SOUTH END CITIZEN 7-17-2024

GEARING UP FOR RED LINE EXTENSION PROJECT

The Chicago Transit Authority has identified where it will build the Red Line Extension. The 5.6mile extension will start at 95th Street to 130th Street in Altgeld Gardens and include four new Red Line stations. The new stations will be located at 103rd Street, 111th, Michigan at 116th Street and 130th Street.

The former Leinweber Co. property on 107th, which was acquired and will be demolished to build the Red Line Extension. Provided by CTA.

The former Leinweber Co. property on 107th, which was acquired and will be demolished to build the Red Line Extension. Provided

ILLINOIS REACHES RECORD HIGH CASH BALANCE, EXCEEDS FY24 REVENUE ESTIMATES

Cash balance nearly 9% of FY25 enacted General Funds Budget

CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker announced that the State of Illinois ended FY24 approximately $125 million, or .2%, above projected FY24 General Funds revenue estimates. Illinois also ended the fiscal year with the highest ever General Funds cash balance, capping off another year of fiscal responsibility and stewardship as Illinois continues to regrow its fiscal portfolio and restore fiscal stability following years of mismanagement.

“Nine credit rating upgrades, bill backlogs eliminated, six balanced budgets, and now the state’s highest ever General Funds balance—this is the result of disciplined, responsible fiscal management that prioritizes serving taxpayers and helping working families,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As we head into the new fiscal year, I look forward to continuing to work with the General Assembly and other partners to continue strengthening Illinois’ economy and making our state the best place to live, work and do business in the nation.”

The state closed the month of June with a $4.67 billion General Funds cash balance, up from $3.85 billion at the end of June 2023. Of the $4.67 billion balance, $2.1 billion was in the Budget Stabilization Fund and $1.74 billion was in the General Revenue Fund. All in, the General Funds end-of-year cash balance totals almost 9% of the FY25 enacted General Funds budget. Credit reporting agencies and investors monitor state cash reserves to assess Illinois’ financial position and gauge the state’s ability to weather potential economic downturns. Improved fiscal conditions have led to lower credit spreads and reduced cost of borrowing for Illinois taxpayers.

This achievement comes as part of a pattern of fiscally responsible policies enacted since Governor Pritzker took office. The State of Illinois, through the Governor’s and the General Assembly’s leadership, has increased the state’s Rainy Day fund to over $2 billion, eliminated the state’s overdue bill backlog, made investments in infrastructure, lowered business taxes, improved the pension funded ratio, and passed six balanced budgets in a row.

AMMONS HIGHLIGHTS STAFF WORK, ‘EMPOWERING THE ILLINOIS AFRICAN DIASPORA’

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, is highlighting a recent publication that dives into an adopted resolution establishing first-of-its-kind scientific DNA processes through the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign’s (UIUC) Department of Anthropology and the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology.

“This resolution is not just about genealogy — it’s a declaration that every individual deserves the opportunity to know their history and connect with their roots, regardless of the barriers that history has placed in our way,” said Ammons.

The Family Roots Genealogy Program Pilot will allow African American descendants of previously enslaved individuals to trace their roots back to their ancestral homelands by providing saliva samples to UIUC’s biotechnology center. Policy and Research Legislative Fellow serving Ammons’ office, Jailene Aguirre, was recently published in the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) for her dedication to the resolution. To read the full article “Empowering the Illinois African Diaspora,” download The Register here: NBCSL_TheLegislatorSummer2024.pdf

“I’m extremely proud of my staff, like Jailene, who does not shy away from taking the tough stuff head-on to meet a common goal for our community — ensuring that everyone has the chance to learn about their ancestry to thrive in their daily lives,” said Ammons. “Whether spiritually or through traditions, we all feel a tug to our lost family members. This is a historic movement for the state, which is recommitting itself to righting the wrongs of the past and providing a pathway for Black Illinoisians to reclaim their heritage.”

CTA gearing up for Red Line Extension project

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

ammy Chase, the Director of Communications, Red and Purple Modernization and Red Line Extension at Chicago Transit Authority, said the plan is to break ground in late 2025. To prepare for that, a contract will be awarded to a team that will design and build the project. CTA also has to obtain the full funding grant agreement, which is the nearly $2 billion funding from the federal government.

Advance construction work is starting in late summer or early fall of this year, with the demolition of properties that are in the area of the new tracks and stations, as well as relocating poles where the new tracks will be built. CTA is coordinating with ComEd, People’s Gas, telecommunications and Department of Water Management to ensure utilities and materials are relocate so CTA is ready to start construction in 2025.

a long time.”

Chase said CTA has been keeping the public informed on its progress in regards to the Red Line Extension Project. People are also concerned about how quickly the extension and stations will be built and when they will be able to take the trains. CTA started studying the Red Line Extension Project more than a decade ago. Chase said it takes time to do the environmental study on such a large geographical area. Those studies were finalized a few years ago. Once CTA figured out where the project will be built, more community outreach had to be done.

“The Red Line Extension Project is coming to the Far South Side of Chicago, and this summer we will take a huge leap forward by starting the groundwork necessary to build new Red Line tracks and stations,” CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr, said in a press release. “As a native South Sider, I am proud to deliver on CTA’s promise to transit customers and local residents of new affordable, convenient and reliable Red Line service, as well as bring a wealth of job and training opportunities to residents.”

CTA recently hosted a series of community meetings in June in the 9th, 10th and 21st Wards. Chase said the meetings were well attended and community members are excited to see the Red Line Extension Project is actually going to happen.

“A lot of people have been coming to the meetings asking when, when, when,” Chase said. “They’ve been hearing this for

“These processes are long, but they’re very thorough,” she said. “They ensure the federal government and other sources of funding that this project is buildable, it’s needed and it’s real.”

Chase said that residents who live in the area where the Red Line will be extended, it will save them up to 30 minutes one way from 130th to Downtown. She added, not only is it an improvement to the quality of life because the residents will have access to one ride, versus having to take a bus to 95th street to get on the Red Line.

“This is a gamechanger to people on the Far South Side, just in terms of being able to get to the rest of the city more quickly and more efficiently,” Chase said.

CTA is also working with the City of Chicago on a plan to identify the types of development that could happen once the stations are built. Chase said that when new stations or significantly improved stations are built, development follows.

“We don’t want to just build transit, we want to build transit for people who live and work in the area, but we also want to help the community see economic development and be a partner in that,” she said.

Once the groundbreaking takes place in late 2025, the anticipated opening of the new stations is late 2029.

Hope Chicago’s GoalGetters Conference 2024 Helps Set Up Local Students and Parents for Post-Secondary Success

CHICAGO – The Hope Chicago GoalGetters Conference 2024 brought together nearly 1,000 Hope Scholars and Parent Scholars for five days of intensive programming to foster success through college and beyond. The third annual conference took place June 24-28 at Illinois Institute of Technology and is designed to equip Hope Scholars and Parent Scholars with essential skills and build connections in the summer months that will help set them up for success in the year ahead.

