Y O U R S O U R C E F O R C O R O N AV I R U S N E W S
Citizen The Citizen: Serving The Black Community For 55 Years Week of Aug. 12, 2020
| Vol. 31 | No. 38 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com
HYDE PARK
Initiative Helps Black Small Business Owners Hardest Hit By COVID-19 Page 4
Back-to-School Season Essentials for College Students Page 5
Sage Smith is a multidisciplinary artist and Chicago native who created her 16-piece exhibit, “The Barriers That Create Us,” specifically to showcase for her first solo show. Photo courtesy of Sage Smith
It’s Still Time To Hit The Road For A Summer Vacation Page 7
ARTIST DRAWS ON COLLEGE EXPERIENCE FOR EXHIBIT In Sage Smith’s first solo art exhibit, “The Barriers That Create Us,” she explores the act of mindfulness that comes from the repetitive motions and line work in pattern making. PAGE 2
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NEWS briefly EDUCATION STUDENT WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR 9TH ANNUAL “PROJECT YELLOW LIGHT” SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST The Ad Council and Project Yellow Light recently announced the winners of the ninth annual Project Yellow Light scholarship competition. The contest involves students creating a TV, radio or billboard PSA to educate their peers about the dangers of distracted driving, specifically the dangers of using a phone while driving. The winning PSAs were recently revealed on a digital billboard in New York City’s Times Square, in space donated by Clear Channel Outdoor. Project Yellow Light was established in 2007 by the family of Hunter Garner to honor his memory after his death in a car crash at age 16. Since 2011, Project Yellow Light has partnered with the Ad Council to turn the winning submissions into PSAs that receive national exposure through 1,600 TV stations nationwide, iHeartMedia radio stations, and Clear Channel Outdoor’s nearly 2,000 digital displays. The contest received 2,163 submissions this year. Entries were received from students representing all fifty states and Washington, D.C.
HEALTH
EPA APPROVES LYSOL DISINFECTANT SPRAY FOR USE AGAINST COVID-19 The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the approval of using Lysol Disinfectant Spray to protect against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Manufactured by RB (Reckitt Benckiser), Lysol Disinfectant Spray was also reviewed in a peer-reviewed study of its effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2, which was published in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC). Lysol Disinfectant Spray (EPA Reg No. 777-99) and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist (EPA Reg No. 777-127) are the first disinfectant products approved by the EPA to be effective against SARS-CoV-2. Before products can legally make claims that they can kill a particular pathogen such as SARS-CoV-2, the claim must be authorized by the EPA based on a review of data. Lysol Disinfectant Spray was tested per EPA testing guidelines and was found to kill the virus at 2 minutes of use. To learn more, visit https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S01966553(20)30313-8/pdf
LAW & POLITICS
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW RECEIVES $1 MILLION GIFT TO ESTABLISH KOPPLE SCHOLARS ENDOWMENT The DePaul University College of Law recently announced the Kopple Scholars Endowment, made possible through a $1 million gift from alumnus Robert C. Kopple. Beginning in 2022, the endowment will provide recognition and financial support for two full-time law students who demonstrate outstanding academic credentials. “We are so grateful to Bob and Carole Kopple for their strong belief in DePaul’s mission and for their commitment to academic excellence,” said Jennifer Rosato Perea, dean of the college. “The Kopple Scholars Endowment will enable us to attract and retain some of the most academically stellar students and continue to build our law school’s strong national reputation in a competitive environment. We hope this generous gift will also inspire others to give back and make a difference in the lives of future DePaul law students.” Kopple earned two degrees from DePaul: a Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 1967 and a bachelor’s degree in 1965. While at DePaul, Kopple served as associate editor of the Law Review. He later received an LLM in taxation in 1968 from New York University. Co-founder of the Los Angeles-based firm Kopple and Klinger (now Kopple, Klinger & Elbaz LLP) in 1992, he has spent his entire career in estate planning, taxation and business law. Among other notable skills, Kopple is respected for assisting clients with complex estate and gift tax issues, including noncitizens and nonresidents of the United States. DePaul College of Law boasts a diverse network of alumni who have gone on to become successful lawyers and leaders in their fields. For more information, visit http://law.depaul.edu.
