South End Citizen 2-8-2023

Ayana Clark always said she would never run for office. But two things happened in 2022 that made her decide to run for the 21st

Ayana Clark is running for 21st Ward Alderperson. She has worked as

REP. KELLY CONGRATULATES MARKHAM AND RIVERDALE ON RECEIPT OF ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANTS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) made congratulatory phone calls to the leaders of Markham and Riverdale upon their receipt of grants from the Assistance to Firefighters program. This program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

The city of Markham received over $44,000 and the village of Riverdale received over $63,000. These funds will go toward equipping and training firefighters to keep their communities safe.

“I am so pleased that the city of Markham and the village of Riverdale are receiving over $100,000 combined to better equip their fire departments to keep their communities safe. These institutions are what allow our cities and towns to grow and thrive,” said Rep. Kelly (IL-02). “This grant program is a perfect example of what is possible when federal and local governments come together to deliver for the people. I will continue to work for the people of the Second District in Washington to ensure that their communities get the resources they deserve.”

REP. DAVIS ANNOUNCES HIS COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE 118TH CONGRESS – INCLUDING THE HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE

Washington – U. S. Rep. Danny K. Davis is pleased to announce that House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the House Steering and Policy Committee members appointed him to the House Ways and Means Committee. The U.S. Constitution requires that all bills regarding taxation must originate in the House of Representatives. The Committee of Ways and Means is the chief tax-writing Committee of the United States House of Representatives. The Committee has jurisdiction over all taxation, tariffs, and other revenue-raising measures, as well as a number of other programs.

The House Ways and Means Committee appointed Davis to Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, known as Worker and Family Support during the 117th Congress. Davis said, “We have done some very important work on this Subcommittee. Including the bill passed into law that reauthorizes the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program for five years. Over that five years, the bill would double the federal investment in evidence-based home visiting from $400 million to $800 million, bringing home visiting to more families and communities.”

The Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare authorizes and oversees a range of critical supports for workers, children, and families. Specifically, the Subcommittee oversees the federal-state unemployment insurance program, the child support enforcement program, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, the Child Care Entitlement, the Social Services Block Grant, foster care and other services provided to help abused or neglected children, the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI), and the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program (MIECHV).

Davis was also appointed to the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health. Davis said, “The assignment to the U. S. House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health is important because there are 23 hospitals in the 7th Congressional District. Of these, 13 are teaching, and 12 are safety nets. These institutions serve over 7.5 million people yearly for inpatient and outpatient care. Healthcare is one of the most essential human needs to lead a productive life. I am honored to serve to assist in this nationwide effort.”

21st Ward Candidate envisions a new ward, wants community input

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

The first thing that led her to run was a series of shootings that took place close to her oldest son’s school.

“Children are 1, legally required to be at school, but 2, having to look my kid in the face and explain to him that a place where he’s supposed to feel safe is not safe was heartbreaking,” she said. There was a lack of response from the elected officials about the shootings she added.

The second thing was having a nineyear old come into her backyard and play for three hours. “To me, that said that kid was so desperate for a place to be a child, that he was willing to break into a strangers’ backyard just to have a moment of peace,” she said, adding that her backyard is designed for her children to play because the parks are not necessarily safe, infrastructure-wise. For Clark, the backyard incident really highlighted the need for affordable or free programming for children.

Currently, Clark is the program director for the Ready to Work program, which is hosted at the Hope Center Foundation. She works with young people ages 16-24 in the program, which provides job readiness skills and training. She also is the executive assistant for retired Congressman Bobby Rush. Prior to that, she was the Community Advocate and Executive Assistant for Rush.

Ayana Clark, candidate for 21st Ward Alderperson, currently works as the Program Director for Ready to Work, a program that provides job training to young people 16-24. She has built a network of more than 400 community organizations. Photo provided by Ayana Clark.

she needs to reform them. As a Community Advocate for Rush, what she heard from people is they felt left behind by their Alderpeople, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our Seniors, especially, were in dire need of resources and there was nobody at the local level doing the work to connect them with those resources they need,” she said.

Clark wants a 21st Ward she can raise her children in. According to Clark, the way it looks right now, it isn’t a safe and productive place for her children. She goes outside of the 21st Ward for activities, with the exception of The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center Chicago, located at 1250 W. 119th St. She wants to create a coalition of people who live, work and play in the 21st Ward. Her overall vision is to empower the community with the knowledge and resources they need to hold elected officials accountable, but to also create a ward that represents the vision of the residents.

“I can talk about my vision all I want, but I’m not the only person who has to live here. So, every policy and everything I’m trying to put in place is designed to give the larger community a say in what happens in our neighborhood,” Clark said.

The New 21st Ward is about 65% of the 34th Ward and 40% was the old 21st Ward. Clark is committed to going block by block and finding out the needs of the residents.

Clark worked with the Counting On Chicago Coalition to get people counted during the 2020 Census. She also is an alumnae of Young Invincibles, an organization focused on people ages 18-34 whose mission is to amplify the voice of young people in the political process and expand economic opportunities for people in that age group. She is an alumnae of the Obama Foundation Community Leadership Corps, as well as the Congressional Black Caucus Institute’s Political Bootcamp.

