South Suburban Citizen 2-7-2024

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WEEKLY

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WEEK OF FEBRUARY 7, 2024

BHM FOCUS: Blacks In Real Estate

De Beers Shines at the 2024 Critics’ Choice & Emmy Awards P6

TIPS FOR A SECURE FINANCIAL FUTURE Dee Brown is a real estate developer who owns The P3 Group, Inc., which develops projects for Federal and State governments in public-private partnerships.

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Honor Rosa Parks, Not Through Words, but Action

Dee Brown is the Founder and CEO of The P3Group, a talk show host and a producer. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MORE MEDIA INTERNATIONAL.

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KEYBANK PARTNERS WITH COMMUNITY LENDING INSTITUTIONS TO PROVIDE $50 MILLION IN P4 ACCESS TO CAPITAL

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NEWS

briefly ILLINOIS GOVERNOR’S MANSION ANNOUNCES ILLINOIS ART TOURS

Tour to Highlight and Celebrate Illinois Artists and Their Works SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Governor’s Mansion is hosting art tours for all Illinoisans to learn more about the Illinois based art in the Governor’s Mansion and the Illinoisans behind the works.

The art in the mansion was carefully curated

by First Lady MK Pritzker, the Illinois State Museum, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library to represent Illinois’ people and history. The Illinois artists guests will get to view on the tour include Harold Gregor, Gertrude Abercrombie, and Theaster Gates. Through February, the tour will also include “Noir 3,” an exhibit on loan from the Illinois State Museum that celebrates Black culture and creativity and through eight different award-winning artists.

For additional information and to make a reservation, visit http://tinyurl.com/4v66u5vh.

The Illinois Governor’s Mansion is the third-oldest state governor’s residence in the United States and the oldest gubernatorial residence in the Midwest. It has been home to Illinois Governors and their families since its construction in 1855, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. It is also open to free scheduled tours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS AWARDED WITH 23 AP COMPUTER SCIENCE FEMALE DIVERSITY AWARDS

CHICAGO – Nearly two dozen Chicago Public Schools (CPS) high schools earned the 2023 College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in Advanced Placement computer science courses. The 2022-23 School Year also marked the fourth consecutive year that female and non-binary students comprised the majority of AP Computer Science Principles exam takers throughout the District. Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award maximized their commitment to computer science education by expanding girls’ access to AP computer science courses, specifically in AP Computer Science A (CSA) and AP Computer Science Principles (CSP).

The following schools achieved either 50 percent or higher female representation in at least one of the two AP computer science courses, or the percentage of the female computer science exam takers met or exceeded that of the school’s female population during the 2022-23 school year: Alcott College Prep* Austin College & Career Academy High School* Chicago Academy High School* Chicago Mathematics and Science Academy Curie Metropolitan High School* DeVry Advantage Academy* Eric Solorio Academy High School* Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep Academy* Hubbard High School* Hyde Park Academy High School* Intrinsic Schools – Downtown Campus Jones College Prep High School* Lane Technical College Prep High School* Noble Street Charter School: Pritzker College Prep Northside College Preparatory High School* Perspectives Charter Schools: Calumet High School of Technology Perspectives Leadership Academy Phoenix STEM Military Academy* Thomas Kelly College Prep* Tilden Career Community Academy* Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center* Walter Payton College Prep High School* World Language High School at Little Village Lawndale* *District-run schools are denoted with an asterisk.

CPS was an early adopter of the AP computer science program, serving as a pilot district in 2014.

Since the AP CPS exam became available in 2017, 10,158 CPS students have taken the AP CSP exam, with 50 percent of 2023 test-takers identifying as female or non-binary, well above the national average of 34 percent. Overall, participation of female and non-binary students increased by 71 percent in the AP CSP exam since 2017 and by 17 percent in the AP CSA exam over the same period.

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South Suburban | Week of February 7, 2024

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Continued from page 1 Starting, however, is the key.

Brown said once a person establishes an emergency fund, they need to be disciplined and committed to Brown also is a talk show host and film producer. not give in to impulses and to not spend that money in He has strategies that he believes can help people have the emergency fund for something other than what it is a stronger financial foothold and secure their financial earmarked for. He said that can derail the saving stratefuture. gy. He suggests people be commitBrown has a backted to living within their means and ground in finance that was not take on added expenses. developed in real estate and When it comes to investing in used to help the government a retirement account, Brown said create projects that could knowing what kind of account is help transform communikey. An IRA is more for individuals ties. Brown’s three steps who are self-employed. If someone include Establishing an is an employee of a company, they Emergency Fund, Budgetmight have a 401(k). At Brown’s ing and Expense Tracking company, all the employees have and Investing in Retirement a 401(k) that is matched by the Accounts. company.

Brown believes in order “We’re really firm and committo establish an emergency ted to making sure our employees fund, the first step is to are on a sound financial footing. create a budget and underOne of the ways we do that is by stand where money is being really pushing the 401(k) and really spent. pushing them to invest in their “Oftentimes in house401(k),” Brown said. holds, people live from The result is that there are empaycheck to paycheck and Dee Brown is the host of #HBCYou and Self Made with ployees in his company who have at the end of one pay period Dee Brown. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MORE MEDIA INTERNATIONAL. amassed significant amounts in their to the next, they don’t re401(k). ally know and understand Brown said that it is important for where the money is going,” he said. the financial health of people’s families, the financial For example, Brown said recurring charges that health of people’s business that they save money and are for a service that goes unused can be cancelled. invest. Things might come up and in order for a perHe added that, sitting down, creating a budget and son to put themselves in a solid financial position, it is understanding the needed expenses are important. important to save.

From there, based on individual financial situations, Brown’s shows #HBCYou with Dee Brown and Self people should start to contribute to an emergency Made with Dee Brown can be seen on PBS. For more fund. He suggested people make regular contributions information about Dee Brown, Tiger Run: The Untold into an account, a savings account, that is on automat- Story and No House to Morehouse: The Untold Story, visit www.deebrownceo.com. ic transfer. His rule of thumb is 20% of their paycheck.

