South End Citizen 6-21-2023

Chicago Youth Centers President and CEO Kevin Cherep during the ribbon cutting at the Chicago Youth Centers Calumet Heights.

PHOTO BY TIA CAROL JONES.

REPS. ROBIN KELLY AND MIKE SIMPSON INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN REAUTHORIZATION OF ACTION FOR DENTAL HEALTH ACT

WASHINGTON, D.C – Reps. Robin Kelly and Mike Simpson introduced the bipartisan Action for Dental Health Act for reauthorization. The legislation is co-authored by Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust Chair, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL), and Congressman and dentist Mike Simpson (R-ID). The bill was overwhelmingly approved by the House and signed into law in 2018 and is due for reauthorization this year.

This legislation directs federal support to organizations that provide oral health care to underserved populations, especially seniors, children and those living in rural and urban communities. The bill strengthens the impact of existing resources that provide oral healthcare to populations that may lack sufficient access.

The legislation will continue to reduce the number of oral health emergency room visits, by increasing access to holistic, preventative dental care.

“I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Congressman Simpson for a second time to ensure that more Americans can access the oral health care that they need,” said Rep. Kelly (IL-02). “Oral health care is a critical part of our overall health, and preventative dental care can reduce costs for families and help so many people live better lives.”

“This reauthorization is an important step in addressing barriers to oral health care services. The more we can address early diagnosis, intervention, and preventative dental treatments, the better off our patients and our health care system will be. As co-chair of the Congressional Oral Health Caucus, I am pleased to reintroduce this bill and look forward to its progress in Congress,” said Simpson.

REP. KELLY CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING OF DIXMOOR WATER INFRASTRUC-

TURE PROJECT

Dixmoor, Ill. -- Congresswoman Kelly was joined by Congressman Jonathan Jackson, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Village of Dixmoor to break ground on a new water main project. Largely supported by federal funds secured, in-part by Rep. Kelly, Dixmoor’s new water main would preserve and protect the village’s critical water supply.

Dixmoor’s water main infrastructure project is planned to build a 3,700 ft 12-inch water main, which would stretch from Seeley Avenue, cross south under the I-57 overpass, and east onto 13th St. in Dixmoor. The project would also cap five other water mains in the area to help prevent future water main breaks.

Congresswoman Kelly celebrated the over $2M she helped secure for the project, which included funds from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the most significant commitment to public infrastructure the United States has made in decades.

“These investments are the very foundation of how we work, learn, and go about our daily lives,” said Rep. Kelly. “I have been fighting in Congress for the infrastructure needs of Dixmoor and all communities across Illinois’ Second Congressional District – and I’m committed to continuing this critical work.”

Chicago Youth Center Calumet Heights is ready for the community

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

He reached out to Illinois State Representative Curtis Tarver and Chicago Youth Centers President and CEO Kevin Cherep and shared his vision with them. On Wednesday, June 14th, Chicago Youth Centers Calumet Heights hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate Mitchell’s vision coming to fruition.

The Calumet Heights location, which includes an outdoor space and technology hub, is the first new Chicago Youth Center location in 30 years. Chicago Youth Centers was founded in 1956. The organization’s mission is to invest in youth in underserved communities, with the aim to help them discover and realize their full potential. The organization provides early learning, out-of-school time and family engagement programs, as well as its education support initiative.

Cherep remembered the first conversations he had with people from the community about the location. “To be here today and to see the smiles on everybody’s faces and all the people who had an effect on making this happen here, is a little surreal,” he said, adding that he wanted to pause, be really present and appreciate what everybody accomplished. “It’s really exciting.”

Cherep said what he was most proud of with the opening of the Calumet Heights location is the partnerships with the community and the opportunity to enter into a new community. Also, to take the work that Chicago Youth Centers has been doing for almost 70 years and apply it to a new community that welcomed and embraced the organization, and the work it does.

Cherep recognized the local advisory board members for their contributions. He also acknowledged the Chicago Youth Centers Board of Directors and the organization’s staff. “This

place where we’re standing is here because everybody put their egos aside, everybody put politics aside and did what was best for the community. As a city, if we would just replicate that, so many of the challenges we face everyday, we would start to solve,” he said.

Tarver said as a State Representative he couldn’t go to Springfield and advocate for his District without the support of the Aldermen in his District, with special acknowledgement of Mitchell for his vision that brought Chicago Youth Centers to Calumet Heights.

“One of the things I think was particularly unique about this project is that from the absolute beginning, Greg wanted to make sure from the youngest to the most senior, everybody had an opportunity to be in this space,” Tarver said.

Airickia Atwater-Potter has been working for Chicago Youth Center for nine years as a family service associate. She will serve as the family service associate at the Calumet Heights location. It was amazing for her to see the completion of the site, after seeing it as an abandoned school.

“I’m excited for us to open and start getting kids in here,” she said.

Mitchell said it was his obligation to the senior and youth in the community to do something meaningful for them.

“It’s always going to be my obligation to look at buildings and properties like this, but to make sure your streets and quality of life is the way you left it. That’s my promise and that’s always my commitment. Today, I build this bridge for you,” he said.

For more information about Chicago Youth Centers, visit chicagoyouthcenters.org.

MAYOR JOHNSON, CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, CHICAGO TEACHERS UNION ANNOUNCE PAID PARENTAL LEAVE PLAN

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Pedro Martinez and Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) President Stacy Davis Gates to announce that CPS employees will be eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave beginning in the 2023-24 school year. Details will be finalized over the summer, but the policy will be similar to paid parental leave policies previously adopted by the City of Chicago. Under the Board’s proposed policy, eligible employees, regardless of gender or gender identity, may receive up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for the birth of the employee’s child or for the adoption or fostering of a child.

“I am thrilled to begin this work to provide paid parental leave for CPS employees, and proud of the collaboration and partnership between CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union that made this important policy goal possible,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “With the development of this new parental leave policy, we are furthering our commitment to creating a Chicago that puts the needs of workers and families first.”

