South End Citizen 12-28-2022

Totally Positive Productions continues to be a positive light

Chicago, Ill. –Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White released the following statement announcing his support for proposed gun reform bill HB5855, the Protect Illinois Communities Act:

“I am proud to stand with Illinois lawmakers as they work to pass life-saving gun safety legislation to protect our communities. As a veteran, I am acutely aware that our streets should not be flooded with weapons appropriate for a warzone. While I respect the rights of responsible gun owners, guns are falling into the wrong hands far too often, especially guns that are designed to kill as many people as quickly as possible. I urge legislators to come together and pass much needed reforms. It’s time to take action; the lives of Illinoisans depend on it.”

The Protect Illinois Communities Act, introduced by Rep. Bob Morgan earlier this month, includes legislation that would ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines, facilitate better implementation and efficacy of Illinois’s Firearm Restraining Order (FRPO) law, raise the minimum age to obtain a FOID card to 21, and address illegal gun trafficking in the state.

A poll released by Everytown for Gun Safety last week demonstrated that these gun safety measures have widespread support across the state. Overall, 52% of Illinoisans believe gun laws in Illinois should be stronger, including nearly three quarters of Black voters and 56% of Hispanic voters. A ban on assault weapons has the support of 58% of Illinoisans and two-thirds of voters support increasing the minimum age to obtain a FOID card from 18 to 21.

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Totally Positive Productions’ mission is to produce positive rap, dance, singing and spoken word talent competitions, as well as produce positive off the street activities for young people and adults. The goal is to deter people from drug and gang involvement.

“It’s important to change the behaviors and get the youth, as well as the adults, in the mindset of something that is enjoyable before we get into the education aspect,” said Jones, a Veteran and former Veterans Affairs employee.

Each Wednesday, the Totally Positive Productions Variety Show airs. IT’s first home was OCP Inspirational Television, but it is looking for a new network. Jones got the idea for the televised variety show from one of the organization’s board members. The Variety Show features artists Totally Positive Productions works with, as well as community members and people on the organization’s board. Artists participate in an interview with Jones, then have the opportunity to perform their work. There’s also Mom’s Corner, with Jones’ mother giving her perspective on things. Because of its popularity and viewership, the show went from an half hour show to an hourlong show.

“We’ve impacted lives, a lot of youths’ lives, a lot of parent’s lives and guardians and just knowing we’ve made a positive change,” Jones said, when asked what has kept the organization going for 28 years.

Jones is happy, regardless of any trials or tribulations that might be going on. When he thinks about Totally Positive Productions, the first thing that comes to mind is being a positive force; to be a positive light to youth and their families. The organization hosts cultural enrichment trips,

which are free of charge to the participants. The organization ensures the participants receive a meal.

Totally Positive Productions has seen a change in the participants in the programs, not just a change in their behaviors, but a change of the mindset. He wants the participants to feel they are in a safe space, but also wants them to know how to conduct themselves in that space. Jones has made sure that he reinforces that the creative expression does not have any bad language and is not sexually explicit.

“We’re here to change every aspect of behavior and lifestyle. If we can get that, we’re making a change in their lives,” Jones said, adding that his mission is to please God.

In the beginning Jones had to search out funders and supporters. Now, people are coming to him to support Totally Positive Productions and its mission.

Jones said the key to keeping the participants engaged in the program is giving them time and a place where they know people are listening to them. The staff doesn’t have a problem listening to the participants. Jones believes the household is still essential to the changes that happen with the participants. He promises that those who participate in the program will change. The key is the support they have outside the program. That is why Jones asks for the guardians and parents to buy-in, with both the young person and the parent and guardian to work together.

Jones wants to reach more young people with Totally Positive Productions. He wants to do that with Positive Rap, P-Rap, rap with no cursing or sexually explicit language. He believes the genre is suitable for all ages.

“Be that light to the world, especially the young people that are in Chicagoland,” Jones said.

For more information about Totally Positive Productions, visit www.totallypositiveproductions.com or email tpp@totallypositiveproductions.com; or call 773-488-9553.

Cook County, Ill. – Donna Miller is joining a select group of county elected officials as part of the National Association of Counties’ County Officials advancing Racial Equity (CORE) in Justice Network for their commitment to identifying and eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in the local criminal legal system.

Donna Miller has led Cook County in efforts to understand disparities within the local criminal legal system and support programs, practices, funding and policies to advance racial equity. Their continued commitment helps improve outcomes for all community members, enhance public safety and ensure all residents have an opportunity to thrive.

As a participant of the CORE Justice Network, Donna Miller will engage with fellow elected officials from across the country who are building similar efforts in their jurisdictions. They will engage with peers, including in-person peer exchanges to communities with model practices and policies, and participate in virtual technical assistance opportunities with subject matter experts.

Local leaders participating in this network represent jurisdictions ranging in size and geographic location from Story County, Iowa, which has a population of 98,000, to Cook County, Ill. with a population of 5.2 million. The CORE Justice Network is supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. To see a full list of local officials participating in the CORE Justice Network, visit https:// tinyurl.com/3wpf6a8b.

LATANYA & THE YOUTH OF ENGLEWOOD HOSTS UGLY SWEATER CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS

CHICAGO - LaTanya & The Youth Of Englewood Organization hosted its annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party at the Ogden Park District. The free event, which was attended by nearly 100 youth, community members, and their families, included an ugly sweater contest, raffles, a toy giveaway, games, and appearances from life-size characters. Attendees were also able to participate in cookie decorating, enjoy music from a live DJ, and more. DoorDash provided $2,000 for food for attendees at the event, along with additional support from organizations and individuals such as Washington Shoe Company and more.

“The holidays are a time to celebrate with friends, family, and community, and it’s an honor to be able to provide a space to do just that at our annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party,” said LaTanya Johnson, Founder and Executive Director of LaTanya and the Youth of Englewood Organization. “We are grateful for DoorDash’s support to provide us with the means to spread a little more holiday cheer this year to youth and families in the Englewood community.”