Artist draws on college experience for exhibit Continued from page 1 BY TIA CAROL JONES
In Sage Smith’s first solo art exhibit, “The Barriers That Create Us,” she explores the act of mindfulness that comes from the repetitive motions and line work in pattern making. All 16 pieces were made with the show at Connect Gallery, in mind. The gallery is located on 1520 S. Harper Court. Smith said the experience was really different for her because she was able to create whatever she wanted. Smith said that feeling of freedom was very exciting. She added she revisited a male character she has been drawing since high school and said the character cropped up as a theme. The concentration of the show she said, sort of became more about the environment, space, what are the barriers and lines that create and form us, and who are we as a product of our environments. Smith said the man she revisited followed her and became her avatar for expressing how she felt in certain spaces. She said he definitely started off as a lot more melancholy, which is how she felt in certain spaces. “I went to a predominantly white school, so he became sort of my character who could express some of the emotions I wasn’t allowed to feel in those spaces because you have to be “on” in a sense, so he became that voice for me,” she said. “It kind of switched when I went to college and I started feeling a lot more joyful, but also a little bit more at peace. So, he became a sort of peaceful guide in a chaotic environment.” Smith said his language has changed throughout the years as she has changed. She added her time at the Maryland Institute College of Art formed the way she does art. “For the first time, I was surrounded by artists. Maryland Institute College of Art is a predominantly white institution, but I found a core of artists who look like me. So, that was a different element. They
Sage Smith, the creator of “The Barriers That Create Us,” said it was exciting to have the freedom to create what she wanted for the exhibit. Photo courtesy of Sage Smith
all push you, you work off of each other. You find, not like a group, but a community of people who really start to understand you, what you want to say and help you move in that direction. I really felt a lot of support from my peers in that environment, which was very important to find as an artist,” she said. Smith said the community she found at the Maryland Institute College of Art pushed her to new heights and without it, she wouldn’t have been able to think, conceive or finish her show. Smith went on to say that she was hoping the show would make people feel a variety of different
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emotions because the work does not have the same mood, she said. On one side, the work is completely black and white. “On the other side, it’s vibrant and colorful, full of pinks, blues and purples,” she said, adding she didn’t want people to come in and just be depressed or just happy. Smith declined commissions for Black Lives Matter related work. She said she did it because she noticed some things. “Especially at art institutions where Black creatives are sort of pushed to make work about their traumas and their experiences and it seemed like you’re supposed to educate people about that, that’s your duty
as a Black creative,” she said. “But I view our duty as Black creatives is to be free, to just create,” adding she’s moved away from making art that is inherently political. Relaying a quote she heard by Fabiola Jean Louis who said, “The act of a Black woman sitting peaceful is revolutionary,’” Smith added she started to make work that she felt “peaceful with and that in itself was revolutionary.” She continued, “That I could just make work about whatever and it be a revolution in itself. I began to move a little bit further away from sociopolitical work, but that in itself was sociopolitical.”
CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Aug. 12, 2020
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NEWS As temperatures climb, experts discuss the importance of supervising children during water activities
The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) recently announced that it will award $1.3 million in grants designed to strengthen and diversify the early childhood workforce pipeline.
IBHE grants seek to strengthen, diversify early childhood workforce pipeline The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) recently announced that it will award $1.3 million in grants to five Illinois colleges and universities to strengthen and diversify the early childhood workforce pipeline. The grants, funded by the federal Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) initiative, are awarded in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development (GOECD). The funds will support an estimated 150 students in the upcoming academic year. Ginger Ostro, executive director, IBHE, said “This is just another example of how IBHE is partnering with GOECD and the Pritzker Administration to show its commitment to education and dedication to equity. These grants will move the ball forward by increasing the education levels of teachers and assistants, lead to more diversity in our early childhood classrooms where underrepresented students need it, and benefit the workforce in future years.” Dr. Jamilah R. Jor’dan, acting executive director of GOECD, said, “Now more than ever, it’s important that we invest in attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. Research indicates that a diverse teaching workforce benefits the entire school community, especially children of color. Further, early childhood educators of color face varied challenges accessing higher education opportunities and face significant wage disparities. The time to invest in the workforce is now.” After receiving proposals from colleges and universities around the state,
IBHE has selected five to implement the grant. The institutions are: • Joliet Junior College • Lewis University • National Louis University • Quincy University • Western Illinois University Each institution will implement innovative programs designed to address the shortage of early childhood educators in Illinois and the need to support educators who represent the communities they serve. Three of the five institutions will include a focus on supporting early childhood educators in rural settings, three will include a focus on supporting infant-toddler teachers, and three will focus specifically on supporting educators of color. Funds will be used by colleges and universities to help early educators attain one or more state-recognized credentials or a degree. Awarded programs will test innovations such as compressed course schedules, assessments of prior learning, job-embedded coaching or mentoring, hybrid online courses, and professional learning communities. Illinois has a history of institution-led programs of tailored supports for early childhood educators, and evaluations have demonstrated that they can be helpful for current early childhood educators pursuing degrees or credentials to improve their practice. Grants will run through the 2020-21 academic year; similar funding opportunities may be made available in the coming years.
