South End Citizen 4-24-2019 by CITIZEN NEWSPAPERS

Survey: 61% of First-Time Homebuyers Struggling to Find Affordable Homes — PAGE 2

Citizen Week of April 24, 2019

| Vol. 52 | No. 11 | www.thechicagocitizen.com

SOUTH END

Founder of Violence Interrupters, Tio Hardiman, recently hosted a press conference to discuss the ways he has been working to reduce violence in Chicago and to share his thoughts on the Chicago Police Department’s Criminal Enterprise Database, also known as the Gang Database. Photo Credit: Violence Interrupters

CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT NOW ACCEPTING PUBLIC COMMENT ON GANG DATABASE POLICY DRAFT

BUSINESS

FASHION

Gov. Pritzker and Business Leaders Release Economic Development Report to Build Workforce

Metro areas’ population losses symptomatic of statewide trend

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Look shows big-number loss in Cook County

Sarahi Jeans Announces The Market At Macy’s As New Retailer For April 2019 PAGE 6

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2 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of April 24, 2019

NEWS briefly EDUCATION

SIMS: VOTING SHOULD BE ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE, INCLUDING STUDENTS A plan to give students time off from school to vote passed out of the Senate recently. State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) spearheaded the effort to encourage youth voting after students at one of his local schools were not allowed to participate in a “March to the Polls” event during school hours. “This effort is intended to help and encourage our young people to understand the importance of voting early on. We should make voting easy and accessible for everyone all across Illinois, including our students,” Sims said. “This is not a new concept; state workers get time off to vote, and it makes sense to provide our students with the same opportunity.” Senate Bill 1970 amends the Election Code to allow students who are 18 or older to leave school for up to two hours to vote in a primary, general or any other election in the state that requires a popular vote. The school can decide which hours students can be absent to vote. SB 1970 passed out of the Senate. It is now headed to the House for consideration.

HEALTH

NEW RESEARCH IN JNCCN TOUTS ICE CHIPS AS A SIMPLE, INEXPENSIVE WAY TO REDUCE A COMMON CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECT A new study in the April 2019 issue of JNCCN— Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network from the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania found that cancer patients who kept ice chips in their mouths (termed ‘oral cryotherapy’ by the authors) during oxaliplatin chemotherapy infusions reported less trouble with eating and drinking cold things, less trouble eating and drinking overall, fewer negative effects on quality-of-life due to oral symptoms, and a shorter duration for oral symptoms. “Patients being treated with chemotherapy often have reduced appetites and may have trouble finding foods or beverages that appeal to them. Not being able to tolerate anything cold can further limit their ability to eat and drink, which certainly lowers quality-of-life. Our findings suggest that it might make sense to educate patients about this strategy during standard chemotherapy teaching,” said Kim Reiss (Kim Reiss Binder), MD, Abramson Cancer Center.

LAW & POLITICS

ONE YEAR AFTER TRUMP ADMINISTRATION DEPORTED ILLINOIS VETERAN, DUCKWORTH RE-INTRODUCES COMPREHENSIVE BILL PACKAGE TO PROTECT VETERANS AND SERVICEMEMBERS FROM UNFAIR TREATMENT One year after the deportation of Afghanistan War Veteran Miguel Perez, Jr., combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) recently re-introduced several bills to protect and support Veterans and service-members—men and women who have proven they are willing lay down their lives defending America. Duckworth’s proposals—the Veterans Visa and Protection Act, HOPE Act and I-VETS Act— are co-sponsored by several of her House and Senate colleagues and would prohibit the deportation of Veterans who are not violent offenders, give legal permanent residents a path to citizenship through military service and strengthen VA healthcare services for Veterans.

Chicago Police Department Now Accepting Public Comment On Gang Database Policy Draft Continued from page 1 BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

The Chicago Police Department (CPD) recently opened up a portal on their website for Chicagoans to give feedback on the Criminal Enterprise Database, also known as the Gang Database. This public comment period will close on May 11 and at that time, the CPD will consider the public comments before finalizing and implementing the updated policy. CPD describes the Criminal Enterprise Database as “an intelligence tool that CPD members will use to input and access information about criminal street gangs. This intelligence system will include updated and vetted information about current criminal street gang membership and affiliation.” In addition to the full policy draft, CPD has also posted a document on their website that includes frequently asked questions regarding the Criminal Enterprise Database and explains how information is added, who can access the information, how the information is used by law enforcement, how to find out if you or your child are in the data-