Currently, CPS policy entitles birthing parents to six to eight weeks of short-term disability leave, while non-birth parents, who are FMLA eligible, receive two weeks of paid leave. However, the new parental leave policy will run concurrently

with FMLA, allowing both birth and non-birth parents to take time off to bond with their newborn or newly adopted/fostered child within the first 12 months of birth or placement. Additionally, gestational surrogates will be eligible for up to eight weeks of paid leave for recovery purposes under this benefit. Staff members who do not meet the hours requirement for FMLA will continue to be able to utilize the current short-term disability plan.

“Every day, our dedicated teachers and school staff work on behalf of the children and families of Chicago. Today we are pleased to show up for them and their families,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “I’m proud to stand with the Mayor and the Chicago Teachers Union to make paid parental leave a reality and ensure no CPS employee is financially penalized for making the decision to have a child.”

CPS and CTU have formed a Parental Leave Working Group to collaboratively address implementation of the new parental leave policy and associated coverage challenges for CPS schools. The Working Group held its first meeting on Tuesday, June 6, and will continue to convene throughout the summer as CPS prepares to implement the Paid Parental Leave policy for the upcoming school year. Once finalized by

Chicago Youth Centers hosted a ribbon cutting for the opening of its Calumet Heights location at 9207 S. Phillips.

PHOTO BY TIA CAROL JONES.

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE AND FAIR WORKWEEK CHANGES GO INTO EFFECT JULY 1

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), announced the annual scheduled increase in Chicago’s minimum wage and a scheduled enhancement of the Fair Workweek Ordinance requirements. Additionally, BACP has awarded Arise Chicago a $100,000 grant to conduct outreach and education on Chicago’s labor laws. Arise Chicago will work in partnership with the City to create resources for vulnerable workers. The scheduled changes support the vision of building an inclusive, prosperous city that values and supports its workforce. Information on Chicago’s labor laws can be found by visiting Chicago.gov/ Labor Standards.

“Working people and working families of Chicago deserve to know

that their wages will keep pace with inflation and that they can count on an increase in their paychecks every year,” said Mayor Johnson. “Additionally, the Fair Workweek Ordinance enhancements going into effect in July will ensure that tens of thousands of Chicagoans will have more predictable work schedules, giving them a better work-life balance. Thank you to the team at BACP for putting in great work to move this initiative forward.”

Every July 1, Chicago’s minimum wage increases per the Minimum Wage Ordinance. The Chicago minimum wage is tiered for large businesses with 21 or more employees, and small businesses with 4 to 20 employees. The minimum wage for larger employees increases annually according to the Consumer Price Index or 2.5%, whichever is lower. The minimum wage as of July 1, 2023, will be: $15.80 for employers with 21 or more employees (including all domestic workers, regardless of the number employed)

$15.00 for employers with 4 to 20 employees

The minimum wage for tipped employees will be $9.48 for employers with 21 or more employees, and $9.00 for employers with 4 to 20 employees (employers must make up the difference between any tips received and the applicable minimum wage for nontipped workers.)

are required to pay their employees at least the Chicago minimum wage. Additionally, any employee that works two hours or more in the City within a two-week period must also receive at least the Chicago minimum wage.

The Chicago minimum wage also applies to Subsidized Temporary Youth Employment Programs like those catering to Chicago’s youth looking for summer employment opportunities. Anyone age 24 or younger employed by or engaged in employment coordinated by a nonprofit organization or government agency will see a minimum wage increase to $13.50 on July 1. Eligible youth can find qualifying opportunities by visiting OneSummerChicago.org, which is a resource designed to help teens and young adults easily find employment and internship opportunities with government institutions, community-based organizations, and companies.

HUNTER’S CHILD WELFARE MEASURE BECOMES LAW

To further reinforce the goals of the Department of Children and Family Services, State Senator Mattie Hunter’s legislation that removes obsolete language from the Children and Family Services Act was signed into law.

“DCFS services are meant to be temporary, and our focus should remain on reuniting children with their families or placing them in safe, permanent homes,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This law makes these goals clear and ensures the language within this important act is current and compliant.”

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Additionally, on July 1, the Fair Workweek Ordinance will include updated compensation metrics. Employees will be covered by the ordinance if they work in one of seven “covered” industries (building services, healthcare, hotel, manufacturing, restaurant, retail, or warehouse services), earn less than or equal to $30.80/hour or earn less than or equal to $59,161.50/year, and the employer has at least 100 employees globally (250 employees and 30 locations if operating a restaurant).

The Fair Workweek Ordinance requires certain employers to provide workers with predictable work schedules and compensation for changes.

Employers that maintain a business facility within the City of Chicago or that are required to obtain a business license to operate in the City

The BACP OLS webpage offers informational materials on Chicago’s Labor Standards Laws. Chicago businesses are required to post the Minimum Wage Public Notice and Fair Workweek Public Notice at their business. The notices will be available to workers and business owners in English, Spanish, Polish, Simplified Chinese, Tagalog, and Korean by July 1. Employers that violate the minimum wage ordinance can be fined $500 to $1,000 per day for each offense.

All Chicago worker protections are enforced by the BACP Office of Labor Standards (OLS). The OLS is dedicated to promoting and enforcing Chicago’s labor laws, including Minimum Wage, Paid Sick Leave, Fair Workweek, and Wage Theft Ordinance. In 2022, after opening 231 investigations regarding Chicago labor ordinance violations, the OLS secured over $690,000 in restitution for Chicago’s workers, as well as over $100,000 in fines to the City. To file a labor standards complaint, workers can use the CHI 311 system (call 3-1-1, use the CHI311 mobile app, or visit 311.chicago.gov) or complete a Complaint Form.

MAYOR JOHNSON... Continued From Page 2

the Working Group, the CPS Board of Education will review and adopt the parental leave for the 2023-24 school year.