The organization, founded by LaTanya Johnson in 2013, has hosted holiday-themed events and other efforts throughout the years to support and build relationships throughout the Englewood community, with a particular focus on youth in the area.

“The work that the LaTanya and the Youth of Englewood Organization is doing on Chicago’s South

Side to provide resources and support for youth and communities is incredible, and DoorDash is proud to be a partner for this year’s holiday celebrations,” said Alexi Madon, Government Relations Manager of DoorDash.

Through its community engagement programs, DoorDash has partnered with a wide variety of organizations in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, including United Giving Hope, CHAMPS Male Mentoring, Greater Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce, Heartland Alliance’s NEON Program, John A. Hamline Elementary School, South Side YMCA, Ravenswood Elementary, Sarah’s Circle, TCA Health and more. DoorDash has donated over $3 million in gift cards through the Community Credits program to bolster local outreach and encourage community vaccination efforts to fight COVID-19 across the country.

LaTanya & The Youth of Englewood is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that works with at-risk youth, providing recreational activities, educational programs, mentorship, advocacy, and support. Executive Director LaTanya Johnson was born & raised in Englewood. A mother of four children, LaTanya is a community leader, youth advocate, and mentor who started her non-profit in June of 2013. Since then, the organization has served thousands of children in the Englewood community and Chicag

SECRETARY OF STATE JESSE WHITE ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR THE PROTECT ILLINOIS COMMUNITIES ACT

DONNA MILLER ACCEPTED INTO NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES’ COUNTY OFFICIALS ADVANCING RACIAL EQUITY (CORE) IN JUSTICE NETWORK

Far South CDC Marketplace showcases 10 unique woman-owned small businesses

CHICAGO — The nonprofit Far South Community Development Corporation (Far South CDC)—an organization that provides strategic community-building services to residents and businesses across Chicago’s Far South Side neighborhoods and south suburban Cook County—is showcasing ten unique woman-owned small businesses with its Far South CDC Marketplace (837 W. 115th Street, Chicago) open now through May 2023 from 12 to 6 p.m. daily.

Far South CDC Marketplace is the first storefront location for a majority of participating businesses, which include Bomb Beauty Boutique, Chic T Boutique, Cosmic Creole, Herbalogy, Max Candle Co, Monique Michelle The Beauty Experience, Poppin Dough, She Sale Sea Shells, Simply Stuff and Upscale Resale. These shops offer everything from designer clothing and accessories to household goods, natural beauty and skincare products, candles, and sweet and salty snacks. The program is supported by a grant

from City of Chicago’s Small Business Storefront Activation Program, which is focused on bringing retail vendors and artwork to 30 previously vacant storefronts in neighborhoods across the city.

“We are thrilled to be a partner of the city’s Small Business Storefront Activation Program, and to provide an opportunity for these incredible Far South Side businesses to explore the market of a physical retail space while showcasing their goods and services,” says Far South CDC’s Chief Development & Innovation Officer Florence Hardy. “One of our major program areas is assistance for small businesses, ranging from webinars and workshops to helping business owners access state and federal grants and other resources. The Far South CDC Marketplace is an extension of our ongoing work to support small businesses across the region.”

“I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so I’ve been interested in starting my own business since childhood,” says Bomb Beauty Boutique Owner Mars Majestyy. “This opportunity is a dream come true. As a retail business owner, one of the goals is to have your items in a store. This is my chance to test what it would be like and determine if it’s worth it, without taking on the financial burden of rent. I get to allocate that money for other purposes to grow. I’m also proud to be a part of this marketplace with such a diverse set of businesses all in one place.”

Far South CDC Marketplace vendor details

Bomb Beauty Boutique provides explosive looks at an affordable price, offering unique women’s and men’s clothing and accessories. For more information, visit

bombbeautyboutique.com.

Chic T Boutique is an affordable, upscale women’s clothing and accessories boutique. For more information, visit chictboutique.com.

Cosmic Creole is a holistic health service aiding the mind, body and spirit through medicinal plants. For more information, visit cosmiccreole.com.

Herbalogy is a retailer of holistic health products, offering premium CBD, raw sea moss, black seed oil and natural personal care products. For more information, visit facebook.com/shopherbalogy.

Max Candle Co provides holistic healing through aromatherapy, offering soy and beeswax blended scented candles in reusable containers. For more information, visit maxcandleco.com.

Monique Michelle The Beauty Experience is a full-service salon and spa offering a variety of affordable beauty treatments and products. For more information, visit mobeautyexperience.com.

Poppin Dough is a family-owned and operated business bringing people together through our love of our favorite childhood snacks, popcorn and donuts. For more information, visit poppindough.com.

She Sale Sea Shells provides crystal jewelry, chakra aligning shea butter, body oils and much more for your meditation needs. For more information, visit shesaleseashells.net.

Simply Stuff provides simply stuff to wear, with different brands and styles to fit any lifestyle. The business was started to keep employment opportunities available for youth.

Great Lakes Credit Union Supports U.S. Marine Corp.’s Toys-For-Tots

CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

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

SOUTH END

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

SOUTH SUBURBAN

Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island,SouthHolland,and Dolton. Shopping- their favorite pastime!

HYDE PARK

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

CHICAGO WEEKEND

Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY

BloomTownship, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor,FordHeights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest,Sauk Village,South Chicago and Steger

BANNOCKBURN, Ill. ¬— Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) has once again spread joy and giving this holiday season throughout the Chicago area.

GLCU hosted a toy drive in partnership with Alpha Media to benefit the U.S. Marine Corp.’s Toys-For-Tots. Drop off bins were placed at all 13 GLCU branches as well as corporate headquarters and their member contact center.

In addition to collecting toys at their branches, GLCU hosted two community events to encourage final donations from the community and their southern and northern branches.

In the south, GLCU invited the local community to their Bolingbrook branch. Patrons were invited to drop off toys, hangout with the DJ’s and hosts of Star 96.7, enjoy hot cocoa and donuts from Jester Food Truck and meet some of the Marines who help make these toy drives possible.