The things Clark has been through in her life have prepared her to run for office. Every system she had to navigate has been something she now wants to reform. Her childhood was spent in homeless shelters and having to deal with different agencies really taught her the shortcomings of them. That experience has given her the insight

Clark acknowledges there is a difference between politics and government. Government is getting on the ground and working toward the betterment of people, while politics are cliques and dinners. Working with Rush, she attended community meetings, so she is familiar with the big issues of the 21st Ward and the way different levels of government are going to have to work together accordingly.

Clark has built up a network of more than 400 organizations throughout the city, the state and federal level. She created a resource guide that she has been distributing while she has been knocking on doors. “This is not a part-time job; it really does have to be a way of life if you’re going to make an impact. There are a lot of elected officials who move unilaterally, but when people speak up, we can really get people to move,” she said.

CTO and “Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses” to Help Small Business Owners Grow, Create Jobs, and Gain Access to Capital

Chicago, IL – Chicago entrepreneurs will have a new opportunity to develop their small business, thanks to a structured, intuitive, innovative, business education program through a partnership between the Chicago Treasurer’s Office (CTO) and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. The 15-week business education program will help entrepreneurs gain access to capital and learn practical skills across a broad range of topics. The program is available at no cost to the small business owner.

“The CTO is delighted to be part of another financial education program that will help entrepreneurs and small business owners prosper and help build strong sustainable communities, and long-term wealth,” said Treasurer Conyears-Ervin.

The program will accept enrollment applications from business owners through the June 6th application deadline for the Fall program that will begin in September 2023.

To qualify:

• Must be the owner/co-owner

• Business in operation for at least 2 years

• Business revenues of at least $75,000 in the most recent fiscal year

• Minimum of 2 full time employees (can include the owner)

To apply, visit “Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.”

“Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is excited to be partnering with the CTO to help provide small businesses with access to the tools and resources needed to grow their revenues and create jobs at rates

that outperform the broader economy,” said Audrina Green Hawkins, Outreach Director, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.

The CTO will recruit and enroll growth-oriented entrepreneurs in the program from across the entire city. Participating business owners will receive one-on-one business advising and expert guidance from Goldman Sachs professionals. In addition to these services, business owners unable to obtain traditional loans and other sources of credit will have access to Goldman Sachs’ network of CDFIs and other mission-driven lenders for help securing capital –at no cost to participants.

In addition, entrepreneurs will have access to a network of business leaders, advisors, trained faculty, and other small business owners, who will share expert advice and information on topics such as financial statements, negotiation, marketing, and employee management. The goal is to help them develop a customized business plan that will enable them to grow — all at no charge.

The “Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses” was designed by Babson College, one of the nation’s leading entrepreneurship schools. After six months of completing the program, 72% of its graduates had increased revenues and 50% created additional jobs.

For a program application and additional information please click here, and to review a “10,000 Small Businesses” video visit YouTube. For a schedule and complete list of the CTO’s free financial education programs, videos, tips, and additional information for building a more prosperous future, visit the City Treasurer’s Office.

LSTC Celebrates Black History Month with the theme, “Reparations: Educate, Liberate and Celebrate!”

The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago’s (LSTC) announces the theme for its Black History Month 2023; Reparations: Educate, Liberate and Celebrate! It is no secret that Black communities continue to suffer under oppressive regimes, both in the US and globally. This year’s theme was adopted to address the question, “How can the breach caused by decades of harm and oppression be repaired?” Hence, the goal is that through education, and liberation Reparations can be achieved for the millions of African American and BIPOC people who continue to bear the weight of white privilege and supremacy.

The celebration began on Wednesday, Feb. 1, with a reception to kick off the month. This event featured an exhibition of Black art, a gathering of the Lutheran Black and African Descent community including students, staff, alumni and members of the African Descent Lutheran Association to engage in a lively conversation on “Black Lutheranism and Reparations.” The discussion will be led by LSTC Professor Emeritus Dr. Richard J. Perry, Jr., Professor Emeriti of Church and Society.

February 8th will herald the Opening of LSTC’s Black History celebration with a Worship Service. The guest preacher is the noted preacher Rev. Dr. Alise Barrymore of the Emmaus Community Church. Worship services will be held each week during the month of February, featuring Black liturgical traditions.

and program associate for the Katie Canon Center of Womanist Leadership at Union Presbyterian Seminary and Christian Harris, Chairperson of the Oak Park Reparations Task Force and Executive Director of the Oak Park based non-profit Walk-the-Walk, focused on land reparations.

A day of Rest and Restoration, for those fatigued by the stress of justice work, will be hosted on Friday, Feb. 17th. Beginning at 10:00 am and running throughout the day. Hour long sessions will be facilitated encouraging rest and restoration, including Yoga, a Spiritual Soaker, and Zumba. All these events will be held in-person on the LSTC campus.

FOSTER, DURBIN, DUCKWORTH INTRODUCE RESOLUTION TO NAME FERMILAB RESEARCH CENTER AFTER RENOWNED PHYSICIST DR. HELEN EDWARDS

Representatives Bill Foster (D-IL-11) and Lauren Underwood (DIL-14), and Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) announced that they introduced a bicameral resolution to rename Fermilab’s Integrated Engineering Research Center (IERC) after the late Dr. Helen Edwards, who worked at Fermilab as a particle physicist for 40 years. The IERC will be home to new office and lab space that will host an intersection of scientific disciplines.

