Southend Citizen 2-21-2024

www.facebook.com/durrell.garth.9

twitter.com/citizennewsnow w advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

C

SOUTH END

WEEKLY

citizennewspapergroup.com

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 21, 2024

THE BLACK MALL

FREE | VOL 57 | ISSUE 01

Cassiopeia Sledge created The Black Mall with her partner to provide a directory and marketing platform for Blackowned businesses. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MELANIE BROWN.

HELPS BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES THRIVE A directory and marketing agency aims to bring visibility and to promote Black-owned businesses.

Cassiopeia Sledge created The Black Mall in 2011 when she was looking for a Black-owned restaurant in her neighborhood to support.

P2

BUSINESS

P4

Inaugural Stanley Creators Fund Grants $250,000 to Non-Profit Organizations to Champion Inspiring Leaders

Louis XIII Cognac And Laquan Smith Unite To Unveil An Exclusive Limited-Edition Collection Of Accessories For Louis XIII The Drop P5

citizennewspapergroup.com

Zonderkidz To Publish Award-Winning Actress Taraji P. Henson’s First Book For Children P8

2 NEWS briefly 1-800-TRUCKWRECK HOSTS WINTER GROCERY GIVEAWAY

The giveaway is part of the company’s ongoing mission to support the local community.

CHICAGO – 1-800-TruckWreck gave back this winter season with a grocery giveaway on Chicago’s West Side on Thursday, Feb. 8, at Jewel-Osco, located at 1220 S. Ashland Ave. “January has seen some of the coldest temperatures for Chicago in the last five years,” shares Amy Witherite, owner of 1-800-TruckWreck. “We understand that this extreme weather puts financial difficulties on families during an already challenging time. We hope that holding a grocery giveaway in the dead of winter will help alleviate some of that burden and keep bellies full.”

The first 107 people to arrive received a $100 gift card for their grocery needs. Amy Witherite and 1-800-TruckWreck was joined

by WGCI-FM’s Tone Kapone for the giveaway, with a live radio broadcast on-site.

1-800-TruckWreck has been dedicated to giving back to the local Chicago community since coming to the city one year ago. Since January 2023, the organization has given away more than $243,000 in food, essential items, scholarships, school supplies, groceries, and more by partnering with local organizations in the Chicago community. The February grocery giveaway continues that work as we enter a new year.

For the largest impact possible, 1-800-TruckWreck has partnered with organizations such as the Chicago Urban League, North Lawndale Employment Network, iHeart Radio’s “Peace in the Streets” Campaign, and St. Sabina, among others. Most recently, 1-800-TruckWreck partnered with Girls Inc. over the summer to provide care packages to young women heading to college, supply feminine hygiene products for the organization’s Period Poverty program, and develop several professional development and college success workshop series for girls in the program and part of the Girls Inc. staff.

1-800-TruckWreck is a personal injury law firm with offices in Dallas, Fort Worth, Atlanta, and Chicago. The firm’s attorneys specialize in helping those injured in a car or truck accident and can be reached by calling 1-800-TruckWreck or 1-800-CarWreck, 24 hours a day.

JOIN A VOLUNTEER DAY THIS WINTER WITH THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY

Looking for a unique way to show some love for nature and the Forest Preserves of Cook County this season? Consider joining a volunteer workday to help our natural greenspaces thrive! Throughout the Calumet region, ecological stewardship volunteers are busy taking care of the Forest Preserves all winter long.

“Winter is the best time of year to remove aggressive shrubs like buckthorn and honeysuckle. The wood is placed in a brush pile burn, which also keeps everyone toasty warm,” says Emily Russell, a volunteer program coordinator with the Forest Preserves. “Volunteering is a great way to get outside and stay active in the colder months.”

Come to a Stewardship Day to enjoy meeting people, learning about nature, and giving back to your community. Registration is required to receive exact meeting location at each site. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. For more information and to register, visit fpdcc.com/volunteer.

Don’t you sometimes just want to escape? Explore the natural beauty of Cook County for an hour, a day or even a night. When you’re surrounded by 70,000 acres of wild and wonderful there’s no better place to feel free.

C

SOUTH END

South End | Week of February 21, 2024

C

The Black Mall Helps Black-Owned Businesses Thrive

Continued from page 1

With finding out what’s new and innovative, The Black Mall also has a digital marketing platform and marketing software that promotes the Black-owned businesses and Sledge did find a Black-owned restaurant, but when stabilizes them. The hope is that with these new tools the she and her partner returned, the place was closed. It was businesses will have the capacity to stay open and grow. something she noticed kept happening. She would find On the website, www.theblackmall.com, there are local gems and when she returned, they were closed. In featured businesses. The Black Mall has moved toward speaking to Black-owned businesses, Sledge found those hosting live marketplaces and the marketing software. businesses were struggling and weren’t getting a lot of trafWith the marketing software, fic coming in. Most of it boiled businesses have the ability to down to business owners “Our whole goal is to constantly be at the send out emails, SMS and phone not being able to afford the forefront and at the edge of what’s new that communications, as well as social marketing, which would have media and membership capabiliis happening.

Before everybody else gets wind brought more patrons into their establishments. of it, we’re finding out what’s new and what’s ties. It makes it cost effective and efficient for the small business Sledge was working going to propel us even further into the with an email list that she owner. Sledge said while access future,” Sledge said. used to promote parties. She to capital is an issue for Black decided to use that list to business owners, having time to promote Black-owned busimarket their business is also a huge barrier to growth. nesses, charging a nominal fee. It grew and there was such Sledge and The Black Mall are partnering with Macy’s a demand that she and her partner created a directory, in River Oaks Mall to host a Black History Month Celebrawith more than 5,000 Black-owned businesses across the tion, with a Black-owned business marketplace. There will country. be 40 vendors in attendance who will be able to sell their Sledge said the goal of The Black Mall is to make the goods. It is an opportunity for those business owners to Black-owned businesses that are part of the directory leverage the natural traffic of the store and the mall and household names by bringing them into the future. In addihave their name connected to a nationally known retailer tion to the directory and marketing agency, The Black Mall like Macy’s. also provides business coaching and hosts marketplaces To choose which vendors are showcased in the live where Black-owned vendors are able to sell their goods. marketplaces, local Black-owned businesses have to apply.

“Our whole goal is to constantly be at the forefront and at the edge of what’s new that is happening. Before The Black Mall also reaches out to its 500 local vendors who everybody else gets wind of it, we’re finding out what’s new are listed on the directory. The goal is to ensure that the and what’s going to propel us even further into the future,” marketplaces showcase a variety of vendors.

Sledge said.

For more information, visit www.theblackmall.com.

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Get a solid introduction to AI through Continuing Education courses at City Colleges of Chicago

Classes are taught by industry experts and will be offered on the first two Saturdays of each month from March 2 until May 4 CHICAGO — City Colleges of Chicago will offer classes in Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) this Spring!