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Logan’s Place to bridge the gap for youth transitioning from foster care to independence BLUE ISLAND— Governor JB Pritzker joined Unlimited Potential House (“UP House”) and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to announce the grand opening of UP House’s new campus and its transitional living facility, “Logan’s Place,” that offers housing, education, and support services for young women in the care of DCFS as they begin their journey toward independent living.

“This is exactly the kind of facility — and organization — that young women in DCFS care deserve as they embark on a new chapter of their lives,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The funding the state is providing to UP House builds on DCFS’ critical work to add capacity throughout the system, work we will continue to prioritize, so every Illinois youth gets the support they need and deserve.”

The new campus, located on the grounds of the former Mother of Sorrows Convent in Blue Island, will provide a safe, enriching, and supportive environment fostering personal growth and well-being for up to 50 young women aged 17½ to 21. Staff will offer mentorship and individualized attention. Once all 21 currently available beds at the facility are occupied, DCFS will invest $3M/year to pay for the costs of room and board and program fees. This funding from DCFS is an appropria-

tion for external organizations that aid in the transition of DCFS youth from foster care to transitional living to provide support and prevent homelessness among those who age out.

Logan’s Place is a residential facility equipped with a rec room, theater, art room and resident lounge, and serves as the entry-level program for all young women served by UP House. Each young woman will be paired with a mentor who will provide guidance and life skills support. Residents will also have access to educational resources through partnerships with Moraine Valley and South Suburban College; and participate in job readiness training and vocational programs to explore various career paths.

After developing skills at Logan’s Place, the residential program participants will have the opportunity to continue their development at UP House by transitioning to Kumari’s Place. With a residential capacity of 21 young women, Kumari’s place represents the pinnacle of UP House’s transitional living program. This fully outfitted building combines the independence of collegiate dormitory-style living with access to support resources.

Residents at Kumari’s Place have access to communal and educational spaces, as well as thoughtfully curated

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South Suburban | Week of February 7, 2024

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SOUTH SUBURBAN

Suburban school districts partner with United Negro College Fund to raise more than $400,000 in scholarships for local students 1000 guests attended Superintendents’ Commission and UNCF “Investing in Our Future” Scholarship Gala on Friday at Tinley Park Convention Center

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

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

TINLEY PARK, ILL. — For the second year, the Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity (SCSDD) joined forces with the United Negro College Fund to raise money for students in their communities. At the end of the night, organizers announced that the event had raised more than $400,500 toward scholarships for high school students in their districts—more than double the goal of $200,000.

The Superintendents’ Commission is composed of 37 elementary and secondary superintendents and school districts of the suburban Cook and collar counties dedicated to providing quality educational opportunities for all students.

Last year, the Superintendents’ Commission and UNCF, which is celebrating its 80th year, partnered and raised more than $200,000 which was double their goal of $100,000.

This year, the group set a goal of $200,000 and again exceeded the goal.

“Our collaboration with the United Negro College Fund means more money for more students,” said Dr. Johnnie Thomas, president of the commission and superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227. “That means more support for our students to fulfill their dreams.”

Every year, the Superintendents’ Commission awards scholarships to high school seniors in their districts.

Last year, the fundraising efforts nearly tripled the amount of scholarship dollars available to students, Thomas said. Scholarships will be awarded to students at the Superintendents’ Commission annual scholarship dinner on March 21.

Part of the scholarship total

includes ten full ride scholarships to Tougaloo College in Mississippi, a Historically Black College and University. The president of Tougaloo College, Dr. Donzell Lee, visited five high school districts last fall and said the school would give two Presidential Scholarships to students from Rich Township High School, Southland College Prep Charter High School, Bloom High School, Kankakee High School and Hillcrest High School who have a 3.5 grade point average. Dr. Lee will come to the Superintendents’ Commission dinner in March to present the scholarships.

“The power of our individual districts coming together shows us what is possible,” said Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, Southland’s CEO and superintendent of Matteson School District 162. “We are committed to making sure that our children not only get into college, but they have the financial means to stay in college.”

Last year 75 high school seniors from 14 high schools in suburban Cook County and Kankakee received scholarships as a result of the successful joint fundraising effort.

Fourteen students from Southland received awards last year, more than double the number of students who usually receive the Superintendents’ Commission Scholarship, Davis said.

One of those recipients was Alaya Cherry, 18, who said the scholarship changed her life. She is currently at freshman at Tougaloo.

“Being honored by receiving that scholarship and being accepted to Tougaloo really motivated me,” said Cherry, who is majoring in economics and one day hopes to own a restaurant. “It really changed something in me. I knew that people believed in me.”

Logan’s Place...Continued From page 2 living quarters.

“All young people need support and guidance along their journey to adulthood, and the youth in our care are no different,” said Illinois DCFS Director Marc D. Smith. “Partnerships with agencies like UP House are crucial to our mission of ensuring our older youth have the tools and support they need to become successful, productive adults. Our thanks to Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly for their continued investment in the lives of the youth we serve.”

“It is our goal to help young women see a grander vision of themselves, complete their educational goals and embrace a brighter,

self-sustainable future,” said UP House Founder Tangela Thornton.

“I am extremely grateful to Governor Pritzker, Illinois DCFS and our extensive community of volunteers and mentors who are dedicated to ensuring the success of this model and these young women.”

“We have a moral responsibility to help these young women who have faced many hardships as children and need support to rebuild their lives,” said State Representative Bob Rita (D-Blue Island). “I am proud to help provide the state funding needed to give them hope for a better future and join the Pritzker Administration in welcoming this new facility to our community.”