“This expanded parental leave policy is one of the most important and significant developments of our members’ rights outside of our contract negotiations. We know that CTU educators are more than 80% women, and implementing fair, supportive

policies like paid parental and family leave are crucial to the health and wellbeing of these educators,” said CTU President Stacy Davis Gates. “As a result of our collective action, mothers and parents at CPS, Black and Brown paraprofessionals who are the head of their household, will no longer have to face the anguish of balancing a new child around the school calendar or sick child around a bell schedule.”

Amending the Children and Family Services Act, the new law provides that DCFS is responsible for placing children in permanent family homes through guardianship or adoption — rather than adoptive homes — when restoration to the biological family is not safe, possible or appropriate. The measure clarifies DCFS’ responsibility for children or youth whose jurisdiction could not be clearly named as under one individual agency, or whose services may be provided by multiple agencies, and reaffirms that welfare services offered by DCFS are intended to be temporary until safe reunification or timely and permanent placement can be achieved.

Additionally, the measure removes outdated language, including a provision requiring DCFS to establish the Governor’s Youth Services Initiative, which was disbanded in 2019. The elimination of this language brings the Children and Family Services Act in compliance with changes implemented by the Reproductive Health Act.

“While this may seem like a minor change, this legislation is vital in enabling DCFS to effectively provide children the care and support they need and deserve,” Hunter added.

House Bill 3705 was signed into law June 9 and will go into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

FOSTER LEADS CALL TO ALLOW DREAMERS TO SERVE IN MILITARY

Recently, Congressman Bill Foster (DIL) led eight of his Democratic colleagues in introducing a resolution that calls on the Secretary of Defense to authorize Dreamers to serve in the armed services.

“For many Dreamers, the United States is the only home they have ever known. Every American deserves the right to serve their country through military service, and Dreamers should be no exception,” said Foster. “Allowing our Dreamers to enlist and serve in the military would make sure our armed forces have some of the best and brightest young minds in their ranks. I strongly encourage the Secretary of Defense to review the current policy and authorize these patriotic individuals to serve their country.”

Original cosponsors of the resolution include Mark Takano (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Donald M. Payne Jr. (D-NJ), Dina Titus (D-NV), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Adriano Espaillat (DNY), and Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY).

Smithfield’s Evans Recognized as one of Black Business Ink’s Power 100

SMITHFIELD, Va., PRNewswire -- Steve Evans, vice president of community development for Smithfield Foods, was honored with a Black Business Ink Power 100 Award as one of the 100 most influential leaders in North Carolina.

Evans leads Smithfield’s community development team, enacting proactive and coordinated community engagement efforts for Smithfield’s U.S. operations through partnerships with its employees, local officials, business leaders and community organizations.

“Steve is a remarkable leader who has shown tremendous capacity for serving and supporting our communities in North Carolina and across the country,” said Shane Smith, chief executive officer of Smithfield Foods. “This well-deserved recognition demonstrates the impact Steve has in guiding Smithfield’s outreach programs and strengthening our longstanding partnerships with minority and underserved communities.”

The Black Business Ink Power 100 Awards recognize 100 of the most influen tial leaders from across North Carolina in a variety of sectors, including educators, healthcare professionals, politicians, clergy, and other professions and organizations. The awards were presented on June 8 at the annual State of Black North Carolina Confer ence, which brings together leaders statewide to address disparities in Black and Brown communities.

Evans was also recent ly named to Business North Carolina’s Power List 2023: Agriculture, recognizing North Carolina’s most influential private-sector leaders. Ac cording to Business NC, the power list is a sampling of the thousands of talented leaders in North Carolina who make things happen at their enterprises and in their communities.

Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is a U.S. food company that employs nearly 60,000 people in seven countries and partners with thousands of Amer ican farmers. As one of the world’s leading vertically integrated protein companies, we are dedicated to producing

“Good food. Responsibly.®” to feed a growing world population. We have pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including our industry-leading commitments to become carbon negative in our U.S. company-owned operations and reduce GHG emissions 30% across our entire U.S. value chain by 2030. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to food banks, disaster relief efforts and community outreach programs in all 50 U.S. states. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Gwaltney® and Nathan’s Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Group Black and Nielsen Uncover That Black Creators Deliver More Media Value Than Their Non-Black Counterparts in Key Categories

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Group Black, a modern media company with the largest collective of Black-owned media, and Nielsen, a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics, announced that they will be unveiling a first of its kind Black Creator Impact Report. Comparing Black creators to their non-black counterparts, this report takes a deep dive into the economic and cultural impact of Black creators based on their influence on social media platforms including Instagram, Tiktok, Youtube and Twitter.

Using Nielsen InfluenceScope, the report analyzed creators based on three metrics: follower growth, follower interaction and media value. Media value is a proprietary Nielsen metric to determine a monetary value for digital and social content, based on the audience’s exposure and engagement. The study focuses on creators in three categories: fashion, lifestyle and gaming.

Steve Evans. PRNewsfoto/ Smithfield Foods, Inc.

The study found that Black creators generate a higher media value compared to non-Black creators in fashion, lifestyle and gaming. Black creators in the lifestyle category performed 10.5 times better than their non-Black counterparts, 6.7 times better in gaming and eSports, and 1.6 times better in fashion..

In addition to generating a higher media value, Black creators also saw higher levels of follower growth and interaction rates between 2020 to 2022. In the lifestyle category, which make up 40% of paid advertising opportunities, they outperform non-Black creators by 10.5 times. Even though diverse Black creators possess immense cultural influence and credibility, the influencer pay gap between Black creators and their white counterparts is nearly 35%.

“For too long Black creators haven’t had access to the same opportunities as their non-Black counterparts due to the myth that they were unable to deliver the same ROI as other creators in the industry, “ says Kerel Cooper, President of Advertising at Group Black. “With our Black Creator Impact Report, we are delivering concrete proof of the opposite. Black creators have the ability to deliver exponential growth for brands—now brands must provide the opportunities.”