Attendees participated in sessions on college preparedness, financial literacy, mental health, career planning, and more. Notable highlights included the Lead with Hope Youth Voice Summit on June 27, when 250+ Scholars engaged in solutions-oriented policy discussions, addressing issues like education, climate change, and community safety. Representative Theresa Mah, Representative Edgar Gonzalez Jr., Senator Lakesia Collins, Senator Celina Villanueva, and Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia participated in the Summit, encouraging Scholars to get involved in civic matters and share their voices.

Throughout the week, participants also heard from speakers, including Hope Chicago CEO Dr. Janice K. Jackson, author Mahalia Ann Hines, and the Tate Brothers, including actor and philanthropist Larenz Tate, who shared their journey to success from their West Side roots.

Through initiatives like these, Hope Chicago continues to advance its mission of providing equitable access to higher education and economic mobility for Chicago’s underserved communities – two generations at a time. In 2022, Hope Chicago

announced all students enrolled at the time in five Chicago Public Schools partner high schools (below) and one of their parents/ guardians could go to college or pursue a workforce development program debt-free. This fall, Hope Chicago is sending its third cohort off to begin college and workforce programs and to date, more than 1,200 Hope Scholars have enrolled in programs completely debt-free.

Hope Chicago Partner High Schools:

Al Raby High School (East Garfield Park)

Benito Juarez Community Academy (Pilsen) Farragut Career Academy (Little Village) Noble Johnson College Prep (Englewood)

Morgan Park High School (Morgan Park)

Hope Chicago’s mission is to create pathways to success for multiple generations of Chicagoans through equitable access to debt-free higher education and the support to complete postsecondary journeys. In February of 2022, Hope Chicago promised every enrolled student and one parent/ guardian of each student the opportunity to pursue a debtfree postsecondary education at five Chicago community high schools across the city’s South, Southwest, and West Sides— accounting for 4,000 families. Hope Chicago’s goal is to transform whole Chicago communities by providing economic mobility opportunities for multiple generations of Chicago families through debt-free postsecondary and workforce pathways.

For more information, please visit hopechicago.org.

CTA Pres. Dorval Carter, Jr., at a press conference with Mayor Johnson and other dignitaries, at which the Federal Transit Administration announced the RLE project was eligible for nearly $2 billion of federal funding. Provided by CTA.

CTA and Local DJs Are Back to Provide Riders a Harmonious Commute with Sounds from the AESOP DJ Booth

The interactive art installation at the 95th/Dan Ryan Terminal returns for another season with music now playing on three weekdays, through November 1

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is proud to announce that AESOP (An Extended Song of Our People), the public art project and DJ booth has returned to provide commuters with another season of lively music as they pass through the 95th/Dan Ryan Red Line station. This year’s programming schedule now includes three days of real-time programming by multiple local disc jockey (DJ) artists.

AESOP is an interactive public art installation created by world renowned artist and Chicago-based social innovator Theaster Gates, and is also the first known artist-designed and constructed broadcast studio/DJ booth in a transit facility.

program serving as creative director while also bringing in other local DJs to provide weekly performances and showcase their talents,” said CTA President Dorval r. Carter, Jr. “AESOP provides South Side commuters with a public cultural amenity that celebrates shared history, showcases local talent, and centers the sonic histories and contributions of Black and Brown people.”

New White Paper Guidance for Addressing Dementia in the Workplace

A new white paper released by the Alzheimer’s Association and Bank of America offers guidance aimed at helping U.S. employers navigate a growing concern: increased rates of cognitive impairment and dementia in the workplace.

The paper, “Cognitive Impairment in the Workplace: Compassionate approaches for a hidden but growing concern,” reports rates of cognitive impairment and dementia in the workplace are on the rise. It is estimated that nearly 1 in 5 U.S. workers (19%) are age 65 or older, nearly double the amount in 1987. The greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is increasing age. It is estimated that 1 in 9 Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s.

“As our population and workforce ages, the possibility of having employees who experience cognitive impairment is real,” said Katie Evans, chief programs & mission engagement officer, Alzheimer’s Association. “Workplaces can no longer ignore this hidden issue of cognitive impairment. Our white paper is aimed at helping companies and organizations address this reality in a way that is responsible and respectful for both the employee and employer. Ultimately, our goal is to encourage dementia-friendly workplaces.”

Under the original agreement with artist Gates, programming for the DJ booth was to be provided for five years. Under a new twoyear agreement with DJ Ayana Contreras, she returns as one of the performing DJs, as well as the creative program director. DJ Ayana Contreras’s programming will continue in the spirit of Theaster Gates’ vision for AESOP, which is to feature music of Chicago’s South Side – including Blues, R&B, Soul and Gospel.

“It’s exciting to have DJ Ayana Contreras remain connected to the

New this year will be the addition of other guest DJs performing, including Mr. Jaytoo and DJ Junius Paul. As in previous years, there will be live programming on Mondays (7-10 a.m.) and Fridays (3-6 p.m.), plus the addition of Wednesdays (3-6 p.m.). This season of music will run through Friday, November 1, except for Monday, September 2 (Labor Day).

CTA’s collection of public art has nearly doubled over the last decade to include roughly 90 permanent works of art and dozens of temporary art installations across all eight rail lines and multiple bus facilities. This dynamic and immersive collection of public art includes mosaics, art glass, sculptures and interactive installations created by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, many of whom are local.

CONGRESSMAN DANNY K. DAVIS

Workplaces are often one of the first places where cognitive impairment surfaces for affected individuals and can have adverse effects on an organization’s productivity and work culture. It can also have serious financial and legal implications for both the company and employee, according to the paper.

Most employees experiencing cognitive problems do not disclose these concerns to employers due to stigma or fear of losing their job. Failure to address concerns proactively, however, can increase workplace stress, including coworkers covering for the individual or having colleagues and supervisors wrongly attribute an employee’s declining job performance to psychiatric illness, laziness or substance use. Employees living with dementia can be reprimanded, demoted or terminated before cognitive impairment is diagnosed or even suspected.

The new paper offers several recommendations for creating and fostering a dementia-friendly workplace, including:

• Providing training to human resources personnel and supervisors on the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia and on basic disability law through the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Encouraging employees to seek medical advice for early diagnosis and treatment, maintain healthy habits, and manage their health.

• Helping employees fully understand disability benefits and retirement and work options.

• Considering accommodations for employees who wish to keep working and are able to, based on job responsibilities and safety. These may include modifying roles and responsibilities, flexible work hours, “buddy” employees and additional supervision.

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RELEASES RESULTS FROM CONSTITUENT SURVEY ON PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY

Chicago, Ill. – Congressman Danny K. Davis is pleased to share the results of a recent constituent survey regarding opinions on presidential immunity from prosecution. The survey, which received 1,611 responses, aimed to gauge public sentiment on whether the President of the United States should be granted immunity from prosecution during and after their tenure in office. Constituents responded to the survey from June 21-July 2.

Key findings from the survey include:

- Immunity During Tenure: An overwhelming 90.6% of respondents believe the President should not be granted immunity from prosecution for crimes committed during their tenure, with only 7% in favor.

- Immunity After Tenure: A similarly significant 93% of respondents oppose immunity for crimes committed after their tenure, with only a

small minority supporting it.

The demographic breakdown of survey participants included:

- Gender: 57.9% female, 40% male, and 2.5% other.