“Over its history, Fermilab’s success has been built by the hard work of committed scientists. Helen Edwards was a scientific and technical leader of Fermilab from its earliest days, and she was a dear friend. Helen was also deeply committed to the accelerator research and engineering that will be carried out in the Integrated Engineering Research Center, and it is altogether fitting that it bears her name. I’m proud to be continuing this effort in the U.S. House to honor her memory,” said Foster.

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

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A panel discussion will be held on Feb. 9th, at 5:30 pm, on the topic “Reparations: What’s It All About?” This panel will discuss the history of Reparations, and its significance to the Black Community. LSTC’s Dr. Linda Thomas will moderate the discussion, with keynote speaker the Rev. Dr. Iva Carruthers, General Secretary of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference and Executive Director of the Center for Reparatory Justice, Transformation and Remediation at McCormick Theological Seminary. The second panelist is Dr. Marvin E. Wickware, Jr., Assistant Professor of Church and Society and Ethics at LSTC.

On February 14th at 4:30pm, a panel discussion will be held on the topic “Seeking Justice and Reparations for the Land.” This panel will explore the justice of reparations for those harmed. This is an important conversation since the announcement of the recent sale of the Lutheran School of Theology to the University of Chicago. The current location of LSTC has a vile history of displacement of those indigenous to the land. Panelists include Dr. Paula Owens Parker, author

The Black History celebration includes a Book signing for black authors on Feb. 15th highlighting the work of Ken Wheeler, US Resurgence of American Terrorism and LSTC’s Sharei Green God’s Holy Darkness. DaBook Joint bookstore will host a book fair, and a reception sponsored by the African Descent Lutheran Association will follow the book signing. Juneteenth will also be honored on Feb 23rd as Dr. Jajuan Johnson, Professor and Research Associate of the Lemon Project at Mary and William College will discuss the history and “The Significance of Juneteenth to African Americans.” The Juneteenth Day events will include a Taste of Blackness lunch, followed by a discussion led by DABook Joint on black books discussing Juneteenth. Wrapping up the month-long celebration, ELCA Bishop of the Metro Chicago Synod, Bishop Yehiel Curry, an LSTC alum, will lead the Wednesday Worship on Feb. 22nd at 11:15am.

The 2023 Black History Month celebration at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago is the result of planning and commitment by a committee of Black students, staff, and faculty to highlight the history and accomplishments of Black Americans. This program is sponsored by The LSTC Albert “Pete” and Cheryl Stewart Pero Center for Intersectionality Studies and made possible through support from the LSTC Office of Student Services, the Chicago Chapter of the African Descent Lutheran Association, and other private donors.

Admission is free for all events, and all are welcome! All events will be hybrid, both in-person and streamed live on LSTC’s Facebook page, unless otherwise specified.

For a complete schedule of events, including speakers, dates, times, and COVID protocols, please visit www.lstc.edu/news-events/ bhm23/

“Dr. Helen Edwards was an extraordinary scientist who dedicated 40 years of her life to deepening our understanding of particle physics. Her pioneering work on the Tevatron earned her well-deserved national recognition and provided the foundation for the advanced particle physics research conducted by Fermilab scientists today,” said Durbin. “I cannot think of a worthier namesake for Fermilab’s new IERC than Dr. Helen Edwards.”

“Illinois’s own Fermilab is a crown jewel of American innovation at the forefront of cutting-edge science,” Duckworth said. “For years, hundreds of scientists and engineers at Fermilab have dedicated their expertise to scientific discovery and answering some of the world’s most complicated questions, including the late and brilliant Dr. Helen Edwards. Not only is renaming the Integrated Engineering Research Center after her well-deserved, I think it tells generations of girls interested in science that they belong at the table. I’m proud to help reintroduce this resolution with Senator Durbin.”

“Helen Edwards was an inspiring and passionate scientist who was dedicated and instrumental to the development of the Tevatron. I am pleased we can honor her by naming the Integrated Engineering Research Center after someone who embodied the spirit of Fermilab,” said Dr. Lia Merminga, Director of Fermilab.

Dr. Edwards was a particle physicist best known for overseeing the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of the Tevatron, a machine that for 25 years served as the most powerful particle collider in the world. The Tevatron was used to find two of three fundamental particles discovered at Fermilab – the top quark in 1995 and the tau neutrino in 2000.

Dr. Edwards’ work on the Tevatron earned her a MacArthur Genius Grant in 1988 and the National Medal of Technology in 1989. The Tevatron remained in use until 2011 when Fermilab moved to new accelerator projects like the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility, which relies heavily on the foundations built by Dr. Edwards. Dr. Edwards passed away in 2016.

HUNTER CELEBRATES $1.8 MILLION IN PRE-APPRENTICESHIP INVESTMENTS

CHICAGO – Several pre-apprenticeship programs in the 3rd District received over $1.8 million in combined investments thanks to the support of State Senator Mattie Hunter.

“I am pleased to see these pre-apprenticeship programs have received the funding they need to further provide training and support services for participants,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “These investments will pave the way to good-paying jobs for historically underrepresented populations.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship was created to promote diversity, inclusion and use of apprentices in state-funded capital projects. Comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain employment in the construction trades and secure long-term employment.