“Black America influences both content and brand engagement as consumers of media and creators of trends,” says Charlene Polite Corley, VP, Diverse Insights and Partnerships at Nielsen. “By investing in Black influencers, brands can amplify their authentic voices—driving deeper engagement with Black communities and other consumers who follow their lead.”

PRNewsfoto/Group Black

Ariana Debose covers Marie Claire’s Ambition Issue

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Future Publishing announces that Ariana DeBose covers Marie Claire’s Ambition Issue, which just went live across Marie Claire’s digital platforms. This digital issue’s theme explores ambition and the intricacies that women have to navigate when they are labeled as such.

“Marie Claire has long been the magazine brand for ambitious women,” says Danielle McNally, acting Editor in Chief. “Ambition has not always served women well, at times branding them ‘try-hards’ or leading them to burnout. That’s why we’re reclaiming the word with our Ambition Issue, and creating a celebration of success in whatever’s most important to you, whether that’s your current career, a completely new one, your home life, or even your well-being. And who better to demonstrate that than our cover star, Ariana DeBose, who has quickly risen from musical theater ensemble player to marquee movie star and weathered the internet storms that come with that.”

The Ambition Issue, powered by PayPal, will also feature the magazine’s inaugural Hollywood’s Next A-List portfolio, a collection of the performers Marie Claire’s culture editors believe have what it takes to command film and television screens for years to come. The list, headlined by Ariana DeBose also features Maude Apatow, Jennie Kim, Bella Ramsey, Ayo Edebiri, Halle Bailey and more. Look for deep dive stories into aging ambitiously, showcasing how

bio-hacking, metabolic aesthetics, and a niche sect of functional medicine are making it possible to anti-age our insides. An excerpt from Alisha Fernandez Miranda’s recently published book, “My What If Year,” in which she details quitting her job as PR exec at 40 to be an intern, showing readers that it’s never too late to go do what will fulfill you. Along with interviews with experts and anecdotes from real women discussing all of the ways people can be ambitious in their life and career that aren’t obvious. Visit marieclaire.com for additional information.

Future is a global multi-platform media company and leading digital publisher, with scalable brands and diversified revenue streams. Every month, it connects over 500 million people worldwide with their passions, through expert content, world-class events, and cutting-edge proprietary technology. Every year, Future attracts millions of consumers to its brands’ websites, magazines, events, and social spaces. Its market-leading portfolio of over 250 brands spans technology, games, entertainment, women’s lifestyle, wealth, knowledge, music, photography, sports, home interest, and B2B sectors. Brands include: Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, Gamesradar+, CinemaBlend, Marie Claire, Who What Wear, Homes & Gardens, Kiplinger, The Week, Guitar World, Digital Camera World, Space.com, Smartbrief, and more. Discover more at: www.futureplc.com.

ANNOUNCING THE LAUNCH OF NIKKI GREEN BY DOMINIQUE SIDE

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -Sustainability Expert, Luxury Vegan Lifestyle Influencer and Serial Entrepreneur Dominique Side is announcing the launch of her latest venture, Nikki Green. Nikki Green is a luxury, 100% vegan ready-to-wear apparel line for individuals seeking chic yet sustainable pieces. The collection is black-owned, opulent, and aims to work towards higher levels of sustainability with each collection. Collection previews and showroom appointments can be made at shopnikkigreen.com.

Dominique developed Nikki Green after being frustrated by the lack of variety in higher-end options that are truly 100% vegan. In collaboration with her longtime stylist Christian Allen, they’ve created a line that is sustainably sourced, and expertly combines compassionate living with high fashion.

“I love luxury, I love designer, but I’m constantly searching for quality 100% vegan pieces. I know I’m not alone in this search. I reached out to my longtime stylist Christian Allen, and we created a line that is chic, vegan and luxurious and I’m excited to share it with the world,” Dominique Side, Founder.

The fully vegan line features ready-towear, gowns, tops, pants, denim, and accessories, bringing luxury earth-friendly materials, custom hardware, and figure-enhancing cuts to a new generation of chic, environmentally conscious shoppers.

Dominique is a serial entrepreneur that operates from a compassionate mindset and has developed several successful companies

citizennewspapergroup.com

that are eco-friendly with fully sustainable practices. Dominique successfully launched Houston’s first vegan supermarket, VegSide Mkt, and is the Co-Founder of VgnBae Studios, a full-service vegan recording and production studio. Dominique is also the Founder of The Luxury Vegan, the world’s leading concierge transition service to an eco-friendlier lifestyle.

The Nikki Green collection retails between $350-$7250 and is currently showing at The Nikki Green Showroom within the Fashion District in Los Angeles, CA, located at 1250 S Los Angeles St. To schedule an appointment, please visit https://www.shopnikkigreen.com/.

Dominique is a serial entrepreneur that operates from a compassionate mindset and has developed several successful companies that are eco-friendly with fully sustainable practices. Dominique successfully launched Houston’s first vegan supermarket, VegSide Mkt, and is the Co-Founder of VgnBae Studios, a full-service vegan recording and production studio. Dominique is also the Founder of The Luxury Vegan, the world’s leading concierge transition service to an eco-friendlier lifestyle. She documents her luxury vegan lifestyle for her 80 thousand-plus followers on her VgnBae handle.

To learn more about Nikki Green and Dominique Side, visit https://www.shopnikkigreen.com/.

Ariana DeBose Cover Star of Marie Claire. PRNewsfoto/Future Publishing.

Founder Dominique Side. Nikki Green

Engaged Media Studios announces slate of new partnerships, projects and progress as the company looks ahead to a successful 2023

(HOUSTON, Texas) – As the tech industry nationwide scrambles to navigate challenges and recalibrate amid the latest headlines, one company, Engaged Media Studios, Inc. (EMS) is trending upward. EMS is on the rise and continuing to progress toward its goal of leading in its space, and making modern Black history and Women’s history an everyday occurrence.