base, and how to petition to have yourself or your child removed from the database. The Frequently Asked Questions document states that “CPD members can only use information in the system while performing their official law enforcement duties, and following required training. CPD personnel will utilize the Criminal Enterprise Database to aid in overall gang crime reduction and suppression.” One long-time Chicago activist, Tio Hardiman, recently held a press conference along with other community organizers and residents to provide his own assessment of CPD’s Criminal Enterprise Database which Hardiman claims is flawed. Following the press conference, Hardiman led a Restorative Justice Peace Circle with dozens of young adults. Hardiman is the founder of Violence Interrupters which is a nonprofit organization that focuses on high-level gang mediation and preventing retaliation violence in Chicago. “The main goal of Violence Interrupters is to change mindsets and behaviors associated with violence, to mediate conflicts in select communities throughout Chicago,

and to bring young men and women to the table of peace,” said Hardiman. The organization works with people that are at the greatest risk of being victims or perpetrators of violent crime and helps them learn how to resolve conflict through communication rather than violence. “The Violence Interrupters have already mediated about 24 conflicts this year that could have turned deadly. But we brought young men to the table before they fired their guns and I’m grateful. I’m happy to announce that about 24 lives were saved based on our intervention,” said Hardiman. During the press conference, Hardiman spoke about his success with decreasing violent crime in Chicago through the work of Violence Interrupters and said that he believes “the Gang Database should be completed abolished.” The Chicago Police Department did not return requests for comment by press time but citizens can learn more about the Criminal Enterprise Database, review the current policy draft, and give feedback at www.chicagopolice.org.

Survey: 61% of First-Time Homebuyers Struggling to Find Affordable Homes The biggest stressor for many of today’s first-time homebuyers is home affordability, according to a new survey by LendingTree®. LendingTree asked Americans who plan to purchase a home within the next two years a wide-ranging series of questions about their priorities, thoughts about the market and financial profile. In addition to finding homeownership is a top priority among millennials, the survey also indicates significant education is needed about the mortgage closing process among first-time buyers. Key findings l A shortage of affordable homes for sale are an issue for nearly two-thirds of first-time buyers. Most are looking for a home priced at $150,000 or less, and nearly 85 percent would consider purchasing a fixer-upper to cut costs. l First-time homebuyers underestimate how long the mortgage closing process takes. Nearly half think they’ll get to the closing table in 15 to 30 days, far less than the average closing time of 43 days. l More than one in four first-time homebuyers have poor credit. Just 15 percent of first-

A shortage of affordable homes for sale are an issue for nearly two-thirds of first-time buyers, according to a new survey by LendingTree®

time buyers have a score of 740 or higher, and nearly two in five aren’t satisfied with their credit score. By contrast, more than 70 percent of repeat buyers are happy with their credit score. l Low income and lack of savings are the top two barriers to homeownership, and finding a home within budget is the most stressful part of buying a home for almost half of first-time shoppers. l Mortgage before marriage: nearly 25 percent of millennial

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buyers want to own a home before heading down the aisle, and 43 percent of first-time buyers across all age groups are single. “Although the homeownership rate is lower among millennials than earlier generations at the same age, our research demonstrates purchasing a home is still a significant milestone for many. However, strengthening your financial profile is crucial for those thinking of buying a home,” said Tendayi Kapfidze, chief

economist at LendingTree. “Firsttime buyers should prioritize strengthening their credit score and shopping around for the best mortgage rate. There are many programs available for those with lower scores, but buyers will save more money if they can raise their score, especially considering the potential difference in monthly mortgage payments over time.” To view the full report, visit https://www.lendingtree.com/ home/mortgage/millennial-homebuyers-marriage/.

CITIZEN | South End | Week of April 24, 2019

NEWS

McDonald’s gospel tour includes Chicago singer BY WENDELL HUTSON Contributing Writer

This week, the 13th Annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour by McDonald’s kicks off its national tour in Chicago and includes South Side native Sir the Baptist. The free concert starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the House of Hope, 752 E. 114th St. Admission is free but tickets must be obtained online at eventbrite.com/e/2019-mcdonalds-gospel-tour-chicago-tickets-58726697132. This year, William Stokes, 31, whose stage name is Sir the Baptist, is among the performers, who include Kierra Sheard, Tye Tribbett, Keke Wyatt, DJ Standout, and Chicago native Donald Lawrence. Stokes, who was born and raised in Bronzeville and currently lives there with his wife and two children, said he is excited about the tour and performing before a hometown crowd. “Anytime I can perform in Chicago it is a real treat for me. It’s always good to be home with family and friends,” said Sir the Baptist, who is one of 22 children. He previously performed at the 2016 Lollapalooza music festival and later that year opened up for Grammy-award singer Beyonce in New York. Not bad for a guy who once slept in his car and was a driver for Lyft. “I still have my Lyft account active. I enjoyed driving for them because it allowed me to meet