A total of $13 million awarded in the program’s second year will expand access to the program across the state and serve up to 1,400 pre-apprentices — a 40% increase from the program’s inaugural year. Organizations in the 3rd District receiving funds include: Children First Fund, $250,000; EDDR Foundation-Chicago, $500,000; HIRE360, $555,000; and Project Hood Communities Development Corporation, $500,000.

“These programs are key to building a skilled labor force and will not only benefit our community but serve as an investment in our economy as well,” Hunter said. “People interested in the trades can take advantage of pre-apprenticeship opportunities to develop a marketable set of skills.”

Participants of the program attend tuition-free and receive a stipend and other supportive, barrier reduction services to help enter the construction industry. Upon completion of the program, pre-apprentices receive industry aligned certifications to prepare and qualify them to continue to a registered apprenticeship program in one of the trades.

Information on the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program can be found here.

The celebration began on Wednesday, Feb. 1, with a reception to kick off the month.

Aliah Minor is Leaving no Entrepreneur Behind During Tax Season

MISSOURI CITY, Texas, PRNewswire

-- Local Houston Entrepreneur and Finance professional went from stretching $10 for gas and food to assisting other entrepreneurs with budgeting and tax preparation. During this year’s tax season Aliah Minor, owner of Calberts Tax Service, LLC, has committed to helping other entrepreneurs.

During the pandemic, many small businesses have had to pivot their business model to survive or struggled to stay afloat with the ever-changing economic and regulatory conditions. According to recent statistics 34% of small businesses are closed as of April 2021 compared to 23% as of January 2020. Even though pandemic conditions continue to plague small business owners, it seems despite the odds many Americans have not been deterred from starting their businesses.

According to Aliah, “I can empathize with many business owners, from having to renovate my location because of Hurricane Harvey or closing my doors for the pandemic, I’m familiar with the concept of pivoting and weathering the storm.”

Calberts Tax Service, LLC is launching the “No business left behind” Campaign as an initiative to support Small Business Owners. The pandemic as well as many other natural disasters have caused many business owners to close their doors or financial hardship and we at Calberts Tax Service want to do our part to ensure that no business is left behind. From now through the tax filing deadline of April 15th we will be offering free tax reviews to business owners with a DBA, LLC, S-Corp, and other official business structures every Sunday at no charge.

Small Business Owners can bring in their prepared tax documents and we will review and advise of any errors, updates, or additional deductions they may meet the qualifications to receive.

Calberts Tax Service, LLC has proudly served the Houston community for over 10 years. The firm is committed to enhancing clients’ financial well-being and success through two core values: client communication and individual attention.

For more information email info@innovatingmarketinggroup.com or call 346-980-9062.

IMM is a Marketing & PR firm headquartered in Houston, Texas with contacts throughout North America. The firm has a consistent track record of producing sound results based on the client’s objectives. With the firms intensive knowledge of the market we are able to formulate a plan relevant to achieving your desired results. Our distinguishing integration of PR, SEO and social media marketing mix helps provide a competitive edge to the client.

Whalar Names Ashley Rudder First-Ever Chief Creator Officer

Business Finance & Tax Specialist Aliah

Minor launched the “No Business left behind” initiative providing small business owners complimentary tax advice

NEW YORK and LONDON, PRNewswire -- Leading global creator commerce company Whalar, announced the appointment of Ashley Rudder as the industry’s first-ever Global Chief Creator Officer, a historic move that sets a new business standard for the $105B Creator Economy.

As Global Chief Creator Officer (CCO) Rudder, who is also a professional creator, will ensure creators receive creative guidance, career support and have relevant advocates as they deliver award-winning campaigns for Whalar’s brand partners. Rudder, the first Chief Creator Officer, will now lead a global team that is committed to providing brand safety, equitable pay representation and creative excellence.

Whalar recognizes the need for a new type of creative executive in the boardroom: A relatable leader who can serve as a resource for creators, while also translating the wants and needs of brands. Rudder’s unique expertise will enable Whalar to showcase both the creative and business impact of creator work as an alternative to traditional advertising.

Rudder was promoted from North American Head of Creator Partnerships, a role she has held since joining Whalar in September of 2021. Rudder and her team will support all aspects of brand and creator co-creation including creator casting and analyzing content performance through authenticated first party data sourced from leading industry measurement partners including Tubular Labs, GWI as well as Whalar’s own proprietary Echo platform.

“We are still at the beginning of the Creator Economy and I’m thrilled to help pioneer the development of creator talent for long term success. Historically, artists have not had the support and counsel they deserve. This industry is no different, said Chief Creator Officer Ashley Rudder. “I like to think of my team, and myself as creator economy “patrons” that can speak creator, brand, platform, and community, delivering respect and success equally for everyone.”

In the rapidly growing $100B+ Creator Economy, creators have become an increasingly important element of today’s overall marketing strategies and budgets” said Whalar CEO Rob Horler. “We rely on Ashley’s creativity and integrity to set new standards for supporting creators and brands and driving growth for the entire industry.”

An experienced marketing and digital content executive, Rudder began her career at MAC Cosmetics, a brand that established itself with a commitment to inclusion and diversity. She emerged as an influential make-up artist, a unique skill that enabled her to become one of the brand’s top executives.