- Age: The largest age group was 65-74 years old (23.7%), followed by 35-44 years old (18.9%), and 55-64 years old (17.3%).

- Race/Ethnicity: 54.3% Black or African American, 26.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian or Pacific Islander, among others.

Congressman Davis expressed his gratitude for the participation and emphasized the importance of public opinion in shaping policy. “The clear message from my constituents is that no one should be above the law, including the President. These results will guide my efforts in Congress to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law,” said Congressman Davis.

• Evaluating the status of any accommodations (from both workers’ and the employer’s perspective), adjustments that may be needed, and employees’ interest in remaining at work versus retiring.

• Providing training for employees — particularly client-facing employees — on recognizing the warning signs of cognitive decline in the event they experience it in those with whom they interact.

• Helping to positively transition those living with dementia out of the workplace at the appropriate time by providing support and allowing for a dignified exit.

“By raising awareness and creating policies regarding dementia, companies can support their employees, optimize productivity and foster a compassionate work environment,” said Cynthia Hutchins, director of financial gerontology, Bank of America Workplace Benefits. “An empathetic company culture increases the chances that a worker will disclose cognitive concerns, allowing critical conversations to occur and employees to get support earlier.”

Providing accommodations for employees who wish to keep working and are able to, based on job responsibilities and safety, can retain historical knowledge, preserve workplace teams, and create a positive work culture where employees feel safe acknowledging health problems, according to the paper.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia to help individuals and families identify potential warning signs. Today, there are nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s dementia. For more information on Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, visit alz.org or call the Association’s free 24-7 helpline at 800.272.3900. Contact: Lionell Martin, Public Relations Manager, Alzheimer’s Association, lrmartin@alz.org, 773.593. 4211

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

How to take action and help protect older adults from scams

SPONSORED BY JPMORGANCHASE

Anyone can be a victim of scams. They happen when scammers go after individuals of all ages, using tactics like phone calls, emails and messages to reel in unsuspecting victims to get to their money and personal information.

Older adults are often key targets, so it is important to stay alert to common scams and financial abuse signs that can help protect older loved ones from becoming a victim.

Know the signs of a scam

Scammers have grown very convincing. They often can impersonate companies or organizations and make you believe the urgency or need behind their attempts. If you encounter the following signs, you’re likely dealing with a scammer.

1

Urgent demands to take action, send money and personal information requests. An imposter may demand quick action, claim that you will lose money, and push for access to your personal account information, passwords or confirmation codes. Remember: neither banks nor the government will threaten you or demand money to protect your accounts. If you receive a call from your bank that you are unsure about, hang up and call the number on the back of your credit or debit card.

2

New relationships that take an interest in their money. Financial abuse often happens from persons known to the victim, like a caretaker or a new acquaintance. Be wary of any new friends approaching you with investment “opportunities” or who take an interest in your financial information.

3

Unexpected contact from “loved ones.” Scammers can use artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate familiar voices,

posing as friends or family. They’ll call you on the phone sounding like a loved one in danger and demanding that you send money. Hang up and contact your loved one directly to confirm it’s really them.

4

Unusual financial activity. Scammers could be accessing your account if you see withdrawals or changes to your accounts, such as new authorized users or missed bill payments. Also, be sure to keep your checkbook safe and keep an eye on check activity. Automate all the payments you can and discuss who are trusted contacts to support money decisions if you ever need help.

5

Changes in ownership and responsibility. If you notice changes to wills, power of attorneys or any other financial plans, it could be a sign of financial abuse. Take action to avoid scams

You and your loved ones don’t have to be victims. These steps can help reduce the chance of falling for a scam:

• Ignore and block calls and messages from numbers you don’t recognize and don’t trust caller ID alone. When in doubt, hang up and contact the company, bank or loved one directly to ask if there is a

problem.

• Throw away unsolicited mail and be careful with suspicious emails or messages on social media. Don’t answer questions about personal finances.

• Keep your personal information, account details and passwords safe so you don’t give scammers access to your money and identity.

• Be cautious when using checks. Digital payment methods or your bank’s online bill payment feature can help you get money to your intended recipient while eliminating paper checks that can be stolen and altered.

• Enable online alerts to be aware of large purchases. You can act quickly if you see fraudulent charges.

• Shred bank statements, receipts, unused checks and credit cards before throwing them away.

If you’re an older adult, have conversations with trusted family members about how they can support your money needs as you age, which can help protect you from being exposed to fraud and financial exploitation. For those with older loved ones, start the conversation now and use digital tools to help alert you to possible scams.

Remember that financial scams can happen to anyone. If you feel you’ve been scammed, contact your bank to verify recent transactions to ensure there is no unusual activity on your account. Don’t feel embarrassed if you become a victim, share your experience with friends and family and ask for help. You can learn more about ways to detect financial abuse and to protect loved ones at chase.com/ financialabuse.

For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/ recommendation for any individual. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/ or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy.

GROUP BLACK DOUBLES DOWN ON GROWTH STRATEGY

WITH PROMOTION OF ASHLEY BANKS TO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMERCIAL

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Group Black, an inclusive mission-driven media company, proudly announces the promotion of Ashley Banks to Executive Vice President of Commercial. This move highlights Group Black’s commitment to accelerating growth and amplifying the voices of Black and diverse women in the media industry.

In her new role, Ashley Banks will lead the company’s commercial strategy, overseeing Sales, Revenue Operations, and Client Services. Her promotion from Senior Vice President of Sales is a testament to her outstanding leadership, innovative approach, and significant contributions to the company’s success.

Since joining Group Black, Banks has been instrumental in moving the company forward. She

has transformed the sales organization by growing revenue and fostering strong client relationships, including a landmark Group Black and NBCUniversal partnership. She is also the co-creator of She’s Good, For Real, a first-of-itskind digital platform designed to empower Black women to better advocate for their health and the health of their families.

“Ashley has been a driving force behind our sales and revenue operations, and her promotion to Executive Vice President of Commercial is a natural progression,” said Cavel Khan, Chief Growth Officer of Group Black. “Her expertise and passion for our mission will be invaluable as we continue to scale and deepen our impact in the industry.”

Banks expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am honored to take on this new

challenge and further contribute to Group Black’s mission. I look forward to working with our talented team to continue to drive growth, innovation, and excellence in everything we do.”

This promotion comes at a pivotal time for Group Black as the company continues to expand its portfolio and amplify the voices of diverse-owned media. With Banks at the helm of the commercial division, Group Black is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goals and redefine industry standards. Group Black is an MBE-certified media company dedicated to connecting brands with diverse audiences. Committed to fostering an inclusive media ecosystem, Group Black amplifies diverse storytelling and deepens the investment pipeline for diverse-owned businesses. Informed by marketing and creative expertise, Group Black crafts contextually relevant strategies that resonate with a multicultural generation. Group Black is where culture calls home.