The 13th Annual Inspiration Gospel Tour by McDonald’s will feature Chicago native Sir the Baptist and Donald Lawrence along with Kierra Sheard, Tye Tribbett, Keke Wyatt and DJ Standout. Photo credit: Courtesy of Flowers Communications

so many interesting people. I’m now friends with the CEO of Lyft,” added Sir the Baptist. “At some point, I would like to drive Lyft again. And yes, I once went through hard times and had to sleep in my car to make ends meet.” But prior to driving for Lyft and withdrawing from Columbia College Chicago after attending for one day, the Leo Catholic High School alumnus worked at Chicago-based advertising giant

Leo Burnett as a digital marketing director. “I learned a lot while working there and experience there helped me organize my career early on,” he said. Fellow singer Sheard added that the tour, which ends Dec. 13 in Houston, is a first for her and she has been looking forward to it all year. “It’s a privilege to be a part of a tour that I and so many people I know have admired over the

years,” she said. “McDonald’s is doing something amazing through this community-based gospel tour. I’m so excited to be involved.” Besides Chicago and Texas, tour stops include Atlanta; Washington, D.C.; Florida; and Michigan. The event is an extension of the brand’s Black & Positively Golden campaign, an initiative designed to uplift communities and inspire excellence. McDonald’s officials said it highlights all things positive and focuses on stories of truth, power and pride, while celebrating black excellence through education, empowerment and entrepreneurship. The Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana are hosting the April 27 concert. “The BMOA is so excited to welcome back the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration to Chicago. Inspiration Celebration is one of our favorite events to host because not only does it feature some incredible gospel artists, it’s also free for the entire community to come and enjoy,” said Derrick Taylor, president of the Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. “We as McDonald’s owners are so blessed by the communities we serve, so we love any opportunity that we can give back and bring some joy to our customers. We’re also proud to support an event that benefits our local Ronald McDonald House Charity that helps hundreds of local families manage tough times.”

Applications Now Open for Chicago High School Teens Seeking Opportunities with After School Matters® After School Matters® is now accepting teen applications for its summer 2019 program session, which will begin the week of June 24. More than 700 programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports and STEM will be offered at various Chicago public high schools, as well as Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library and community organization locations throughout the city. Programs will also continue to be offered downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and at The Michael and Karyn Lutz Center for After School Matters in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood. Teens can search and apply for summer programs online at afterschoolmatters.org. Application features include an interactive map to help teens search for programs and a full Spanish translation on a mobile-friendly platform. After School Matters programs offer teens an opportunity to expand their subject-matter specific skills, while also developing critical thinking skills in collaboration, problem-solving, social awareness and more. Multiple independent studies and data have confirmed that teens who participate in After School Matters programs have higher Freshmen On-Track rates, improved

school-day attendance and higher high school graduation rates than their peers. In total, approximately 13,000 paid apprenticeship and internship opportunities will be available to Chicago high school teens this summer through After School Matters. Participating teen apprentices will be eligible to earn a stipend of up to $420 depending on the program level; interns can earn up to $10.50 per hour. “After School Matters is providing approximately 13,000 teen opportunities in a single program session this summer,” said CEO Mary Ellen Caron. “While this is a huge accomplishment, we have to continue to grow our opportunities and resources so that every single Chicago teen has the opportunity to participate in one of our programs and find their passion in life.” A few of the exciting programs offered throughout the city this summer include: West African Drum and Dance - Music Location: Lindblom Academy/ Englewood Teens learn traditional drumming techniques as well as the cultural context and significance of this music. Teens will engage in the creative

process, as well as what a professional artist must go through to produce their own work, network, and earn a living. Emphasis is given to working as part of a group and planning the final performance. Can I Kick it? Soccer - Sports Instruction Location: Chicago Academy High School/Near North Side Teens will develop fundamental soccer skills and practice drills before learning advanced soccer techniques. Teens will learn to facilitate successful workshops for elementary aged youth. Astronomy - Natural Science Location: Gallery 37/Downtown Teens will learn to navigate the skies and identify celestial bodies. They will spend their summer using telescopes, electronic star charts and other scientific instruments. Teens will be ready to assist in public observation sessions and guide others in their exploration of the sky. Yoga - Fitness Location: Gallery 37/Downtown The Yoga program guides teens through the steps for beginner yoga poses and meditation, with an emphasis www.thechicagocitizen.com

on concentrated deep breathing. This program provides a foundational understanding of a career as a Yoga instructor by including regular assignments and instruction in creating routines that balance the postures. Teens learn how to calm the mind and release stress. Future Barbers - Arts Location: Parkway Gardens Christian Church/ Woodlawn Future Barbers works to expose teens to the fundamentals of the art of barbering. Through workshops, field trips and hands on experiences with barber equipment, teens will learn the history and culture of barbering, hygienic and safe practices, how to use tools and equipment, basic cutting techniques and professional conduct in a barbershop. Audio Journalism - Audio/Video Technology Location: Lutz Family Center/Belmont Cragin Teens in this program teens will explore the impact of societal issues and create an audio project. They will conduct interviews, edit sound and design a blog/podcast to document their project throughout the process.