“I believe that to work closely with creators you need to actually be a creator. These learnings provide an edge in the creative industry and I am excited to continue being a part of Whalar’s growth through the company’s commitment to true equity and inclusion. Whalar walks the walk,” says Rudder. In order to power the Creator Economy, one has to go all in, and Whalar is breaking down walls every day.”

Whalar is a global creator commerce company enabling creators, brands, and the world’s leading social platforms to work better together to drive business growth for all. We help brands stay culturally relevant through strategic creator relationships that deliver entertaining and must see content at scale. We are differentiated by our unique capabilities, including comprehensive creator talent management, including C Talent, the leading management agency for Deaf and Disabled talent, brand partnership expertise, a dedicated Web3 innovation practice, and a first of its kind full-funnel measurement solution. Our team includes over 300 diverse storytellers, creatives, data, and technology specialists across North America, Europe, APAC, and MENA. We power the creator economy. We are Whalar.

Calberts Tax Service, LLC

DARK & LOVELY ANNOUNCES MEAGAN GOOD AS NEWEST BRAND AMBASSADOR

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Dark & Lovely proudly announced Meagan Good as their latest ambassador at their ‘Making Bold Moves’ event held in support of the brand’s philanthropic initiative, Building Beautiful Futures. The award-winning actress, bestselling author and producer also debuted the return of her signature blonde hair.

“In a world where Black women are often disregarded, Dark & Lovely has always celebrated us. I’m honored to be partnering with this legendary brand to help embolden Black women to authentically walk in their power, dream big and celebrate who they are,” The ‘Harlem’ star stated.

Recognizing the growing “opportunity gap” for young Black women, particularly post-pandemic, Dark & Lovely developed Building Beautiful Futures in 2022 to help bring educational and career equity to Black female college students and young professionals. In 2023, the program will further its commitment to create opportunities for young, Black women and equip them with tools for success through even more masterclasses, scholarships, mentorship opportunities and networking events.

Good’s commitment to uplifting young Black women, approach to taking new challenges head on and enthusiasm for bold, show-stopping looks embodies everything Dark & Lovely stands for. She will serve as an ambassador for the brand’s Fade Resist collection and full product range. She will also help spread awareness about Building Beautiful Futures as it kicks off its second year by lending her voice and time to inspire and support young Black women.

The evening featured BOLD conversations with Good and Digital Creator, DonYé Taylor, moderated by Dark & Lovely’s Marketing Director Tenaj Ferguson. Dark & Lovely and BrainTrust Founders Studio also revealed the winner of their recent pitch competition, Janell Muhammad, Founder and CEO of SelfiēSkín Co. She was awarded a $5,000 grant and a trip to Dark & Lovely’s headquarters in NY to learn what it takes to build and grow a brand.

To learn more on how to:

Apply For a Building Beautiful Futures Scholarship, visit https://tinyurl.com/3wcmk7bh

Participate in our Mentorship ProgramFollow DARK & LOVELY for our schedule of mentorship masterclasses focused on education,

life and career coaching

Be The Change - Become a Mentor or Mentee and Inspire others by sharing your mentorship story using #DARKANDLOVELYBBF

Building Beautiful Futures is Dark & Lovely’s initiative that helps close the opportunity gap by bringing educational and career equity to Black, female college students and young professionals via scholarships, mentorship and career coaching opportunities. The “opportunity gap” refers to the fact that circumstances in which people are born, such as their race, ethnicity, ZIP code, and socioeconomic status, often determine education and career opportunities. Recognizing the growing opportunity gap for young Black women, Dark & Lovely is committed to creating paths to success for over 1,000 young Black women.

Dark & Lovely, founded in 1972, was created to help Black women express and embrace their individual styles. As one of the first brands to celebrate the Black consumer, for 50 years Dark & Lovely has been known for offering innovative products and technology made exclusively for Black Women to address their specific beauty needs. As a subsidiary of L’Oréal USA, Dark & Lovely continues to unveil breakthrough hair innovations for women of color. For more information, visit www. darkandlovely.com.

Actress, producer, director, author and philanthropist, MEAGAN GOOD is the lead of the hit critically acclaimed Amazon series, “Harlem,” from GIRLS TRIP writer Tracy Olivier, returning for a second season on February 3rd. She will next be seen reprising her role as ‘Super Hero Darla’ in SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS, the sequel to the hit DC Comics film which hits theaters worldwide March 14th. The THINK LIKE A MAN star most recently starred opposite Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dogg in Netflix’s DAY SHIFT, and directed the short film BLACK KAREN in partnership with Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Productions and The Sundance Institute, which premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. Her breakout role in EVE’S BAYOU earned her critical acclaim for her powerful performance opposite Samuel L. Jackson, and nominations for an NAACP Image Award and Hollywood Reporter Award.

CATALYSTS FOR THE FUTURE THROUGH THE POWER OF FASHION

MIAMI, PRNewswire -- Introducing this year’s breakout brand, ZIMRothschild (ZIM); giving a home to the purpose-driven, passionate “Unicorns” that walk amongst us.

ZIM was founded in 2019 by Sunga Mkwezalamba, a lawyer, born in Malawi and raised in Champaign, IL. “I noted a gap in the market for individuals I later identified as “’Unicorns”’ – people driven by purpose who needed a home to share ideas, resources, and style. I tested the idea by designing and selling products from my Chicago law firm office, and the positive response was overwhelming.”