Up north, GLCU teamed up with Alpha Media outside their broadcast station in Gurnee Mills Mall. With the

help of the Marines, 95 WIIL Rock and 102.3 XLC, GLCU was able to host a drive-up donation, where all donations were conveniently taken directly from vehicles.

Throughout these final collection efforts, GLCU and Alpha Media were able to collect over two trucks full of donations.

GLCU is a community-focused financial institution that prides itself on banking for a greater good. GLCU wants to grow so they can continue to give back more impactfully to their local communities through initiatives such as the toy drive.

Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Northern Illinois, GLCU is committed to financial empowerment for you. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative with over $1 billion in assets, GLCU is proud to serve more than 80,000 members in the Chicagoland and surrounding areas. Learn more about GLCU’s accounts, educational initiatives and community development programs at glcu.org

GOVERNMENTS

State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. was recently elected to serve as the National ViceChair of the Council of State Governments.

“It is an immense honor to have been elected by my colleagues from all 50 states to serve in this important position,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “I have derived much of my knowledge and skills from people I have met through the Council of State Governments and I am proud to help shape future generations of leaders.”

The Council of State Governments is the nation’s largest nonpartisan organization serving all three branches of state elected and appointed officials. The mission of the group is to champion excellence in state government.

In July, Sims was nominated by his peers at CSG’s Midwestern Legislative Conference to join the national leadership team. That nomination was approved in December at the CSG National Conference by the nonpartisan group’s executive committee.

Senator Sims has been involved with the Council of State Governments since 2012, when he served in the Illinois House of Representatives. He previously served as the group’s Midwest chair and hosted its regional conference in Chicago in July 2019.

“By joining forces with hundreds of other lawmakers from both sides of the aisle from all states, we will work to improve the quality of life for everyone who calls this great nation home,” said Sims. “I look forward to years of continued service with the Council of State Governments.”

Sims was elected to the position during the Council of State Governments’ national conference earlier this month. He will assume office Jan. 1, 2023 and is in line to be National Chair-Elect in 2024 and National Chair in 2025.

JOYCE REMINDS RESIDENTS OF IDOT’S WINTER ROAD CONDITIONS MAP AHEAD OF WINTER STORM

As the temperatures drop, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging drivers to utilize the winter road conditions map on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s website.

“With the winter months here, drivers need to be aware of road conditions before traveling,” said Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “Using this resource from IDOT can allow individuals to take precautions before their drive, which can prevent crashes and road delays altogether.”

GettingAroundIllinois.com is available on your computer and optimized for smartphones. The site includes the ability to identify and zoom in on a location, travel route or destination on a state map. The map is updated frequently through a cloud-based system to provide a general overview on IDOT-maintained highways

“The weather in Illinois can change suddenly and this online tool is really helpful and updates often,” said Joyce. “I encourage all individuals to view this map before any trips this winter so everyone can stay safe on the roads.”

The road conditions map averages more than 2.5 million page views during snow-andice season, featuring a color scheme of pinks and blues to differentiate from the red, yellow and green of traffic congestion reporting, as well as to increase accessibility for those who have difficulty distinguishing colors.

For more information and to view the map, visit https://www.gettingaroundillinois. com/.

SENATOR SIMS ELECTED NATIONAL VICECHAIR OF COUNCIL OF STATE

OPERATION HOPE’S 1 MILLION BLACK BUSINESS INITIATIVE HAS SUPPORTED MORE THAN 155,000 BLACK BUSINESSES TO DATE

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- Operation HOPE, the nation’s leading non-profit dedicated to financial empowerment for underserved communities, announced that its groundbreaking 1 Million Black Business (1MBB) initiative has supported more than 155,000 unique businesses to date through its HOPE Inside network and 1MBB partners. According to the 1MBB 2022 Impact Report, which will be released in Q1 2023, this accounts for approximately 5% of all Black-owned businesses in the U.S.

Launched in October 2020, Operation HOPE and lead partner Shopify established 1MBB to help create and support up to one million new Black-owned businesses by 2030. Shopify committed resources to the initiative valued at approximately $130 million. In addition, Operation HOPE has signed a coalition of more than 60 other corporate, governmental and private partners that have committed to support the effort. This includes the U.S. Small Business Administration, Truist, First Horizon, Wells Fargo, the NFL, MasterCard, Comcast, iHeart Radio, Aprio, Clark Atlanta University, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Reid AME Community Development Corporation, Fraternities Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta Sigma and municipality partners including the cities of Birmingham, Memphis, Jackson, St. Louis, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Charlotte, Salisbury and Montgomery, among others.

The no-cost program helps Black entrepreneurs acquire the knowledge, skills and access to resources required to start, scale and grow their businesses. Through 1MBB, Black business owners have the opportunity to sign up for Operation HOPE’s award-winning model of community uplift, financial literacy and education – HOPE Inside - and upon graduation, Shopify

has committed to providing aspiring Black entrepreneurs education, programming and resources to help launch or expand their businesses. Other 1MBB partners have also committed to providing in-kind services and support for these business owners.

“I have consistently espoused that ‘silver rights’ is the ‘civil rights’ issue of this generation. Operation HOPE’s bold 1MBB initiative is equipping entrepreneurs with what they need to create and sustain a viable business,” said John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Operation HOPE. “1MBB

for success. With the resources and coaching, especially access to funding, and business development tools, I now know that I am supported and the sky is the limit.”

To date, 1MBB has achieved the following results: Onboarded more than 30,000 hours of professional services including accounting, legal, e-commerce strategy and marketing advice services from 1MBB partners to support Black business owners.

Established a strategic alliance with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which includes the support of municipal partners and civic and community leaders in more than 200 U.S. cities, to help raise awareness of tools and resources available to underserved communities through the SBA.