EASTSIDE GOLF SIGNS TOP JUNIOR GOLFER KIHEI AKINA TO NIL ROSTER

Eastside Golf is a lifestyle golf brand dedicated to driving change and creating a more inclusive view of the game

Akina is Golfweek’s #1-ranked golfer in 2025 class; Named 2023 USA Today National Boys High School Golfer of the Year

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Eastside Golf furthered its commitment to supporting the next generation of athletes by announcing the signing of superstar young golfer Kihei Akina to its Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) athlete roster. Akina, ranked No. 1 in the 2025 class by Golfweek, now accompanies Temple University freshman Matthew Vital on Eastside Golf’s NIL roster as the apparel brand continues to expand its platform supporting and sponsoring talented young golfers.

“Kihei is not just one of our country’s best young golfers, but also a standout athlete who represents the bright future of our sport both on and off the course. He’s an incredible player from an amazing family with major ambitions who puts in immense effort to be the best version of himself and someone kids look up to. Eastside Golf is honored to have him on our team,” said Earl Cooper, Eastside Golf’s co-founder and CEO.

“I’m proud to welcome Kihei and his family into Eastside Golf where our NIL program will bring him the access, mentorship, opportunities and financial support he deserves as he strives to be the best golfer he can be. Earl and I understand the grueling journey that golf can be for a young athlete, and we are excited to work with Kihei to support him as he continues to excel in the game,” said Olajuwon Ajanaku, Eastside Golf’s co-founder and creative director.

Akina, a native of Kahuku, Hawaii, and rising senior at Lone Peak High School in Highland, U.T., was named the 2023 USA Today National Boys High School Golfer of the Year. He has secured a pair of top-5 finishes in Junior tournaments already this year, including 1st place at the Nike Junior Invitational, and setting the course and tournament record at the Terra Cotta Invitational at Naples Golf Club, shooting a 62. He also advanced to the final qualifying round for the U.S. Open this year after shooting the second-best score (-3) at a local qualifying event. The rising senior has already committed to Brigham Young University.

the course.”

“Eastside Golf shows that you can dress how you feel comfortable and be welcome in the golf world,” said Alan Akina, Kihei’s father. “Earl and Olajuwon are breaking down the barriers that too often exist in the sport. As a dad, that made me feel entirely comfortable with and excited about Kihei partnering with Eastside Golf. We love what they stand for and have a shared vision of how to push the game of golf forward.”

Founded in 2019 by former Morehouse College golf teammates Olajuwon Ajanaku and PGA of America Golf Professional Earl Cooper, Eastside Golf is transforming public perceptions of golf, actively reshaping the cultural dialogue surrounding the game to support more inclusivity and diversity, and creating more authentic opportunities to bring a broader audience into the game to grow the sport for generations to come. Eastside Golf is deeply committed to supporting and spotlighting HBCU golf through events and partnerships and has donated a cumulative $300,000 to support the Morehouse College golf team.

PRNewsfoto/Eastside Golf

“As someone who has worn their gear for years, it’s exciting to now represent Eastside Golf on the course, “ said Kihei Akina. “I admire how Eastside Golf is all about bringing the community and culture together as one. Their values and how they want to bring opportunities to those who previously may not have had them closely align with my goals. I want to be a model to younger people and grow the game of golf, and I’m pumped to be able to do so alongside Earl, Olajuwon and their entire team. Plus, their gear is fire, both on and off

The organization’s apparel has been embraced by golf professionals, former presidents, celebrities, fashion influencers and professional athletes alike, including NBA stars Chris Paul and Jayson Tatum, NFL great Victor Cruz, musician DJ Khaled, and former President Barack Obama. Its success is further underscored by notable relationships with global brands including seven collaborations with Jordan Brand, and strategic partnerships and licensing deals with major entities such as the NBA, MLB, and Mercedes Benz. Eastside Golf was profiled in Hulu’s “Grails: When Sneakers Change the Game,” a six-episode docuseries on how Ajanaku and Cooper are driving social and cultural change in golf. Eastside Golf is a lifestyle apparel brand rooted in golf that is using fashion to change the perception of the game. The mission of Eastside Golf is to be the lifestyle brand customers deserve — forging new paths and breaking barriers by designing and curating classic lifestyle wear of the highest quality so every customer can authentically express themselves in comfortable luxury. Eastside Golf’s community outreach and golf education aims to connect young professionals and non-golfers with education, resources, and encouragement to love the game. Learn more at www.eastsidegolf.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and X through @EastsideGolf.

Where fashion, art and culture unite: H&M, Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore collaborate for a collection featuring Jean-Michel Basquiat’s works

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Together with New York-based fashion designers Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore, the latest H&M collaboration explores Jean-Michel Basquiat’s legacy and his impact on young Black creatives. The 30-piece collection merges Basquiat’s iconic imagery and rarely seen artworks with Bravado and D’Amore’s stained glass motifs and expressive designs. The collection will be available at hm.com and in select stores on August 1st.

Named semi-finalists for the 2024 LVMH Prize and finalists for the 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore are known for their carefully crafted pieces, expert garment distressing and upcycled denim. With this H&M collaboration, they continue to blur the line between fashion, art, and culture, further amplifying the legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat through placement prints, embroidery and embroidered patches of his artworks on their signature silhouettes.

Basquiat is widely considered one of the most important artists of the 20th-century. Inspired by his journey from street artist to renowned art figure, Bravado and D’Amore believe Basquiat’s legacy serves as a daily reminder that there are no limits to what they can achieve.

“For us, Basquiat has always been an influential and larger than life figure. To be able to comb through his archives and select rarely referenced artworks is a blessing. The Basquiat estate has been super supportive of our unique vision. Providing this collection on a worldwide scale with H&M makes it ten times more special because it will be largely accessible,” say Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore.

“Ev and Téla have quickly become some of the most exciting voices in fashion, and we knew that they would honor Jean-Michel’s vision while adding their own distinct style to his work. A central tenet of his legacy is to empower and amplify young black creatives, and through H&M’s global platform, we hope to inspire a new generation of artists to carry on his creative spirit,” says the Basquiat estate, run by Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, sisters of Jean-Michel Basquiat.

The 30-piece collection includes tailoring, jackets, shortsleeve shirts, jeans, hoodies, t-shirts and a dress, skirt and corset top, plus accessories. There’s a bomber jacket adorned with the vibrant artwork Ass Killer, 1984 and embroidery of the designers’ arched window, a black blazer with Basquiat’s scribbles about jazz greats Charlie Parker and Miles Davis (Discography 1, 1984), and luxe black leather trousers referencing the artworks Untitled (Ideal), 1988 and Untitled (World Famous), 1983. Other standouts are the unisex distressed denim jacket and matching jeans with Basquiat’s art enshrined in the recurring window design.

“Ev and Téla have translated Basquiat’s iconic art through a contemporary lens, resulting in a collection that feels new, meaningful and exciting. They also have a deep understanding and connection to Basquiat’s life, values and art – and how it all resonates with today’s cultural climate. This collection follows their maximalist, ‘more is more’ designs, but the artistic approach really ties into Basquiat and makes the collaboration a standout,” says Ana Hernandez, Menswear Designer at H&M.

