, a state employee who would benefit from coverage upon this bill becoming law. “My biggest fear is the burden Alzheimer’s could place on my children. This legislation gives me peace of mind as a mother – and hope for a future where this disease no longer ravages families like mine.”

Joyce C. Wasner St. Sabina

Julia Hage Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT)

Jung Yoon, Chicago Mayor’s Office, Policy Team

Karla Altmayer Healing to Action Lyric Griffin, Chicago Mayor’s Office, Office of Equity and Racial Justice

Matthew Shomo, The Chicago Community Trust

Phylicia Manley JPMorgan Chase Raina Bhagat South Asian American

Coalition to Renew Democracy (SACRED)

Shawn Kendrick Builders Initiative

Stephanie Salgado, Chicago Department of Public Housing (CDPH)

Teena Lorie Harris, Chicago Public Schools (CPS)

Whitney Wade, Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW)

To learn more about CUE’s 2024 Fellowship cohort, visit www.chicagounitedforequity.org/fellows.

This vital, first of its kind legislation passed with unanimous bipartisan votes in both chambers - the Illinois Senate on a vote of 58-0-0 and the Illinois House on a vote of 107-0-0. It now heads to Governor Pritzker’s desk for his signature. Contact: Lionell Martin, Public Relations Manager, Alzheimer’s Association, lmartin@alz.org, 773.593. 4211

About the Alzheimer’s Association®: The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272-3900.

Future

Halas Hall in March. PHOTO BY THE OBAMA FOUNDATION.

Good Soil Forum Taps into the Rhythm of Entrepreneurship

(Black PR Wire) T.D. Jakes Enterprises, a social impact company led by Chairman T.D. Jakes and the brainchild behind the Good Soil Movement, is looking to make North Texas home to a confluence of ideas, events and business-related social hot-spots ahead of Juneteenth and Black Music Month by bringing the annual Good Soil Forum to the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas on June 13-15. The long-time entrepreneur and faith leader is utilizing the Good Soil Forum as a moment to highlight the nation’s and particularly Dallas’ thriving entrepreneurial, business and cultural scene in turn bringing thousands of people and millions of dollars to the area. Dallas consistently ranks near the top of annual economic studies, across the U.S. that cite the North Texas’ region as being good for small business growth, small business employment and hourly earnings growth.

“Our mission within the Good Soil movement is to increase generational wealth and empowerment by nurturing the entrepreneurs that are often under-resourced,” said Michael Phillips, chief operating officer of T.D. Jakes Enterprises. “The Good Soil Forum breaks the cycle of under-resourced entrepreneurs leaving events inspired but unequipped. Thriving despite limited resources, entrepreneurs inspire us. This June we’ll celebrate past and present leaders who built a path for future generations. It’s the first step in a multi-year plan to cultivate a thriving cultural hub for music, entrepreneurship, and innovation in Texas – a space where inspiration meets practical tools to empower business growth and lasting success.”

NYT Bestselling Author & Entrepreneur

Pinky Cole, Founder & Owner of Slutty Vegan

Arian Simone, Co-founder & CEO of the Fearless Fund

Richelieu Dennis, Founder & CEO of Sundial Brands

Charles King, Founder & CEO of MACRO

Warren Luckett, Founder of Black Restaurant Week

Also serving as an effort to create a convergence of minds and missions, Good Soil Forum will feature educational fireside chats, breakout sessions and hands-on workshops in which business leaders can learn and

With the theme of “The Rhythm of Entrepreneurship,” this year will include inspiring keynote sessions in which entrepreneurs can hear from visionary leaders and industry trailblazers for insights empowering attendees to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence and creativity. This year’s featured participants, panelists in fireside chats and breakout sessions include:

T.D. Jakes, NAACP Image Award Winning philanthropist and CEO of T.D. Jakes Enterprises

Tabitha Brown, Emmy Award Winning Actress and

participate in key conversations on a variety of topics from business planning and marketing strategies to financial management and leadership development, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge to elevate their business. The Good Soil Forum will also feature a vibrant marketplace with a diverse array of vendors, from tech startups to artisanal craftspeople, a unique opportunity to network, discover new products and services, and gain inspiration for attendees’ entrepreneurial ventures.