Martial Arts and Fitness - Health and Wellness Location: Chicago Mixed Martial Arts/ Near North Side In this program teens gain an introduction to the arts of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other Martial Arts in a fun and safe environment. Each lesson incorporates valuable lessons in teamwork, leadership, and excellence. Drive Our Future - STEM Location: Simeon Academy/Chatham Teens in this program are introduced to basic auto body repair skills. Safety rules are taught, explained, and emphasized throughout the class. Teens can search and apply for Summer 2019 programs at afterschoolmatters.org. All After School Matters programs are free and open to Chicago teen high school students who are at least 14 years of age (16 years of age for internships). As part of the application process, teens interview with program instructors to discuss their interests. Teens are encouraged to apply early, as program opportunities fill up quickly. For questions about programs and applications, call 312-742-4182 or email applications@afterschoolmatters.org.

4 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of April 24, 2019

BUSINESS

Gov. Pritzker and Business Leaders Release Economic Development Report to Build Workforce CHICAGO – Building on one of his earliest commitments in office, Governor Pritzker recently released a report detailing ideas to improve employment opportunities for Illinois residents, especially those in underserved communities. The governor took immediate action to advance one of the key recommendations with a statewide apprenticeship model that builds on a successful partnership in Chicago, the expanding Chicago Apprentice Network between City Colleges of Chicago, Aon and a growing list of other businesses. Joined by apprentices, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Acting Director Erin Guthrie of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Aon CEO Greg Case and other leaders from the Chicago business community, the governor announced his administration will work with local businesses to create more apprenticeship programs for Illinoisans statewide. The agenda was developed in response to the governor’s third executive order, and it focuses on uniting workforce development

partners regionally, preparing Illinois workers for careers and connecting job seekers with employers. The report’s recommendations draw on evidence-based practices, promising innovations, and collaborative input from leaders across the state, with the goal of ensuring that businesses, individuals, and communities across the state have the opportunity to prosper and contribute to the state’s economic growth. “Illinois workers are dedicated, educated and skilled – and they’re the reason businesses around the world are proud to operate here,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “I’m deeply committed to ensuring that Illinoisans around the state – especially those in disadvantaged communities – can get good jobs in their communities, and to build on what works. Illinois’ future depends on a well-trained workforce.” Expanding the reach of available apprenticeship programs is one of several key recommendations. As one of his first steps to address the report’s recommendations, Governor Pritzker announced an apprenticeship partnership between the St. Clair

County Workforce Development Group, East St. Louis Community College Center, and Lewis and Clark Community College with Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation (SIHF) to develop Incumbent Worker Medical Assistant Apprentices. SIHF is a provider of affordable, accessible and integrated healthcare serving over 1,100 patients on a daily basis and providing services to low-income and most in need individuals. Apprentices receiving the Medial Assistant Certification through the apprenticeship program will be encouraged and supported to receive further education and credentials for nursing or other related occupations, such as an Associate Degree that could pave the way for the worker to eventually pursue a Bachelors of Nursing. “I want Illinois to be the gold standard when it comes to talent and workforce development. With the creation and continued expansion of apprenticeship programs like the one being offered by the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation, we will be on track to achieve that goal,” said Erin Guthrie, acting director of the

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economic and community development, higher education, industry, and employer partners in Southwestern Illinois,” said Larry McCulley, president and chief executive officer of SIHF. “We strongly support this project’s focus on expanding apprenticeship opportunities to deliver a pipeline of skilled workers in advanced manufacturing and healthcare to fill the jobs of today, while preparing the workforce of tomorrow.” “East St. Louis Higher Education Center – Lewis and Clark Community College provides the setting to bring together a respected employer, Southern Illinois Health Foundation, a high-demand, high quality Medical Assisting program and an ambitious Workforce Development Group, St. Clair County IGD to deliver an apprenticeship program that helps to meet a labor market gap and to provide opportunities for upward mobility for area residents,” said Dr. Linda T. Chapman, vice president of Academic Affairs at Lewis and Clark Community College. “It is a rewarding program for all of us who are involved in the program.” “McDonald’s and its independent franchisees separately employ over 50,000 people in Illinois, and we are committed to helping people who come to work in our restaurants build the skills they need to be successful,” said Rob Lauber, global chief learning officer at McDonald’s. “McDonald’s has developed multiple programs including upfront tuition assistance, high school completion courses, career advising services and our Chicago Apprenticeship Program – which pays for time spent in class while working towards an accelerated restaurant management role – to propel young adults with the desire to achieve big things.”