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POLITICAL AFFAIRS

FRIENDS OF THE PARKS ANNOUNCES INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Friends of the Parks’ interim executive director is a bicycle activist, transportation planner, educator, mental health advocate and proud product of the Chicago Public Schools. Chicago’s parks also have played important roles in all chapters of Gin Kilgore’s life—from cutting through Nichols Park on the way to high school, to getting married in Humboldt Park, to building sandcastles with her child at North Avenue Beach and training for the marathon by running along Daniel Burnham’s “emerald necklace” of boulevards. All of the assets Kilgore believes will serve her well as she steps into this new position at the venerable organization known for protecting Chicago’s lakefront, advocating for equity across the Chicago Park District and fighting for environmental justice.

Kilgore was hired at FOTP in 2022 as deputy director.

Since being at the organization, the former Hyde Park resident says she has learned a lot about “grass tops” advocacy.

She came to the position thinking she would draw most heavily on her grassroots and policy backgrounds, but quickly discovered that the listening and facilitation skills gained from her time in classrooms have been equally valuable.

“We can’t do ground level work in each of the over 600 parks across Chicago. Instead, we support and amplify the efforts of local “parktivists”—Park Advisory Councils and other stakeholders. The trends we see from across the city then guide our advocacy work at the policy level.

Kilgore also appreciates the way FOTP holds space for complex, often messy conversations “When I first read about our Parks as Democracy? conferences, the English teacher in me raised an eyebrow. I now think our public discourse would greatly benefit if people used more question marks than exclamation points.”

Before working at FOTP, Kilgore was a bicycle/pedestrian planner at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and program director at Ride Illinois. She co-founded Bike Winter to show that cycling is a year-round form of transportation and was instrumental in the development of the Bloomingdale Trail, which was renamed the 606 Trail. She also served on the board of Break the Gridlock, an organization that was dedicated to reducing automobile dependence.

When wearing her educator hat, Kilgore was a lead literacy teacher at a Chicago public elementary school, where she served on the Local School Counsel during a principal transition, served as LSC president at her child’s elementary school, and taught composition at Malcolm X College.

“We’re happy to have Gin step into this new role. In addition to working with communities to protect our parks and ensure Chicagoans of all ages have access, equitable programming and funding, we continue to work on our signature projects, Nature Along the Lake and Earth Day. FOTP will play an active role in the Chicago Park District’s strategic planning process this year and we are looking forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2025 with park lovers across the city,” says FOTP Board Chair Bronwyn Nichols Lodato.

BELT ANNOUNCES AVAILABLE FUNDING FOR GROCERY STORE EQUIPMENT UPGRADES

State Senator Christopher Belt is encouraging local grocers to apply for funding through the Illinois Grocery Initiative for the purchase of updated energy-efficient equipment.

“There are many factors that play a part in operating a successful grocery store,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Through the Equipment Upgrades Grant Program, our local grocery stores have the opportunity to receive funding to aid in purchasing necessary, updated equipment.”

Rising energy costs lead to outdated equipment, which presents a major expense for small community grocers.

Under the Equipment Upgrades Program, eligible grocers can apply for grants to upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment; refrigeration units and freezers; lighting systems; and other systems providing significant energy savings.

Eligible grocers should apply online by March 25. In order to support the businesses most in-need, grocers must be independently-owned with fewer than 500 employees and no more than four grocery stores. Grocery stores located in food deserts as defined by the USDA map will be given priority.

The Equipment Upgrades Program is the first program to be rolled out as a part of the Illinois Grocery Initiative’s efforts to address food insecurity by supporting local grocers and reducing food deserts.

“We need to consider all that goes into functioning grocers and provide them with help in any way we can,” said Belt. “Upgrading store equipment is a step in the right direction to ensuring we have accessible grocers to help combat food insecurity.”

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will hold webinars to assist applicants on Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. and Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. Learn more about the Illinois Grocery Initiative here.

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BUSINESS

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SOUTH SUBURBAN

KEYBANK PARTNERS WITH COMMUNITY LENDING INSTITUTIONS TO PROVIDE $50 MILLION IN ACCESS TO CAPITAL CLEVELAND, PRNewswire -- KeyBank “KeyBank is demonstrating what a more (NYSE: KEY) announced placement of $50 inclusive financial services industry looks million in deposits with six Community like by fulfilling their overall $50 million Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) commitment towards various Minority and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Depository Institutions in America,” said including four Black-owned banks or manKenneth Kelly, Chairman & CEO of First aged banks and two banks serving Alaskan Independence Bank. “This support allows Native and Native American communities. As various MDIs to continue their concerted a founding member of the Economic Opporeffort to expand their reach and expand tunity Coalition, KeyBank is pioneering the relationships into partnerships within our support of placing deposits with urban and industry. I am elated that KeyBank shares rural community lending institutions to furthe same vision that all leaders can better ther enhance their ability to serve historically impact communities we serve when we colunder-resourced communities. This effort is laborate to broaden the financial quality of one of many that symbolizes KeyBank’s larglife for all.” er purpose: to help clients and communities This support for Community Developthrive. ment Financial Institutions and Minority The announcement includes support in Depository Institutions are just the latest the following institutions: testament to KeyBank’s enduring comAdelphi mitment to Bank – Coeconomic lumbus, OH inclusion. In Carver 2022, KeyFederal SavBank extendings – Hared financing PRNewsfoto/KeyCorp lem, NY to 10 addiFirst tional CDFIs, “KeyBank is demonstrating Independence Bank – including loan funds, what a more inclusive financial affordable housing Detroit, MI Legacy Bank – Murand small busiservices industry looks like by lenders, rieta, CA ness loan providers that OneUnited Bank – fulfilling their overall $50 million included $67 million Boston, MA debt financing and commitment towards various of Native American approximately $6.5 milBank – Denver, CO Minority Depository Institutions lion of equity financing.

“Our country’s CDPrior to 2022, KeyBank in America,” FIs and MDIs are vital deployed $93 million to to providing economic said Kenneth Kelly, Chairman & CEO CDFIs, including Cleveopportunity in underland Development Partof First Independence Bank served and low-income nership, Impact Capital, communities,” said and Rocky Mountain Chris Gorman, Chairman and CEO of KeyReinvestment Corporation.