As temperatures continue to rise, many Illinoisans are looking for ways to cool off. While many pools and beaches are closed this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, home pools, either permeant or pop-up, are still in use. If families plan to visit a beach that is open or invite a few friends over to swim, it’s critical that parents stay vigilant and actively supervise all children when they are in or near water to prevent the tragedy of a child drowning. In 2019, 22 Illinois children under the age of 18 lost their lives due to accidental drowning: 10 in pools; five in bathtubs; one in a bucket; three in ponds; and three in lakes. Six of the children who drowned in pools were age five and younger. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages one to four and second leading cause of unintentional death for children ages five to 15 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Children are quick and curious – and naturally drawn to water,” said Illinois DCFS Acting Director Marc D. Smith. “A child can drown in seconds, in silence, and in as little as one inch of water. Never leave children alone – even for a minute to answer a text or the doorbell. Turning your back for a moment can change your life forever.” According to the American Red Cross, 69% of young children who are found drowned or submerged in swimming pools were not expected to be in or near the pool. On average, 379 fatal child drownings occurred per year between 2015 and 2017. Children younger than five years old accounted for 75% of these drownings, 56% of which were attributed to a lapse in adult supervision. Of the reported fatal drowning incidents, 71% occurred in residential locations, such as a child’s home, a family or friend’s house or a neighbor’s residence according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). “As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic many people have chosen to install pools or purchase a pop-up pool for their
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Experts say an adult who can swim should be appointed to watch children at all times when they are in the pool.
IN 2019, 22 ILLINOIS CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18 LOST THEIR LIVES DUE TO ACCIDENTAL DROWNING: 10 IN POOLS; FIVE IN BATHTUBS; ONE IN A BUCKET; THREE IN PONDS; AND THREE IN LAKES. SIX OF THE CHILDREN WHO DROWNED IN POOLS WERE AGE FIVE AND YOUNGER. yards this summer. Installing a pool requires a need for parents to keep a closer eye on their children. It is also essential to take the proper steps to keep the pool secured and restrict access to prevent injuries and drownings from occurring,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez. The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services urge everyone to follow these safety tips to help protect children from water-related tragedy: Bathrooms • Never leave a young child alone in a bathtub or rely on a bathtub seat for safety. • Secure the toilet lid. Curious toddlers could tip headfirst into a toilet, risking drowning. • Don’t allow children to play alone in the bathroom. Buckets • Five-gallon buckets commonly used for household home-improvement projects pose a threat to babies and toddlers who may topple into them and be unable to get out. • Empty and store all buckets out of children’s reach when not in use. Portable or Inflatable pools • Don’t be lulled into a false
sense of security because of the shallowness of baby pools. A child can drown in as little as one inch of water. • Empty the pool right after use and store it upside-down. Swimming pools and hot tubs • Keep ladders, patio furniture and toys away from aboveground pools. Toddlers are better climbers than you think. • Install a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate around all pools and spas. Always check to make sure the gate is locked or closed when leaving the pool or spa. • Keep the pool and deck clear of floats, balls and toys after you leave the pool. • Young children should wear personal flotation devices, but they do not replace adult supervision. • Keep hot tubs securely covered when not in use. Children should not be left in a hot tub alone. • Appoint an adult who can swim to watch children at all times when they are in the pool. • Learn CPR and keep rescue equipment, a phone and emergency numbers by the pool. The American Red Cross offers online CPR training classes anyone can take at their own pace from the convenience of home. Ponds, fountains and retention ponds • Be aware of access to water hazards in your yard and neighborhood. If a child goes missing, check these areas first. For more information and water safety resources, including posters, brochures and a coloring book for children, visit the DCFS website at www2. illinois.gov/DCFS and click on Safe Kids > Health and Safety Tips for Children > Water Safety.
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BUSINESS
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Ford and National Urban League Launch $600,000 Initiative to Help Black Small Business Owners Hardest Hit By COVID-19 The New York Urban League is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from Ford and The National Urban League to continue its work in support of small businesses in the wake of COVID-19. Ford Motor Company and its philanthropic arm, Ford Motor Company Fund, are joining with the National Urban League to provide $600,000 in grants to Black business owners negatively afflicted by COVID-19. The Emergency Capital Access Program (ECAP) will provide small grants, combined with technical assistance and advisory services, to Black business owners through National Urban League affiliates in Los Angeles, Detroit, New Orleans, Atlanta, Chicago and New York. Each city will receive $100,000, enabling National Urban League affiliates to provide crucial economic support to businesses providing a stabilizing influence for
communities hard hit by the pandemic. Arva Rice, president and CEO of the New York Urban League said, “With this extraordinarily generous grant, we will be able to serve even more people as the pandemic continues to disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities and business owners.” “Small businesses are a cornerstone of the African American community and play a vital role in their economic success,” said Pamela Alexander, director of Community Development, Ford Motor Company Fund. “The impact of the COVID pandemic has created economic uncertainty that necessitates immediate action. Our long-term partnership with the National Urban League allows us to quickly mobilize an initiative such
as the Emergency Capital Access Program to get immediate assistance to those businesses in need.” The ECAP initiative will be managed by local Urban League officials in each of the six cities. Here’s how the program will work: l The Urban League Entrepreneurship Center, along with other partner agencies, will recruit qualified businesses as possible grant recipients; l Qualified applicants will be awarded grants of $2,000 - $5,000 for the remainder of 2020. l Qualified applicants must participate in pre-grant counseling services to access shortterm needs. l Funding priority will be given to “personto-person” businesses heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and those located
in Census tracts with greater than 25% Black residency. NYUL will manage the grant process for New York City. For additional program details, contact New York Urban League at info@nyul. org or https://www.nyul.org/ “Access to capital is one of the biggest hurdles Black-owned businesses face, and the pandemic has only widened the racial disparity,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “Far-sighted and enlightened partners like Ford are essential to rebuilding an economy that is both fair and thriving. We’re extremely grateful for Ford’s support.” The Ford Motor Company Fund continues to support communities during this challenging time. For more information on programs that support the African American community, go to http://fgb.life.