The

Caleb Williams To Chicago

Photos By L.M. Warbington

Opportunity@Work Awards $2 Million to Organizations Accelerating Economic Mobility

WASHINGTON, PRNewswire -- National economic mobility nonprofit Opportunity@Work announced eight recipients of its Powering STAR Breakthroughs grant program, a first-of-its-kind effort to support organizations that are boosting economic mobility and combatting occupational segregation for workers from who have historically been excluded from high-wage roles. The grantees cover a range of geographic regions and industries, with a shared commitment to connecting workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) – such as community college, military service, or on the job experience, rather than a bachelor’s degree – to family-sustaining jobs and careers.

Grantees of the Powering STAR Breakthroughs program were selected from a wide range of organizations based on a clear set of criteria that reflected applicants’ commitment to supporting STARs’ economic mobility. The organizations chosen represent communities from Los Angeles, California to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Camden, New Jersey, and were selected with extra consideration towards their impact within industries which historically did not have clear accessible career pathways for STARs, such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology, skilled trades, tax preparation, and the food service industry. In addition to financial support, Opportunity@Work will also work to amplify grantees’ programs, including forging connections with fellow grantees, employers, and the broader workforce development community, reflecting the organization’s commitment to elevating and empowering the work of training providers.

Our 2024-2025 Powering STAR Breakthroughs grantees are:

Central City Neighborhood Partners, a Los Angeles-based organization that will use its grant funds to provide training and wraparound support services specifically focused on uplifting and empowering Hispanic women STARs in the Volunteer Tax Preparation industry, providing access to upwardly mobile career opportunities for women in a com-

munity with a 100% poverty rate.

Launch of Philadelphia, which will expand access to apprenticeships as a pathway to high-demand tech sector jobs, with the aim of boosting economic mobility and stability for Black STARs in the Philadelphia metropolitan region.

A partnership between Mount Tamalpais College, whose students who are incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison, and Next Chapter, which will provide training and job matching services in the tech industry for Mount Tamalpais College students and alumni, creating pathways to opportunity for STARs who are navigating their reentry from incarceration.

Northland Workforce Training Center, which will provide STARs in Buffalo, New York with access to no-cost accelerated and certificate training programs focused on the advanced manufacturing and clean energy industries, bridging the gap between the local workforce and industry needs throughout the region.

Propel America, which will provide training and job placement support for STARs in multiple cities across the US who are seeking jobs as medical assistants and sterile processing technicians, among others. This work will further the organization’s mission of building a more representative healthcare workforce by focusing on reaching recent high school graduates of color.

Towards Employment, which will provide job placement support, career coaching, and wraparound support for STARs in Cleveland neighborhoods most impacted by historic redlining. This work aims to reverse a legacy of inequity by providing support to STARs with criminal records, those with a history of addiction, and/or those who have faced housing instability.

Turing School Of Software & Design, which will recruit, train, and graduate a population of STARs for its tech training programs in Denver, as well as offer online programming to reach STARs living in rural areas, to expand access to

career pathways in one of Colorado’s fastest-growing industries.

“We were hugely impressed by the caliber of the many worthy applications we received, even beyond those selected. Each region and industry in which the winning organizations operate hold their own opportunities for – and obstacles to – STARs’ economic mobility. We know that rewiring the U.S. labor market requires best-in-class insights and analytics nationally to support effective action at the local and regional levels. This means elevating the experiences and expertise of organizations like our Powering STAR Breakthroughs grantees and supporting them in their work,” said Byron Auguste, CEO & co-founder of Opportunity@ Work. “This is a vital step in an ongoing nationwide effort to build a labor market that works for STARs, and for all American workers who face unnecessary barriers to economic mobility.”

To learn more about the Powering STAR Breakthroughs program, please visit this link. Due to overwhelming interest from training providers and talent development organizations across the country, Opportunity@Work will explore conducting similar challenges in future years with additional funding partners.

Opportunity@Work is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to rewire the labor market to enable at least 1 million working adults in America to translate their learning into earning. Opportunity@Work engages with corporate, philanthropic, and workforce partners to directly address the barriers that STARs face, recognize STARs’ talent, and eliminate unnecessary degree requirements for open roles. Their Tear the Paper Ceiling campaign with Ad Council brought together a growing coalition of more than 60 corporate and non-profit partners to share hiring insights and launch a national public services advertising campaign to raise awareness of, and support the hiring of STARs. Learn more at www.opportunityatwork.org.

LENA WAITHE, REGINA KING, ANDRA DAY, LEE DANIELS & MORE

JOIN FORCES AT THE 8TH ANNUAL CULTURE CREATORS INNOVATORS & LEADERS AWARDS BRUNCH

Los Angeles – Culture Creators — the esteemed organization dedicated to recognizing and celebrating trailblazers across entertainment, business, and Culture—kicked off the BET Awards weekend and closed out “Black Music Month” with its highly anticipated 8th Annual Innovators and Leaders Awards Brunch.

Taking over the world-famous Beverly Hilton on Friday June 28th, the star-studded event came to life thanks to a bevy of marquee sponsors—presented by BET, powered by Möet Hennessy, and driven by Lexus with additional support from the following Black-owned brands: The Doux, Afro Unicorn, and Rap Snacks.

Hosted by Gia Peppers, the 8th installment of the annual event served as a benefit and amplifier for the recently launched Culture Creators Foundation, a 501©3 non-profit. The foundation is dedicated to bridging the gap between high school and college and college to graduation for underrepresented students in industries lacking diversity. The foundation empowers these students to thrive academically and professionally by providing resources, curriculum supplementation, and mentorship. Funds raised at the brunch will support the 2024 Academic School Year Scholarship Program for the Campus Changemakers, the foundation’s inaugural cohort of students across 35 colleges and universities.

In light of the high stakes in this year’s presidential election and on the heels of the Presidential Debate, the awards brunch began with “The Collective Conversation,” a timely discussion between prominent political strategist Quentin James and actor and recording artist Joey Bada$$, underscoring the critical significance of voting and the pressing issues surrounding black employment in today’s socio-political climate. In the first musical performance of the day, the audience was treated to a captivating performance by Roc Nation recording artists Infinity Song, the viral band whose unique sound and dynamic stage presence have garnered a dedicated fanbase and racked up an impressive 8 million views.

From the looks on the red carpet to the creativity being honored, fashion and style were on full display. Entrepreneur and influencer Angela Simmons presented the Media Award to Claire Sulmers, recognizing her outstanding work on the influential fashion blog Fashion Bomb Daily. Sulmers

has made significant contributions to the fashion industry through her blog, which highlights diverse fashion trends and champions inclusivity. In the Style category, celebrity super styling-duo, Wayman + Micah took home the honor for consistently executing show stopping red carpet moments for the likes of Taraji P. Henson, Regina King, Coleman Domingo, Da’vine Joy Randolph, and more.

In a poignant moment that took the entire audience by surprise, Lena Waithe emerged from behind the stage to honor her “A Thousand and One” star Teyana Taylor with the Innovator of the Year Award. This unexpected appearance and heartfelt presentation added a layer of excitement and inspiration to the event, celebrating Taylor’s achievements and contributions to Culture. Taylor dedicated the honor to her two daughters.