Bank. “Our support of the CDFIs and MDIs is KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 part of our ongoing commitment to address years to Albany, New York. Headquartered social justice and racial equity in the commu- in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s nities we so proudly serve.” largest bank-based financial services com“KeyBank’s acknowledgment of Legacy panies, with assets of approximately $188 Bank’s social mission within Native Amerbillion at December 31, 2023. ican communities is sincerely appreciated.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash manInclusion as a Native American bank among agement, and investment services to indiother CDFI and MDI institutions in their viduals and businesses in 15 states under the $50 million deposit commitment exempliname KeyBank National Association through a fies KeyBank’s commitment to fostering a network of approximately 1,000 branches and more inclusive financial landscape,” said approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides James D. Hicken, President & CEO of Legacy a broad range of sophisticated corporate and Bank. “Together, we can amplify our iminvestment banking products, such as mergpact, broaden financial access, and enhance er and acquisition advice, public and private the quality of life in urban and rural areas debt and equity, syndications and derivaalike. We value KeyBank’s shared vision tives to middle market companies in selected and collaborative spirit in making a lasting industries throughout the United States under difference for low-income and underserved the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. communities.”

For more information, visit https://www.key.

South Suburban | Week of February 7, 2024

Nathan Cummings Foundation Opens Grant and PRI Opportunity for Racial, Economic, Environmental Justice NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- The Nathan Cummings Foundation (NCF) announced today that it is accepting proposals for grants and program-related investments (PRIs). This grant and PRI opportunity flows from the foundation’s strategic plan to activate the totality of its assets to support organizations driving people-centric impact outcomes toward racial, economic, and environmental justice (REEJ).

“We are excited to have an open line for values-aligned organizations and innovators to reach us,” said NCF President and CEO Rey Ramsey.

“They hold the keys to how we advance impact solutions. We will listen and learn from them.”

The foundation has an approximately $17 million grantmaking budget for 2024 and will offer three new types of grants: Venture Grants: (up to $100K): These grants are shortterm and designed to provide expedited support to social entrepreneurs with breakthrough and innovative solutions.

Advancement Grants: (up to $250K) These grants are designed to provide two-year support to project-based work and/or help scale organizations and promising solutions.

Enterprise Grants: ($250k+) These grants are designed to provide multi-year, unrestricted funding to partners that have deep alignment across our REEJ focus areas and offer the most opportunity to use all our financial and nonfinancial resources to support their solutions.

The PRI initiative is backed by the board’s recent decision to dedicate five percent ($22 million) of the foundation’s endowment in the coming years to provide low-interest loans and other forms of low-cost financing to organizations focused on REEJ. The foundations budget for the initiative’s first year is targeted at approximately $3 million.

The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2024. NCF encourages applicants to review the “Apply for Funding” section of its website for guidance.

For additional information about this announcement, please contact NCF’s Director of Communications Candice Wynter, at Candice.

Wynter@nathancummings.org.

The Nathan Cummings Foundation is a multigenerational family foundation, rooted in the Jewish tradition of social justice, supporting and investing in systemic solutions that advance racial, economic, and environmental justice. We are committed to leveraging 100 percent of the foundation’s assets — from our grants to our investments to our voice — in pursuit of people-centric impact. For more information, visit nathancummings.org.

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FASHION

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South Suburban| Week of February 7, 2024

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De Beers Shines at the 2024

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Critics’ Choice & Emmy Awards

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- De Beers Jewellers natural & ethically sourced diamond jewelry dazzled on nominees and actors Jennifer Aniston and Sheryl Lee Ralph at the 29th Critics’ Choice Awards and on Quinta Brunson and Ariana DeBose at the 75th Emmy Awards.

At Critics’ Choice, Jennifer Aniston, nominated for Best Actress in a Drama Series, exuded effortless glamour while dripping in diamond pieces from De Beers Jewellers including shoulder-sweeping long diamond earrings, a two-stone diamond ring, and pear-shaped diamond ring. Sheryl Lee Ralph, nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, radiated natural elegance in classic diamond pieces from De Beers Jewellers including long diamond drop earrings and a diamond line bracelet.

The following evening, Quinta Brunson sparkled while accepting the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series wearing diamond hoop earrings from the Metamorphosis by De Beers high De Beers jewellery collection, a Talisman cocktail ring, and a pearshaped diamond ring. Actor, Ariana De Bose stunned in classic diamond pieces including a long bezel set lariat diamond necklace, round brilliant sleeper earrings, a Dewdrop one line pavé ring and an assortment of diamond eternity bands.

De Beers’ unique connection to the source affords the House unparalleled access to the Earth’s most spectacular diamonds, while also ensuring their superior quality, traceability and positive impact. With over 130 years of diamond expertise, De Beers consciously selects the most awe-inspiring diamonds to masterfully craft extraordinary wearable works of art that magnify and immortalize the beauty of nature with timeless designs.

De Beers looks at the 29th Critics’ Choice Awards include: Jennifer Aniston, Nominee for Best Actress in a Drama Series, The Morning Show De Beers Long Diamond Earrings set in 18K White Gold, 4.96 carats.

De Beers OBS Pear-Shaped Diamond Ring set in Platinum, 5.45 carats

De Beers Diamond Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold, 8.52 carats.

Sheryl Lee Ralph, Nominee for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Abbott Elementary De Beers Long Diamond Drop Earrings set in 18K White Gold, 16.33 carats.

De Beers Classic Diamond Line Bracelet set in Platinum, 17.03 carats.

De Beers looks at the 75th Emmy Awards include: Quinta Brunson, Winner and Nominee for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, Abbott Elementary and Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, Saturday Night Live.

Metamorphosis by De Beers Summer Hoop Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold, 5.73 carats.

De Beers Talisman Cocktail Diamond Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold, 4.71 carats.

De Beers OBS Pear-Shaped Diamond Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold, 11.30 carats.

Ariana DeBose, Actor De Beers Classic Bezel Set Diamond Necklace with Clip set in 18K White Gold, 16.63 carats.