The classes titled, Prompt Engineering for Everyone – Non-Coding Accelerated and Machine Learning for Leaders - Generative AI, will be offered the first two Saturdays of each month beginning March 2, through May, 2024.

The cost for each is $80.

“We’re offering these two classes in AI to empower those interested in learning how to compete in the workforce of today but more urgently, to lead and evolve with the changing workforce of tomorrow,” said Executive Director Robert Clarke, City Colleges of Chicago. “The impact of these courses on students’ lives and career prospects cannot be overstated.”

AI is changing the way people and businesses operate and compete. It is revolutionizing the way we work because it is producing and creating better and faster output. AI has the potential to bring about positive changes including enhanced productivity. AI-powered technologies can also help solve complex problems and make our daily lives easier. It’s full impact is unfolding now and remains to be seen.

About the Courses: Prompt Engineering for Everyone Non-Coding (CE IT 1202 – 020912 ) serves as a user-friendly introduction

to the technical realm, particularly aimed at those who are new to Artificial Intelligence. Prompt engineering is the method of working in tandem with an AI to achieve predetermined goals through clear and timely communication. To register click here or visit: https://forms.office. com/r/E9trHAgctX This class is available online via Zoom.

Machine Learning for Leaders, Generative AI, is tailored to provide individuals with essential knowledge for success in today’s data-driven world, specifically catering to business leaders seeking to grasp the integration of AI within their organizations, however this class is open to everyone. The goal of this on-line course, which requires no coding, is to build proficiency in generative AI tools, terminology, concepts, and provide a synopsis of what Amazon offers today in the domain of generative AI. In addition to teaching the basics of generative AI, this course discusses the risks and benefits of applying generative AI as a solution. To register click here or visit https://forms.office.com/r/2ddfpa5ifC This class is available online via Zoom.

Both the classes are a total of eight hours and held on two consecutive Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm beginning on March 2. Classes are open to all and are ongoing through May 4, 2024.

citizennewspapergroup.com

C

South End | Week of February 21, 2024

C

SOUTH END

CHICK-FIL-A IS THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE LAKE CALUMET REGION AND PULLMAN COMMUNITY’S DEVELOPMENT Chicago, Ill. – Approval today from the City of Chicago Plan Commission cleared the way to begin transforming a vacant off-track betting facility into the first new Southeast Side location of arguably one of America’s favorite restaurants, Chick-fil-A. “The redevelopment plan for this unused parcel just south of 111th Street and right off the Bishop Ford Expressway is the latest step in the renaissance that we are experiencing in the Pullman and Roseland communities,” said 9th Ward Alderman Anthony K. Beale.

“By attracting the kind of development our residents have told us they want, we’re steadily building a vibrant community where more

SOUTH END

Darrell Garth President /Publisher Janice Garth Sales Manager General Manager

Tia Carol Jones Managing Editor Editorial Send news tips, press releases, calendar listing etc to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com Advertising Display Advertising advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com or jgarth@citizennewspapergroup.com Classified Advertising call us at (773) 783-1251 Display Advertising call us at (773) 783-1251 Coverage Areas: CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

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

SOUTH END

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

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

Shopping- their favorite pastime!

HYDE PARK

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

CHICAGO WEEKEND

Chicag o Westside Communities, Austin and Garfi el d Park

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

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

people will want to go to live, work and visit.”

The new 5,100 square-foot Chick-fil-A restaurant is being developed on a six-acre parcel by Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives (CNI), a nonprofit community development organization and Reverend James Meeks, along with his nonprofit community development organization, Hope Center Foundation. The land was previously acquired by the venture and once housed an off-track betting facility owned by Hawthorne Racecourse.

“Chick-fil-A will be an exciting and welcome addition to our community, one that demonstrates what can be accomplished when businesses, organizations and residents share a real commitment to a strong sustainable future,” said Rev. Meeks. “The transformation of Pullman from its neglected past into today’s growing and revitalized neighborhood is a model for community renewal in our city and throughout our nation,” added Rev. Charlie Dates, Senior Pastor of the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago.

Construction of the new Chick-fil-A is expected to start in the spring and be completed in in the fall of 2024. Once completed, the restaurant will create 125 new jobs and feature dine-in, drive-thru and carry-out service. It will join a growing culinary community that already offers Potbelly’s, Culver’s, Lexington Betty’s Smokehouse, and a Veteran Roaster currently in development. In addition to the restaurant’s 125 new jobs, an additional 145 jobs will be created to construct the new building.

The Pullman and Roseland community is the site of many innovations over the past decade, including: the first union-built green roof Walmart; the first Method plant (currently an SC Johnson manufacturing and distribution center) in the U.S.; the first Whole Foods Distribution Center in Illinois; the first Gotham Greens greenhouse outside of New York; the Pullman Community Center, the region’s largest year-round, indoor sports and education facility; and the city’s first and only National Historic National Park. Altogether, more than $500 million has been invested in Pullman since 2014, which has created 2,000 jobs.

“Thanks to the tireless work on behalf of the community by Alderman Anthony Beale, Rev. Meeks, and the talent and support of our community partners, the Hope Center Foundation, City of Chicago, Chick-fil-A, and local businesses

and residents, Pullman is an exciting destination that is uplifting the lives of its residents and all of Chicago,” said David Doig, President, CNI. CNI is a nonprofit community and economic development organization working collaboratively in under-resourced and dis-invested communities to identify and implement high-impact projects that build strong, healthy neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for its residents. Since its inception in 2010, CNI has generated approximately $1 billion in investments for new developments in Pullman, North Lawndale, and other Chicago communities, creating and retaining thousands of jobs.

It has also deployed more than $18 million in grants and loans that are often unavailable from conventional financial institutions to small business owners from its subsidiary Greenwood Archer Capital, a certified Community Development Financial Institution. Additional information is available at www. cnigroup.org.

A Roseland-based, nonprofit organization that is the philanthropic arm of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago. It is helping residents in under-resourced and disinvested Chicago communities to successfully transition out of poverty into a living wage and into generational wealth. It works to address the root causes contributing to poverty and violence through imaginative, solution-focused programs that provide support in the areas of homeownership, financial literacy, workforce development, youth mentorship, and entrepreneurship.

It is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, known for its freshly prepared food, signature hospitality and unique franchise model. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by independent owner-operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

In 2023, the company shared plans to expand by 2030 into Europe and Asia. Chick-fil-A owner-operators live and work in the communities their restaurants serve, each supporting local efforts to address hunger, education, and making a positive impact. The family-owned and privately held company was founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.com.

citizennewspapergroup.com

NEWS

3

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

FORD BILL WOULD GIVE ILLINOIS MEDIA ACCESS TO ENCRYPTED POLICE SCANNER TRANSMISSIONS

Illinois State Representative LaShawn K. Ford (D-Chicago) has introduced legislation which would require any law enforcement agency in Illinois which encrypts police scanner transmissions to provide real time access to those transmissions to accredited media in the state.