A respected African American and female-owned enterprise, EMS has made several measured and noteworthy power moves to position itself for prominence, service and accomplishment—this year and beyond. Helmed by tech and gaming pioneer, veteran storyteller and international businesswoman Jacqueline Shorter-Beauchamp, co-founder, chairman and CEO, EMS has recently completed relocation from the city of its birth, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to expansive new headquarters offices in Houston, Texas, one of the nation’s fastest growing tech hubs.

The new home base is just steps away from the company’s largest strategic technology partner, Microsoft, a burgeoning ten-year relationship that she carefully engineered, and that both entities are proud of. EMS’ headquarters will house a sprawling studio SaaS, Web3.0,Video Games and VR/MR/AR Immersive integrated products and solutions servicing the Museum, Entertainment, Education, Industrial and Government market segments.

An inspiring feather in her cap, Ms. Shorter-Beauchamp is a valued partner of Microsoft’s Black Partner Growth Initiative (BPGI),an influential organization conceived to provide support and empower African American tech entrepreneurs and their businesses by leveraging the connections and resources within the Microsoft Partner Network to develop, innovate and publish software solutions. She is additionally a Microsoft One Commercial Partner (OCP), a group that assembles partner-focused teams from across the company to blend their expertise and knowledge in the technical, marketing, business development and programs arenas.

Jacqui-beauchamp

“In the unique work that we do at Engaged Media Studios, I see endless possibility and growth, and it’s exciting. There is promise in telling diverse stories that need to be told, we bring a diverse voice to the table that bridges digital media intersection of technology, storytelling and culture,” Ms. Beauchamp states. “Worlds can be imagined, created and then re-imagined without limitations and boundaries. Utilizing our platform, people are able to envision a new future—a future of open doors and endless opportunity.”

Ms. Shorter-Beauchamp and EMS just recently debuted the new Black History Utah immersive experience in partnership with the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce and Microsoft, during the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend festivities, while also participating as a panel speaker on Women in Gaming hosted by Microsoft and HBCU | D9 Black Excellence, hosted by the University of Utah. Ms. Shorter-Beauchamp was a panel speaker at the SXSW 2023 Conference in Austin, TX on the topic of The Biz of Being Human: Volumetric Humans at Scale.

Engaged Media Studios, Inc. (EMS) is a digital media technology and entertainment production company producing SaaS, Web3.0,Video Games and VR/MR/AR Immersive integrated products and solutions servicing the Museum, Entertainment, Education, Industrial and Government market segments.

With a specialty in, and passion for reaching and respecting diverse audiences with transformational solutions, products and experiences that transcend boundaries, EMS’ leadership team is the first African American Microsoft licensed XBOX game developer to ship on the XBOX 360 console, and stands driven and prepared to be a key leader of the world’s digital future. For more information, please connect with us at www.engagedmedia.net.

Blake-Anthony Johnson, CEO & President of Chicago Sinfonietta, a recipient of the 2023 Harvard Business School Club of Chicago’s Fellowship to attend Harvard Business School’s Strategic Perspectives in Non-profit Management (SPNM) course

CHICAGO, IL - The Harvard Business School Club of Chicago (HBSCC) today announced “a record eight Chicago leaders will attend Harvard Business School’s Executive Education course, Strategic Perspectives in Non-profit Management (SPNM) July 9-15, 2023.

“SPNM provides case study and team learning for 160 nonprofit leaders from around the world. With eight 2023 attendees, Chicago expects to have the highest cohort of any American city.”

Chicago Sinfonietta Lifetime Board Trustee Michelle L. Collins, Principal of Cambium LLC, who joined the CS Board in 1995 and served as chair from 2001 until 2007 is also a corporate board director, civic leader and past HBSCC President. One of Chicago Sinfonietta’s most creative thought leaders and consistent and generous supporters, she recruited Mr. Johnson. She is quoted in HBSCC’s release, saying “I am so proud of HBSCC to have selected not only the most talented non-profit leaders in Chicago, but also the most diverse, to have the opportunity to experience Harvard’s SPNM Exec Ed Program. I can’t wait to see how these leaders will impact Chicago’s non-profit community when they return!”

HGSCC announced the following nonprofit leaders attending the course this July at Harvard Business School:

Inhe Choi, Executive Director of the HANA Center, an immigrant resource center advocating for and providing aid to Korean and Latino families in Chicago;

Jason Coleman, Co-founder and Executive Director of Project SYNCERE, which provides opportunities for students who have been traditionally under-represented in STEM;

Christa Hamilton, President and CEO of UCAN, which offers programs focused on healing trauma, building strong families, educating youth and preventing violence;

Alaina Harkness, Executive Director of Current Innovation, which works to grow the blue economy, accelerate innovation and solve pressing water challenges;

Cara Hendrickson, Executive Director of Impact for Equity, formerly known as BPI, which combats systemic barriers to equity and to fight for racial, economic, and social justice;

Blake-Anthony Johnson, President and CEO of Chicago Sinfonietta, which creates community through dynamic, innovative symphonic experiences, dynamic education and outreach programs, and advocates for inclusivity in all aspects of its work;

Imran Khan, CEO and Cofounder Embarc, an experiential learning program which changes how teachers teach, students learn, and schools become communities and

Carole Wood, CEO of Northwestern University Settlement Association, which disrupts generational poverty by supporting and empowering young people at distinct stages of life.