Activated nearly 100 certified financial wellness and small business coaches to provide one-on-one sessions to source, train, certify and support program participants via virtual webinars and in-person events.

offers a real, actionable approach to tackling financial disparities and building stronger communities. The data shows that we are having a true impact and empowering Black businesses.”

“Operation HOPE, 1MBB, and Shopify gave me the ability to build and launch a beautiful, easy-to-manage website with no prior experience along with the capital from my first loan to acquire the things I needed to continue to grow my business,” said Jazmin Richards, Founder & CEO, BlkSunflower.com.

“Operation HOPE and 1MBB also provided me with amazing coaches and resources that help set BlkSunflower up

Expanded national efforts to recruit new small business owners through various business trade groups, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as well as members of the ‘Divine 9’ National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).

Research from the latest HOPE Minority Small Business Index reveals that Black entrepreneurs remain optimistic despite recent inflation, hikes in interest rates, and supply chain disruptions. Through the 1MBB initiative, removing barriers to business success such as mentorship, risk tolerance, lack of technological innovation, digital strategies and limited access to capital can help improve outcomes.

Experian and Center for Financial Advancement Launch

HBCU Financial Literacy Program

(Black PR Wire) ATLANTA -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Almost half of all college students say money management is a bigger challenge than any other they may face, according to the U.S. Department of Education. To empower students as they embark on their higher education journeys, leading information services company Experian and HomeFree-USA’s Center for Financial Advancement® (CFA) have launched the CFA Credit Academy. More than 250 scholars from 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will learn and train to share financial literacy, credit education and leadership basics.

“Experian is a committed innovative partner. Understanding and mastering credit is of significant importance to the CFA Scholars. The CFA Credit Academy provides the training, tools, coaching and mentoring in a clear relevant manner that will enable the scholars to achieve their personal goals,” said Gwen Garnett, HomeFree-USA Center for Financial Advancement® Executive Director.

The HomeFree-USA 2022 Money4Life Leadership Conference kicked off CFA’s eight month program and included an orientation of the credit education program with Experian’s credit education experts. Students will gain an understanding of credit and its importance, so they can become knowledge ambassadors for their peers, family and their communities. In addition to live sessions and self-paced content, the CFA Credit Academy culminates with a hackathon competition in April, challenging all students to form teams of four at participating HBCUs to build the next best credit education program for their peers. The winning team will earn a $40,000 scholarship, sponsored by Experian.

“This program normalizes and modernizes the conversation about credit and overall financial health.

Through our partnership with the CFA, we want to ensure these students are visible within the credit ecosystem for more equitable lending when they’re ready. Access to fair and affordable credit can help them, and all consumers, get a college degree, buy a car or a home, start a business, and ultimately build wealth and achieve greater financial success,” said Raudy Perez, Experian North America’s senior director for diversity, equity and inclusion partnerships.

Experian research shows there are 28 million US consumers who are unable to participate in the mainstream financial ecosystem today because they don’t have a financial identity. Credit invisibility more frequently impacts underserved communities with 26% of Hispanic consumers and 28% of Black consumers unscoreable or invisible compared to 16% of White and Asian consumers. That can make homeownership, the greatest driver of generational wealth, an even bigger challenge for underserved communities.

As part of its mission of financial inclusion and empowerment for all, Experian partners with HomeFree-USA to provide continuing education for its housing counselors and resources for their clients. The company created the Home Preservation Grant, which supported homeowners at risk of losing their homes due to COVID-related hardships with credit education and mortgage relief. Inclusion Forward – Experian Empowering Opportunities™ harnesses Experian’s data, analytics and technology to help clients provide more affordable credit access to diverse communities. The Mortgage Bankers Association recently honored Experian with its 2022 DEI Leadership Award. To learn more about Experian’s work in diverse communities: visit www.experian.com/diversity.

HomeFree-USA is a nonprofit started by Marcia and Jim Griffin in 1994 with a vision to close the homeownership gap. The organization gives African Americans the guidance they need to achieve and sustain homeownership, and bridges the gap between financial strength and homeownership for people of color across America.

As a HUD-intermediary, HomeFree-USA serves the diverse interests of 6.3 million consumers through its nationwide network of over 50 affiliated community-based nonprofits that specialize in guiding people to first-time homeownership, sustainability and increased financial capacity.

For more information visit: https://homefreeusa. org/.

Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers – we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

We have 21,700 people operating across 30 countries and every day we’re investing in new technologies, talented people, and innovation to help all our clients maximize every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group.

“This program normalizes and modernizes the conversation about credit and overall financial health. Through our partnership with the CFA, we want to ensure these students are visible within the credit ecosystem for more equitable lending when they’re ready.”

PRNewsfoto/Operation HOPE, Inc.

Uncle Funky’s Daughter Announces New College Athlete Brand Ambassador: Stanford BasketBall Star, Haley Jones

HOUSTON, PRNewswire -- Uncle Funky’s Daughter launched a College Athlete Brand Ambassador program to empower student athletes of color to push limits, break barriers and create change for a more equitable future. With this program, the brand aims to encourage youth to celebrate their individuality and uniqueness and embrace the beauty of their curly and textured hair with natural hair products that love them back.

With her passion for basketball and her winning mindset, Haley Jones was named Most Outstanding Player of 2021 NCAA Tournament. While being an exceptional basketball player, there were times when Jones battled with insecurities and didn’t feel like she fits in. Going through her natural hair journey and learning to embrace her curls, Jones realized that female athletes have a voice that can be used to create change. “I love being able to inspire the next generation and help them work through problems and give them a role model that I didn’t have,” Jones said. By partnering with a brand like Uncle Funky’s Daughter, Haley Jones hopes to become a role model for everyone who experiences similar struggles and insecurities.

Renee Morris, CEO of Uncle Funky’s Daughter, said: “I

am so excited that Haley has chosen to partner with us. Haley is a woman with confidence, grace, and a clear understanding of who she is and how she wants to represent herself to the world. I am looking forward to watching her blossom on the court and beyond. She is a true Funky Junky!”