The ZIM fashion line is a uniform for “Unicorns” to identify each other and is to be worn with pride, symbolizing individuality, strength, and motivation. Sunga adds, “We are passionate about creating a safe space for our customers to express themselves and be seen for who they are. Our motto is ‘we see you,’ and we strive to be a beacon of light to the world.”

Generation 1

ZIM officially launched with a limited-edition collection titled “Generation 1,” and focused on building community through organic outreach. The line was designed with the aid of a former Creative Director from Off-White, and became a hit mixing streetwear and prep. The connection between the brand and the audience was developed through social media engagement, newsletters, and articles the ZIM team wrote about Unicorn customers to highlight their unique features. “We wanted to identify who Unicorns are, in order to gain an

understanding of their interests, as well as why they identify themselves this way,” states Sunga. The brand also leveraged customer feedback to drive product design. That feedback was essential to Sunga, as he wanted to determine what customers wanted to wear and understand how the brand could best support them.

Generation 2

Always forward-facing, ZIM will be launching the “Generation 2” line at the end of February in celebration of Black History Month and will be making a bold statement by intertwining technology into their product design.

ZIMRothschild is a lifestyle brand and platform for individuals identified as “Unicorns.” Unicorns are individuals driven by purpose, who stand out and strive to make life better for themselves and others. ZIM identifies them as “Unicorns” to ensure they are seen and that the positive changes they make don’t go unnoticed.

ZIMRothschild

Meagan Good Attends Dark & Lovely’s ‘Making Bold Moves’ Event Held in Support of it’s Philanthropic Initiative, Building Beautiful Futures. PRNewsfoto/Dark & Lovely.

Photos by L.M. Warbington Photography

- PAUL VALLAS

BY LASHANNA COLEMAN

City of Hatred

“Hold Fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly.” -

Does this quote sound familiar? It was written by Langston Hughes around 1920. My exegesis is that Hughes was broached to speak about bigger goals, aspirations, and hopes for a person’s life rather than dreams at night.

If that still doesn’t ring a bell to you, then let’s learn more about him! James Mercer Langston Hughes born February 1, 1901, was born into a home with two enslaved grandmothers and two white slave owners. After his birth his father left him and his mother to escape the racism of America. Even though Hughes moved a lot he mostly lived with his maternal grandmother Mary, in Lawrence, Kansas, though that didn’t stop the burning desire within his heart to express himself through his writing, he wanted his voice to be heard. In his 1940 autobiography The Big Sea, he said: “I was unhappy for a long time, and very lonesome, living with my grandmother. Then it was that books began to happen to me, and I began to believe in nothing but books and the wonderful world in books—where if people suffered, they suffered in beautiful language, not in monosyllables, as we did in Kansas.”

After his grandmother died he attended Central high school where he met his teacher, Helen Marie Chestnut who he thought was inspiring. Hughes was elected class poet in elementary school. He stated that in reminiscence he thought it was because of the stereotype about African Americans having rhythm. During high school in Cleveland, Hughes wrote for the school newspaper, edited the yearbook, and began to write short stories, etc; this was the start of his journey for his career. After experiencing racism at his old school, Hughes settled in Hartley Hall, but he still suffered from racism among his classmates, who seemed adverse to anyone who did not fit into a WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestants) category.

Hughes

He was ardent to the African-American people and neighborhood of Harlem than to his studies, yet he continued writing poetry. Harlem was a center of vibrant cultural life. Hughes’ life and work were enormously influential during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, alongside those of his contemporaries. Hughes and his contemporaries had different principles and aspirations than the black middle class.

Hughes and his fellows tried to depict the “low-life” in their art, that is, the real lives of blacks in the lower social-economic era. His poetry and fiction portrayed the lives of the working-class blacks in America, lives he portrayed as full of struggle, bliss, laughter, and music.

Langston Hughes

That’s what he wanted to master stroke, since he had experienced it and his grandmother Mary told him about racial pride, he had a vision, he soon master stroked.

On May 22, 1967, Hughes died at the age of 66 from complications after abdominal surgery related to prostate cancer. His ashes are interred beneath a floor medallion in the middle of the foyer in the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. It is the entrance to an auditorium named for him. The ornamentation on the pavement is an African cosmogram entitled Rivers. The title is taken from his poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”.

Within the center of the cosmogram is the line: “My soul has grown deep like the rivers”. There now you know more about the famous African-American poet who wrote amazing poems you can check out like Dreams, Harlem, The Negro Speaks of Rivers, and the most famous Mother To Son.

I believe this was a substantial choice that helped black activists and achievers everywhere.

Langston Hughes is one of my favorite poets, he went through trials and tribulations but in the end still persevered and was resilient all the way through. I was first introduced to Hughes in my 7th grade year when Principal James recited and acted out his poem “Mother to Son” while she was serving as our classroom teacher. From that introduction of Hughes, I began to see myself differently.

I saw myself in a more classy way and got a vision of the woman that I will become in the next 7-10 years. Hughes and Principal James encouraged me to write my own poems. To date, I have written 2 poems that have been great hits at school with my teachers! Now, everytime that I write, I express myself in a way that I never had before, and that’s all thanks to James Mercer Langston Hughes and Principal James helping poetry to “come alive” for me. I was inspired by Hughes’ prominent line from mother to son “Life For Me Ain’t Been No Crystal Stair”, that one singular line made me think of how hard life has been. I also realized how hard my mother continues to work to help me get to where I am today. I am most thankful for Langston Hughes’ contributions not only to Blacks, but to the world! Langston Hughes through his poetry, helped me see my life and my mother in a different perspective, he created an open mind for me. I’ve changed for the better. I now find peace in reading and writing poetry. I hope reading his poems and learning more about him helps you open your eyes to more of an understanding with yourself.