Since 2005, the HBSCC has advanced 60 Chicago area non-profit leaders to attend the SPNM Exec Ed Program. To learn about the 2024 HBSCC SPNM Scholarship, contact cbarnett@mba1990.hbs.edu To support future SPNM scholars from Chicagoland, donate at https://www.hbsclubchicago.org/

A tenured orchestra and acclaimed cultural leader that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating community through curated symphonic experiences, Chicago Sinfonietta (CS) is a source of community through music, as well as ensuring and inspiring a continued investment in diversity and inclusivity in the genre of classical music to promote fairness and equity. Celebrating its 36th season this 2023-24, the orchestra is recognized as groundbreaking, dynamic and daring, with core values built around being culturally responsive and advocates of inclusivity in all aspects of its work. Chicago Sinfonietta’s unrelenting commitment to being at the forefront of innovation drives its high standard of symphonic experiences. CS takes pride in leading by example with immersive audience engagement activities, impactful

career development, education, and extensive community outreach programs. Learn more about RESONATE, Chicago Sinfonietta’s 36th season, at www.chicagosinfonietta.org

Noted as a “business heavyweight” by Crain’s Chicago Business, arts executive Blake-Anthony Johnson has, throughout his career, extended the artistic, commercial, and technological boundaries of what an orchestra can be in the 21st century through creative leadership, commitment to innovation, and progressive vision. The first African American executive to guide a nationally renowned orchestra, he is President and Chief Executive Officer of the award-winning Chicago Sinfonietta, and has led the acclaimed cultural leader in the field and powerful champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion since May 2020. An active member of numerous organizational boards and committees, Johnson was appointed Co-Chair of the City of Chicago’s DCASE Cultural Advisory Council in January 2023 and serves on the Cultural Arts Council for the City of Chicago, The Sir Georg Solti Foundation U.S., and the League of American Orchestras’ EDI Orchestra Management Committee, amongst others. Recent honors include a 2023 Black Men in Excellence Award by the Black Professionals Network, Chicago Tribune’s 2022 Chicagoan of the Year in Classical Music, being named one of 2022’s Top 30 Professionals of the Year by MusicalAmerica. com, and one of Crain’s Chicago Business magazine’s Class of 2022 40 Under 40. An accomplished musician, and a former professional cellist and protégé of Michael Tilson Thomas at New World Symphony, Johnson is the recipient of the 2022 Chicago Community Trust Daniel Burnham Fellowship. Former posts include two terms on the National Endowment for the Arts Music Panel.

38TH ANNUAL STELLAR AWARDS RETURNS TO LAS VEGAS WITH STELLAR+ FAN EXPERIENCE

LAS VEGAS -- The Stellar Gospel Music Awards, Gospel music’s biggest night, is set to return to Las Vegas for its 38th annual celebration. This year, the event is taking its renowned festivities to new heights with the introduction of the ultimate fan experience, the Stellar+ Experience (Stellar+EXP). Co-founders Rhonda Jackson-Sams and Michele Murphy have curated an unparalleled lineup of activities that will showcase the talents, vision, creativity, and innovation of the Gospel music industry.

The Stellar+EXP provides attendees and participants with a completely personalized experience, featuring concerts, discussions, master classes, and much more. As a multi-generational family weekend event, the addition of Stellar+EXP will heighten the festivities and create a unique atmosphere of faith, fellowship, music and fun. Now, fans can enjoy three full days of brand new interactive activities, offering engagement opportunities with their favorite artists, and immersion into the world of Gospel music.

The Stellar+ Experience events will take place at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, from Wednesday to Friday, July 12-14. Limited edition passes are now available for purchase, ranging from $60 to $250, at www.eventbrite.com. For the full event schedule and more information, visit stellarplusexperience.com.

“We’re ecstatic to present Stellar+ Experience week, an incredible extension of the Stellar Gospel Music Awards. Through valuable input from our viewers and industry peers, we’ve curated diverse experiences that embrace community, fashion, comedy, and societal matters,” said Stellar Awards Founder and Executive Producer Don Jackson. “This expansion, alongside our historic flagship show, amplifies gospel music’s influence, culminating in two phenomenal pre-show days. Prepare for an inspiring showcase of talent, uniting gospel music with all facets of entertainment in the vibrant city of Las Vegas.”

The new Stellar+EXP includes several exciting events designed to entertain and inspire. Stellar and the Community, an event partnership with the City of Las Vegas focused on the Arts, will promote the importance of art and

its impact on communities. The Spotify Artist Experience will bring music industry experts to share valuable information with aspiring artists. Stellar Talks will feature intimate conversations with high-profile couples, fostering discussions on love, life, and faith. Additionally, Fireside Chats with special celebrity guests, Stellar Unplugged, Who’s Got Next? Showcase, and the Celebrity Basketball Game will provide thrilling entertainment throughout the weekend. The Legendary Game Changers Lunch, hosted by celebrity fashion influencers J. Bolin and Joyce Sheffield, will recognize trail blazers in fashion and beauty. Sanctioned events that are familiar to Stellar attendees will still be offered, such as Aaron Arrington’s Midnight Gospel Bowling and various Post-Event receptions. Full schedule of sanctioned events is available at www.thestellarawards.com.

Confirmed artists for the Stellar+EXP include Mali Music, Brian Courtney Wilson, Jokia Williams, Jason Clayborn, Titus Showers, Jabari Johnson, Jermaine Dolly, and many more. Each day will bring new announcements, adding to the excitement and anticipation of the event.

Co-Founder Rhonda Jackson-Sams expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Akin to Gospel music, Stellar & Central City Production’s goal is to ensure that people feel encouraged and elevated while also educating our community. We are so excited to bring this special experience to all the loyal fans who have been coming to see their favorite artists at the Stellars for 38 years, as well as those learning about Stellars for the first time.”

Stay tuned for future announcements and follow @ thestellar+exp on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news and updates about the Stellar+EXP week.

The Stellar+EXP merges art, innovation, and music while spreading awareness about pressing issues in today’s society. With over 15,000 participants every year, the Stellar Awards continue to attract a diverse audience. The Stellar+EXP offers additional activities and experiences for guests during their time at the Stellar Awards. For the full event schedule, visit stellarplusexperience. com.

The Stellar Awards is the first and only Gospel Music Awards show in the country, honoring Gospel Music artists, writers, and industry professionals for their contributions to the Gospel Music Industry. The Stellar Awards ranks high in status as the only Gospel Music television awards program syndicated in over 140 markets nationwide. For more information, please visit www.thestellarawards.com.