In another touching moment, clients Regina King and Andra Day looked on, as Lorrie Bartlett was presented with the ICON Award by her long-time friend and colleague Lee Daniels before giving an impassioned speech as she reflected on her journey and her successes. “I have had an incredible run and I feel so proud and lucky when I think about all I have accomplished thus far. Here’s the truth: more often than not, you have to make your own luck. The pathway to success is not the same for everybody,” said Bartlett.

Film & Television, Tai Beauchamp in Health and Wellness, Rising Stars Maya and Brian Smith, Alencia Johnson for Social Impact, Cecil White in the category of Sports, and Alton Glass who was honored for his expertise in the field of Technology.

This year’s fete drew a who’s who of notable celebrities and influencers including former Icon Honoree L.A. Reid, Omarion, Debra Lee, YK Osiris, Alex Isley, Vanessa Estelle Williams, Pretty Vee, Trevor Jackson, Elijah Blake, Estelle, Cory Hardrict, Karl Kani, Flau’Jae, Jasper Hagen, Jessica Betts, and more. Their presence further enhanced the glamour and excitement of the event, emphasizing the industry’s collective commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering a sense of unity. Delivering on its promise to nurture young talent, provide a platform to showcase their skills, and to prepare them for successful careers, Culture Creators proudly announced its inaugural “Culture Creators Portrait Studio” helmed by Howard University senior Kaleo Rodriguez. “This collaboration is a shining example of how the Culture Creators Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for students through hands-on learning and real-world experiences. By partnering with Kaleo, we are not only investing in his future but also enriching our community through his unique artistic vision,” said Brown.

This marked a reunion of sorts for Lee Daniels and fellow director Regina King. Additionally, Andra Day and Lee Daniels are preparing for the release of their exciting new movie The Deliverance directed by Lee Daniels, and co-starring Glenn Close. All three stars are represented by ICON honoree Lorrie Bartlett. Additional honorees included Monique Idlett in Business, Connie Orlando in

The star-studded brunch offered a platform for influential personalities, industry gatekeepers, and aspiring creators to connect and collaborate. The Culture Creators’ 8th Annual Innovators and Leaders Awards Brunch was an ultimate success, making an impact on the industry and inspiring a new wave of creators to fearlessly achieve their goals. The event speaks to the transformative power of unity, collaboration, and the unwavering spirit of artistic expression.

DAY ONE OF THE 2024 ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE™ PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA®

New Orleans – Day One of the 2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture™ Presented By Coca-Cola® kicked off the fourday celebration of 30 years of loving us by honoring the long-standing festival headliner - the city of New Orleans. Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans and ESSENCE Ventures President & CEO Caroline Wanga, alongside members of the executive leadership team, set the tone of this year’s event by offering remarks at the 2024 Press Welcome Event and Immersion, highlighting the annual economic and cultural impact of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ on the local New Orleans community and greater state of Louisiana.

The welcome remarks were followed by local immersions that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the city of New Orleans, including an installation featuring local artists on display throughout Gallier Hall, a cooking demonstration that introduced a modern spin on classic Creole dishes at the Selina Catahoula New Orleans Rooftop, a sip and sew led by the master of Black Masking suit designs Shaka Zulu, and showcasing the visual art community during a tours of the Contemporary Arts Center and John Scott Center - underscoring the commitment by the festival, to amplify the indelible cultural beacons across New Orleans.

Following the 2024 Press Welcome Event and

Immersion, cultural curator and world renowned DJ, D-Nice, started off the soundtrack to the 2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture™ Presented By Coca-Cola® birthday celebration during Club Quarantine Live After Dark with D-Nice and Special Guests at the Fillmore New Orleans. The revolutionary virtual event that brought millions together during the isolation of the pandemic has evolved to an offline experience that encourages connectivity and community IRL. It can’t be a party for us without a long list of special guests. Notable performers and guests included Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Eric Benét, iconic R&B group Jade, chart-topping singer and songwriter J. Valentine, radio host Kenny Burns, saxophonist Mike Phillips, Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Raheem Devaughn, chart-topping R&B duo Ruff Endz, and iconic singer and songwriter Sunshine Anderson. Music for the event was provided by award-winning comedian and host Deon Cole and legendary producer and songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox.

Photo provided by The Purple Agency

PROPEL Center Celebrates 37 Faculty Fellows

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- A cohort of nearly 40 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) leaders recently culminated a year-long professional development training designed to enhance teaching skills to ensure the most impactful learning classroom experience. Launched by PROPEL Center, an innovation technology hub for HBCUs, the HBCU Faculty Fellows Academy (HFFA) serves as a cornerstone programmatic initiative that provides selected faculty members an opportunity to facilitate learning, lead and leverage Apple technology to promote student success, and expand their professional network.

“At PROPEL Center, we remain committed to igniting opportunities in the classroom for both students and faculty through accelerated, experiential and virtual learning opportunities that infuse leading technology and industry-aligned professional training,” said PROPEL Center President Dr. Lisa Herring. “Our professors play an integral role in shaping the career trajectories of more than 300,000 students currently enrolled at HBCUs. It’s imperative that we work collaboratively with these distinguished institutions to ensure their faculty and students remain equipped to lead in a dynamic and ever-changing marketplace,” said Herring.

Highlighting the twelve-month experience was a two-day faculty showcase hosted in partnership with PROPEL Center’s founding sponsor Apple. At the end of May, in Austin, Texas, the HFFA spotlighted the cohort’s achievements and demonstrated how faculty members plan to integrate learning science principles, Apple technology, and the PROPEL Center leadership model to enhance learning outcomes at their respective institutions.

Patrice W. Glenn Jones, Alabama State University

William Hanff, University District of Columbia

Andrew Hutchens, Benedict College

Keesha James, Lawson State University

Maurice Johnson, Florida A&M University

Kenya Jones, Clark Atlanta University

Sosanya Jones, Howard University

Ishwari Kunwar, Fort Valley State University

Nancy Linden, Savannah State University

Johnny Lowery, Claflin University

Marisela Martinez-Cola, Morehouse College

Ariana Mbemi, Jackson State University

Ouida McAfee, Coahoma Community College

Muhsinah Morris, Morehouse College

Christina Muhammad, Morehouse School of Medicine

Steven Onukwull, Bishop State Community College

Charmayne Patterson, Clark Atlanta University

Sylvester Polk, Bethune-Cookman College

Kimetta Reynolds Hairston, Bowie State University

Detrice Roberts, Jackson State University

Tytianna Rungstaff, Simmons College

Ruth Smith, Bethune-Cookman College

Steven Starks, Clark Atlanta University

Toni Stevens, Spelman College

Adria Welcher, Morehouse College

Avery Williams, Morehouse College

HFFA has achieved notable success. Following their participation in the program, 100% of the fellows reported an increase in their professional network, expanding their community across the HBCU ecosystem. Additionally, 100% of faculty fellows are preparing to integrate Apple technology into their classrooms, which will result in thousands of students benefiting from the enhanced teaching skills of the cohort.

The academy’s curriculum is designed by industry experts, HBCU faculty, and notable workforce collaborators, ensuring relevance and an innovative and personalized professional development experience. “The program’s curriculum design and delivery incorporate learning science principles that account for the unique learning needs of neurodiverse and culturally diverse learners,” said PROPEL Center Chief Learning and Innovation Officer Dr. Camesha Whittaker. “The curated learning experience emphasizes active, hands-on activities and challenge-based learning opportunities with a special focus placed on educators understanding ways to better support students along a unique learning journey,” said Whittaker.