A Black Shero that You Should Know Katherine Johnson

BY CAMILLE COOK

IT’S BLACK HISTORY MONTH! This month shouldn’t only be to acknowledge the leaders of pop culture, it should also be to recognize the accomplishments of the ones that worked to be educated and the ones who strived to help make the changes of today. Even if they may not have been recognized for their leadership and accomplishments that they made in the world like Marther Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges etc. Teachers, Scientists, Mathematicians, Doctors, Surgeons etc. should have as much recognition as them because they have made an impact and made changes in the world beyond their professions.

So therefore, without further ado let me introduce you to Katherine Johnson (August 26, 1918 – February 24, 2020), an African-American woman who has made many accomplishments and made big changes during her 101 years of being on this earth. She has received many rewards based on her knowledge in mathematics and NASA such as the Silver Snoopy Award and a NASA Group Achievement Award. She also earned the reputation for mastering “complex manual calculations” in her 33 year career of being at NASA. She has made a change by her historical role being recognized as one of the first African-American women to work as a NASA scientist. This can encourage younger black children to have the encouragement to most likely be the next biggest NASA scientist.

Now let’s talk business. Katherine Johnson was a very successful woman. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 by President Barack Obama himself, she was portrayed by Taraji P. Henson as a lead character in the film Hidden Figures in 2016, she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the U.S Congress in 2019, and in 2021 she was inducted posthumous-

ly into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

Katherine was the youngest of four children, her mother was a teacher and her father was working 3 jobs to provide for his family. Katherine showed strong mathematical abilities at a young age but because Greenbrier Country did not offer public schooling to African American children past eighth grade, the Colemans (her parents) arranged for her and her siblings to be schooled at a highschool in Institute, West Virginia. Katherine was enrolled in the school when she was only 10 years old and graduated highschool when she was 14. She graduated college with degrees in mathematics and French by the age of 18.

Katherine decided to pursue more into her strong mind of being a mathematician and chose to join the field as a research mathematician although knowing how hard this would be especially being an African- American and female. She still continued to fight for what she wanted even though knowing what could possibly occur of her plan failing.

Katherine is an inspiring women to look up to because not only has she been recognized for her success, but she has done big things even from the neighborhood environment she grew up in. She never let how her parents’ situation of staying stable and providing for the family was when growing up deter her from how she would be seen when she got older. She used what she was given as a gift and used it in the best ways possible. Because Katherine Johnson didn’t make excuses for why she “couldn’t” do something, I’ve been inspired to persevere through my adversities to reach my personal goals and my personal level of success. From my research, I learned that she was determined, consistent, and brave, no matter how much she faced segregation and discrimination, it didn’t stop her and, NOTHING, will stop me! In this moment in history, I salute Katherine Johnson.

Langston

Black Excellence Marsai Martin

BY SABRINA GARCIA

So you ask, Black Excellence, what is it? Black Excellence comes in many different ways, Black Excellence comes in many different shades, and Black Excellence allows you to be anything from A-Z. It is the celebration of success in the black community, ¨Black Excellence is a mindset backed by actions that display leadership through perseverance¨ - Limeade.com.

Some examples of Black Excellence in entertainment but not limited to; include figures like Misty Copeland who was the first Black Woman to become a prima ballerina at the American Ballet Theater in 2015, Kamala Harris our first Black and Asian-American Vice President of the U.S, Tyler Perry first African-American to launch his own film and television studio, Barack Obama the first African-American to be elected president of the United States of America, and Toni Morrison the first African-American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. These are examples of success in the black community, they’ve accomplished incredible things and will accomplish many more, but I will focus on one specific black young woman who has shown Black Excellence within the entertainment industry.

Marsai Martin is a young actress, producer, and model. Marsai Martin born on August 14, 2004 and made her film debut in 2016 in the Amazon Studios Original Movie: An American Girl Story-Melody 1963: Love has to win, earlier in her career (2014) she was casted as Diane Johnson (series regular) on the ABC sitcom Black-ish about a black middle class family. Black-ish was Marsai’s breakthrough role, she received numerous nominations and awards for her role, including nine NCAAP Image Awards, a BET Youngstars Award and a Kidscreen Award for best acting. In 2014 while starring on Black-ish at the time 10 year old Marsai Martin came to the show’s creator Kenya Barris with an idea for a movie inspired by the 1988 film Big starring Tom Hanks, on May 2, 2018 Black actress Issa Rae signed onto the movie and later that month actress Regina Hall joined the cast. In August of 2018 the film Little started production

with Marsai acting as a young version of the main character and executive producer, making Marsai Martin the youngest person let alone the youngest black woman to ever hold the title of Executive Producer on a major Hollywood production. The movie Little (2019) released in theaters on April 12, 2019 and went on to make $40.7 million dollars in the U.S and $48.8 million worldwide.