“Stand Together Foundation is proud to partner with T.D. Jakes Enterprises to help more people realize their American Dream through entrepreneurship,” said Evan Feinberg, senior vice president of Stand Together and

chairman of Stand Together Foundation. “If successful, this effort will not only help many people realize their full potential but will demonstrate what’s possible in this country when we change our mindset away from what people lack and toward what they can accomplish.”

T.D. Jakes Enterprises and the Stand Together community are also partnering on an ambitious national initiative to inspire new and growing entrepreneurs in under- resourced communities. The effort is centered around a peer-to-peer platform of entrepreneurs and connecting those on the platform to the coaching, technical support, services, and networks they need to grow their companies.

$500K Capital Pitch Competition

Good Soil will feature the return of the annual Seed Capital Competition, in partnership with Wells Fargo, an opportunity designed to guide entrepreneurs through the crucial stages of business planning and pitching. To further empower minority entrepreneurs by enhancing their skills in crafting investable business plans and pitches, the competition boasts a grand total of $500,000 in grants — increasing from last year’s $250,000, ranking it as the third-highest seed competition of its kind in the United States. Good Soil is dedicated to helping one million entrepreneurs generate $1 million dollars in revenue over the next ten years by providing networking and solutions for growing and scaling businesses. The inaugural Good Soil event held in Orlando last year brought more than 2,500 entrepreneurs together and organically had about 5,000 small business owners and entrepreneurs during that time join the Good Soil network. Currently the Good Soil app has more than 20,000 members and is continuing to grow by providing tangible things that are helping entrepreneurs grow. Wells Fargo, Stand Together Foundation, Travel and Leisure are all official partners of this year’s event. For more information on the 2024 Good Soil Forum, visit www.goodsoilforum.com/event.

U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Launches USBC Resource Hub

Supported by Wells Fargo

(Black PR Wire) The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) proudly announces the launch of the USBC Resource Hub, an innovative online platform supported by Wells Fargo. This resource hub is designed to provide Black businesses with a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge tools and programs to support growth, sustainability, and success.

USBC is committed to providing a fundamental pillar of entrepreneurial training and development to support the growth and success of Black businesses across the nation. This essential work is grounded in our dedication to fostering economic equity and creating opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.

By offering a wide range of educational programs, technical assistance, and resources through the Resource Desk, USBC equips Black entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. This work is important because it helps bridge gaps in access to resources, information, and funding, ultimately empowering Black business owners to reach their full potential and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities.

The USBC Resource Hub includes a range of key programs, such as: Technical Assistance: Access expert guidance and support through our chambers to navigate

business challenges.

Loan Programs: Benefit from a new loan program designed to help your business grow and achieve financial goals.

Corporate, Supplier Diversity, Government and Matchmaking Programs: Sustain your firm with strategic partnerships and contracting opportunities for those seeking diverse suppliers.

Business Counseling, Accounting Services, and Referral Networks: Access professional advice and services to keep your business on track and financially healthy.

Certification and Directory Programs: Enhance your firm’s credibility and access new opportunities with various certification programs and increase your visibility for your services.

On-Demand Webinars: Utilize a library of training sessions and educational content available on demand.

Alisa Joseph, VP Director of Programs, USBC, shared her perspective on the launch: “The USBC Resource Hub is a transformative step towards empowering Black businesses with the tools and resources they need to succeed. This platform exemplifies our commitment to supporting economic equity and fostering a thriving business community.”

Our impactful partnership with corporations like Wells Fargo enables us to expand our reach and enhance the services we provide. Together, we deliver a comprehensive suite of innovative tools and programs that propel Black businesses forward. Through collaborative efforts, we can ensure a more inclusive and equitable business landscape, where diverse entrepreneurs have the chance to grow, succeed, and lead.