2023-2024 HHFA Participants

Yaw Adoo, Morris Brown College

Mohit Anand, Miles College

Brody Bluemel, Delaware State University

Tamara Brown Payne, Fort Valley State University

Claudius Claiborne, Texas Southern University

Monique Earl-Lewis, Morehouse College

Megan Fields, Fort Valley State University

MaKisha Funderburke, Clark Atlanta University

As PROPEL Center celebrates the accomplishments of its faculty fellows representing 25 HBCUs, it sets the stage for a new cohort poised to further elevate the educational landscape within HBCUs. “With a focus on honing leadership and tech-enhanced ways to facilitate learning, the

HFFA stands as a beacon of teaching innovation in the HBCU ecosystem,” said Herring. 2024-2025 HHFA Participants

Jarralynne Agee, Miles College

Monique Anderson, Lane College

Herbert A. Brisbon, Dillard University

Angela L. Charlton, Coppin State University

Satyanarayan Dev, Florida A&M University

Biswadeep Dhar, University of Maryland Eastern

Shore

Takisha Durm, Alabama A&M University

Agbor A. Ebot, Livingstone College

Valeree Ellis-Barnes, Rust College

Dwedor W. Ford, Prairie View A&M University

Kristi Garrett, Morris Brown College

Rosalyn D. Harrington, Winston-Salem State University

Jerry L. Haywood, Jr., Fort Valley State University

Farzana Hussain, Huston-Tillotson University

Renita J. Irving, Clinton College

Stacy J. Jones, Jackson State University

Rhonda L. Lucas, Bishop State Community College

Nathalie Mizelle, University of the District of Columbia

Anisha Moorhead, Harris-Stowe State University

Krystal Peters, Cheyney University

Jeremy Allen Pittman, Coahoma Community College

Amanda Plain, Miles College

Yasmeen Rawajfih, Tuskegee University

Erica R. Russell, Norfolk State University

Karen E. Stewart, Tennessee State University

Morris Thomas, Howard University

Geneene N. Thompson, North Carolina A&T State University

John Wagner Givens, Spelman College

Reshid Xavier Walker, Delaware State University

For more information on future HFFA opportunities, visit propelcenter.org.

The National Business League, National Medical Association, National Bar Association, and More Announce Collaborative Effort to Empower and Protect Black American Communities

WASHINGTON, PRNewswire -- The National Business League (NBL)®, National Medical Association (NMA)®, and National Bar Association (NBA)® are proud to announce a collaborative effort to address critical issues impacting Black communities. This initiative focuses on protecting educational pathways, enhancing wealth opportunities, improving healthcare access, reducing health disparities, and strengthening legal advocacy for Black Americans. On Thursday, June 27, 2024, the presidents of these organizations met with the White House and Congressional Black Caucus with a non-partisan agenda.

“Enterprise ownership and development are the cornerstones of economic sustainability for Black American communities,” said Ken L. Harris, Ph.D., president and CEO of the NBL. “The NBL is proud to join forces with the NBA and NMA to protect and promote global wealth-building opportunities for Black Americans.”

Following the recent Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which impacts educational equity and affirmative action, the organizations emphasize the urgency of uniting their resources and professional expertise. Our collective efforts include:

Pathways to Education: The NBA, NBL, and NMA commit to fostering educational opportunities for Black students from primary school through higher education, including scholarships, mentorship, and educational resources.

Protecting Wealth Opportunities: The NBL supports Black Business Enterprises (BBEs) and their workers by providing resources for business development, enterprise ownership, and economic freedom tools to close the global yet generational wealth gap.

Healthcare Access and Equity: The NMA leads initiatives to improve healthcare access and outcomes for Black Americans, advocating for policies that address health disparities and expand access to quality services.

Legal Advocacy: The NBA provides robust legal advocacy to protect the civil rights of Black Americans, challenging discriminatory practices and promoting justice reform.

“Healthcare is a fundamental human right,” said Yolanda Lawson, MD, president of the NMA. “The NMA is committed to addressing the health disparities that disproportionately affect Black Americans and ensuring access to quality health care for all.”

Through this historic partnership, the NBA, NBL, and NMA reaffirm their commitment to protecting and advancing the rights and opportunities of Black communities. Together, with hundreds of Black professional organizations in America, they will work tirelessly to create a more just, equitable, and prosperous future.

Dominique D. Calhoun, president of the NBA, said, “The NBA is dedicated to ensuring that Black Americans have equal access to justice and educational opportunities. This collaboration allows us to leverage our collective strength to make a profound impact.”

Founded in 1895, the NMA is the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing Black physicians and health professionals in the U.S. The NMA promotes the collective interests of physicians and patients of African descent, advocating for parity in medicine, elimination of health disparities, and promotion of optimal health. Visit https://www.nmanet.org for more information.

Founded in 1900 by Booker T. Washington, the National Business League is the first and largest trade association for Black businesses and entrepreneurs of African descent. The NBL empowers Black-owned businesses through economic advocacy, enterprise training, and development initiatives throughout the Pan-African diaspora. Visit https://www.nationalbusinessleague.org for more information.

Founded in 1925, the National Bar Association is the nation’s oldest and largest network of predominantly African American attorneys and judges. The NBA advances the interests of the African American community through legal advocacy, education, and professional development. Visit https://nationalbar.org for more information.

PRNewsfoto/The National Business League

PROPEL

REAL ESTATE

AC7-3-2024\

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE NATIONAL BANK, AS TRUSTEE FOR C-BASS 2006-CB7 TRUST, MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006CB7; Plaintiff, vs. Ruby Johnson a/k/a Ruby L. Johnson (Deceased) John Lydon as Special Representative for Ruby Johnson (Deceased); Chester Green; Unknown Owners and Non Record Claimants; Defendants, 19 CH 3965 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, August 5, 2024 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 2501-411-039-0000. Commonly known as 2150 East 93rd Street, Chicago, IL 60617. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff's Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455. W190300 ADC INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3247015

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY

DIVISION SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING LLC, Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF NANCY H. NYBERG A/K/A NANCY NYBERG

F/K/A NACY DELL HOLMES AKA NANCY

HOLMES NYBERG; DENNIS WAYNE NYBERG A/K/A DENNIS W. NYBERG A/K/A DENNIS

NYBERG; CARL NYBERG A/K/A CARL G. NYBERG; RALPH DENNIS NYBERG A/K/A

RALPH D. NYBERG A/K/A RALPH NYBERG; GUSTAF C. NYBERG A/K/A GUSTAF NYBERG; ROY H. NYBERG A/K/A ROY NYBERG; DARWIN

NYBERG A/K/A DARWIN NYBERG A/K/A DARWIN V. NYBERG; AMIR MOHABBAT AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF NANCY H. NYBERG; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 2930 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, August 5, 2024 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: LOT 59, LOT 60 AND LOT 61 IN BLOCK 22 IN CALUMET AND CHICAGO CANAL AND DOCK COMPANY'S SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 9 OF A SUBDIVISION OF THE WEST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 31 AND ALSO ALL OF THAT PART OF THE WEST 366 1/2 FEET OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SAID SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 31, WHICH LIES NORTHEAST OF THE RIGHT OF WAY OF THE CHICAGO AND WESTERN INDIANA RAILROAD COMPANY, IN TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, RANGE 15, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. P.I.N. 26-31-418-021-0000; 26-31-418-022-0000. Commonly known as 13673 S. Brainard Ave., Chicago, IL 60633. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6960. 1396181271 ADC INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3247019