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Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. In 2017, City Colleges of Chicago, in partnership with Aon, Accenture and Zurich launched the Chicago Apprentice Network, which serves as the model for the recently announced partnership. The Network works with City Colleges of Chicago to connect students in apprenticeship programs with Chicago-area employers. There are currently over 420 apprentices in the programs across the city with a goal of creating 1,000 apprentice positions by 2020. “Building on their successful past, apprenticeships are the wave of the future in all industries. They create opportunity for students who are seeking a career and for companies looking for talent,” said Greg Case, chief executive officer of Aon. “We look forward to bringing the Chicago Apprentice Network to cities across the country as a model of excellence.” With the recent announcement, Governor Pritzker re-emphasized his commitment to creating new pathways to employment for historically underserved groups. The partnership offers the opportunity for young people to develop critical skills in the workplace while maintaining a salary and sets them on the road to future success. “City Colleges of Chicago’s apprenticeship program is providing opportunities for hundreds of talented Chicagoans to pursue careers that meet employers’ needs,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “We look forward to seeing this proven, Chicago-built apprenticeship model expand across the state to give more Illinoisans access to in-demand careers.” “SIHF Healthcare enthusiastically supports this innovative apprenticeship model proposed by a dedicated coalition of workforce,

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PCF Insurance Services has completed the acquisition of Hipskind Seyfarth Risk Solutions, LLC, located in downtown Chicago, and Broadfield Group, LLC d/b/a Warwick Resource Group, located in the New York metro-area. Peter Foy, chief executive officer of PCF, said, “We are delighted to add the professionals at Hipskind Seyfarth and Broadfield into the PCF family. Not only has the partnership with these agencies brought us years of industry knowledge, experience and leadership, it has also provided us the opportunity to expand into new geographies with offices now in the Midwest and Northeast.” The management teams at Hipskind Seyfarth and Broadfield were attracted to the growth potential as a partner with PCF utilizing the Company’s broader platform of carrier appointments, industry expertise and technology capabilities. In February 2017, PCF partnered with BHMS Investments, LP to accelerate the Company’s growth through a series of retail agency acquisitions. BHMS is a private investment firm located in New York with a track record of success in aggregation strategies, including insurance brokerage. www.thechicagocitizen.com

CITIZEN | South End | Week of April 24, 2019

NEWS

Metro areas’ population losses symptomatic of statewide trend Detailed look shows big-number loss in Cook County, high-percentage drop in Danville BY GRANT MORGAN Capitol News Illinois gmorgan@capitolnewsillinois.com

SPRINGFIELD – Census numbers released Thursday show that for the first time in seven years, every major metropolitan area in the state saw population decline between July 2017 and July 2018. The numbers give a county and metro-area look at population changes, and provide more detail on the statewide numbers the Census Bureau released for the same time period last December, which showed Illinois lost about 45,000 that year. To Bryce Hill, research analyst at the conservative think tank Illinois Policy Institute, the detailed numbers released Thursday are no shock. “This is something that was expected,” Hill said. “But it is concerning that all of the state’s metro areas are losing population.” According to Hill’s analysis, most of the population loss is due to outmigration – more people leaving the state than arriving. The Chicago metro area, which extends beyond Cook County into the collar counties and parts of southeastern Wisconsin and northeastern Indiana, had the greatest raw number decline of more than 22,000 people. In Cook County alone, more than 24,000 people left. Hill said the reason Cook County had a greater loss than the surrounding metro area is because of a continuing, longtime trend of people moving from the city to the nearby suburbs. While the population drop of 970 people in the Danville metro area was smaller by comparison, it was the fourth worst decline of any metro area in the country at 1.25 percent. In all, only 16 of Illinois’ 102 counties saw population

increases. A few of them, like Grundy (359), Monroe (176), and Jasper (71), are downstate, which Hill attributed to the natural result of births still outpacing deaths in those areas, rather than people moving there. In most other places, Hill said, the gap between births and deaths is closing, and migration into Illinois is not enough to make up for the people leaving. “As the population ages,” Hill said, “outmigration is going to become a bigger and bigger issue.” While the Policy Institute cited the recent numbers as signs of Illinois’ poor labor market, high tax burden and reckless spending, others say the reasons for population shifts are more complicated. “The problem of fixing outmigration is different depending on where you are,” said Kent Redfield, a political science professor at the University of Illinois Springfield. “If we mechanize farming and lose manufacturing downstate, that’s a different issue than dealing with gentrification in northeastern Illinois, for example.” While admitting the trend is concerning, Redfield added that no single solution will fix the population problem. “To say that if we adopted Florida’s tax structure, both downstate and metro areas would suddenly turn around – it’s much more complicated than that,” he said. Population changes in the state will also affect the outcome of the 2020 census count, on which rides billions of dollars in federal funding and the number of congressional seats for Illinois. Redfield said, based on current census estimations, at least one congressional seat will be lost, and it will likely come out of southern Illinois.