Retail and Its Future Through the 2020 Back-to-School Prism Back-to-school shopping is the second-busiest season of the year, in terms of overall spending, according to the National Retail Federation. Consumers spent an average of $976 on back-to-school shopping in 2019, compared to $1,047 in the November-December holiday season. Across the board, retailers with strong e-commerce positions are likely to perform better this season, says Jie Zhang the Harvey Sanders Fellow of Retail Management at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. Early indicators show retailers seeing a significant bump in demand for technology products, she says, as parents look to equip their kids at much younger grade levels with electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, headphones, and webcams, because of the shift to online learning. Meanwhile, other traditional back-to-school items, such as clothing, footwear, home furnishings and small appliances for dorm living, are likely to languish on shelves. With many colleges and universities offering hybrid learning or all-remote options, fewer young adults are heading off to live on campuses. “It’s not surprising to see who
the biggest winners are,” Zhang says. “Companies like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Apple, all have these capabilities. For Best Buy and Apple, in particular, selling technology products online is a major advantage due to the heightened demand for those products.” By contrast, department stores like JCPenney, Macy’s and Kohl’s, and apparel stores such as Gap are likely to struggle, dragged down by the lackluster demand for their merchandise and less-thanrobust e-commerce operations, Zhang says. Brick-and-mortar shopping these days is less of a draw, as states around the country report an upsurge in COVID-19 infections. “People are very reluctant to go back into stores in large enclosed spaces, even as lockdown restrictions are lifted,” Zhang says. “Department stores and mall-based apparel retailers had been struggling long before the pandemic, and COVID has served as a catalyst to propel the failure of some of them.” The pandemic underscores the long-standing trend among the retail world’s strongest players toward the importance of maintaining an omnichannel presence – a mix of online, mobile
Early indicators show retailers seeing a significant bump in demand for technology products as parents look to equip their kids at much younger grade levels with electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, headphones, and webcams, because of the shift to online learning.
app and brick-and-mortar. In the past four months, consumers have turned to e-commerce, even for things they were used to purchasing in-person – for example, fresh groceries and household goods. “Even when things come back to a reasonable level of normalcy, many consumers who have enjoyed the benefits of online shopping may not want to switch back to brick-and-mortar stores, and retailers will have to adapt to the new norm of consumer preferences for the long term,” Zhang says. www.citizennewspapergroup.com
In the past four months, consumers have turned to e-commerce, even for things they were used to purchasing in-person – for example, fresh groceries and household goods.
CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Aug. 12, 2020
NEWS
Back-to-School Season Essentials for College Students StatePoint - The back-toschool season may look and feel different this year, but there are some essentials which can aid college students no matter how and where their learning takes place in the fall. • Caffeine fix: Late to bed, early to rise -- most college students rely on coffee to fuel this grueling schedule. Seek out an easy to use, low-maintenance coffee maker that doesn’t require a ton of space. When paired with an insulated to-go cup, quick caffeine fixes can help students not only when they’re burning the midnight oil or getting out of bed, but also when they’re heading out the door. • Musical tools: Studies suggest that learning to play music has the power to foster the personal growth needed for achieving self-fulfillment later in adulthood, making a Casio keyboard one great addition to any students’ dorm room or bedroom. Portable
and compact, they offer a range of features for musicians to learn, practice, record and perform. • Lighten the load: With so many electronic versions of textbooks available these days, an e-reader can be a useful tool for students looking to lighten their load, as well as organize all their reading material in one place. Not only that, e-versions of books tend to be less expensive than their traditional counterparts, which can over time, represent significant cost-savings. • Wearable tech: With multiple alarms that can help students keep track of class schedules, a Casio Pro Trek Watch is not only helpful on-campus or when learning remotely, but is also a great outdoor companion. With GPS, location memory, water resistance and triple sensor technology, those looking to get outdoors after sitting in front of a computer for hours on end will find its features useful on the trail or lake.