House Bill 4339 amends the Public Records Act to require that any law enforcement agency that encrypts radio transmissions provide, by license or otherwise, access to those transmissions to FCC licensed broadcasters and accredited newspapers as defined in the Act. Under the Lightford Administration, the Chicago Police Department instituted a program designed to encrypt police scanner transmissions across all police districts in the city.

“I understand the desire to prevent members of the public from using real time police scanner information to commit crimes or to evade law enforcement,” said Representative Ford. “However, the media has an obligation to report on events in a timely manner and its use of real time information from police scanners is essential. Blocking accredited media from real time access is counter to governmental transparency and does not lend itself to the original stated purpose of the encryption program.”

Representative Ford noted that his proposed legislation would apply to jurisdictions across Illinois. Several downstate law enforcement departments have also instituted encryption programs.

IL LABOR RELATION BOARDS DISMISSES CHARGES ILLINOIS COUNCIL OF POLICE FIELD AGAINST THE VILLAGE OF DIXMOOR

(Dixmoor, IL) –– The Illinois Labor Relations Board has dismissed the charges the Illinois Council of Police (ICOPS) brought against Dixmoor, according to Village President Fitzgerald Roberts.

At issue was the alleged failure of the Village to sign a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The Village responded to the now dismissed allegations. The Village pointed out that the current administration and Village Board gave the officers a raise without asking for it within 5 days of being sworn into office and that the CBA at issue was never voted on by the current Village Board and negotiated by the prior administration, one that was plagued by scandal. recently, the Illinois Labor Relations Board dismissed those charges and stated the “Charging Party [ICOPS] failed to respond to the Board agent’s request for relevant information, and the available evidence is insufficient to raise an issue for hearing. As such, the Board is unable to process this charge any further.”

This is not the first issue between the Village and ICOPs that was resolved in the Village prevailing. Rather than call the Village, ICOPS recently went straight to the media to complain of the Village’s non-payment of law enforcement union dues the Illinois Council of Police based on a clerical error. The clerical error was investigated, resolved, and a check was issued and hand delivered to the Illinois Council of Police, ICOPs resolving that issue as well.

“At no time were we ever willfully trying to withhold money we owed to the union, and the proof is the check we sent them immediately,” Roberts said. “This whole situation could have been easily avoided if they had just sat down with us and worked it out. I am glad these situations are behind us, and we avoided paying unnecessary fines, which is money we need to pay our bills. We are very pleased with the Board’s decision to dismiss this case and glad to resolve the dues issue.”

4 BUSINESS

South End | Week of February 21, 2024

This page is sponsored by

C

Inaugural Stanley Creators Fund Grants $250,000 to Non-Profit Organizations to Champion Inspiring Leaders SEATTLE, PRNewswire -- Stanley, the inTimber, MT): Amber founded Catalyst for Change novative food and drinkware brand, announced to turn the tide on Montana’s mental health crisis the five inaugural grant recipients of its Stanley through integrated community-based care pathCreators Fund. The philanthropic program was ways with individuals at the core. “With this grant, I inspired by innovation and the company’s core aim to create a legacy of good mental health practicvalue of supporting local communities. Designed es for my community,” Amber shared. “We want to to support individuals and organizations working protect the mental health of men, women and their at the intersection of humanity, sustainability families to ensure their optimal performance in this and possibility, the grant program has awarded world.” five organizations $50,000 each to help advance Let’s Go Compost, Lauren Click (Phoenix, their causes and the communities they serve.

AZ): Lauren’s innovative work in waste reduction Applications for the inaugural Stanley centers around making composting free and accesCreators Fund called for submissions from sible throughout the US. Lauren envisions using changemakers across the country who are deeply Grantees of the first-ever Stanley Creators Fund (from left to right: Wawa Stanley funding to grow Let’s Go Compost’s STEAM engaged in their communities, have designed inno- Gatheru, CJ Goulding, Amber Martinsen-Blake, Lauren Clark and Matt Simon). (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) vative solutions to a pressing challenge and bring Stanley Classroom Composting program for school gardening optimism to their work. The first-ever grant recipwill help early-career Black women gain access to the and sustainability efforts, as well as aid in making ients represent a dynamic group of leaders and social green economy. Stanley’s funding will provide 10 fellows community gardens food waste drop-off sites for the entrepreneurs who are implementing change for a variety with stipends for living and wellness-related expenses, public. “With Stanley Creators Fund funding, we’re able of causes and challenges including environmental justice, to supplement competitive hourly pay provided by host to get one step closer to our mission of making compostcommunity development, mental health, sustainability organizations. “This critical funding is breaking down the ing free and accessible to everyone in the United States,” and food security. barriers that have for so long made the environmental Lauren said, “regardless of location or income.”

“Stanley is proud to recognize these individuals and field less accessible to early career people of color,” Wawa Multicultural Refugee Coalition, Matt Simon (Austin, organizations who are making a notable difference in shared.

TX): The Multicultural Refugee Coalition provides fairtheir communities,” said Emily Cichy, Senior Director, Boyz N The Wood, CJ Goulding wage work and community connection Corporate Responsibility at Stanley. “The Stanley Cre(Teaneck, NJ): Boyz N The Wood for refugees by operating New Leaf Agators Fund amplifies their voices and helps them contincreates immersive experiences for riculture, an organic, regenerative farm ue the important work they’re doing each and every day.

Black men to build brotherhood, and Open Arms, a sustainable textile We are in awe of the drive and heart that we saw in this fortify mental wellbeing and engage studio. Matt works with the local refugee year’s 500 submissions and are eager to see what our their personal development.

Stanley community to increase access to culturgrant recipients accomplish in the months and years to funding will allow the organization to ally desired foods and shift perceptions come!” host a four-day restorative retreat for of food security. “With funding from About the 2024 Stanley Creators Fund Grant Recip30 Black men, complete with outdoor activities and daily Stanley, we will provide supplemental income to twice ients: workshops for mental health and personal growth. “The as many refugee community farmers and double the Black Girl Environmentalist, Wawa Gatheru (Washparticipants in these retreats become a cohort of connecamount of culturally desired produce to the community, ington, DC): Black Girl Environmentalist addresses broadening our impact,” Matt said. tion and learning that continues beyond the retreat,” CJ pathways and retention in the climate change movement To learn more about Stanley Creators Fund and grant for Black girls, women and gender-expansive people. The noted. “These men are committing their energy to change recipients, visit https://www.stanley1913.com/pages/ that begins with themselves and their communities.” non-profit is launching the Hazel M. Johnson Fellowship stanley-creators-fund.

Program, an ambitious 10-week summer program that Catalyst for Change, Amber Martinsen-Blake (Big

NEAREST & JACK ADVANCEMENT INITIATIVE’S SPIRITS ON THE RISE SUMMIT RETURNS TO MIDDLE TENNESSEE LYNCHBURG, Tenn. and SHELBYVILLE, Tenn., PRNewswire -- The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative (NJAI), the first-of-its-kind incubator created

by Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey to diversify the current and future leaders in the spirits industry, announced the return of the Spirits on the Rise Summit. The two-day event, taking place in Lynchburg and Shelbyville, Tennessee on April 15 and 16, will build upon the success of last year’s summit with more speakers, more networking, and more opportunities for BIPOC businessmen and businesswomen in spirits to learn from panelists and keynote speakers who are experts in their fields.