Marsai Martin is one entertainer who stands out to me because she inspires me to continue to pursue my passion for evolving within the entertainment industry. I’ve always loved the art of acting and found it fascinating how people can make you feel something through a screen, as I focus my artistic attention on music right now, I find myself in front of cameras all the time. I love to entertain people and see the joy, the smiles of people who like my music, through a screen or live ( which led me to join the choir at Avalon Park and be a singer and keyboardist for my band “Ragdoll”) . I love making music, just as much Marsai loves acting, she wouldn’t be a big figure now if she didn’t. Marsai knew if she wanted something big to happen she had to make it happen as she did, just as I will one day. If Marsai can do it so can I, so next time you hear the name Sabrina Garcia don’t forget it, you never know these days.

In conclusion Black excellence can be achieved in many ways and Marsai Martin is just one example within the Black entertainment industry. Marsai is an outstanding actress and will go on to achieve much greater things, she is such an inspiration to me and numerous other young black girls. Marsai Martin is the future of Black Entertainment, she is an example of Black Excellence. And I will be as well. “My goal is to show young women and girls that our voices and ideas matter, and you are never too young to dream big!”-

Marsai Martin

The articles that appear on this page and the adjacent page were submitted to us by students of the Avalon Park Fine & Performing Arts School located at 8045 S Kenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60619. We sincerely thank Principal Ms. Takeshi James and CPS for allowing the students participation. Black History is lesson that students are to be taught year around and not just once a year during the shortest month of the year. Our children must be taught where they come from and the trail blazer before them to understand the paths they should travel in the future.

the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOTbe open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHTTO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRYOF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales

Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff's Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 21 8796. THE JUDICIALSALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 21 8796

Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2022 CH 04125 TJSC#: 43-380 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2022 CH 04125 I3212827

IN THE CIRCUITCOURTOF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTYDEPARTMENT- CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUSTCOMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENTSERIES I TRUSTPlaintiff, -v.- KEVIN AUSTIN, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA- SECRETARYOF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN

HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF CATHERINE BAYMON, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, CARYROSENTHAL, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR CATHERINE BAYMON (DECEASED) Defendants 2021 CH 04681 7232

S. LUELLAAVENUE CHICAGO, IL60649

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 24, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 20, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 7232 S. LUELLAAVENUE, CHICAGO, IL60649 Property Index No. 20-25210-021-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real

estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOTbe open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-

1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHTTO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRYOF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIALSALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL

older adults. As we age, we are more likely to develop chronic health conditions, according to Dr. J.B. Sobel, chief medical officer for Cigna Medicare, which serves hundreds of thousands of older adults through its products. An annual wellness exam can help detect potential health issues early so they can be addressed before they worsen, he added.

“By meeting with your primary care provider early in the year, you can highlight the things that are important to you, and work together to develop a plan for your care for the year ahead,” Sobel said. “This will ensure you live each day with vitality, happiness and improved health.”

Many providers will reach out to schedule an annual wellness exam. If your provider doesn’t contact you, make sure to call them.

Anumber of annual check-ups are available at no extra cost to those with Medicare. They include a “Welcome to Medicare” visit for customers who have just reached Medicare eligibility and an “Annual Wellness Exam” for existing customers.

Many Medicare Advantage (MA) plans offer more extensive annual visits at no extra cost. Some even offer incentives for completing a visit. Talk with your provider and Medicare insurer about your benefits.

Each annual exam may be a little different. Regardless of the type, Sobel offers the following tips to ensure you get the most from your visit.

Prepare. Before you go, write down anything you’d like to discuss with your health care

provider, including changes to your health over the past year. Bring your prescription and over-thecounter medications with you. Ask plenty of questions and take notes. You might even want to take along a family member, trusted friend or caregiver to ensure you understand everything your provider has shared.

Be open and honest. It’s tempting to make things look rosier than they are when talking to your health care provider, but minimizing what you are feeling can lead to an incorrect diagnosis or prescription. Speak openly about unhealthy habits, like smoking or lack of exercise. Your provider won’t judge you. Being honest is the only way your health care provider can help you reach your goals.

Mind mental health. Your emotional health impacts your physical health. Many people think depression is a natural part of aging, but it doesn’t have to be. Talk to your doctor if you are feeling sad, anxious or hopeless. Treatments, such as talk therapy, medication or both, may be covered by Medicare. Monitor medications. Adults age 65 and older tend to take more medications than other age groups, increasing the risk for adverse reactions, such as cognitive impairment and falls. It’s a good idea to take your medications to your annual wellness exam and discuss any potential problems or side effects you’re experiencing. Don’t forget about over-the-counter drugs, vitamins or nutritional supplements you take.

Schedule screenings and get vaccines. There are a number of important health screenings and vaccines that you may need depending on your age and gender, such as colon cancer screening, bone density test, mammogram, flu shot or COVID-19 immunization. Ask your provider about the screenings and vaccines you’ve had already and schedule any you need as soon as possible. You may even be able to do that before you leave the office. Also, don’t forget to visit your eye doctor and dentist. These visits are covered by many MAplans as well. Find out more at www.cignamedicare.com.

“You wouldn’t drive your vehicle without proper preventive maintenance, so please don’t ignore preventive maintenance for your most prized possession – your health,” Sobel said. “An annual wellness exam is a great place to start!”

Rita Sola Cook President, Bank of America Chicago