With some preparation and the right tools, college students can look forward to a successful school year ahead.
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NEWS
The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Chicago Hosts a Virtual Census 2020 “We Count Too!” Rally The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Chicago hosted a Virtual Census 2020 Rally themed “We Count Too!” on Saturday, August 1, 2020 from 1:00pm to 3:00 pm. This special event was taped live from the 7th Ward Alderman Office Greg Mitchell’s (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.) located at 2249 E. 95th Street in Chicago, IL 60617. This event featured Congresswoman Robin Kelly (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.), Alderwoman Stephanie Coleman (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.), Commissioner Dennis Deer (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.), Alderman Walter Burnett (Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.), 400 bags of Census promotional giveaways; music by DJ Sean Legend and the participants of the restaurant, school, business and church promo contest winners were announced! Thank you to The Promo Raffle Entries:
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Churches (8) – Great Pleasant
Baptist Church, Messiah St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, Trinity UCC, Faith Movers Church, Sure-way MB Church, Bryn Mawr Community Church, Martin Temple AMEZ Church, Lifeline Church •
School (3) – John Drake
Elementary School, Matteson School District 159, J&L Learning Center •
Business (4) – Custom
Wheels, Bell Tax Services, Bell State Farm, JLJ Concierge Services • Restaurant (3) – Batter & Berries, Shawn Michelle's Old Fashioned Homemade Ice Cream, Popper-Razzi Gourmet Popcorn Winners of $50 Amex Gift Card: Faith Movers Church, John Drake School, Bell State Farm, Batter & Berries The NPHC of Chicago answered the call and assembled a 2020 Census Committee to support local census efforts to ensure that our undercounted communities across Cook County are counted. In furtherance of our goals, we secured a partnership with Cook County, the largest county in the State of Illinois, under which the Council served as Cook County Census Champions. Specifically, we partnered with the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development in partnership with the Cook County Complete Count Census Commission to further those efforts. In turn, the County supported our efforts in education and filling the gap for the Census count. Our theme for this year has been: NPHC of Chicago: WE COUNT TOO! We have been promoting our Census activities primarily via Social Media
and outdoor events due to COVID-19. We have been highly creative and successful with our efforts, and the Regional Census Bureau reported an uptick in census reporting in those areas where we focused our efforts on. This rally was our finale for the 2020 Census; to date we’ve reach over 250,000 Cook County residents with our billboard displays, community outreach efforts and the rally. The NPHC of Chicago is the Chicago chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, a collaborative organization of the nine historically Black Greek Lettered Fraternities & Sororities. It is a graduate council and is one of the largest with 50+ member chapters from the Chicagoland area. NPHC Chicago promotes interaction through forums, meetings, and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions. For more information on NPHC of Chicago, please visit our web site at www.nphcchicago.org.
CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Aug. 12, 2020
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NEWS
It’s Still Time To Hit The Road For A Summer Vacation
Make your summer travel plans safe and successful with these tips from the experts. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Family Features - As stay-at-home orders ease, many families are eager to get out of the house and hit the road for a summer trip. However, vacation will most likely look different this year as families looking to get away may stay closer to home and take extra precautions. Make your summer travel plans safe and successful with these tips. Destination: Taking a road trip allows you to avoid crowded airports or public transportation hubs and bring your own food and groceries. A drivable destination is still a getaway, and driving typically offers more flexibility and requires less planning. Even if it’s just a trip across the state instead of across the country, picking a destination within driving distance of your home is a chance to break away from everyday surroundings and routine. Cleanliness: Clean accommodations are always important and may be even more so now. Many hotels and whole-home vacation rentals, which were pioneered by Vrbo nearly 25 years ago, have enhanced cleaning and
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disinfection guidelines. When selecting a place to stay during your trip, consider whole-home vacation rentals so your family has the privacy of having the entire property to yourselves, and make sure to review the cleaning measures that have been implemented. Measures to look for include cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, stocking antibacterial soap and sanitizers for guests, building in time between bookings to avoid back-to-back stays and offering minimal contact check-in and check-out options. Activities: Although many amusement parks, tourist attractions and businesses have re-opened, their hours may be limited and there may be capacity restrictions, so be sure to research requirements for tickets and admission and plan your trip accordingly. Consider accommodations for your trip that include built-in activities for your family, such as a private pool, or opt for less-crowded destinations like mountain cabins or lake houses to enjoy a change of scenery. Find summer getaway options at vrbo.com. SOURCE: Vrbo
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FASHION
African Pride Joins the Voting Rights Movement with Tina Lawson With help from Mayvenn’s Save the Salon Campaign, stylist Alyson McKnight has tentatively reopened her services, taking all proper precautions to ensure her safety and the safety of her clientele.