The Spirits on the Rise Summit began in 2023 to bring together experienced spirits and hospitality industry professionals with entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented communities as they work to advance their spirits businesses. Last year, attendees representing more than 50 up-and-coming brands heard from

and made connections with executives from some of the nation’s top beverage and hospitality companies such as Brown-Forman, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, Hyatt Hotels, ReserveBar, and Breakthru Beverage Group, as well as key personnel from leading financial institutions such as JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Collective Equity Partners, LLC and more.

“Our inaugural event in 2023 was the first-of-its-kind, and everyone who attended came to Tennessee with so much positive energy and an openness to learn,” said Katharine Jerkens, Chief Business Officer of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. “The number of connections made between entrepreneurs, given the platform to share their stories, was a true highlight - not to mention the connections with investors and industry veterans. Every single person walked away with a toolkit for building their brand, and this year will be even more dynamic than last.”

Programming for the 2024 Spirits on the Rise Summit will take place at the Jack Daniel Distillery in

Lynchburg, Tennessee on April 15, and at the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee on April 16.

Highlights will include engaging workshops and panels on topics like revenue growth management, distributor management, public relations, funding, route to market and shopper marketing. The summit will once again conclude with the emerging brands fair where founders will have an opportunity to showcase their product offerings to their peers, industry leaders and investors.

Two presenting brands last year – Mission Craft Cocktails and Blackleaf Organic Vodka – were discovered and selected as the newest participants in the NJAI Business Incubation Program.

“After a successful debut in 2023, we are thrilled to announce the return of the Spirits on the Rise Summit for 2024,” said Jamie Butler, Jack Daniel’s Global Brand Director. “This event will continue to advance the goal of the Nearest and Jack Advancement Initiative to foster a more diverse spirits industry while also supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs who are looking for guidance and mentorship as they build their respective businesses.”

Spirits brands that are majority BIPOC-owned or

citizennewspapergroup.com

C

South End | Week of February 21, 2024

C

SOUTH END

FASHION

5

LOUIS XIII COGNAC AND LAQUAN SMITH UNITE

TO UNVEIL AN EXCLUSIVE LIMITED-EDITION COLLECTION OF ACCESSORIES FOR LOUIS XIII THE DROP The LOUIS XIII x LaQuan Smith Collection fuses LaQuan’s bold silhouettes with timeless craftsmanship to reveal the first ever accessory design partnership for the timehonored cognac house.

“Accessories are the punctuation marks of style, they add distinct personality to the narrative of fashion. In the LOUIS XIII x LaQuan Smith campaign, we’ve woven each accessory with LaQuan’s elegant ready-to-wear designs, their versatility and wearability serving as a testament to timeless allure.” said Carine Roitfeld, Founder and Editor in Chief of CR Fashion Book who served as Artistic Director of Fashion for A Drop in Time.

THE DROP Chain Pouch is a statement piece made of pure silver, designed to hold a single bottle of LOUIS XIII THE DROP. Inspired NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- LOUIS by vintage flasks and bottles, the XIII Cognac and renowned ready-to“metal-morphosis” design brings wear designer LaQuan Smith unveil a fine-jewelry flair to the nomadic The LOUIS XIII x LaQuan Smith Colnature of THE DROP, encasing each lection, a limited-edition collaboration 10ml bottle of LOUIS XIII Cognac that brings a high-fashion perspective in a stunning latticework armor to LOUIS XIII’s timeless tasting rituals, enclosure. synonymous The Boudoir Gloves, craftwith a luxurious ed from demure mesh, are opcognac experiera-length with velvet detailing ence. This excluthat graces the palm and interior sive collection forearm. The gloves pay homage to draws inspiraLOUIS XIII’s traditional white glove tion from LOUIS service, modernized by design eleXIII’s centuries ments from LaQuan Smith’s readyold wisdom, to-wear staple: the mesh catsuit. combined with “This collaboration with LOULaQuan Smith’s IS XIII Cognac and LaQuan Smith signature silhighlights our shared commitment houettes and to both modernity and timelessrunway-ready ness,” said Tina Reejsinghani, Vice Jasmine Tookes wearing LOUIS XIII x LaQuan innovation.

Smith Collection.

Louis XIII President of Luxury Brands, Remy The LOUIS Cointreau USA. “Together, we’re XIII x LaQuan Roitfeld, and starring thrilled to showcase a truly unique Smith Collecmodel Jasmine Tookes. collection and campaign with each accessory tion comprises These renowned creserving as a testament to the history of LOUIS two bespoke atives contributed to XIII’s craftsmanship, reborn with LaQuan’s accessories, THE the campaign’s artistic impeccable eye for style”.

DROP Chain expression, glamour, The LOUIS XIII x LaQuan Smith CollecPouch and The and high-fashion attion will be sold as a set for $2,300 and will be Boudoir Gloves. mosphere infused with available in extremely limited quantities. This Crafted with a LOUIS XIII THE DROP’s exclusive set comprises the rare and coveted meticulous attimeless spontaneity.

LOUIS XIII: THE DROP Collection Box, featurtention to detail, “I’m thrilled to ing five multi-colored 10ml bottles of LOUIS both accessories embark on this extraorXIII Cognac, as well as THE DROP Chain Pouch are designed to dinary journey with and The Boudoir Gloves. make enjoying LOUIS XIII x LaQuan Smith. Louis XIII. LOUIS XIII Cognac,” exThe LOUIS XIII x LaQuan Smith Collection LOUIS XIII Copressed LaQuan Smith. is available for pre-sale, via us.louisxiii-cognac a high fashion experience – elevating the “This partnership encapsulates innovation and gnac.com. Commercial availability for the wearers everyday art of life. collection, while supplies last, will begin in redefines the LOUIS XIII tasting experience.

The collection launches through an allurMarch, 2024 on us.louisxiii-cognac.com & This revolutionary collection is designed to ing campaign, A Drop in Time by LOUIS XIII x laquansmith.com. Attentive clients are encourspark conversation - merging high-fashion LaQuan Smith, and features exceptional fashaged to follow @louisxiiicognac and @laquan_ with the elegance of the Maison’s time-honion-forward talents including Director Greg smith on Instagram for real-time updates. ored rituals.”

Swales, Artistic Director of Fashion Carine

citizennewspapergroup.com

Chatham | Week 21, of February 21, 2024 66||South End Southeast | Week of February 2024

CHATHAM SOUTH END

Alzheimer’s Association’s Illinois Chapter Executive Director, Delia Jervier, “Shines Light on Alzheimer’s and The Impact in Black/African American Community” Among Black Americans ages 70 and older, 21.3% are living with Alzheimer’s, a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. While older Black Americans are twice as likely as older Whites to have Alzheimer’s or another dementia, research hasn’t yet identified the cause. Higher rates of cardiovascular(heart and blood vessels) disease may play a role. Some studies indi-

cate that after correcting for overall health and socioeconomic status, these differences disappear.