Uncle Funky’s Daughter is a black and woman owned hair care brand created in 2009 with a mission to support women, men, and children in their quest to confidently showcase their beauty - naturally.

Uncle Funky’s Daughter curates high-quality all-natural hair products that are designed to naturally satisfy every curl in the world. Free of sulfates, parabens and harsh chemicals, Uncle Funky’s Daughter products are available to shop at www.unclefunkysdaughter.com or select retail stores.

Haley Jones is a college basketball player for the Stanford Cardinal of the Pac-12 Conference. In High School, Jones was named the Naismith Prep Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-American. As a five-star recruit, Jones was ranked the number one recruit in the 2019 class by ESPN. In 2021, she was named an all-conference selection in the Pac-12.

Former Head of YeezyAdidas Innovation Lab Launches FCTRY LAb

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- FCTRY LAb is a BIPOC-led, LA-based footwear prototyping lab and venture studio aiming to democratize sneaker production and open-source innovation for emerging and established designers and brands of all sizes.

Founded by Omar Bailey (Former Head of Yeezy-Adidas Innovation Lab) and Abhishek Som (Former Wall Street & Private Equity Executive), FCTRY LAb is an independent innovation studio that is US-based to avoid the risks and delays of overseas supply chains, thus shrinking product development time from 8-12 months to a short 1-3 months. Making high-technology accessible, FCTRY LAb is working to provide equity in an industry where large sneaker corporations often make an overwhelming majority of profits off the creative power of minority designers, influencers and athletes.

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Martell, the oldest of the great Cognac houses, hosted “The Martell Sneaker Atelier,’’ a holiday experience that draws inspiration from a French tradition that encourages placing shoes by the fireplace to be filled with gifts by morning. Blending tradition with modern-day sneaker culture and high fashion, a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Fe, founder of womenswear brand Fe Noel and CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund recipient, will introduce brainwave technology to inform one-of-a-kind sneaker designs as unique as the individual.

As a brand committed to forward-motion and reinvention, Martell Cognac keeps its legacy fresh by partnering with cultural architects and multifaceted minds like Fe to twist tradition in elegantly modern yet unexpected ways. A mainstay in New York culture widely remembered for her historic role in conceptualizing

NBA All-Star LeBron James’ first all-female designed sneaker – Fe is no newcomer to the realm of bold design and set to “make waves” this season. Together, Martell and Fe are embarking on another first: Redefining personalized footwear.

“I truly believe that fashion is a language of cultural self-expression and individuality. It’s a way to communicate who you are and where you’ve come from,” said Fe. “With this collaboration, my main objective is for people to feel good in their own skin by embracing their most precious memories and unapologetically

celebrating their inner “Standout Swift” with wearable art.”

Since the founding of Martell, the cognac producer has been pushing the boundaries of innovation, as embodied by a category first: Martell Blue Swift. As the first cognac house to ship its barrels to America in 1793, Martell Blue Swift is a celebration of the brand’s historic ties with the U.S., made of V.S.O.P cognac matured in French oak casks and finished in American whiskey barrels.

“Like the ‘Swift’ that adorns each bottle, Martell Blue Swift is crafted for those who soar higher, those who – like Fe Noel - are boldly redefining convention,” says Charlotte Raux, Senior Brand Manager, Martell Cognac at Pernod Ricard USA. “Fe has mastered the ability to bottle up culture with her fashion, making her the perfect creative partner for a holiday experience that marries technology with design for the ultimate gift of self-expression.”

Brainwave sensing headsets will interpret positive holiday memories into vibrant patterns incorporating Fe’s signature color palettes before translated into truly unique sneaker designs. Each sneaker will be hand painted live on-site and receive a finishing touch by Fe, custom gold charms designed in collaboration with New York-based jewelry artist Johnny Nelson.

To learn more about Martell Cognac, visit https://www.martell.com/en-us or follow at @ martellusa on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

This initial $6 Million tranche included a diverse group of venture capital firms, top professional athletes and a myriad of pedigreed angel investors. Investors include the Co-Founder of Tinder (via Time Zero Capital), Co-Founder of WeWork, the West Coast Head of Warburg Pincus, and a consortium of NBA & NFL stars via Chicago based Aurelien Capital. Venture capital investment was led by the LA-based, Pay-Pal-backed Slauson & Co, with additional investment from Relay Ventures, Elysian Park Ventures (the private investment arm of the Los Angeles Dodgers ownership group), Level One Fund & Fog City Capital among others.

Omar Bailey helped transition the gap from cutting edge conceptual design into physically wearable footwear during the $1 Billion revenue growth of Yeezy-Adidas. With over 20 years of global product development and manufacturing practice as a design engineer, his other experiences include developing footwear for entertainers such as Jay-Z and Lady Gaga, athletes such as Karim Benzema and working alongside culturally-impactful brands like Supreme, New Balance, K-Swiss & Timberland. Satyan Gohil, also a footwear prototyping and development veteran at Yeezy-Adidas, has joined FCTRY LAb as Head of Innovation. In a short period of time FCTRY LAb has already designed, prototyped and manufactured multiple lines of collaborative footwear with top design and brand partners and a reigning Super-Bowl winner.

FCTRY LAb is a footwear innovation lab based in Los Angeles, California, repurposing state of the art technology in additive manufacturing & 3D printing (traditionally used in aerospace and defense industries) with traditional knit and footwear development processes to create a one of a kind, end-to- end facility for footwear design, development and prototyping. The innovation lab is a bridge between product creation and large-scale manufacturing. FCTRY LAb has partnered with Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS:NASDAQ), for use of its advanced 3D printing technology. FCTRY LAb will follow ESG & sustainable development practices. B2B inquiries and more information is available at www.fctrylab.com.