Mayvenn Delivers $1.25 Million in COVID-19 Relief to 2,500 Hairstylists in #SavetheSalon Campaign Mayvenn, the largest and only Black-owned, venture backed tech company and empowerment network in the hair and beauty industry, has donated $1.25 million to 2,500 hairstylists across the country who struggled to make ends meet as their salons were shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company launched its #SavetheSalon in May with a ten-to-one match of every dollar donated by the community, backed by a slate of prestigious donors. In June, Mayvenn paid $500 relief checks via its proprietary InstaPay system directly into the bank accounts of active stylists at a time when small business owners and entrepreneurs grappled with cumbersome unemployment insurance applications and experienced long delays in receiving state and federal aid. Mayvenn also went a step further and donated masks and gloves to salons across the country to lessen operating expenses as salons re-opened with a fraction of their normal clientele and needed to keep everyone safe. “I knew we had to do something,” said Mayvenn CEO and Hampton University Alum Diishan Imira. “It became clear that we couldn’t count on our government to support these black entrepreneurs. This wasn’t
“I KNEW WE HAD TO DO SOMETHING,” SAID MAYVENN CEO AND HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ALUM DIISHAN IMIRA. “IT BECAME CLEAR THAT WE COULDN’T COUNT ON OUR GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT THESE BLACK ENTREPRENEURS. THIS WASN’T JUST LOST CORPORATE REVENUE, IT WAS RENT, GROCERIES, UTILITY BILLS, BOOTH FEES, CAR PAYMENTS, HEALTH CARE, AND MUCH MORE.”
Mayvenn CEO and Hampton University Alum Diishan Imira
just lost corporate revenue, it was rent, groceries, utility bills, booth fees, car payments, health care, and much more. Although some companies offered the ability to delay payments, stylists and salon owners would fall behind and this would impact their businesses. Thanks to our very generous donors and support from our own community, we were able to provide this assistance.” The success and impact of #SavetheSalon campaign was bolstered by notable donors, including Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Serena Williams, Ben and Felicia Horowitz, The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, and the Libra/Pritzker Family, who
did not hesitate in supporting Diishan’s vision for delivering direct relief to hairstylists and salons, and multiplying community support. Founded by Oakland native and Hampton University alum Diishan Imira in 2013, Mayvenn has become the largest and only Black-owned, venture-backed tech company and empowerment network that strengthens and rewards black entrepreneurship in the hair and beauty industry. With 90 percent of Mayvenn’s network consisting of black women beauty professionals and customers, Mayvenn recognizes that supporting salons and independent hair care experts creates a rising tide for entire communities. Mayvenn’s mission as the first all-inclusive virtual hair salon offering end-to-end service for buying hair products and booking local salon services is to help grow black businesses while providing quality, affordable hair care and styling for a fraction of the normal cost.
To date, according to a press release, Mayvenn has generated over $120 million in revenue and has paid out over $25 million to professionals nationwide, and an additional $1.25 million in relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company leverages its proprietary InstaPay system to deliver payments directly into the accounts of beauty professionals in its network. CEO Diishan Imira has raised $41 million in venture funding from Andreesen Horowitz, Essence Ventures, Serena Williams, Jimmy Lovine, Andre Iguodala, and other notable investors, family, and friends. Mayvenn has a diverse team of 64 corporate employees located in the Bay Area, and a continuously growing network of thousands of beauty professionals nationwide who have cultivated a virtual community where they market their services, share their expertise, and showcase their entrepreneurial successes.
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African Pride recently unveiled a new #TakePrideAndVote campaign in partnership with Tina Lawson, businesswoman, cosmetologist and ambassador for And Still I Vote, a national call to action spearheaded by The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, to empower Black and Brown communities across the country to take back the vote this November 2020. Tina Lawson has been an advocate for the HEROES Act, helping provide economic relief and protecting the rights of all registered voters and families in Black and Brown communities during these difficult times. “We understand that 2020 is a critical election year,” said Kendria Strong, EVP of Marketing & Innovation at African Pride. “It’s now time to empower our communities to take action and impact change by increasing voter registration and elevating voices. Together with Ms. Tina Lawson, ambassador for And Still I Vote, African Pride is committed to creating a platform that inspires and motivates generations.” The 5-month-long campaign was recently kicked off and leading up to Election Day this November 3, 2020, the brand will host celebrity Instagram Lives with Lawson titled, “Talks with Mama Tina,” to empower Black communities by arming them with the knowledge, tools and influence to make every Black and Brown vote count. The educational series will also share key voting statistics from And Still I Vote, along with important dates to know such as the 55th Anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and National Voter Registration Day, and much more. “I’m happy to be in partnership with African Pride,” said Lawson. “They are helping to change the narrative and elevate Black voices, reminding us that our vote and our voice matters. We have to connect these dots for our community.” African Pride’s #TakePrideAndVote campaign is a call to action to encourage people from across the country to join the voting rights movement and impact real change. For additional information on the #TakePrideAndVote campaign, upcoming “Talks with Mama Tina Presented by African Pride,” the African Pride brand or products visit AfricanPrideHair.com and follow #TakePrideAndVote and @ MyAfricanPride on Instagram and Twitter and @MyAfricanPrideHair on Facebook.
CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Aug. 12, 2020
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ENTERTAINMENT
Illinois Gaming Board Approves Hawthorne Race Course To Move Forward With Casino Development Thirty years after Illinois passed legislation legalizing ten casinos to operate throughout the state, Hawthorne Race Course has been preliminarily approved to become its next casino. The Illinois Gaming Board recently voted unanimously that Hawthorne’s ownership and key personnel are “suitable” for eventual casino licensure. Founded in 1891, Hawthorne is the longest running legal gambling business in the state and is Illinois’ oldest sporting venue. In becoming a fully operational casino featuring slot machines, table games and sports betting, Hawthorne will transform Illinois horseracing. “It’s really hard to put into context what this means for the very hardworking people of the Illinois racing industry,” said Tim Carey, president and CEO of the 4th generation family-owned business.
PRNewsfoto/Hawthorne Race Course
“It means horsemen will be able to keep their businesses and families in Illinois. It means showcasing this historic sport to a new generation of fans. It means creating a truly unique, first-of-its-kind entertainment experience that won’t exist anywhere else in Illinois.”
In addition to slot machines and table games, Hawthorne’s casino plans include a state-of-the-art sportsbook to be developed in partnership with PointsBet; dining amenities showcasing well-known Chicago culinary experiences; a multi-level parking garage; and a new racing
operation with upgraded wagering facilities. Major construction and renovation is expected to begin in September with plans for the casino to open in late 2021. “I think a lot of people may have expected us to simply put some slot machines and tables into our
existing facility, but we’re going to substantially raise the bar on the Chicagoland casino experience,” said Kevin Kline, Hawthorne’s CEO of Gaming. “As an independent operator, Hawthorne is like a 130 year old start-up business, and we are going to lead with innovation, excitement and a culture that celebrates our customers and empowers our team members every day. We’re going to break the mold on what a regional integrated casino, racing, and entertainment destination can be.” Kline, a 25-year veteran of the gaming industry has significant experience in the development and management of ground-up, multi-faceted casino projects and operations across several markets including Chicagoland. He has been leading Hawthorne’s development since September 2019.
Legendary Music Executives Announce the Black American Music Association (BAM) An esteemed group of music and entertainment industry leaders, led by Michael Mauldin, Demmette Guidry and Judy Klein, recently announced the Black American Music Association (BAM). BAM is a non-profit 501(c) (6) professional trade association introduced in June of 2018. The organization was created to “Preserve, Protect, and Promote the Legacy and Future of Authentic Black American Music as a global art form.” BAM acknowledges the economic impact and cultural influence of Black American Music worldwide and will galvanize the industry to become the unified voice of culture and the governing body for the art form. BAM will advocate for and support its membership, through programs, campaigns, and initiatives to heighten the visibility, viability, and values of leading genres, artists, producers, creatives, and music professionals. “I’m so honored to be chairing the Black American Music Association and to help lead a movement involving so many dedicated, likeminded executives, creatives, and professional leaders in their own rights. Throughout my entire career, I have been driven and inspired
by Black American Music; an art form that we identify with, as the mother of all popular music genres,” states co-founder Michael Mauldin. “We also want to thank the late Andre Harrell for his support from day one. Furthermore we’d like to thank The Georgia Entertainment Caucus along with BMI for their partnership and support, and look forward to working with them on the Black American Music Walk of Fame, scheduled to break ground in Atlanta Georgia, this fall.” “As an indigenous art form, Black American Music deserves to be protected, preserved and celebrated by those who profit from it and by those who have labored to advance it. With stewardship, innovation, narrative and economic positioning, we will transform our cultural relevance into community relevance empowering future generations,” expressed co-founder Demmette Guidry. “Black American Music has inspired over 50 different genres of music and has been one of the most powerful influences on culture,
trends, fashion, dance and humanity around the world. It is one of America’s greatest and most profitable exports,” continues Guidry. Along with Mauldin and Guidry, some of the prestigious music industry executives already on board and serving as charter members, include co-founder Judy Klein (True 3 Media), Derrick Williams (DNA Media Group), Catherine Brewton (BMI), Steve McKeever (Hidden Beach Recordings), Dennis Ashley (ICM Partners), Nwaka Onwusa (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame), L.A. Reid (HITCO), Chaka Zulu (Spotify/Disturbing Tha Peace Records), Nicole Wyskoarko (Interscope Records), Frank Cooper (BlackRock Capital), Jaha Johnson (HITCO), Vivian Scott-Chew (TimeZone International), Damien Granderson (Granderson – Des Rochers), Kirkland Alexander Lynch (Kirkland Alexander Enterprises). With a committed agenda spread out over the next three years, kicking off with
Play the summer line-up of Instant Tickets and see for yourself. Learn more at www.IllinoisLottery.com
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the Black American Music Walk of Fame, BAM will establish events and action items throughout 2021. BAM will commemorate the 100th year of Black American Music, the year of 2022, with the inaugural Black American Music Awards. BAM will also be announcing numerous educational initiatives including a Professional Certification program as well as partnerships with other non-profit organizations including The Otis Redding Foundation, Hope For Harvest, NXG Leaders, and Power2Inspire Foundation; through the associated Black American Music Foundation, a non-profit 501©(3). Catherine Brewton adds, “In these challenging times, we need an organization that provides a platform for Black creators. That organization is the Black American Music Association (BAM). Black Music has always been at the forefront of American culture but is often undervalued by the mainstream. It is our goal at BAM to honor, preserve and protect the rights of Black creators. I’m proud that BMI was one of the first companies to donate to BAM in support of the Black American Music Walk of Fame.”