To learn more about the USBC Resource Hub and explore its wide range of offerings, visit https://usblackchambers.org/resources/. The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) provides committed, visionary leadership, and advocacy in the realization of economic empowerment. Through the creation of resources and initiatives, we support a network of African American Chambers of Commerce and business organizations in their work of developing and growing Black enterprises. Learn more at usblackchambers.org.

Embrace the Fearless Spirit, with Karina Brez Feather Ear Cuffs

New York, NY -- Trademarked by her unique style, Dani G. Waldman, renowned American Israeli equestrian show jumper, offers a look into her fearless and playful spirit through her second collaboration with Karina Brez. Building on the success of the Fearless Feathers Collection, featuring timeless bracelets and rings with a hugging horse hoof and feather motif, Dani G. and Karina Brez fuse their passion for design and equestrian jewelry to expand the collection with the new Fearless Feathers Ear Cuffs.

Dani G. says, “The Fearless Feathers collection with Karina Brez has been such an inspiration and symbol of individuality—now adding the spectacular feather ear cuffs is a dream come true—bold, beautiful and unlike anything I’ve seen!”

Highly anticipated before summer, the Fearless Feathers Ear Cuffs are available in five elegant designs. Accentuating individual shine and brilliance, the first design is embedded with timeless white diamonds along the length of the feather. Incorporating a masterful blend of gems, the other designs are curated for those seeking a colorful element, creating an ombre effect in either pink sapphires, or blue

sapphires. Each style is available in 18K yellow, white, or rose gold. Offering a unique twist, the white gold also has an oxidized variation, creating a deep contrast between the blue sapphire and white diamonds, adding character with dark, bold details. Each sparkling design seamlessly blends gemstones to showcase classic taste, perfect for on or off the track.

On her Horse Bytes show, which has global highlights from the show jumping world, Dani G. Waldman says, “I need something substantial and unique that will stand out but remain classic and high fashion.” She continues, “Karina managed to create the most beautiful, slender feather that evokes movement, but still showcases a bold and fearless expression of individuality.”

Waldman, who is known on the circuit as “Flying Feathers,” collaborated with equestrian fine jeweler, Karina Brez, on an ear cuff look that complements her infamous feathered hair,

embracing authentic style. The ear cuffs embody the confidence and inspiration of one’s unique identity. For women look ing for jewels that symbolize self-expression, freedom and empowerment, the Fearless Feathers Ear Cuffs resonate for those who dare to stand out and embrace their true selves.

“Dani G. is an inspiration to me, and so many that admire her unwavering confidence and radiating energy” shares gemologist and equestrian designer, Karina Brez. “We’ve continued to bond over our shared love for equestrian jewelry and we hope to deliver real expressions of individuality through jewelry.”

This extension of the Fearless Feathers Collection is a continued celebration of persevering women, unapologetically embracing their unique selves. Alluring and comfortable to wear, it is the perfect everyday jewel.

For more information about the Fearless Feathers by Dani G. collection and to explore the full range of Karina Brez’s equestrian designs, visit karinabrez.com.

The Museum at FIT Presents Africa’s Fashion Diaspora

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- The Museum at FIT (MFIT) presents Africa’s Fashion Diaspora, an innovative exhibition that explores fashion’s role in shaping international Black diasporic cultures. This exhibition is the first to examine fashion as a mode of cross-diasporic cultural production. Sixty ensembles and accessories by Black designers from Africa, Europe, North and South America, and the Caribbean are placed in dialogue with each other, showing how these designers take complex inspirations from their own Black cultures and others across the diaspora.

The concept that Black peoples build and share common cultural networks—despite differences in geography, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, language, and religion—is an enduring idea that scholars and leaders such as W.E.B. DuBois, Frantz Fanon, Kwame Nkrumah, and Paul Gilroy have hypothesized over the 19th and 20th centuries. Self-identified Black peoples within the diverse nations of Africa and throughout the Black Diaspora have expressed this connectivity as Pan-Africanism, Black Consciousness, and Afrocentricity, among many other movements.

world.