During Black History Month, the Alzheimer’s Association honors Alzheimer’s champions within the Black/African American community, echoing the legacy of Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller, the first known Black psychiatrist and an early contribu-tor to dementia research in Ameri-

ca. We highlight the importance of representation, citing Dr. Fuller’s pivotal role in Dr. Alois Alzheimer’s pioneering work as a testament to the ongoing need for diverse per-spectives in advancing Alzheimer’s research and advocacy.

Our commitment to under-served communities is demon- strated through various forums and events promoting dialogue and awareness around dementia in the Black/African American community. Recently, the Association collaborated with the NFL Alumni Association to host the Black Men’s Brain Health Conference, addressing the unique risk factors and cognitive health challenges faced

by Black men.

Through strategic partnerships with organizations like Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., National Council of Negro Women, National Black Nurses Association, and Black Nurses Rock, as well as local partners, like Scottish Rite Prince Hall Masons, Chi Eta Phi, Alpha Eta Chapter, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, and South Shore Chamber among others, we provide culturally responsive education, awareness, and support resources to Black/African American communities na-tionwide. These partnerships thrive on the foundation of community collaboration, driving impactful change to support those affected by the disease. Together, we strive to enhance resources and foster a more inclusive environment for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

Today, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alz-heimer’s.

Compared with whites, AfricanAmericans are two times more likely and Hispanics are one and one-half times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. * An estimated 6.7 million people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s. * One in 9 Americans aged 65 and

with INSTANT TICKETS

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

TM

Game odds available at Illinoislottery.com

older has Alzheimer’s. Among people aged 85 and older, 1 in every 3 has Alzheimer’s. w Nearly two-thirds of seniors with Alzheimer’s are women — an estimated 4.1 million. Among those aged 65 and older, 12% of women have Alzheimer’s compared with 9% of men. w Between 2020 and 2025, 31 states are expected to experience an increase of at least 15% in the number of people with Alzheimer’s. w By 2060, the number of seniors with Alzheimer’s is projected to total 13.8 million. w Of the 13.8 million, 6.7 million will be aged 85 and older — equal to the total number of people with Alzheimer’s today.

Join us for a free webinar as we discuss the importance of increasing clinical trial participation, health disparities among underserved populations and strategies for creat-ing a path toward a more equitable future on Feb 23, 2024 at 12:00 CST. Register at: bit.ly/48JZE7W The Alzheimer’s Association is available with information and support for families as they navigate the disease and related research. For more information, visit alz.org/ illinois or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

By Delia Jervier, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter Media Contact: Lionell Mar-tin, lrmartin@alz.org, 773.593.4211

T:10" SOUTH END

S:9.5"

South End | Week of February 21, 2024 | 7

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

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

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

T:13"

S:12.5"

Lights, Camera, Culture!

8

ENTERTAINMENT

C

South End | Week of February 21, 2024

SOUTH END

ZONDERKIDZ TO PUBLISH AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS TARAJI P. HENSON’S FIRST BOOK FOR CHILDREN

GRAND RAPIDS, it’s not just a fun story, Mich., PRNewswire -but an essential tool for Zonderkidz is pleased to teaching empathy, resilannounce that actress ience, and self-love … all and mental health advovalues that are very imcate Taraji P. Henson, will portant to Taraji and her release her debut picture work in the mental health book, titled You Can Be a space,” said Megan DobGood Friend (No Matter son, Vice President and What!) on June 18, 2024, Publisher of Zonderkidz. illustrated by Paul Kellam.

“Our hope is that this Pre-orders can be made will become a conversanow anywhere books are tion starter about mental sold. wellness, an important Henson, who eslesson in friendship and tablished a foundation handling tough social supporting mental health situations, and a testaprogramming in under-rement to the importance of sourced areas around the standing proud in one’s U.S., is an unwavering own uniqueness.”

Taraji P. Henson, author of the upcoming chiladvocate for speaking up This is a one-book about good mental health dren’s book You Can Be A Good Friend (No Matterdeal, acquired by KathWhat!) (PHOTO CREDIT MR. D. ADAMS) practices – and this book erine Jacobs, Senior ties into her commitment.

Acquisitions Editor for In an exclusive stateZonderkidz, with CAA ment to People.com today representing Henson. about her passion for the The illustrator is Paul book, Henson said: Kellam, an award-win“Mental health ning digital creator struggles can start even in based in Florida, reprechildhood and oftentimes sented by Robbin Brosit begins with being bulterman at The Bright lied. This book isn’t just Agency. Tour dates and about bullying though— appearances with Henit’s about how children all son will be announced have something different this spring. about them, and being The book is now different is what makes available for pre-orthem oh so very special.” der anywhere books Henson added, “You are sold. https://www.

Can Be a Good Friend zondervan.com/p/you(No Matter What!) is for can-be-a-good-friendthe kids who feel differno-matter-what/ ent. This book is for the Taraji P. Henson has Cover of new book from actress Taraji P. Henson, parents who want their You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!). performed in Academy kids to accept differences. Zonderkidz.

Award-winning movies And this book is for the like The Curious Case kids and families who’ve of Benjamin Button and encountered hard times because of differences.

Hidden Figures as well as comedies like I can’t wait to see the many conversations my Tyler Perry films and Abbott Elementary. book starts in homes and classrooms everyShe starred in the Annie Live musical on where!”

NBC, in the series Empire on FOX, and most The story opens with a young girl named Lil recently in the 2023 major motion picture TJ getting ready for her first day of school and The Color Purple. telling her Grandma Patsy about making new Henson founded the Boris L. Henson friends. “Don’t forget, friendships take time,” Foundation, a foundation that exists to Grandma reminds her, but Lil TJ throws herself both normalize and improve access to meninto school with gusto and immediately attracts tal health services for Black communities the bullying attention of a boy who makes fun in hopes of eradicating the stigma around of her for her loud voice, colorful drawings, and seeking help and support. https://borisllarger-than-life personality. TJ ultimately learns hensonfoundation.org/ how to conquer her worries, overcome her bully, Zonderkidz is the children’s publishmake new and unexpected friendships, and still ing division of Zondervan, a HarperColbe true to her own unique and wonderful self. lins Company. For additional information, “We are so proud of this book and feel that please visit www.zonderkidz.com.

C

DINER EN NOIR WORLDWIDE PARTNERS WITH AEG TV NETWORK & THE HNC AGENCY WASHINGTON, PRNewswire -- Dîner en Noir Worldwide proudly announces an innovative partnership with AEG TV Network and The HNC Agency, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to uplifting black-owned businesses and brands.