Martell Cognac Taps Fe, Founder of Womenswear Brand Fe Noel, to Create One-of-a-Kind Sneaker Designs Using Signature Color Theory and Brainwave Technology

FCTRY LAb Co-Founders Omar Bailey and Abhishek Som. PRNewsFoto

121 Local Residents Graduate from ComEd Overhead Training Programs in Chicago, Rockford and Joliet

CHICAGO – ComEd leaders joined IBEW Local 15 and members of the community to recognize 121 local residents as they graduated from training programs required to become full-time lineworkers with ComEd. Graduation events held by the company today recognized newly hired pre-apprentices now on track to begin an overhead apprenticeship school in 2023. This on-the-job training is a requirement for performing the role of a lineworker, a key role helping to ensure reliable power is safely delivered to communities across northern Illinois.

This graduation represents one of the largest overhead classes in recent history, as ComEd has expanded investments in training and committed to hire hundreds of additional entry-level craft workers in the next couple of

years to prepare for the state’s clean energy transition.

“ComEd is working to ensure that as we grow and move toward a clean energy future, we are creating equitable opportunity for diverse, local talent to join our company and to play a role in ad -

dressing climate change,” said Terence Donnelly, president and COO of ComEd. “Congratulations to our newest class of overhead trainees for taking essential steps forward in your career journeys, and for your dedication to this challenging yet rewarding

work to deliver safe, reliable and resilient power to all our northern Illinois communities in the years ahead.”

The graduates have completed required skills training across the company’s three regional facilities: the Chicago Training Center, the Joliet Training Center, and the Rockford Training Center. ComEd craft trainees receive competitive pay of $29 an hour on average at the time of their hire and are paid during their training. More information on the training progression for entry-level craft roles can be found here.

The latest class of graduates is diverse with more than 32 percent minorities, 12 percent Veterans, and an increase in female hires to join the workforce as well. Additionally, graduates hail from all corners of the service region, representing 89 unique zip codes from across northern Illinois.

Working with ComEd, we are committed to building a diverse talent pipeline to prepare residents for the growing numbers of clean energy jobs in Illinois,” said Terry McGoldrick, President of IBEW Local 15. “By expanding access to our apprenticeship training programs, we’re working to invite more men and women of all backgrounds to learn a skilled trade that will be critical to powering communities, and the economy, for years to come.”

New entry-level craft positions – including the overhead helper position and other entry-level union roles – will play a key role in building and operating a more resilient grid that can withstand increasingly severe weather and meet the increased demand for

renewable energy and electric vehicles. Jobs in the clean energy space are on the rise today, as Illinois transitions to a clean energy future and as the energy industry outpaces growth of other industries nationally, adding more than 300,000 jobs last year alone (USEER 2022).

To prep are to meet these demands, ComEd has been working to expand the reach of its career readiness programs, including hosting more frequent climb clinics, expanding test prep, and boosting capacity of its apprenticeship schools to reach more residents interested in careers in utilities. As a result, ComEd has nearly doubled participation in the overhead apprenticeship program in the past two years.

Since announcing it would expand craft hiring earlier this year, ComEd has extended hiring offers to over 200 candidates for roles including overhead helpers, as well as construction workers. As interest in craft careers at ComEd has increased, so too has diversity: More than 75 percent of applications to craft roles in 2022 were for minority candidates, and 15 percent for women. This record level of diversity follows on efforts by the company to bolster outreach and recruitment in communities across the service territory, and to reduce barriers to help more qualified applicants get the training they need to compete for these new careers.

For more information on how ComEd is helping job seekers prepare for entry-level craft roles, please visit www.comed.com/cleanenergyjobs.

* Best Colleges Online.

You

At ComEd, we’re at work behind-the-scenes to bring you the power you need for the holidays. That way, you can focus on what makes the season special. We’ll handle the rest.

Record-breaking reliability, powered by ComEd.

Commonwealth Edison Company, 2022

bring the magic. We’ll take care of the lights.

©

NEW EDITION AND THE BLACK PROMOTERS COLLECTIVE ANNOUNCE THEIR NEW TOUR FOR 2023

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Iconic Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum-selling R&B supergroup NEW EDITION closed out 2022 with the highly successful “The Culture Tour,” nominated as one of the Top R&B Tours in the country by Pollstar. Selling out arenas across the country, the icons and The Black Promoters Collective (BPC) are happy to announce the 30-city “LEGACY TOUR” with a must-see lineup that includes a New Jack Swing reunion with KEITH SWEAT and the original members of GUY (Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, and Damion Hall) and TANK starting on Thursday, March 9 in Columbia, SC and ending on Sunday, April 30 in Tampa, FL.

Tickets are available to the general public and range from $59.50 to $179.50. Tickets can be purchased at https://blackpromoterscollective.com.

Few recording artists can attest to a superior 40-year career that stands the test of time, but New Edition can.

“Few recording artists can attest to a superior 40year career that stands the test of time, but New Edition can. When we partnered with NE for “The Culture Tour,” although I knew it would be stellar, their show exceeded my expectations; the guys were nothing short of miraculous. We are excited about partnering with New Edition to further the legacy of the foundation they have already laid,” states BP

NEW EDITION hit the scene in 1983 with their iconic #1 debut album Candy Girl disrupting the music industry forty years ago. That same year, the album’s title cut knocked Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” out of the #1 spot on the Billboard “Hot Black Singles” chart.

KEITH SWEAT entered the charts with his 3X platinum debut solo album, Make It Last Forever, in 1987, giving the world its first New Jack Swing Billboard “Hot 100” hit, “I Want Her.” The song, produced by Teddy Riley and Sweat, became the most successful R&B song in 1988 on the Billboard “Hot R&B Songs” chart.

Teddy Riley ushered in a new musical genre called

New Jack Swing, which included the formation of his group GUY with Aaron Hall and Damion Hall in 1987. The group’s first album, the self-titled masterpiece, quickly spawned the Billboard “Hot 100” hit “I Like,” which, along with four other hit singles such as “Groove Me” and “Teddy’s Jam,” helped to propel the debut album to double platinum status. The group disbanded after their second album, The Future, citing the stresses of the tragic loss of their former manager.