The exhibition includes nine themes, which includes “Reaching for Africa,” “Mothers and Motherlands,” “A Black Atlantic,” “Homegoing” and “History Is Political.” Black designers explore the cultural impact of religion and mythology in “Transcendent and Supernatural.”

American Grenadian designer Fe Noel partnered with Harmonia Rosales to feature the artist’s depiction of Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of rivers, love, and fertility.

Papa Oppong’s (Fashion Design MFA ‘23) “Witchcraft” ensemble sheds light on the harmful practice of accusing Ghanaian women of channeling dark magic and recasts the witch as an empowered modern woman.

Textiles from Africa and the diaspora are emblematic of the artisanship and creative practices found in Black communities around the world. “Monumental Cloth” features designers who work with communities of weavers and dyers to produce contemporary fabrics rooted in historical practices: from Pathé’O in Côte d’Ivoire to Emmanuel Okoro of Emmy Kasbit in Nigeria to Aurora James of Brother Vellies in the United States.

trict upcycles secondhand garments with graphic motifs to create modern Kenyan streetwear, and Dyandra Raye designs vegan shoes from Piñatex for her brand Jo-Anne Vernay.

“Ubuntu” is a Bantu word that has come to encompass African humanist philosophies of community support, compassion, and generosity. Designers—from Tracy Reese, whose Hope for Flowers brand is helping to revitalize urban Detroit, to Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, whose AAKS accessories brand consciously pays fair wages to raffia weavers in northern Ghana—show how fashion companies can be a force to build communities with job security and respect for labor.

Africa’s Fashion Diaspora ultimately reveals fashion as a significant contributor to international dialogues on Black cultural production. Some of the designers featured use fashion to document, explore, and interrogate their own localities and histories, while others take inspiration from across the diaspora—and because fashion circulates internationally, all build networks across a specifically (but not exclusively) Black cultural space. Black communities across the globe are uniquely situated in their own societies, yet movements for solidarity and connection are beautifully expressed by designers who use fashion to tell stories of parallel, interconnected, and evolving Black cultures.

While Black Diasporic connections have been explored in music, literature, art, and philosophy, this exhibition is the first to investigate how 20th- and 21st-century fashion designers contribute to these conversations with creative practices that focus on visual storytelling to explore how Black identity operates in the contemporary

“Tun Yuh Han Mek Fashan” is a Jamaican patois phrase that describes Caribbean ingenuity, the ability to create beauty and utility from meager or unexpected resources. This section features designers from across the African Diaspora who engage innovative materials to promote sustainability in fashion. Nairobi Apparel Dis-

Africa’s Fashion Diaspora is curated by Elizabeth Way, associate curator of costume at The Museum at FIT. Africa’s Fashion Diaspora is accompanied by a multi-author volume edited by Way and published by Yale University Press which will be released in September 2024.

BlackPRWire

PRNewsfoto/Fashion Institute of Technology

Pietra Communications

A TRIBUTE TO A G.O.A.T THE BEST BEHIND THE LENS

Photos by JEROME SIMMONS

Jerome Simmons has had a storied career as a photographer. Known to us as the Greatest Of All Times, Jerome started his career as a photographer working for Johnson Publishing Company in the late 60's. Through out Simmons, career he took pride in telling the story of many from behind his lens. He enjoyed covering the who's who in the local business sector. Good a what he do many requested his presence at their affairs. No matter if it was a political event or a celebration on the entertainment stage, he was there Jerome enjoyed taking photographs of many well known people such as: Gladys Knight & The Pips, Don Conrnels, Marvin Gaye, Lena Horne, Albertina Walker , Chicago's late Mayor Harold Washington to Civil Rights Leader Rev. Jesse L. Jackson to name a few. Jerome was well known in the Community for showing up to an event grabbing a few photos for his weekly photo page published in the Citizen. Jerome was a great guy and he will be truly missed. In memory of him, we are dedicating this page to him this week to showcase a few photos showcasing his love for his craft.