This collaboration aims to empower professionals, small-business owners, and artists within the organization’s membership base by providing meticulously curated business solutions tailored to amplify their presence and broaden their audience reach.

As we celebrate Black History Month, Dîner en Noir Worldwide continues to lead the charge as the FIRST BLACK-OWNED international organization in the realms of fine dining, event production, and professional member benefits. Since its inception in 2016, Dîner en Noir Worldwide has been renowned for its annual member-only black-attire Flagship Events, offering an exclusive fusion of immersive fine dining, art and business networking, health resources, and community fundraising. These carefully crafted experiences, held at undisclosed locations across global cities, serve as platforms for members to indulge in opulence while actively supporting their local communities. From the grand Flagship Events to the intimate monthly/quarterly Salon Events, Dîner en Noir embodies a mission of combating systemic inequities in arts programming, small business/economic development, and health and wellness education in vulnerable communities worldwide.

AEG TV Network, a premier entertainment platform dedicated to celebrating diversity, culture, and creativity, stands as a formidable ally in this endeavor. With a potential reach of over 75 million households on the Roku OS, America’s #1 streaming platform, and potential reached of 100 million+ active listeners via the SiriusXM network, AEG TV Network provides an unparalleled platform for entrepreneurs/artists to showcase their brands and reach a national and global audience, championing minority-owned businesses and diverse talent.

Joining forces with The HNC Agency, a Washington, DC powerhouse since 2008, Dîner en Noir Worldwide extends their services to its members through discounted al la carte services and comprehensive plans. The HNC Agency, a full-service international strategic communications and business management consulting firm, brings expertise in media/public relations, crisis management, digital marketing, advertising, business development, product management, artist representation, and events production helping small, medium and large organizations/brands Organize, Strategize & Globalize.

“At Dîner en Noir Worldwide, fostering small business and economic development in our communities lies at the heart of our mission,” says the organization’s Founder & President, Howard Nelson Cromwell. “We are delighted to partner with like-minded entities who share our commitment, and together, have these developed packages and services aimed at connecting our members with their target audience, elevating their businesses and brands, and propelling them to new heights.”

For more information about Diner en Noir, visit www.dinerennoir.com.

The HNC Agency

citizennewspapergroup.com

C

C

South End | Week of February 21, 2024

SOUTH END

NEWS

CHATHAM

9

LIVING HISTORY MAKERS TOLD HOW THE PAST INFORMS OUR FUTURE DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION AT HYDE PARK CHURCH Public historian Michelle Duster shared little known facts and anecdotal stories about the life, times and uncompromising drive of her great-grandmother the revered civil rights activist and antilynching crusader Ida B. Wells during the Black History Month celebration at St. Paul & the Redeemer in Hyde Park.

“Ida B. Wells was not afraid to say ‘NO’. She said “NO” to racism, sexism, segregation and lynching.” Michelle shared how her great-grandmother left the NAACP, which she co-founded because the organization “was not militant enough”; and. how she defied authority to move from the back of the 1913 Women’s Suffrage March to the front and was the only Black woman in the Illinois delegation. Congressman Bobby L Rush (ret.) shared how nine decades following Ida B. Wells’ death his Emmitt Till Anti-lynching egislation signed into law by President Biden finally fulfilled her demand to make lynching a federal criminal act.

Fourth ward Alderman Lamont Robinson acknowledged how the late sculptor Richard Hunt’s “The Light of Truth”national monument dedicated to Ida B. Wells looms in the heart of the community where she once lived as a source of information, education and inspiration for all to be a ‘light for justice’.

The Reverend Catherine E. Healy, Rector said, “We believe that providing an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and hear inspiring stories is crucial in fostering understanding and unity.”

Over 150 parishioners and community members filled the small Episcopal church that has a rich 130-year history with a strong civil rights engagement record. Attendees included the Rev. Dr. Janette Wilson, Operation PUSH, Crystal Plummer, Canon for Networking at the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and Bill Trusdale, consultant with the Illinois State board of Education.

Concerned about current attempts to remove Black history from schools, Jo Ann Roberts, Ph.D., a career education administrator and SPR BHM Chair reminded all that the first mandatory Black history curriculum in a US public school system was implemented in Chicago Public Schools between 1942 and 1945. Madeline Morgan, developed the curriculum entitled: “The Intellectual Emancipation of the Negro.”

“The founder of Black History Week, Carter G. Woodson inspired by Ida B. Wells, was clear about the need to teach Black history - ‘This crusade is much more important than the anti-lynching movement, because there would be no lynching if it did not start in the schoolroom’,” said Roberts. “Anti-racism must now be taught in the classroom.”

The Episcopal church has a long-standing anti-racism commitment and has achieved recent Black history milestones.

Following the George Floyd police murder and subsequent Black Lives Matter movement, Bishop Michael Curry, the first Black U.S. presiding bishop, formed a working group to expand the church’s ongoing anti-racism and reconciliation efforts.

The Chicago Diocese’s first woman and first Black leader, Bishop Paula Clark, introduced Sacred Ground, an elevensession Episcopal Church program that provides participants with history and perspectives about race and racism in the United States. SPR’s civil rights engagement goes

back to the 60’s when it’s, then, rector led the Episcopal Society for Cultural and Racial Unity.

Michelle talked about the values and structures that have traditionally kept the Black community strong underscoring the importance of family, the value of education and having a vested interest in serving the community. Devorah Crable, SPR BHM Co-chair said “The call to action is for each of us to use our gifts and talents to combat injustice in all forms as ordinary people and citizens.”

Pictured L to R: Catherine Healy, Rector, SPR, Jo Ann Roberts, PhD., SPR BHM Chair, Alderman Lamont Robinson, 4th Ward, Congressman Bobby L Rush (ret.), Michelle Duster, Public Historian, Sara Bigger, SPR Antiracism Working Group.

Photo credit: Devorah Crable

BuyBlack.org, Silver Lining & Wells Fargo Celebrate Black History Month by providing $1.2 Million in Professional Services with the Launch of the #GrowYourBlackBiz Campaign to Drive Black Business Success BuyBlack.org & Silver Lining, with financial support from Wells Fargo, are excited to launch the #GrowYourBlackBiz campaign. The #GrowYourBlackBiz campaign will give 300 Blackowned small businesses (SMBs) the chance to win a year’s worth of support and services valued at $1.2M, with the aim of helping to strengthen Black businesses which are vital to the US economy. Select members of the winning cohort of 300 will be featured in a national billboard campaign to launch in the back half of 2024.

The GrowYourBlackBiz campaign will call for nominations of Black businesses from around the country to join the American Small Business Growth Program created by Silver Lining. To date, 64% of the small business participants in the American Small Business Growth Program are Black.

Partnering with BuyBlack.org, the most comprehensive directory and platform for Black owned small businesses, will ensure that significant resources from the American Small Business Growth Program continue to go to Black small business owners.