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Illinois unemployment grows to 4.4 percent in March State reports 2,300 fewer jobs over the month BY PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

SPRINGFIELD – The unemployment rate in Illinois climbed onetenth of a point to 4.4 percent in March as the state recorded a net loss of 2,300 jobs, the Illinois Department of Employment Security said Thursday. According to preliminary, seasonally-adjusted numbers, the biggest job losses occurred in the professional and business services sector, which lost 4,200 jobs, transportation and utilities, which shed 3,000 jobs, and the construction industry, where employment was down by 1,600 jobs. Those losses were partially offset by job gains in manufacturing, financial activities, leisure and hospitality, and other services. Meanwhile, the number of people counted as unemployed in March grew 1.1 percent from February, to 284,400. That was 1.3 percent higher than in March 2018. Nationally, the U.S. economy added 196,000 jobs in March, while the nation’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.8 percent. Despite the overall loss of jobs in Illinois, IDES said the state still saw a net gain in employment for the thee-month period from January through March. And the total job count for Illinois in March was up by 47,400 compared to a year ago. “This administration has begun the hard work of restoring fiscal sanity to our state so that we can build a thriving economy for all Illinoisans,” Deputy Gov. Dan Hynes said about the numbers in a news release. Erin Guthrie, acting director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration is working to turn the state’s job market around. “Governor Pritzker has made training and preparing the workforce for the jobs of tomorrow a priority, and I am excited to work with him on achieving that goal,” she said in a statement.

6 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of April 24, 2019

FASHION

Sarahi Jeans...now The Market @ Macys

SARAHI JEANS ANNOUNCES THE MARKET AT MACY’S AS NEW RETAILER FOR APRIL 2019 Sarahi Jeans recently announced The Market @ Macy’s, a oneof-a-kind pop-up marketplace featuring a variety of both up-andcoming and established brands as a new retailer for April 2019. Located right inside select, high traffic Macy’s stores, each brand will be featured for a confined time only. The Sarahi Jeans retail experience went live April 7, 2019, at Alderwood (Seattle), Northshore (Boston), Twelve Oaks (Detroit), Lenox Square (Atlanta) and Century City (Los Angeles). On May 5, Hillsdale (San Francisco) will be added with Ft. Lauderdale Galleria (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) to follow on June 2. Founded in 2009 by Suzette A. Kelly, Sarahi Jeans embodies all shapes, sizes, and silhouettes of the female figure. “My

passion for designing denim stems from years of buying jeans that never fit correctly. It was a daily struggle just to pull them on to wear out of the house. Jeans are meant to hug a woman in all the right places and too many brands cater to a specific body type. It’s no secret our bodies aren’t created equal. That’s what made me want to find #ThePerfectFit,” said Kelly. Sarahi Jeans offers two signature, patented cuts. Italian made, the Signature Collection retails $180-$220 and is shaped with a “V” on the front rise. After rave reviews and popular purchasing, many women requested Sarahi create a more affordable version of this form-fitting favorite. The Market @ Macy’s will feature this Signature Collection spin-off for the cost-savvy fashionista.

Often referred to as “the perfect fit” by industry insiders, the Curves Collection retails $59-$100 and is shaped with a “C” opening on the front rise. Both the Signature Collection and Curves Collection are available in sizes 0-24. Wearers appreciate Sarahi’s signature patented high-back rise that is sculpted, yet still sexy in design and eliminates buttock cleavage, according to a press release. Online only, Sarahi allows customers to customize lengths whether petite, regular, medium or tall for an additional fee. Sarahi’s mission is to create affordable, yet comfortable AND flattering denim that can be every girl’s “go to” for day to night looks. For more information, visit SarahiJeans.com.

AXE® Promotes Self-Care and Self-Confidence with ‘Bathsculinity’ — the Modern Man’s Take on Masculinity Far too often, guys are constrained by old-fashioned male stereotypes, like men should always be tough and never cry. AXE believes that guys deserve to live without these external pressures and be able to express all their unique traits, quirks and features. As a grooming brand, AXE wants to inspire young guys to be whoever they want to be – and have fun doing it – by showing that there is no one way to be a man. That’s why AXE is introducing a new word and concept to the world – Bathsculinity. That’s right. Bathsculinity is an attitude for the modern man who is confident in himself and can be defined as: Bathsculinity, noun: Qualities or

attributes regarded as characteristic of young men who take pride in their appearance and feel confident in expressing their most attractive selves, inside and outside of the bathroom. To help spread the word, AXE has teamed up with actor and comedian Lil Rel Howery to encourage guys to embrace their own brand of Bathsculinity through its latest series of spots, available on YouTube. AXE has also enlisted additional partners to challenge guys to explore their own self-care and share their ‘bathsculine’ moments on social media with #AXE and #Bathsculinity. “Growing up, I definitely felt the constraints and effects of society’s expectations of men,” Howery said.