Jacqui Pitman is the Golden Casting Director

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- For several decades now, casting director

Jacqui Pitman, owner/CEO of Pitman Casting Inc. and PartyPit Productions Inc., has played a crucial role in the success of numerous long-standing TV shows. With her creative insight, Pitman has contributed to over 500 shows, including iconic staples like “America’s Most Wanted,” “Price is Right,” “Let’s Make a Deal,” “Face Off,” and “Big Brother 2.” Pitman served as the casting director for ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor” and is now casting for the highly anticipated spinoff series, “The Golden Bachelorette.” Pitman’s contributions to the world of dating shows and reality television are extensive. Her career began in the late ‘80s with classic courting shows like “Love Connection,” Fox’s “Studs,” and as the notable casting director of CBS’s “Big Brother 2” which was said to be the season that revitalized the series. In 2004, when she was Senior Vice President of Development at Lighthearted Entertainment, Pitman created and executive produced the MTV hit dating show “NEXT” which was inspired by her own dating life. She also developed and co-executive produced ABC’s hit show, “Extreme Makeover.” In 2017, in partnership with Asylum Entertainment, Pitman created, executive produced, and cast Bravo’s “To Rome for Love,” a groundbreaking series following five single African American women in Italy, produced under her PartyPit Productions Inc. banner.

“My television career has been AMAZING! From casting to developing, to executive producing and creating my own shows, I have had the opportunity to interact with some of the most fascinating people. Casting itself is like a big puzzle where we find the pieces that we think will fit naturally. But I must admit, dating shows are my thing!

From “Love Connection” to MTV’s “NEXT” to the ultimate fantasy of living in one of the world’s most romantic places, Rome, Italy, while filming “To Rome for Love,” playing Cupid over the years has taught me so much about men and women. It’s clear pursuing love is a never-ending quest, no matter how old we are. But who could ask for a better day job than mine? It truly has been an unimaginable experience,” reveals Pitman.

Under PartyPit Productions Inc., Pitman specializes in all facets of reality show production, from casting hosts and experts to overseeing logistical aspects like background checks and casting finals. Her expertise extends across various platforms, including Fox, NBC, Discovery, OWN, Lifetime, WE and streaming services like Amazon, Netflix, Snapchat and Hulu. She continues developing original reality show concepts, with recent options at GSN, ABC, and CBS Studios.

Born in New Jersey and raised in foster care, Pitman’s childhood experiences have shaped her compassionate persona. She has long been involved in philanthropy, organizing annual drives to support children in the foster care system. Currently, she’s launching “Marvin Cares for Kids,” a non-profit named after her late brother, aimed at helping foster children transition into careers in the entertainment industry.

For more information about Pitman Casting Inc., visit https://pitmancasting.com.

FAWN WEAVER ANNOUNCES FIRST LOVE & WHISKEY: UNFILTERED TOUR DATES, FEATURING EXCLUSIVE TASTINGS

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- After smashing pre-sale records with tens of thousands of copies already ordered, accompanied by overwhelming public enthusiasm for Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest (on sale: June 18) written by Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey CEO and pioneering force in literature and spirits Fawn Weaver, publisher Melcher Media proudly reveals the first tour dates for the Love & Whiskey: Unfiltered book tour. Prepare for extraordinary evenings of whiskey exploration and open, unfiltered discussion, featuring Fawn Weaver and Victoria Eady Butler, four-time Master Blender of the Year. Experience the Unforgettable: Attendees will enjoy exclusive tastings of the finest Uncle Nearest single barrels and master blends, meticulously selected by Victoria for this tour. Immerse yourself in a night of authentic, unrestricted conversation with Fawn Weaver as she delves into the legacy of Nearest Green, the captivating journey of building the Uncle Nearest brand, the vision for the future of America’s first spirits empire to be built by a woman or person of color, and her personal story from homeless teen to triumph.