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION SERVION, INC Plaintiff, -v.- PAUL PARIS BALDWIN A/K/A PAUL BALDWIN, LATISHA BALDWIN, STATE OF ILLINOIS, CITY OF CHICAGO, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 22 CH 09578 9044 SOUTH DAUPHIN AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60619 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 17, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on August 6, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago,

special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER

LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff's Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-3469088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 22-12242IL_830477 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 22 CH 09578 TJSC#: 441664 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 22 CH 09578 I3247045

AC7-10-2024

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY

DIVISION U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESOR-IN-INTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION IN IT'S CAPACITY AS TRUSTEE FOR MASTR ASSET BACKED SECURITIES TRUST 2002-NC1 MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2002-NC1 Plaintiff, -v.- ROSCOE ROBINSON, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2022 CH 08055 9675 S BRENNAN AVE. CHICAGO, IL 60617 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 2, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on August 5, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9675 S BRENNAN AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60617 Property Index No. 25-12-230-021-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $106,350.69. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Alexander Potestivo, POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 263-0003. Please refer to file number 314900. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One

South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago IL, 60606 312-263-0003

E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw.com Attorney File No. 314900 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 2022 CH 08055 TJSC#: 44-1225 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2022 CH 08055 I3247583

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY

DIVISION US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.- AFRAH B. MANDERSON A/K/A AFRAH BRENDA MANDERSON, HISTORIC CHICAGO BUNGALOW ASSOCIATION

Defendants 10 CH 35939 7749 SOUTH CRANDON AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60649 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 15, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on August 16, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 7749 SOUTH CRANDON AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60649 Property Index No. 20-25-422-015-0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff's Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 3469088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 2005165IL_614495 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 10 CH 35939 TJSC#: 44-1720 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 10 CH 35939 I3247696

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION LIMOSA, LLC Plaintiff, -v.- EBONY SPRUIELL, MARVIN SPRUIELL A/K/A MARVIN K. SPRUIELL, CITY OF CHICAGO, AN ILLINOIS

MUNICIPAL CORPORATION Defendants 10 CH 07236 7952 SOUTH LANGLEY AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60619 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 16, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on August 19, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 7952 SOUTH LANGLEY AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60619 Property Index No. 20-34-205-030 The real estate is improved with a apartment building with four or more units with a detached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and

without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC

Plaintiff's Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 3469088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 2005987IL_617518 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 10 CH 07236 TJSC#: 44-1580 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 10 CH 07236 I3247808

AC7-17-2024

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FLAGSTAR BANK, NA F/K/A FLAGSTAR BANK FSB Plaintiff, -v.- KIM M. COLLINS, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR THE FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK, CITY OF CHICAGO Defendants 2019 CH 02230 8511 S. KING DRIVE CHICAGO, IL 60619 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 21, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on August 23, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 8511 S. KING DRIVE, CHICAGO, IL 60619 Property Index No. 20-34-406-004-0000 (VOL. 269) The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $290,711.49. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff's Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 19 6859. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 30 N.

Start the School Year Strong and Prevent Illness in Children

(StatePoint) The excitement of a new school year unfolds each year when families flood the superstore aisles to buy classroom supplies, tape afterschool schedules on the fridge and organize carpools with friends.

Common to each family is a desire for children to remain healthy, active and ready to learn.

To prepare children and teens to be at their best –physically, mentally, socially and emotionally – the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends regular visits with the pediatrician, as well as immunizations that help keep all family members healthy. Recent outbreaks of measles, a highly con-

tagious disease, have shown how quickly some infectious diseases can spread within a community.

“The best way to strengthen a child’s immune system and keep them healthy is by getting them vaccinated,” said pediatrician, Dr. David M. Higgins. “An illness like measles can keep children home and away from school and activities for days. Immunizations allow children to enjoy learning, playing and getting together with friends and family.”

As of June 13, 2024, a total of 151 U.S. measles cases were reported this year-todate in 21 different states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These recent measles outbreaks have affected unvaccinated peo-

ple. Choosing to not vaccinate your children not only leaves them susceptible to measles, but also exposes other children to this potentially serious disease. This includes infants who are too young to be vaccinated and those who are unable to be vaccinated due to other health conditions.

“Everyone in our community deserves to be healthy, and part of being healthy means getting immunized for all illnesses, including influenza and COVID-19 and, if eligible, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It benefits all of us if every child in our community is vaccinated, because it means that all of us are more likely to be healthy,” says Dr. Higgins.

Families can also stop the spread of infection by encouraging hand washing with children throughout the day. Help or remind them to wash their hands:

Before eating (including snacks)

• After a trip to the bathroom

• Whenever they come in from playing outdoors

• After touching an animal, like a family pet

• After sneezing or coughing if they cover their mouth

• When someone in the household is ill

The AAP calls for the immunization of all children and adolescents according to its policy,

Recommended Immunization Schedules for Children and Adolescents Aged 18 Years or Younger, United States. More information can be found at healthychildren.org.

“Your pediatrician can answer any questions about recommended vaccines and when your child needs them,” Dr. Higgins said. “There is a schedule for their recommended timing because that is when research has shown they are most effective during a child’s development.”

To help make school shopping a bit easier, Rack Room Shoes is offering families advice about this

back-to-school season's top shoe trends:

1. Elevated: From color-blocked to classic-inspired sneakers, your favorite brands like Nike, Converse, Vans and Crocs are offering trends that will complement a variety of outfits, and become wardrobe staples.

2. Retro: Take a step back in time with retro and Y2K looks from Adidas, Puma and New Balance. These brands offer an assortment of designs and take it back old school.

3. Comfy: Staying indoors or lounging in the dorm? Crocs, HEYDUDE and Birkenstock offer laidback, comfortable choices ranging from fuzzy-lined styles to lightweight and flexible cushion slides.

4. Bold: Want your first impression to be memorable? Glitter, embellished toe caps and a wide selection of bright colors are your best friends. And this season’s collaborations with Sanrio, Disney and My Little Pony bring favorite characters to life. You’ll be sure to find your pair of statement makers.

5. Sporty Accessories: Be in style and learn with style. For this school year, choose a backpack from a variety of colors, patterns, materials and brands. Rack Room Shoes has backpacks with the needed space for every textbook, laptop or water bottle; featuring padded shoulder straps or a back panel for comfortable carrying.

For more back-to-school style inspiration, visit a Rack Room Shoes in your area or online at rackroomshoes.com.

Whether it’s to make a bold first impression, raise the bar, or let old school meet new school, the right pair of shoes can give kids the confidence they need to step into a brand new school year.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Userba011d64_201 / iStock via Getty Images