10 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Aug. 12, 2020
HOME
Find Inspiration in Award-Winning Home Design
(Family Features) Award-winning renovation projects aren't just a way to identify top-notch contractors, they're a chance for homeowners to gather ideas and learn from other home improvement success stories. One such source of inspiration is the National Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award Winners who are honored each year by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. A panel of industry experts anonymously selected winners based on the functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation and degree of difficulty of their projects. Find inspiration in these 2020 residential project winners, and see the complete list at nari.org. Residential Exterior Under $50,000 The clients wanted to move the side entrance of this home to its original location in the front. City approval was contingent on returning specific historic architectural details, including replacing the brick columns with historically accurate wood columns and installing doors and windows more in line with the 1910 era when the house was built. "In New Orleans, we are very sensitive to preserving the historic character of our houses, so this was an important goal for both the homeowners and the city," said Chris Kornman of Entablature, LLC in New Orleans. "We learned that history often directs the design down a path the owner may not have been considering." your shopping habits could change, allowing you to become a bulk shopper or at least increase the time between shopping trips. Residential Addition $100,000-$250,000 Ultimately, this two-story addition included a sunroom and a second-floor master bedroom and bathroom. However, due to problems with a previous contractor, structural issues with the existing framing needed correcting first. The result was an open living space and new 870-square-foot master suite upstairs. "This project taught me that customers are looking not only for a skilled contractor, but one that will listen, understand and empathize with them," said Allen Deuschle with Kansas City Remodel & Handyman Allen LLC in Overland Park, Kansas. "I spent extra hours prior to a signed contract listening to their needs, ideas, offering suggestions and assessing unresolved issues."
Residential Addition Over $250,000 The goal of this project was to integrate a kitchen, dining and mudroom addition with an open floor plan to accommodate large gatherings while maintaining an intimate spatial feel. Varied ceiling treatments, including a coffered living room, a smooth kitchen ceiling and a custom vaulted dining room ceiling helped differentiate the spaces. "We encountered some interesting structural challenges that involved a complex weaving and concealing of steel beams and columns," said Mike Fought with Nicholson Builders in Columbus, Ohio. "The new beams and columns took the place of load-bearing exterior walls, and this created visual connection through the home, specifically upon entry at the front door." Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living Over $250,000 This narrow, sloping site was made functional with a multi-terrace design that added a pool, patio, deck and level natural turf yard in a compact space that was constrained by a steep hillside above and a marsh below. LED rope lighting on risers improved visibility and promoted stair safety while porcelain tile and plank decking cooled swimmers' bare feet. "The work to create inspired spaces is highly collaborative and is driven by understanding, relationship and vision," said James Sweeney of Mom's Design Build in Shakopee, Minnesota. "If you can enjoy the journey, the end result will be even better."
Entire House $250,000-$500,000 In this project, an old, weathered beach cottage was transformed into a modern dream home with a complete overhaul of both the exterior and interior. Modern design elements were added throughout, including a kitchen with waterfall countertops, a fireplace with black brick and white stucco and a cable railing system surrounding the mahogany deck. "During this remodel we were reminded that each new project brings an opportunity to learn or to improve a current process," said Fred Vazac with Vazac Contracting Corp. in Saint James, New York. "We opted to use a precast concrete diamond footing that was perfect in the sandy environment. We still use this type of footing on other projects." #15287 Source: National Association of the Remodeling Industry
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CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Aug. 12, 2020
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