A New Breed of Book Tour: “This tour redefines the book event experience. I am known for my transparency; I embrace spontaneity and genuine interactions,” Fawn declared. “Here, the audience leads—every question is unfiltered, straight from our guests. In between discussions, guests will have the ability to savor exquisite whiskeys under the guidance of one of the industry’s most respected Master Blenders.”

The book impressively held the No. 1 spot in seven out of its eight categories throughout the week, including Women’s Memoirs, U.S. State and Local History, Culinary Biographies & Memoirs, and Black & African American Biographies. It was also heralded as the No. 1 “Mover & Shaker” on Amazon. Additionally, the earliest pre-orders will receive an extra special touch—a copy signed by Fawn Weaver during her record-setting Guinness World Record attempt for the Longest Marathon Book Signing, where she autographed 25,005 books in 24 hours and 35 minutes.

The first of 20 Love & Whiskey: Unfiltered tour dates and locations will be: Washington, DC: Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the National Press Club

Tampa, FL: Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the Hard Rock Hotel (SOLD OUT)

Atlanta, GA: Friday, June 21, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency

Chicago, IL: Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at DuSable Black History Museum

Birmingham, AL: Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Hudson in BHM Airport Indianapolis, IN: Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Newfields

From Obscurity to Bestseller: Love & Whiskey chronicles Weaver’s odyssey, beginning with her discovery of Nearest Green through a piece in The New York Times. Green, a formerly enslaved Black man and skilled whiskey maker, served as the world’s first known African American master distiller and the original master distiller for Jack Daniel. Weaver embarked on a quest, assembling a team of over 30 historians, archivists, genealogists, and researchers to unearth the true story of Nearest Green. She interviewed and spent time with over 100 of Nearest Green’s descendants, as well as numerous descendants of Jack Daniel, amassing thousands of documents from more than six states. This monumental research effort led to the creation of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, which has grown into a billion-dollar enterprise and stands as the top-selling Black-founded and owned spirit brand of all time. Reminiscent of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Love & Whiskey masterfully intertwines the lives of Nearest Green, Jack Daniel, and their descendants from 1849 to the present, alongside Weaver’s own trailblazing path to establish the first spirit conglomerate founded by a woman or person of color.

Record-Shattering Launch: Upon its pre-order announcement, Love & Whiskey soared to No. 17 in the Top 100 books on Amazon, America’s largest book retailer.

Shelbyville, TN: Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Humble Baron Portland, OR: Monday, July 15, 2024, at Portland Center Stage Expect Sellouts: Tickets for all events can be purchased here. The Tampa event is already sold out, with others expected to sell out quickly. Stay tuned for additional dates.

A Tour Unlike Any

Other: “The enthusiasm for this book is unlike almost any other we’ve seen in recent history, and this book tour will be one of the largest tours of its kind,” said Melcher Media CEO and founder Charlie Melcher. “Attendees will get access to the powerhouse that is Fawn Weaver, and the exquisite craftswoman that is Victoria Butler. Fawn’s unwavering ambition and dedication to telling an incredibly important part of American history will be on full display with the Love & Whiskey: Unfiltered tour.”

Stay Connected: For the latest updates on tour dates and exclusive content, subscribe to the Love & Whiskey email list here or follow Fawn Weaver and Uncle Nearest on Instagram.

Founded in 1993 by Charles Melcher, Melcher Media has produced and published award-winning stories for top-notch authors, companies, and media properties for more than thirty years. The company has published 32 New York Times bestsellers and meets its clients at every stage of the creative process to help them find solutions that demand attention, stoke curiosity, and reward repeated interactions. Its sophisticated and immersive design sensibility has helped them to put more than 15 million copies of its titles into print, including New York Times bestsellers such as Hamilton: The Revolution, Kobe Bryant’s The Mamba Mentality, Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down, Oprah Winfrey’s Food, Health and Happiness, and Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth.

A Bowl

Full of Flavor

(Culinary.net) If you’re looking for a dinner or lunch combination that is wholesome, filling and, of course, easy, you’re not alone. Meal prepping is a popular trend for many people (and families) who are working on healthy eating habits but are constantly on the go.