Central City Productions, Inc. is Chicago’s premier TV Production Company. With 46 years of successful and innovative television production and marketing experience, Central City Productions (CCP) is a leader in minority-targeted television. CCP is a full-service television production company that produces, syndicates, and manages advertising sales for all of its programs.

Jhené Aiko & Sleep Soul Return with Sleep Soul: Relaxing R&B Baby Sleep Music Vol. 3 Out Now

Los Angeles – Sleep Soul, a fresh R&B-inspired take on the traditional baby sleep music genre presented by Jhené Aiko, reveals its latest installment Sleep Soul: Relaxing R&B Baby Sleep Music (Vol. 3).

Curated by Jhené, Sleep Soul: Relaxing R&B Baby Sleep Music (Vol. 3) encompasses 20 soothing tunes crafted to inspire and maintain a good night’s sleep. Vibrant R&B melodies melt into downtempo rhythms encased in warm synths tailored to receptive young ears. “Sleepy Bear Soothing Serenade” opens the album with mesmerizing echoes and ambient rain sounds across a soft soundscape. “R&B Lullaby Dreams” and “Counting Sheep With Brown Noise” pacify and precipitate rest. Finally, “Sweet Dreams With Sleepy” provides a delicate conclusion to the evening with a gentle twinkling piano melody.

About this iteration of Sleep Soul, Jhené commented, “Partnering with Sleep Soul has been an amazing experience and I’m beyond excited to present our latest project Relaxing R&B Baby Sleep Music Vol. 3. It’s been wonderful to see the music resonating and all the positive feedback and support from parents on how much the music has helped them and their babies get much needed rest as premium sleep is essential to wellness for parents and their little ones. Sleep Soul is an

ever-evolving project where we strive to continue finding new ways to help diversify the baby sleep music genre for parents, and I look forward to continuing the journey with you all.”

Expanding the vision yet again, Sleep Soul has introduced a merchandise store with premium infant clothing. The release consists of a baby beanie, onesie, and Sleepy The Bear plushie that gently plays Sleep Soul Vol. 3 album from a hidden speaker inside.

Meanwhile, Sleep Soul recently released physical CD copies of Sleep Soul Volume 2 at Target Retailers across the nation.

Sleep Soul Volume 2 has achieved widespread success since being released in December 2022. It has amassed 30 million global streams and counting, while also inciting applause from That Grape Juice, Vibe, and ThisIsRnB, among others. The latter noted, “The melodies, beat, and instrumentation of the songs have the Jhené Aiko sound and feel from the instrumentation, rhythm, and beats. You’ll almost forget these are lullabies.”

Stay tuned for more to come from Sleep Soul.

Sleep Soul is a fresh R&B-inspired take on the traditional baby sleep music genre. Sleep Soul combines calming R&B melodies alongside white, pink, and brown noise soundscapes sonically engineered to help you and your baby fall and

stay asleep. Our goal is to create more variety and diversity in the baby sleep music space. We aim to help the next generation of parents find the best and most effective methods for putting and keeping their babies to sleep.

Jhené Aiko - Los Angeles-born, six-time Grammy-nominated author, poet, and mother of 2- has been at the forefront of a new wave of contemporary music for over a decade. She is known for experimenting with a range of styles –incorporating sound healing and the use of crystal alchemy sound bowls in her music. Jhené Aiko crowned a breakthrough year in 2020 with over three billion streams worldwide and three Grammy nominations for her album, Chilombo, including the prestigious ‘Album Of The Year.’ Chilombo, now certified platinum with seven gold and platinum singles, topped the charts twice and was nominated for four Billboard Music Awards, an American Music Award for Best Soul/R&B female, two Soul Train Awards, won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Album, and was a 2021 BET Award nominee for Best Female R&B Artist. In 2022, Aiko performed “America the Beautiful” at Super Bowl LVI in February, and the City of Los Angeles, with Didi Hirsch, named her one of their mental health ambassadors in April. Currently, she is building an ARK.

Photo Courtesy of Central City Productions

African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Announces $3.8M in 2023 Grants

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In recognition of Juneteenth, the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, announced $3.8 million in grant funding to protect and preserve 40 sites representing African American history. With more than $95 million raised, the Action Fund is the largest resource dedicated to the preservation of African American historic places.

“The Action Fund’s investment in and celebration of 40 historic African American places illustrates our belief that historic preservation plays an important role in American society,” said Brent Leggs, executive director, African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and senior vice president, National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The history embodied in these places is emblematic of generational aspirations for freedom, the pursuit of education, a need for beauty and architecture, and joys of social life and community bonds. That’s why the Action Fund believes all Americans must see themselves and our shared history in this year’s grantee list if we are to create a culturally conscious nation.”

Since 2017, the Action Fund has received an unprecedented total of 5,638 funding proposals requesting $655 million. The program has supported 242 grantee projects through its investment of $20M.

“The Action Fund and the local preservationists it supports across the nation are leading crucial work to protect and promote undervalued places and stories that are an essential part of our shared American history,” said Justin Garrett Moore, program officer for the Humanities in Place program at the Mellon Foundation. “Grants supporting projects

designed by Black architects and at HBCUs will better acknowledge the power and creativity of those who have shaped and stewarded spaces and experiences that build more just communities. By elevating these places through much-needed organizational capacity, technical assistance, capital funding, and programming, these projects will help tell a fuller American story.”

New to this year’s list is a targeted focus on conserving modernist structures designed by Black architects. In its first grant round, eight historic structures will receive $1.2M to help advance long-term preservation planning. This funding is part of the Conserving Black Modernism partnership led by the Action Fund with support from the Getty Foundation.

“Our understanding of modernism in the United States will remain incomplete until we recognize the extraordinary contributions of Black architects and designers, whose buildings speak to the experience of Black communities in this era,” said Joan Weinstein, director of the Getty Foundation. “These grants will preserve important sites, deliver training to the people who care for them, and reveal new stories for all of us about the talents and resiliency of Black architects in twentieth century America.”