Don’t miss it. Go to a New Edition “Legacy Tour” date near you: Sunday, March 12 Memphis, TN FedExForum Thursday, March 16

Washington, D.C.

Capital One Center Friday, March 17 Hampton, VA Hampton Coliseum

Thursday, March 23 Chicago, IL United Center Friday, March 24 Indianapolis, IN Gainbridge Fieldhouse Saturday, March 25 Detroit, MI

Little Caesars Arena

Sunday, March 26 Cincinnati, OH Heritage Bank Center

Thursday, March 30 Atlanta, GA

State Farm Arena Friday, March 31

New Orleans, LA

Smoothie King Center Thursday, April 13 Cleveland, OH

Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse Friday, April 14 Louisville, KY

KFC Yum! Center Saturday, April 15 St. Louis, MO

The Black Promoters Collective (BPC) is a coalition of six of the nation’s top independent concert promotion and event production companies. As a 100% Blackowned business, its mission is to be the world’s leading producer and provider of culturally relevant live entertainment experiences. To learn more, visit http://www. blackpromoterscollective.com.

8B EDUCATION INVESTMENTS WELCOMES THE ROOTS’ LEAD SINGER AND ENTREPRENEUR

TARIQ “BLACK THOUGHT” TROTTER TO BOARD POSITION

8B Education Investments closes $3m seed raise and adds Trotter alongside David Brown, Managing Partner of Impellent Ventures, to board, continuing the momentum for 8B, which announced a historic $30M debt partnership with Nelnet Bank as part of a broader $111.6M commitment at the 2022 Clinton Global Initiative to accelerate African students’ access to global universities

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- 8B Education Investments, the first fintech lender to African students attending global universities, announced two additions to its Board of Directors. Following the close of 8B’s $3 m seed round, Tariq Trotter, a general partner at venture capital firm Impellent Ventures, and the lead lyricist and front man of legendary hip hop group The Roots known as “Black Thought”, will join David Brown, Impellent’s Managing Director, as 8B’s two new board members.

8B Education Investments has built a pioneering platform to connect high-potential African students with world-class colleges and universities, a financing marketplace to research scholarships and compare loan financing options; and a career support function to enable students to realize their highest potential.

With over 100,000 users on the platform and an ambition to 10x the number of African students in global universities, 8B has built a vibrant community where African students engage with peers, mentors and university experts on all aspects of the highly fragmented and often confusing journey of studying abroad. Students currently visit the platform to identify right-fit colleges, financing options, and careers.

The impact of 8B’s work is in providing global universities and employers a gateway to the world’s fastest growing pool of diverse young talent, while creating a critical mass of African innovators equipped to participate, compete, and thrive in the knowledge economy of the 21st.

century. The company plans to use the resources to grow its unique, non-cosigner loan program, expand its education finance marketplace, and build additional product capabilities.

Trotter’s appointment as an observer to the Board of Directors continues the artist, actor, writer, producer, creator and GRAMMY award-winning musician’s passion of supporting underserved entrepreneurs. A leader of the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’s house band, and a composer and producer of the critically acclaimed off-Broadway musical Black No More, Trotter joined Impellent Ventures in May 2022. 8B is his first board position.

“I am honored to join 8B’s Board of Directors and continue my passion in helping and investing in underserved communities,” said Trotter. “Brilliance is evenly distributed everywhere around the world, but for too long, the world has acted as though African brilliance is a rare commodity. Through 8B’s work, the numbers of African students attending American schools will grow, especially at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This will enrich the university experience for everyone, strengthen the US-Africa relations, and change existing perceptions about the African continent and about people of African descent around the world more broadly.”

The market need 8B is addressing is clear: 8B estimates that less than 30% of African students accepted into American universities can afford to attend, creating a $25b annual financing gap. Scholarships are too few to meet demand and affordable loan programs focusing on African students do not exist. Yet, Africa’s population of 1.2 billion people is the youngest and fastest growing in the world, with a median age of 19. By 2050, Africa is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world.

“8B is thrilled to close our seed financing and have Tariq Trotter and David Brown join our Board,” said Dr. Lydiah Kemunto Bosire, 8B’s founder and CEO. “This is Africa’s season, and 8B’s mission requires a scale of investment capital – not philanthropy - that has simply not been available to African students to date. That is why we are thrilled to have found like-minded investors to support us with the cutting-edge ideas, guidance and solutions we need to seize this generational opportunity of unlocking African potential.”

In addition to Trotter and Brown joining its Board of Directors, 8B’s investors in the round include New York Ventures, a division of Empire State Developments, and Trueventures.org, the social impact initiative launched by venture capital firm True Ventures. The round also includes 11 experienced investors and operators in the education, finance, and impact ecosystems, including Debra Fine of Fine Capital Partners, Seavest Investment Group CEO Rick Segal, Amplify CEO Larry Berger, and Bryan Meehan, former CEO of Blue Bottle Coffee.

This announcement comes a few weeks after the company unveiled a partnership with US-based Nelnet Bank during the 2022 meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative, through which Nelnet will provide $30 million of lending funds over a period of three years to African students looking to receive a higher education at the American universities. During the Clinton Global Initiative meeting, 8B announced a total of $111.6 million in funding commitments from a range of partners, including the Education Testing Service, the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, and World Resources Institute (Africa), unified in their purpose to enable world-class education for the next generation of African innovators, including for the new climate economy.

Planning a Balanced, Plant-Based Diet for Kids

Iron

(Family Features) Caregivers who follow a vegetarian, vegan or other plant-based diet may wonder whether it’s wise for their children to follow the same eating plan.

A well-balanced vegetarian diet can meet a baby or child’s needs, although it’s important to make sure children eating plant-based diets are getting enough protein-rich plant foods and other essential nutrients, according to Malina Malkani, MS, RDN, CDN.

If you’re contemplating a plant-based diet for your child, you can learn more about the essential nutrients every child needs with this insight from Malkani and the nutrition experts at Plum Organics.