No matter if you’re searching for a healthy family dinner, a quick lunch at home or an easy idea to meal prep for the week ahead, this Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowl is perfect for seafood lovers who also enjoy a hint of spice. It’s fresh, healthy and full of deliciously prepared shrimp and veggies, including mushrooms, peppers and cucumbers.

The sauce is light and has a sweet yet spicy vibe. Everything rests over 1 cup of steamy quinoa – a filling base that also serves as an easy way to add some healthy grains to your diet.

To make this quick and easy recipe, prepare the quinoa according to the package directions and set aside.

Next, combine orange juice, hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, lime juice and miso in a medium bowl and whisk together.

Pour about one-fourth of the liquid into a separate bowl and set aside the smaller portion.

In the medium bowl, add shrimp to marinate for about 15 minutes.

Add butter to a hot skillet, along with the shrimp mixture. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes on each side then add mushrooms and cook until tender.

Now it’s time to assemble your bowls. Start with quinoa then top with bell peppers, cucumbers, green onions, avocado and the perfectly pink shrimp. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro for some extra texture. Drizzle bowls with the remaining sauce.

Find more wholesome and healthy recipes at Culinary. net.

Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowls

Serves: 2

Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside.

In medium bowl, whisk orange juice, hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, lime juice and miso until combined. Pour one-quarter of liquid into separate bowl. Set aside.

Add shrimp to remaining mixture and marinate 15 minutes.

Heat large skillet over medium heat with butter.

In two serving bowls, divide quinoa, bell pepper, cucumber, onions, avocado and shrimp. Sprinkle sesame seeds and cilantro over both bowls. Drizzle with reserved dressing.

PRNewsfoto/Melcher Media

Photo credit: Michael Roud

Add shrimp, salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes on each side until pink. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.

NATIONAL PARK TRUST HONORS

NBC TODAY’S AL ROKER WITH 2024 AMERICAN PARK EXPERIENCE (APEX) AWARD

WASHINGTON, PRNewswire -- National Park Trust is excited to announce that 14-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Al Roker has received the 2024 APEX Award. Since 2009, this national award has honored an individual or group that has made extraordinary efforts to enhance the awareness and appreciation of our country’s public parks, lands, and waters.

The 2024 APEX award recognizes Roker for his passion for and dedication to our parks demonstrated through his nearly three decades of impactful storytelling on TODAY.

Roker’s spotlight on our national parks has inspired viewers of all ages and backgrounds to appreciate and explore our cherished treasures. Additionally, he has utilized his national platform to raise awareness of significant climate change issues that impact our public lands and waters.

he has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the stewardship of our country’s parks and the environment.”

“I am so honored to receive the American Park Experience Award. Our National Parks celebrate every facet of American life. History. Nature. Diversity and Freedom. There is no Nation without our National Parks,” said Al Roker.

Past recipients of the American Park Experience Award include Filmmaker Jimmy Chin; Park Ranger Shelton Johnson; Hydro Flask for their Parks for All program; former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell; former U.S. Secretary of the Interior, U.S. Senator, and current U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar; and filmmaker Ken Burns and screenwriter Dayton Duncan.

Roker covered the 2016 centennial of the National Park Service and in 2022 he interviewed President Barack Obama on his lifelong passion for our national parks and commitment to addressing climate change. He has shared on TODAY a memorable camping adventure at Sequoia National Park with his “city kid” daughter Leila, a surprise trip to the Grand Canyon for three Brooklyn students, and most recently highlighted the National Park Service’s Junior Ranger program while visiting Shenandoah National Park. Roker has captivated audiences and championed the National Park Trust’s mission – to preserve parks today and create park stewards for tomorrow.

“Al Roker embodies the values of the American Park Experience Award,” said Grace Lee, Executive Director, National Park Trust.