De Beers Classic Round Brilliant Diamond Sleeper Earrings set in Platinum, 6.84 carats.

De Beers Classic Allegria Diamond Eternity Band set in Platinum, 3.70 carats.

De Beers Classic Allegria Diamond Eternity Band set in Platinum, 3.34 carats De Beers Dewdrop One Line Pavé Diamond Ring set in 18K White Gold.

Founded in London, with a flagship store on Old Bond Street and a presence in the most exclusive locations around the world, De Beers Jewellers is the pinnacle of luxury diamond jewellery. Building on De Beers’ 130 years of expertise, the House glorifies the world’s most beautiful diamonds through creativity and craftsmanship in bold, distinctive designs.

De Beers is invested in ensuring all the diamonds it discovers create a lasting positive impact for people and the places where they are found. This comes with a pledge to build a better future – one that is fairer, safer, cleaner and healthier, in which communities thrive, ethical practices are maintained, and the natural environment is protected. We call this long-term commitment Building Forever.

De Beers diamond jewellery is available in more than 30 stores worldwide, as well as online at debeers.com.

HSN CHAMPIONS EMERGING DESIGNERS THROUGH EXCLUSIVE COLLABORATION WITH HARLEM’S FASHION ROW ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., PRNewswire -- HSN®, a leader in livestream shopping and video storytelling, announced an exclusive collaboration with Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR), tapping four of the agency’s top designers, each with their own fresh, distinct perspective. Debuting next month will be collections from brands Megan Renee and Undra Celeste, followed by two new designers in the fall.

“Harlem’s Fashion Row has brought us exceptional designers with beautiful and exclusive collections that we are honored to share with our audience,” said Bridget Love, GMM & VP Fashion, Accessories, Jewelry & Beauty, HSN. “This collaboration helps HSN continue to offer our customers with an ever-changing mix of must-have items that reflect multiple perspectives on fashion. We are proud to support HFR’s mission of inclusivity and empowerment in the fashion industry.”

Brandice Daniel, founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row, passionately expressed her commitment to elevating diverse voices in the fashion industry through the collaboration with HSN. She emphasized, “This project not only celebrates unique perspectives but also provides a new and vital platform for designers of color, extending beyond the boundaries of traditional retail. It signifies a notable advancement in the range of opportunities presently accessible to designers of color.”

Megan Renee x HFR is a 9-piece collection for everyday wear with original prints embodying strength, confidence, and unapologetic femininity. For Undra Celeste x HFR, Undra has created a 10-piece wardrobe featuring modern, fun, and bold workwear. The new collections will range in price point from $49.95 for a T-shirt

to $189.95 for a trench coat.

Discussing the inspiration behind her collection, Megan Smith, designer of Megan Renee, elaborated, “Each piece tells a story through unique prints and vibrant colors, reflecting the identity of a woman who embraces her power and individuality. Creating this collection has been an incredible journey, allowing me to showcase my distinct point of view on fashion.”

“Undra Celeste x HFR embodies the essence of a multicultural woman who wants to show up to work feeling like her authentic self,” said Undra Duncan, designer of Undra Celeste. “This collaboration for HSN is an exciting opportunity to share my vision of the future, where fashion becomes a statement of unyielding self-expression for every woman.”

The HRF brands will appear on-air on February 1st via a live remote from Harlem, where each designer will have one full hour of programming. Customers can shop their exclusive new collections on www.hsn.com later this month, leading into the network’s month-long celebration of Black History Month. Learn more and shop Black Owned businesses on www.hsn.com.

HSN® takes shoppers on a journey – embracing the new, exploring untrodden paths, and bringing shoppers a unique perspective that enriches their lives. HSN offers a curated assortment of exclusive products and top brand names in health and beauty, jewelry, home/lifestyle, fashion/accessories, and electronics and incorporates entertainment, personalities and industry experts to provide a unique shopping experience. HSN engages millions of customers across the U.S. via two TV channels, which are widely available on cable/satellite TV, free over-the-air

TV, and digital livestreaming TV. The retailer also reaches millions of customers via the QVC+ and HSN+ streaming experience, a website and mobile app, and social pages.

HSN was founded more than 45 years ago as the first shopping network and is based in St. Petersburg, Fla. To learn more, visit corporate.hsn.com, follow @HSN on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or follow HSN on Pinterest, YouTube or LinkedIn. Qurate Retail, Inc. (NASDAQ: QRTEA, QRTEB, QRTEP) is a Fortune 500 company that includes the Qurate Retail GroupSM portfolio of brands as well as other minority interests. Qurate Retail Group comprises six leading retail brands – QVC®, HSN, Ballard Designs®, Frontgate®, Garnet Hill® and Grandin Road® – all dedicated to providing a more human way to shop. Qurate Retail Group is the largest player in video commerce (“vCommerce”), which includes video-driven shopping across linear TV, ecommerce sites, digital streaming and social platforms. For more information, visit qurateretailgroup.com or follow Qurate Retail Group on YouTube or LinkedIn. Founded in 2007 by Brandice Daniel, the organization supports emerging talent and provides a platform for underrepresented Black and Latinx designers. Harlem’s Fashion Row is the premier agency creating a bridge between brands and designers of color through product collaborations, experiential marketing events, and brand strategy. The objective is to provide real business opportunities that will enable designers to showcase their skills and abilities in an industry that is often inaccessible to this group. To learn more, please visit www.harlemsfashionrow.com.