“That negativity is actually one of the reasons I turned to comedy in the first place, and why I’m so excited to be partnering with AXE to help guys move away from traditional masculinity and explore their bathsculinity.” Bathsculinity is an extension of the work AXE has done over the past few years with the message that “there’s no one way to be a man”. This started with the publication of The Man Box research in 2017 which revealed that 72% of men have been told that real men should behave a certain way*. This month, AXE and Promundo built upon The Man Box study to identify the economic impact of harmful masculine stereotypes through the new The Cost of the www.thechicagocitizen.com

Man Box research, which found that dated stereotypes of what it means to be a man, and the behaviors they lead to, are costing the US economy at least $15.7 billion annually. These costs were calculated based upon six key behaviors and public data, estimating how these costs would be reduced if the Man Box was not a factor. To address the negative effects of the Man Box, AXE created the AXE Senior Orientation program to go directly into schools and work with teens to help break outdated stereotypes of manhood. This year, they are evolving the program into an in-school curriculum, developed in partnership with education specialists, Cairn Guidance, that

will address gender roles, sexuality, self-expression, and more, in middle school health classes this fall. “AXE continues to break the barriers of masculine stereotypes each year by partnering with great organizations and individuals who support this mission,” said Dawn Hedgepeth, general manager and vice president of Unilever Deodorants, Men’s Grooming and Hand and Body Lotion. “It is our hope that the Bathsculinity mindset will encourage guys everywhere to embrace self-care and self-confidence in every aspect of life.” To learn more about Bathsculinity, follow @AXE on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

CITIZEN | South End | Week of April 24, 2019

COMMENTARY

Clinical Researchers Give Medicine a Necessary Shot in the Arm BY KURT AMSLER

Researchers at the University of Maryland recently announced a potential breakthrough in “neuropathic” pain -- pain that results from malfunctioning or damaged nerves. Neuropathic pain afflicts 100 million Americans and costs the nation over half a trillion dollars every year. Though the condition isn’t caused by physical trauma, it can create a phantom sensation ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating agony. The Maryland researchers developed a new technique that uses ultrasound waves to neutralize pain. That research team has a distinctive feature: It’s composed of physician-scientists. These specialized healthcare providers treat patients while conducting research to develop new medicines and procedures. Unfortunately, the physicianscientist is an endangered species. Our country is suffering a severe and growing shortage. If we don’t reverse this trend, patients could lose out on life-saving treatments. Physician-scientists’ formal training includes both a medical degree and a Ph.D. in the biological and/or physical sciences. Unlike typical researchers, physician-scientists have an intimate perspective of the patient experience. They bring those insights into the laboratory, where they guide research and the discovery process. Shortly after the University of Maryland team announced its breakthrough, a physicianscientist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles discovered a blood protein linked to a common type of heart failure. Other research teams failed to find such a clear biomarker. This finding will likely be used to create a simple blood test to determine patients’ risk of developing a catastrophic heart condition. And In June, a group of physician-scientists at Oregon Health & Science University published research on a compound that could stop cancer cells from spreading throughout the body. Such monumental discoveries are the specialty of the physicianscientist and the benefit of blending practical medicine with academic research. Physician-scientists also help patients make informed decisions.

They’re well-equipped to see through pharmaceutical and medical device marketing that saturates the health care industry. Consider the story of Dr. Jalees Rehman, a physician-scientist at the University of Illinois. Dr. Rehman recalled a patient asking him about a heart procedure offered by a private clinic in Thailand. Thai doctors would treat the patient’s advanced heart disease with a bone marrow injection. The stem cells in the marrow would, supposedly, heal damaged valves, chambers, and nerves. Dr. Rehman knew the procedure was bogus: bone marrow contains few stems cells and the injection process presented enormous health risks. He successfully deterred the patient from undergoing the procedure. It’s increasingly difficult for patients to receive informed advice. Between 2003 and 2012, the population of physicianscientists shrunk by nearly 6 percent. Today, physicianscientists represent just one out of every 100 doctors. It’s imperative to grow a new crop of physician-scientists. If we don’t, medical innovation could stagnate. More federal funding for young physician-scientists would help tremendously. Currently, most funding goes to physicianscientists who are already well established in their respective fields. From 2012 to 2017, nearly six in 10 NIH pediatric research grants went to seniorlevel physician-scientists. When young physician-scientists can’t secure grants, they often decide to abandon their research and practice medicine full-time. Institutions of higher education also have a role to play. Schools that only offer traditional medical degrees could create physicianscientist programs to attract young people to the profession. My school -- the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine -- recently launched a seven-year D.O./Ph.D. program. Physician-scientists bridge the gap between scientific theory and practical medicine. We need to boost their ranks. Kurt Amsler, Ph.D., is a professor of biomedical sciences at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.