“He enthusiastically and passionately encourages kids, including his own, to discover and explore our public lands and waters – and

Urban One brings Cannes the power of Black Excellence with a Celebration featuring 3x GRAMMYwinning superstar Ludacris

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Urban One, Inc., the largest Black-owned & Black-targeted diversified media company, returns to Cannes this June with some of the biggest global brands for a week of innovative discussions, creative collaborations, and exclusive experiences. Through engaging and entertaining events during the international festival, Urban One is set to showcase the value and importance of brands investing in the Black audience and forging authentic connections with them. The company connects with two out of three Black consumers in the country through its unparalleled reach across digital (iONE Digital), audio (Reach Media, Radio One, and The Urban One Podcast Network), and linear (TV One and CLEO TV) platforms.

Bringing the scale and excellence of Black culture to Cannes, Urban One will celebrate on Juneteenth with the ONE-on-ONE, an informative and culture-driven one-onone conversation between legendary musical artist and actor Ludacris and Urban One’s CEO Alfred Liggins on the undeniable influence of Black culture. The conversation will be followed that evening by ONE VIP, an exclusive VIP reception with the music celebrity, and then ONE Night with Ludacris, an event and live performance of the rapper’s chart-topping hits on Influential Beach, with dynamic live DJ sets by DJ Trauma.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Influential to bring the power and excellence of Black culture to Cannes with 3-time GRAMMY award-winning legendary urban recording artist Ludacris,” said Alfred Liggins, CEO of Urban One. Liggins continued, “This is a full-circle moment for us, as Ludacris got his start many years ago at Urban One’s Atlanta hip-hop radio station. It is only fitting that he joins us as we celebrate our 44-year legacy and the undeniable influence of Black culture that we unlock for our advertisers as the largest multi-platform fully integrated Black-owned and Black-targeted media company in the US.”

Ludacris added, “Urban One has been family since Day 1. Their positive and profound impact on the Black community and the culture is something that should be celebrated and recognized. I can’t wait to show up and show out with them at Influential Beach in Cannes. This will be an unforgettable cultural experience and the best party Cannes has ever seen!”

Roker was presented the 2024 APEX award on May 16, on-air in Studio 1A at NBC’s TODAY by National Park Trust’s Executive Director Grace Lee. To learn more about the American Park Experience Award, visit: parktrust.org/american-park-experience-award.

Our mission is to preserve parks today and create park stewards for tomorrow. Since 1983, we have partnered with the National Park Service to acquire many of the “missing pieces” of our national parks, benefiting 55 national park sites across the country. Our national youth education and family initiatives, including our Buddy Bison, College Ambassador and Military Family Programs, and National Kids to Parks Day, support tens of thousands of children annually and cultivate future park stewards. We believe that our public parks, lands, and waters should be cared for, enjoyed by, and preserved by all for current and future generations. Find out more at parktrust.org.

Urban One Inc. (urban1.com), together with its subsidiaries, is the largest diversified media company that primarily targets Black Americans and urban consumers in the United States. The company owns TV One, LLC (tvone. tv), a television network serving more than 59 million households, offering a broad range of original programming, classic series and movies designed to entertain, inform, and inspire a diverse audience of adult Black viewers. As of December 01, 2023, we owned and/or operated 72 independently formatted, revenue producing broadcast stations (including 57 FM or AM stations, 13 HD stations, and the 2 low power television stations) branded under the tradename “Radio One” in 13 urban markets in the United States. Through its controlling interest in Reach Media, Inc. (blackamericaweb.com), the company also operates syndicated programming including the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, and the DL Hughley Show. In addition to its radio and television broadcast assets, Urban One owns iOne Digital (ionedigital.com), our wholly owned digital platform serving the African American community through social content, news, information, and entertainment websites, including its Elev8, Cassius, Bossip, HelloBeautiful, HipHopWired, GlobalGrind, and MadameNoire digital platforms and brands. Through our national multi-media operations, we provide advertisers with a unique and powerful delivery mechanism to the African American and urban audiences.

National Park Trust Executive Director Grace Lee and Al Roker with the 2024 American Park Experience Award. National Park Trust.