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ON THE MOVE

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ON THE MOVE

Cook County Commissioner

Monica Gordon Host ed The Democrats of Thornton Township Photos by L.M. Warbington

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REP. FORD SECURES GRANT TO EXPAND TRAVEL PROGRAM FOR CHICAGO YOUTH 100K appropriation grant to benefit 400 youth through Austin neighborhood nonprofit

Chicago Austin Youth the streets and show them Travel Adventures (CAYthe world on an internaTA) is proud to announce tional stage. I am beyond they are the recipient of a grateful for Rep. Ford’s $100,000 special approdedication and commitpriations grant secured by ment to our organization,” Representative LaShawn says Crystal Dyer, FoundK. Ford. The grant will er, and CEO of Chicago cover up to 400 youth to Austin Youth Travel Adexpand their knowledge of ventures, Inc. heritages around the globe In addition to CAYTA’s and connections to career World Citizen Program, apprenticeship programs. they offer both a Teen Getting youth out of the Reach Afterschool Proneighborhoods and congram and a job training necting them to personal program in partnership experiences will enhance with Choose Chicago. their self-esteem, deThe nonprofit was creasing self-doubt which also recently awarded a increases mental stress $200,000 grant for gun viand can lead to violent outolence prevention in partbursts and the use of guns. nership with the Chicago Founded in 2015, Crystal Dyer launched CAYTA in Chicago’s Park District and a $30,000 grant for Austin fresh to promote Austin neighborhood where her grandson Devin, was violenthealthy eating, healthy lifestyle tours, and menu planning. ly killed. Today, the organization is thriving, reaching at-risk “CAYTA is growing expotentially, and I am ecstatic. I could children, youth, and young adults through a variety of programs have never imagined the rate of growth we have experienced aimed at showing them a world outside their neighborhood, a when we first launched. It is a blessing and I am honored that world many have never seen.

Devin’s memory will continue to live on in the good work being “After I lost my grandson to gun violence in Chicago, I vowed carried out each and every day here in the Austin neighborhood to do everything within my power to ensure no other family ex- and around the world,” adds Dyer. periences such a tragedy. Through CAYTA, we get the youth off For more information about CAYTA, visit their website.

Amplifying artists of every age.

Nasha Thomas National Director, AileyCamp Master Teacher

Black History Month 2024 AARP celebrates artists over 50 of every form.

Through our Brain Health work, we know that art keeps us mentally sharp, as it connects us and preserves our collective story. We’re uplifting these dynamic artists who have mastered their craft in the areas of costume design, dance and hip-hop music.

Celebrate Black artists that make your community thrive this Black History Month and beyond.

Ruth E. Carter Award-Winning Costume Designer

Doug E. Fresh Hip-Hop Legend

Discover more today at AARP.org/BlackCommunity

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Leadership Greater Chicago Elects New Board Members: Lucino Sotelo, Northern Trust Corporation, and Ann Marie Wright, BMO Financial Group CHICAGO, IL – Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC), achieve higher levels of success, with a passionate focus issues through dynamic education and experiential the region’s premier civic leadership development on educational equality in all communities. Previously, activities. These diverse individuals represent the most organization, recently welcomed the election of Lucino Sotelo was a board member of City Year Chicago, Exprominent corporate, nonprofit, government, and educaSotelo, Executive Vice President at Northern Trust Cor- ecutive Service Corps of Chicago, Rauner YMCA, Peace tion organizations. poration, and Ann Marie Wright, U.S. Chief Risk Officer & Education Coalition, and LGC. He is an Executive LGC creates connectivity among its Fellows for BMO Financial Group, to the LGC Board of Directors. Member of the Latino Corporate Directors Association to positively impact not only themselves but their As elected LGC board members, both Sotelo and Wright (LCDA). Sotelo has an MBA from Northwestern Univer- employees, their constituents, their clients, their will support LGC’s mission to develop a strong channel sity’s Kellogg School of Management and a bachelor’s of neighbors, and their families. This connectivity is of civic leaders who will shape the future of Chicago and science degree in accounting from DePaul University. the backbone and strength of the LGC network, the region.

Wright brings vast leadership skills and commitenabling leaders to leverage collective resources to “We are grateful to have Lucino and Ann Marie join ment to equity and inclusion to the LGC Board that will make the Greater Chicago Region a more dynamic, the LGC Board of Directors as we move into a year that position the organization for strength and growth in the inclusive, and collaborative community. presents new challenges and exciting opportunities for future. Wright, an LGC Daniel Burnham Fellow, is the LGC Fellows are a distinguished group that the future of civic leadership in our city,” said Myetie U.S. Chief Risk Officer at BMO Financial Group where includes former First Lady Michelle Obama; ManHamilton, LGC Chief Executive Officer and LGC Fellow she is responsible for ensuring that the organization ef- aging Partner of Emerson Collective and former since 2016. “The LGC Board continues to reflect the fectively identifies and manages the risks in the business U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan; former diversity of its Fellows in every way, and LGC will benefit and legal entities through which it operates in the U.S., Executive Chairman of Urban Partnership Bank Dafrom their respective expertise, leadership and commit- provides review and oversight of risk issues for leadvid Vitale; Co-CEO and Chief Investment Officer of ment to our community and region,” she added. ership, and fosters a strong risk culture across the U.S. Ariel Investments John Rogers Jr.; General Partner Sotelo, an LGC Fellow since 2006, will help deterMost recently, Wright was U.S. Chief Auditor. Previous- of Henry Crown & Company Steve Crown; Managing mine strategy and governance and work with the LGC ly, she served as Chief Operating Officer for the North Partner at Cleveland Avenue Andy Zopp; Deputy leadership team to further the organization’s strategic American Commercial Bank. Wright is a board member Governor for Health and Human Services for the plan to convene, connect and mobilize the region’s most of the Civic Consulting Alliance, the Chicago SymphoState of Illinois Grace Hou; Chairman, Commispromising leaders to effect change. Sotelo is an accomny Orchestra, the Chicago Foundation for Women. She sioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Displished executive with digital, analytics, and marketing also serves as co-chair of BMO’s Leadership Council abilities Rachel Arfa; President of United Airlines expertise who leads the Digital Services organization for Inclusion and Diversity. Wright holds a master’s in Holdings, Inc. Brett Hart; Chancellor of Chicago City accountable for realizing the Wealth Management digital management degree specializing in Finance and ManColleges and vision, strategy, and roadmap for Northern Trust Coragement Strategy from Northwestern University.