The preservation of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) across the country is also a focus of this year’s grant announcement. Through the Action Fund’s HBCU Cultural Heritage Stewardship Initiative , six HBCUs will receive nearly $700,000 funding to ensure the protection of their cultural assets.

The Action Fund’s 2023 list of grantees’

expand the American story by including sites like: Idlewild’s Hotel Casa Blanca (MI), Calfee Training School (VA), Watts Happening Cultural Center (CA), McAfee Swimming Pool (KS), Dew Drop Inn (LA) and more.

As our nation honors Emancipation and Juneteenth, the Action Fund asks the public to learn more about these sites, consider donating to their specific fundraising needs and make certain the full American story is told.

Together, we can honor the contributions of those who came before us while ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots, draw inspiration and lessons from the past, and appreciate the cultural, architectural, and social legacies of the world they will inhabit.

With amounts ranging from $50K to $150K, Action Fund grants support preservation efforts across four categories:

Building Capital: Supporting the restoration and rehabilitation of cultural assets important to Black history

Increasing Organizational Capacity: Providing leadership staff positions within nonprofits stewarding Black heritage sites

Project Planning and Development: Funding planning activities tied to the development of preservation plans, feasibility studies, and fundraising

Programming and Education: Advancing storytelling through public education and creative interpretation

Learn more about the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at www.savingplaces. org/actionfund.

Jackie Jackson Kilwins Chicago

GREEN LIVING

It’s BBQ Season. Do You Know Where Your Beef Came From?

(StatePoint) As barbecue season heats up, you may be wondering how to square your love for T-bone steaks and spareribs with your concern for the environment. The good news? Science is delivering new, gamechanging solutions to tackle the environmental footprint of the beef and livestock industries.

The Problem

Approximately 9 million dairy cows, 90 million beef cattle, 60 million swine and billions of poultry in the United States produce more than 100 times more organic waste than humans; but where human waste makes its way to a septic tank or sewage treatment plant, livestock waste is usually spread untreated on the ground as fertilizer. While this practice has short-term agricultural benefits, it’s ultimately a major contributor to a number of environmental and health issues. Phosphorous, nitrogen (mostly as ammonia), pathogens and bacteria from manure run off the soil and pollute waterways. This nutrient runoff fuels increasingly toxic algae blooms in fresh, estuary and coastal salt waters, creating areas where

How to Protect Your Favorite Outdoor Gear

replacing their outdoor products.

“It’s no surprise that the outdoor products we use so much this time of year, that make life so great during the warmer months, can be especially vulnerable to damage,” says Jason Siciliano, vice president and global creative director at Allstate Protection Plans. “What some people may not realize is that the same protection plans that are available for indoor furniture, electronics and major appliances are also available for outdoor products. They can be a great way to protect your investments in the great outdoors.”

grill and cover it when it’s not in use, and apply protectant to furniture to guard against rust and sun damage. For specialty items like fire pits and patio heaters, be sure to read the instruction manuals and follow the manufacturer’s care and maintenance recommendations. Finally, at the end of the summer, store seasonal items in your garage or shed.

most aquatic species can’t survive. What’s more, the highly mobile and volatile nitrogen from ammonia in animal waste can become airborne, a difficult and expensive to control problem that poses significant health risks to humans.

Finally, the 1.5 billion tons of manure generated in the United States annually also plays a major role in climate change. Manure emits carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, all of which are potent greenhouse gases.

New Solutions

An advanced livestock waste collection, treatment and recycling system from Bion Environmental Technologies Inc. is transforming manure from a liability to an asset. It starts with an innovative barn design that houses the livestock, collects waste, and feeds the treatment system on a continual basis. This patented technology not only provides comprehensive waste treatment that neutralizes pathogens, bacteria and ammonia and minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, but also produces superior organic, and climate- and water-smart, fertilizers with a low

carbon footprint, as well as generates clean water and renewable natural gas.

Typical beef production uses an extraordinary amount of water, particularly from crops for feed. With Bion, 30% of the waste stream is processed into recycled, clean water. And, thanks to precise application of organic and climate-smart fertilizers produced by the system, the resulting soil is healthier with a better balance of nutrients. In short, more abundant crops are produced, less water is used and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced.

Along with environmental stewardship and resource efficiency at the forefront of the technology’s design, experts have been retained to ensure that animal accommodations, hygiene, care and feeding are all optimized for animal health and welfare. To learn more, visit bionenviro.com.

“Today’s consumers want sustainable, transparent and ‘better for you’ food,” says Bill O’Neill, Bion’s CEO. “Through innovation, we are bringing real beef to tables that is both sustainable and ethical.”

(StatePoint) With warmer weather here, more and more people are spending time on their decks, patios, and in their gardens and yards using outdoor products. From grills to furniture to mowers, 88% of Americans have invested in products dedicated for outdoor use and 65% of those that have use them at least several times a week, according to an Allstate Protection Plans survey.

Unfortunately, 83% of those surveyed who own outdoor products have experienced damage to one or more of them. That damage has been more than a little expensive:

Americans have spent over $44 billion repairing or

The survey found that 65% of Americans do not have a protection plan for any of their outdoor products, and 56% were not even sure they could purchase one. With American households spending hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of dollars a year on outdoor equipment, furniture and supplies, adding protection can be a smart idea.

Beyond purchasing protection plans, Siciliano also recommends taking steps to extend the life of your outdoor products. For example, use the proper fuel in lawn care equipment, clean your

For more information about product protection, look for Allstate Protection Plans at your favorite retailers. You can also visit www.allstateprotectionplans.com, which features tips and resources for making the most of your outdoor products, as well as tips and advice on maintaining your home electronics and appliances.

“When we take care of the outdoor items that make summer enjoyable and relaxing, we’re also protecting ourselves against the expensive repairs that can pop up every spring if we don’t,” says Siciliano. “That means more in our budgets for popsicles and lemonade.”

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) MagicBones / iStock via Getty Images Plus

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) RossHelen / iStock via Getty Images Plus