The 300 SMBs selected as winners of the #GrowYourBlackBiz campaign will receive $1.2M in comprehensive support by receiving: ● full enrollment in Silver Lining’s SLAPTM program ● a fully paid premium subscription to BuyBlack.org along with a targeted digital banner ad campaign for their company ● the chance to be profiled in a national Thank You Small Business x BuyBlack series that

citizennewspapergroup.com

Silver Lining will release daily during Black History Month to showcase the impact and successes of Black owned businesses.

Select winners will also be featured in a national billboard campaign, a special edition emag and a podcast series to showcase their incredible small business success stories that will run later in the year. “ BuyBlack.org was created to help Black small business owners create shops and deploy targeted marketing campaigns to increase their revenue. This partnership with the American Small Business Growth Program creates the perfect opportunity to further that mission for more business owners and to offer 300 Black Small Business Owners robust support to really catalyze their growth,” says David Derryck, Founder & CEO of BuyBlack.org.

“I am thrilled about this collaboration with BuyBlack.org because it gives the winning 300 business owners all of the strategic support of SLAPTM to give them the framework to set their growth goals along with the storefront and marketing support to actually reach new customers and generate revenue,” says Carissa Reiniger, Founder & CEO of Silver Lining.

For more about GrowYourBlackBiz and to submit nominations: www.buyblack.org/nominate-a-biz For more about the American Small Business Growth Program: www.smallbizsilverlining.com/asbgp

CHATHAM & SOUTH END ONLY PAGE 1

CLASSIFIED

10 | South End | Week of February 21, 2024

REAL ESTATE AC2-7-20024 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CELINK Plaintiff,-v.- JACQUELINE KENNEDY, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MARGARET A. HUNT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, AMIR MOHABBAT, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR MARGARET A. HUNT (DECEASED), CAROL LLOYD Defendants 2023 CH 03469 10123 S. LUELLA AVE CHICAGO, IL 60617 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 26, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 7, 2024, 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 10123 S. LUELLA AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60617 Property Index No. 2512-416-084-0000 The real estate is improved with a 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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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 NOT be 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 RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF 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 JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 EMail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-23-01978 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2023 CH 03469 TJSC#: 43-4070 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 # 2023 CH 03469 I3237684 ________________________________________ IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE NOTEHOLDERS OF CWABS INC., ASSET-BACKED NOTES, SERIES 2007-SEA1 Plaintiff, -v.- UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF MARY WARE AKA MARY J. WARE, DECEASED, UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND LIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF MARY WARE AKA MARY J. WARE, DECEASED, UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND LIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF MARY WARE AKA MARY J. WARE, DECEASED, CITY OF CHICAGO, BRIAN WARE, JEROME WARE, JR. AKA JEROME WARE, STATE OF ILLINOIS-DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF MARY WARE AKA MARY J. WARE, DECEASED Defendants 22 CH 04442 8218 S ESCANABA AVE CHICAGO, IL 60617 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

SOUTH END

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 1, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 6, 2024, 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 8218 S ESCANABA AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60617 Property Index No. 21-31226-018-0000; 21-31-226-019-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $312,354.14. 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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

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 NOT be 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 RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF 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 HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Plaintiff's Attorneys, 601 E. William St., DECATUR, IL, 62523 (217) 422-1719. Please refer to file number 1646959. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 601 E. William St. DECATUR IL, 62523 217-422-1719 Fax #: 217-422-1754 E-Mail: CookPleadings@hsbattys.com Attorney File No. 1646959 Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 22 CH 04442 TJSC#: 43-4053 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 # 22 CH 04442 I3237987 ________________________________________ AC2-14-2024 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE OF DWELLING SERIES IV TRUST; Plaintiff, vs. NANCY E. JACKSON AKA NANCY JACKSON; FIRST AMERICAN BANK; ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 20 CH 1232 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 2011-100-037-0000. Commonly known as 824 East 48th Street, Chicago, IL 60615. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Ms. Mary E. Spitz at Plaintiff's Attorney, Sottile & Barile, LLC, 7530 LUCERNE DRIVE, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130. (440) 572-1511. ILF2112015 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3237884 ________________________________________ IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION Hibernian Group, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company Plaintiff, v. Elite Invest, LLC Series 1118, an Illinois limited liability company; City of Chicago; Unknown Owners and NonRecord Claimants. Property Address: 7049 S. Vernon Ave. Chicago, IL 60637 Defendants. No. 2023 CH 02040 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause on December 4, 2023, Alex Tzallas, the Court Appointed Selling Officer, has listed for sale, and is seeking offers to purchase, the follow-

ing described mortgaged real estate property: Parcel Identification Number: 20-22-420-015-0000 Commonly known as: 7049 S. Vernon Ave., Chicago, IL 60637 The mortgaged real estate is a multi-family residential property. If circumstances permit, the property may be made available for inspection by contacting Alex Tzallas at (312) 3203207 or by email: alex@alextzallas.com. The court has directed that the real estate be marketed, listed, and sold with a listing broker rather than an auction. Alex Tzallas, as sales officer, is seeking offers to purchase the properties. Upon receipt of an offer that Mr. Tzallas deems fair and reasonable, pursuant to the order appointing him selling officer, Mr. Tzallas will present such offer(s) to the court for approval. Once the court approves the offer(s), Alex Tzallas, as court appointed sales officer, will enter into a contract for sale of the real estate. Contingencies, due diligence periods, closing, and other terms are negotiable. For information call Mr. Matthew L Hendricksen at Plunkett Cooney, P.C., 221 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 3500, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 670-3495 or mhendricksen@plunkettcooney.com; or Re/Max 10 Lincoln Park Alex Tzallas (312) 320-3207 2429 Clark Street Chicago, IL 60614 alex@alextzallas.com Open.29463.30657.33135632-1 March 6, 2024 I3238113 ________________________________________ IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC Plaintiff, -v.- PETER VINEGAR, LORENA R. VINEGAR, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2019 CH 05055 7919 S. KENWOOD AVE CHICAGO, IL 60619 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 22, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 11, 2024, 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 7919 S. KENWOOD AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60619 Property Index No. 20-35-203-007-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $87,731.64. 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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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 NOT be 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(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF 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 Alexander Potestivo, POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 263-0003. Please refer to file number 309896.

THE JUDICIAL SALES 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. POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago IL, 60606 312-263-0003 E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw.com Attorney File No. 309896 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 2019 CH 05055 TJSC#: 44-215 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 # 2019 CH 05055 I3238140 ________________________________________ AC 2-21-2024 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION; Plaintiff, vs. ARISTEED CANNON; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 12164 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 21-30-322-005-0000.

Commonly known as 7715 South Colfax Avenue, Chicago, IL 60649. The mortgaged real estate is

improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. THE SALE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO GENERAL TAXES, SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS AND TO A PRIOR RECORDED FIRST MORTGAGE Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925.