MacArthur Genius Juan Salgado; President and poration. Sotelo was formerly appointed to the Chicago Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC) is the region’s CEO of Metropolitan Family Services Ric Estrada; Board of Education by Lori Lightfoot in 2016. He also premier civic leadership development incubator, deliver- and President and CEO of Access Living Karen Tamformerly served as a Commissioner on the Chicago Plan- ing the knowledge and network to lead bold, transforma- ley. Leadership Greater Chicago is a 501(c)3 nonning Commission. Sotelo has committed himself to com- tive change. LGC convenes, connects, and activates the profit organization. To learn more, visit: lgcchicago. munity and investing in organizations that help others area’s most promising leaders around key socioeconomic org.

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Honor Rosa Parks, Not Through Words, but Action

BY BAKARI HEIGHT

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ebruary 4 is Rosa Parks’ birthday. It is also Transit Equity Day. These days are tied together because Rosa Parks is an iconic figure among many of the civil rights era who chose the tactic of refusing to give up her seat on the bus. And transit advocates, like myself, want to make the connection to this act of resistance to highlight the rights of all people to high-quality public transportation powered by clean and renewable energy and organized labor.

But for far too long, policymakers BAKARI HEIGHT in Washington have prioritized highways and cars over public transit. This has devastating impacts not only for the climate crisis but on the budgets of local transit agencies and communities across the nation.

A new piece of legislation introduced last month by Congressman Hank Johnson from the Atlanta area would change that. The bill titled, “Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act” will provide high-quality transit to communities across the country.

The fact of the matter is the COVID pandemic and recovery forever changed how our communities function, work, socialize, and commute. It also dramatically showed that public transit is essential to our communities, local economies, and the lives of millions of people across the country. Essential workers depend on and operate transit, small businesses depend on transit, and historically marginalized communities depend on transit. Transit is a key component of economic recovery and a more environmentally sustainable society, and it’s a road to equity for disconnected communities—rural, urban, and suburban.

The recently introduced legislation would create a new formula grant program available to all transit agencies to increase service frequency and dependability so that people don’t have to wait so long for the bus, to provide additional hours of service so that those who don’t work white-collar hours can still get to their jobs; and to add new, frequent service to underserved communities.

For decades, the federal government has supported the cost of operating aviation through air traffic control and the cost of shipping through investment in ports and the management of locks and dams in the inland waterways. These are essential services for the movement of goods and people. Operating high-quality transit is just as essential to get people to employment and to give businesses access to talent and customers. And it is time for Washington to treat it as such.

While Congress has taken vital steps in recent years to fund transit capital projects like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the fact of the matter is that the lack of congressional action on operations funding, which this latest bill would provide, has led to critical funding shortfalls at numerous transit agencies and has left many in fiscal trouble.

This new legislation will help fix that.

The truth of the matter is that in communities throughout the country transit is a driver of economic growth, jobs, and opportunity for many residents. Nationally, tens of millions of people in the U.S.—from small rural towns to major urban centers—rely on public transit to get to work every day, generating trillions of dollars in economic activity. Every dollar

invested in transit offers a 5-to-1 return, and every $1 billion invested in public transit produces 50,000 jobs. Transit agencies are often among the largest employers in their cities.

We also know the climate crisis is not coming; it is here now. And it’s getting worse by the day. We’ve seen it all around us on a near daily basis.

It is impacting our economy and nearly every aspect of our daily lives.

Investing in public transit is one of the top ways we can help address the climate crisis on the scale that is needed.

In other words, an investment in transit by policymakers would be a win-win. A win economically and a win in our efforts to address the climate crisis.

And it is far past time for Washington to ensure that public transit does not just recover from COVID but expands to create more-sustainable and -prosperous communities.

We need to honor Rosa Parks not just through words, but through action. And that is what this bill will do.

ROSA PARK PHOTO CREDIT LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

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Bolingbrook Black History Month Awareness Club Celebrates Being Brilliantly Black 26th Annual Black History Month Celebration Awards Hall of Fame to Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Vincent Cornelius Bolingbrook, IL, January 10th, 2024 – The County, IL, Judge Cornelius holds a distinBolingbrook Black History Month Awareness guished service record, including the 140th PresClub is set to mark its 26th annual event on Sat- ident of the Illinois State Bar Association. He urday, February 10th , 2024, from 2:00 pm until was the first African American to serve as ISBA 5:00 pm at Bolingbrook High School, 365 Raider president. Judge Cornelius has made significant Way, Bolingbrook, IL 60440. contributions to the legal community, including This free, family-friendly event is a vibrant serving as Illinois Bar Foundation President and platform for raising awareness and understand- Chancellor of the Academy of Illinois Lawyers. ing of Black History. Hosted by the spirited Past Hall of Fame award recipients include Chicago comedian Bryant BLT Turner, Bolingretired American baseball left fielder Billy brook’s Black History Month Awareness Club Williams, Congressman Danny Davis, and Rev. aims to make a meaningful impact in spreading Jesse Jackson. awareness and education of Black history within The event, held during Black History Month, the community. The program highlights will is designed for all residents, regardless of race or feature an anticipated performance from Black origin, to build bridges of tolerance and underMagician Spellbinder, author, poet, spoken-word standing. Sponsors for the event include Valley artist Anita Riddle, and the Jubilee youth and View District 365U, the Village of Bolingbrook, adult choir. Honor roll students from Valley View Fountaindale Public Library, Great Lakes Credit District 365U middle schools will be introduced, Union, Illinois American Water, Bolingbrook and scholarships will be awarded to seniors Bank and Trust, and various local businesses. residing in Bolingbrook who have been accepted The celebration is open to the public and to college. features entertainment, children’s activities, This year’s notable Hall of Fame award will complimentary snacks and drinks, and excitbe presented to Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court ing raffle prizes. For more information on The Judge Vincent Cornelius. An esteemed Circuit Bolingbrook Black History Month Awareness Judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Will Club, visit www.bolingbrookblackhistory.com

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Great Lakes Credit Union and Encurage Financial Network Credit Union Jointly Announce Intent to Merge Chicago, Ill. – Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) and encurage financial network credit union (encurage) are excited to announce their plans to merge pending regulatory approval and an encurage membership vote. If approved, the combined organization will operate under the unified brand name, Great Lakes Credit Union. The credit unions are targeting a close later this year as a legal effective date for the merger. Both boards have voted in favor of the combined merger.