Starting at about 6 months, babies’ iron reserves are low and they need iron from food sources. Iron is essential for brain development and healthy immune systems, as well as overall growth. Heme iron from animal-based foods is absorbed better than non-heme iron found in plant foods, but you can increase the absorption of non-heme iron by offering meals that include a plant source of iron – found in foods like beans, legumes, quinoa, chia seeds, leafy greens, nuts, nut butters and tofu – and a vitamin C-rich food, such as broccoli, strawberries or cantaloupe. Vitamin C helps boost nonheme iron absorption.

Vitamin B12

Important for development of the nervous system, vitamin B12 also plays a role in the prevention of anemia and affects some behavior and mood regulation. Dietary sources of B12 include primarily animal products (meat, fish, eggs and milk), although some B12 can be found in nutritional yeast and fortified cereals. Infants likely get enough vitamin B12 from breast milk or formula, but as their milk intake begins to taper between 9-12 months, vegan babies may benefit from supplementation.

Vitamin D

Most people know vitamin D is good for strengthening teeth and bones, but it also supports calcium absorption and promotes optimal functioning of the immune system. The only known naturally occurring plant-based food source of vitamin D is some varieties of mushrooms. Formula-fed infants drinking more than 32 fluid ounces do not generally need a supplement, but breastfeeding infants may need to be supplemented.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These essential fatty acids are important for brain development, learning and behavior. There are three types of omega-3s, including EPA, DHA and ALA. EPA and DHA, the most critical, are found mainly in fish or algae. Breast milk and formula often contain omega-3s, as well.

For plant-based tots who don’t eat fish, the ALA in foods like chia

seeds, flax seeds and walnuts can be an important source of omega-3 fatty acids. Consider an option like the Mango & Pineapple, White Bean, Butternut Squash & Oats blend from Plum Organics, which provides omega-3 ALA from chia seeds and offers a convenient way to add important nutrients to a toddler’s plant-based diet.

Calcium

Calcium is important for strengthening bones and teeth, as well as muscular and nervous systems and heart function. For most infants, formula, breast milk or a combination of the two will provide adequate intake of calcium. Plant-based dietary sources of calcium include tofu, beans, fortified cereals, green leafy vegetables, tahini, sesame seeds and almond butter.

Zinc

In addition to the important role it plays in immune health, overall growth and development, zinc is a vital component of cell turnover and repair. Breast milk provides adequate zinc to meet a baby’s needs, but over time the concentration of zinc in breast milk decreases (even if the mother takes supplements). Whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, beans, legumes, chickpeas and nuts are all plant-based sources of zinc.

Protein

Most children who eat plant-based diets easily meet their needs for protein, which is essential for adequate growth and development. Plantbased baby food blends like the Carrot, Sweet Potato, Corn, Pea and Chicken pouches from Plum Organics offer a no-mess, portable way to provide about 18% of an average 6-12-month-old’s daily protein needs. Other sources of plant-based protein include beans, legumes, whole grains, vegetables, nuts, seeds and soy.

Caregivers should speak with their pediatricians or registered dietitians about any nutrition-related concerns and always consult them before starting any supplements. Find more information to support your child’s nutrition needs at plumorganics.com.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

HOLIDAY SEASON

‘Tis the Season to Save on Holiday Essentials

(Statepoint) This holiday season, stretch your budget when shopping for gifts, including toys and stocking stuffers, as well as last-minute needs, meal prep and more!

Spend more time creating memories and less time preparing with a few tips from experts at Dollar General.

Joyful Gifts

One of the best parts of the holidays may be seeing the excited reaction of someone opening a gift, especially children. Save on some of America’s most popular name brand toys at Dollar General, which recently announced an enhanced 2022 toy selection from popular brands such as Melissa & Doug, LEGO, Fisher-Price, VTech, Play-Doh, Barbie, Pokémon, L.O.L. Surprise!, ZURU 5 Surprise and more. Most toys are priced at $10 or less. Another option for the person who has everything is a gift card. Available at neighborhood stores, gift cards provide the recipient with various ways to enjoy your thoughtfulness!

Dashing Decor

To transform the home, consider choosing one holiday color palette to stay consistent in each room. Color options may include gold and silver, various shades of green, red and green or blue and silver. Next, shop for decorations in your preferred palette and sprinkle throughout the home. Ornaments, bows, ribbons and stockings aren’t just for the tree and fireplace. Add accents to the kitchen table, front porch, living room surfaces and everywhere else for more holiday spirit throughout the home.

Festive Food

The holidays are often synonymous with family meals, get togethers with friends and coworkers and seasonal dishes. For all household essentials, such as canned foods, milk, bread, eggs, baking items and more, consider shopping at a discount retailer to save in one convenient shopping trip. Additionally, consider using healthier variations of the season’s comforting and tasty dishes with DG Better For You recipes found at dollargeneral.com. Created by a regis-

tered dietician and nutritionist, these recipes include options like risotto and hamburger soup and all use ingredients available at every Dollar General store.

The holidays are a busy time for everyone, but keep your sights on the essentials! Simplify shopping by creating a signature theme for your home décor, finding deals on gifts for everyone on your list, and serving something easy and delicious for the whole crew. Plan ahead this year and enjoy the extra time you’ll have celebrating the season with friends and family!

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

Another boost in the fight against hunger

Bank of America proudly continues to support our employees’ health and safety while addressing food insecurity in our local communities, which typically spikes during the winter months.

Our employees are taking action to support the important work of our local food banks. For those who let us know they’ve received a coronavirus booster and/or a flu shot, we’ll donate $50 for each to a local hunger relief organization. In addition, employees can double the impact of their personal donations to fight hunger with our matching gifts program. Through these efforts, we’ll donate more than $8 million to address food insecurity in our local communities.

The team here in Chicago recently presented organizations including Food For Greater Elgin with checks totaling $200,000. This contribution is in addition to our long-standing philanthropic support to help fight hunger and food insecurity across the country. We are proud to be able to help our community as we work together to move forward.

Rita Sola Cook President, Bank of America Chicago