NEWS Major Changes Headed To A Product Label Near You NAPSI - If you’re like 90 percent of shoppers, you consult the Nutrition Facts panel on food packages before you buy. To make it easier to make informed food choices, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has developed a new Nutrition Facts label. Here are the seven major new features: 1. Increased print size for “Calories.” Calorie counts will be easier to see. 2. Inclusion of “Added Sugars.” The FDA currently defines added sugars as “sugars that are either added during the processing of foods, or are packaged as such, and include sugars (free, mono- and disaccharides), sugars from syrups and honey, and sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices that are in excess of what would be expected from the same volume of 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice of the same type.” Sugar alcohols, or polyols, provide sweetness but aren’t counted as “added sugars” because they’re not sugar. These low-digestible carbohydrates can replace sugar as a lower-calorie alternative. Common polyols include erythritol, maltitol, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, isomalt and hydrogenated starch hydrolysates. 3. Changing “Sugars” to “Total Sugars.” Sugar can be present in healthy foods. This change can help consumers understand the amount of sugar the product contains from any source. 4. Removal of “Calories from Total Fat.” Research shows the type of fat (for example, polyunsaturated) is more important than the total calories from fat. Labels still include “Total Fat,” “Saturated Fat” and “Trans Fat.” 5. Increased print size for “Serving Size” and “Servings per Package/Container.” Portion control remains a problem for many. Increased visibility of recommended serving sizes can help people

New food labels are easier to understand and may promote healthy eating.

make better, more accurate decisions. 6. The amounts of vitamin D and potassium are now required, instead of vitamins A and C. Based on research from the Institute of Medicine, the new labels will include this information to increase visibility of vitamin D and potassium requirements. Though voluntary, similar information for vitamins A and C may still be included. 7. Revision of “Percent Daily Value” Footnote. The new language will specifically state: “The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.” Experts at the Calorie Control Council, a nonprofit association that seeks to provide objective, science-based communications about lowcalorie foods and beverages, suggest that this revision may help clarify the meaning of “Daily Value”.

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8 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of April 24, 2019

CITIZEN | South End | Week of April 24, 2019

10 | CITIZEN | South End | Week of April 24, 2019

CITIZEN | South End | Week of April 24, 2019

CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

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Public Notice and Proclamation Date: April 17th, 2019 To All General Public, to All Elected United States Republic Officials and Public Servants of Federal, State, City, and Municipal Governments, Personnel and Corporate Entities: Concerning the Constitution and all Statutory and Civil Law Codes of the Land, etc., Know All Men by These Presents: Notice is hereby given as I Arro Abdul Jamel of the family Bey am the competent Lawful Heir to the Estate and Owner of ARRO ABDUL JAMEL BEY and Lawful competent Heir to the Estate and Owner of GEORGE ABDUL JAMEL GILBERT, furthermore known as Estate’s. Notice is hereby given as I Arro Abdul Jamel of the family Bey am the competent Lawful Executor to the Trust and Owner of NIARA NIKKO GILBERT. Notice is hereby given to all persons indebted to said Estate’s and Trust to make immediate payment and those Persons having claim, objection or interest over and against the same to present them properly authenticated for settlement within 21 days. Persons failing to state a claim, objection or interest over this matter within 21 days, then it stands for the record that thereafter NO claims shall be entertained. Where there are no objections this matter shall stand as Truth. Whereas, I State, Proclaim, Claim and Declare the following to be true, correct, certain, complete, not misleading, supreme, and not intended to be presented for any misrepresented, ‘colored’ or improper use or purpose, to wit: Address all matters to: Arro Abdul Jamel; Bey c/o 8708 South Bennett Avenue #174 Chicago Territory, Illinois Republic [60617-9999 __________________________________

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relations to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certificatio was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y19001058 on the 9th day of April 2019. Under the Assumed Business Name of KB TAX SERVICE with the business location at: 8931 S. RICHMOND, EVERGREEN PARK, ILLINOIS 60805. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s) /partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name KARLA BURNETT Complete Address 8931 S. RICHMOND, EVERGREEN PARK, ILLINOIS 60805, USA. __________________________________

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Editorial

Send news tips, press releases, calendar listing etc to: editorial@thechicagocitizen.com

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Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGI), Publisher of the Chatham-Southeast, 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 information for the calendar at least three weeks prior to the event. Send to: editorial@thechicagocitizen.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 783-1251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

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