7020-190103 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3238296 ________________________________________ IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR CABANA SERIES V TRUST Plaintiff, -v.- WILLIAM O. DAVIS AKA WILLIAM DAVIS, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), NA Defendants 21 CH 00778 8854 S. CREGIER AVE. CHICAGO, IL 60617 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 18, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 19, 2024, 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 8854 S. CREGIER AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60617 Property Index No. 2501-113-038-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $234,523.94. 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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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 NOT be 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 RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF 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 HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Plaintiff's Attorneys, 601 E. William St., DECATUR, IL, 62523 (217) 422-1719. Please refer to file number 455764. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 601 E. William St. DECATUR IL, 62523 217-422-1719 Fax #: 217-422-1754 E-Mail: CookPleadings@hsbattys.com Attorney File No. 455764 Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 21 CH 00778 TJSC#: 43-4588 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 # 21 CH 00778 I3238657 ________________________________________

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to "An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State," as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y24011390 on January 24, 2024 Under the Assumed Business Name of RVPP SOLUTIONS with the business located at: 8146 SOUTH CORNELL AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60617. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name TOMYRO DOBBS Complete Address 8146 SOUTH CORNELL AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60617, USA ________________________________________

CHATHAM & SOUTH END ONLY PAGE 2

C

C

South End | Week of February 21, 2024

classified 11

CLASSIFIED SOUTH END

MONEY

How New Tech Can Help You Save on Your Mortgage (StatePoint) Obtaining a home loan is not the most modern or pleasant aspect of the homeownership journey. It involves reams of paper, an average 45-day waiting period to see what rate you’ll receive, and according to some industry insiders, too many middlemen collecting unnecessary fees.

With the idea that a mortgage is actually just data collection, verification and some simple math, ChatMTG, a recentlylaunched website powered by AI, is offering a 10-minute mortgage application process that cuts out the middlemen and their associated fees, yielding an average rate savings of 1.25% and reducing monthly payments by 13%. Over 10 years, this adds up to a total mortgage cost savings of $56,000 or 67%.

“If homeownership is the American dream, then mortgage applications are the nightmare,” says Adam Kalamchi, co-founder and CEO of Staircase, the company behind ChatMTG. “The interest rate borrowers are charged is not the product of a competitive market, but rather the accumulation of inefficiencies and hidden fees.”

Real people are saving time and money. One borrower using ChatMTG secured a loan for his dream home in Washington, DC in under 10 minutes and

with all major existing mortgage systems and data providers, ChatMTG can give you a rate estimate in under 1 minute. Without pulling credit and using just purchase address, purchase price, down payment, and some basic info, such as how long you plan to stay in the home, the technology calculates the cheapest mortgage option available and presents a straightforward and unbiased result.

2. Upload documents: If you decide to move forward with an application, simply upload required PDFs such as your bank statements, paystubs and W-2s.

3. Input data: ChatMTG extracts the data and asks questions to fill in any remaining gaps, just like a human loan officer would do, but instantaneously and without the risk of human error.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) fizkes / iStock via Getty Images Plus saved $90k on the new $500k condo.

Here’s the process for applying for a loan using this new technology, whether you’re one of the 6.3 million Americans eligible to refinance or among

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

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

the millions eager to become a homeowner: 1. Determine eligibility: Integrating directly

4. Submit: ChatMTG then completes the loan application document with your information. All data sent to and from ChatMTG is encrypted and is significantly safer than the traditional method of sending documents via email or fax.

To learn more or to try out the platform, visit https://ChatMTG.com.

“As it turns out, originating mortgages can be done quickly and at very low cost. Our hope is that one day, we are going to look back and wonder how we allowed ourselves to believe that something so simple was so extremely complicated,” says Kalamchi. __________________________________

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING...

CALL US AT 773-783-1251.

Understanding Your Options When You Can’t Pay Your Mortgage (StatePoint) If financial hardship has put you at risk of missing a mortgage payment, you should familiarize yourself with the relief options available to you and be prepared to act quickly.

According to Freddie Mac, your first step should be to contact your mortgage company to determine which course of action makes the most sense for your circumstances.

You may also want to brush up on the terms below to more fully understand the best path forward based on your situation: Short-Term Hardship Options If you are unable to pay your mortgage, whether due to disaster or other financial hardship, the most popular and widely available mortgage assistance is “forbearance.” This is when your mortgage company allows you to make a reduced payment or pause your payment for a specified period up to 12 months.

When this period ends, you will make up your payments in one of several ways. The fastest way is through “reinstatement,” which means

CREDIT REPAIR SERVICES Do Your Credit Need A Fresh Start?

Do You Want To Buy A Home or Car But Your Credit Score Is Preventing it?

Its Time To Improve Your Credit Score?

Call Credit Restoration Service Today!

(346) 978-2281

Mon. through Fri From

9:00a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

getting current on your mortgage by paying the owed amount in one lump sum.

Alternatively, you can set up a “repayment plan,” whereby you pay a little more each month on top of your mortgage. If you have overcome a short-term hardship but are unable to afford these options, a “payment deferral” may be a good solution. This reinstates the mortgage to “current status” by deferring missed payments into a non-interest bearing account that becomes due when you sell or refinance your home or pay off your mortgage. You will not be required to make monthly payments on the deferred balance until the payoff date.

Long-Term Hardship Options If you anticipate long-term financial struggles, you may wish to speak to your loan servicer about a “loan modification.” This written agreement will permanently change one or more terms of your original loan agreement to make it more affordable and sustainable.

If homeownership is no longer affordable for you, there are strategies to help you avoid the costly impacts of foreclosure.

One of those is “selling with equity.” With this option, you can use the proceeds from selling your home to pay off any remaining mortgage debt. If the home’s value is greater than the amount you owe, you keep the excess funds.

Alternatively, you can voluntarily transfer your property title to the mortgage company in exchange for a cancellation of your debt and a graceful exit from your home. This maneuver is known as a “deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.”

Finally, if you’ve exhausted all other options, a “short sale” may be your best choice. This refers to selling your home for a lower amount than you owe. It also forfeits your negotiating power on the property’s sales price. With a short sale, you will not see proceeds from the sale and you must wait a certain period of time, which may be anywhere from 2 to 4 years, before qualifying for a new mortgage.

Getting Help Housing counselors are much more than a goto resource for homebuyers. They’re also able to help current homeowners manage debt, rebuild credit and work with their loan servicers to avoid foreclosure.

If you’re facing financial hardship, reach out to a HUD-certified housing counselor at one of Freddie Mac’s Borrower Help Centers or Borrower Help Network for free assistance. HUD-certified counselors are trained, independent professionals who will listen, offer advice and help you make informed decisions about your finances and home. Visit myhome.freddiemac.com to learn more. If you’re seeking counseling services on your own, do your homework. Unfortunately, there are fraudsters who prey on distressed homeowners. Any company or individual offering to help you for a fee is a red flag.

Homeownership can be complicated, particularly when you’re facing financial hardship. But expert help, available at little or no cost, can help you navigate rough financial waters.

12 | South End | Week of February 21, 2024

MAKE SURE CUTIE PIE IS IN THE RIGHT SEAT. NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat

SOUTH END