Early in 2023, First Financial Credit Union launched the encurage brand as a cooperative effort of four formerly independent credit unions (S & C Electric Employees CU, Win-Hood Co-Op CU, C & NW Proviso CU, First Financial CU) aimed at helping their members to keep their local legacy while providing each credit union with the tools to improve operations, maximize resources, and enhance member services by pooling and sharing knowledge.

In today’s highly competitive and rapidly changing financial marketplace, it is becoming increasingly challenging to offer the wide range of products and services that members want. Attracting new members and new employees in this competitive market is also becoming increasingly difficult. By merging with Great Lakes Credit Union, encurage will be able to leverage even more resources and benefits in the form of additional products and services, new and robust technologies, an increased branch network, financial education/counseling services, and position its credit unions for continued growth.

Both credit unions wanted to find a partner that matched their own passions, shared similar bonds, policy guidelines, and an overall philosophy that aligned closely with their own missions, as well as a shared dedication and loyalty to their teams, members, and communities.

“When we announced the formation of encurage in early 2023, we also indicated that it was the first step of many to enhance services and benefits for our members. By joining with Great Lakes Credit Union, we will take collaboration and innovation to an even higher level,” says Michael Abraham, CEO of encurage. Upon closing, Abraham will become the Chief Strategy Officer of Great Lakes Credit Union. Abraham continues, “Since its launch, encurage has provided a wide range of services to its credit union network and, with this merger, we will find many more ways to create an even richer experience for our members and our communities.”

Steve Bugg, President and CEO of Great Lakes Credit Union says, “GLCU chose encurage as a merger partner because they are committed, as are we, to member focus, leadership, community involvement, and a vision for the future. We share a mutual dedication to our members, employees, and communities. Great Lakes Credit Union welcomes the entire encurage financial network of credit unions to our organization and look forward to continuing the legacy and success these credit unions have become known for. Our intent is to ensure these partner credit unions continue their unique identity that is tied back to their originating sponsors. In doing so, we are committed in keeping their voices heard under the advisory councils to ensure we remain close to our members and communities.”

As member-owned cooperatives, and under the guidelines of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), full merger approval is contingent upon membership approval, along with regulatory approvals from the NCUA and Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation. As the merger process moves forward, both credit unions will provide information to their respective memberships via their websites (www.glcu.org and www.firstfcu.org/encurage) and through other applicable communication channels.

Upon completion of the merger, encurage financial network will bring over more than 14,000 members, mostly in the greater Chicagoland area, and over $200 million in assets to the new organization to combine with GLCU’s 80,000 members and $1.3 billion in assets. The combined entity will serve 94,000 members and hold approximately $1.5 billion in assets.

Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Northern Illinois, Great Lakes Credit Union is banking for a greater good. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative with over $1.3 billion in assets, GLCU is proud to serve 80,000 members in Chicagoland and surrounding areas, and to give back to its members and communities through education, volunteerism, and partnerships. Learn more about GLCU’s accounts, educational initiatives, and community development programs at www.glcu.org. encurage financial network credit union was formed in 2023 to provide collaborative solutions for the members of four small asset-size credit unions with legacies extending back as far as 1936. encurage has steadily expanded and grown, serving over 14,000 members and holding over $220 million in assets.

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Dexter King Died Believing that the Truth of His Father’s Killing Will Someday Rise vegetarian, giving up sugars and starches until his body craved natural foods. He said he was bothered that his grandfather, Daddy King, (TriceEdneyWire.com) - Not another King might have lived a longer life had he eaten difdying far too soon. This was the immediate ferently. At her son’s insistence, Coretta, who reaction of many at the news that Dexter Scott had mastered the art of rich Southern style King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther cooking, became a vegetarian. Once when I King Jr. and Coretta Scott King had died from traveled with her to a Florida spa, I was disprostate cancer at age 62. In 2007 his sister mayed that for a week, they served nothing but Yolanda died at age 52. raw vegetables and veggie smoothies. Yet, she At the time of his death, Dexter had served also believed her strict regimen eased her pain as both chairman of The King Center and Presfrom gout and other discomforts prolonging ident of the King Estate. In that capacity he enher life. She died at the age of 78. gaged in legal intellectual property fights with Both mother and son shared an intense corporations, federal agencies, and court suits determination to prove to the nation that with family members to protect his parents’ James Earl Ray did not kill Martin Luther King legacy. His strongest crusade, however, was his Jr, that his murder was the result of a conspirbattle to bring to justice those responsible for acy involving the U.S. government and the his father’s murder. assassins should be held accountable.

Born in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 1961, he was In the early 1990’s I picked Dexter up at named after Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in the DC airport and took him to the NationMontgomery, Alabama, where his father served in his first pastorate and helped launch the al Press Club where I had helped arrange a famous Montgomery Bus Boycott. He was the briefing on the assassination. He spoke about second-born son of Dr. King and Mrs. King and his plans to meet with Ray and that he believed was only 7 years old when his father was assasRay’s claim of innocence and, based on other home, the same one that buried his father. The exsinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968. periences in the mortuary he attributed to his quest evidence, felt along with other family members that For years, Dexter King—who has an amazing Ray was not the lone assassin. to come to terms with death and dying. To underresemblance to his globally acclaimed father, conOn December 8, 1999, Dexter and Mrs. King, on stand the intricacies of the criminal justice system, fessed that when he “looked in the mirror he saw his in 1982, for a short spell, he became a police officer behalf of the family, pursued a civil suit in Memphis. father’s face trapped in mine.” In his memoir “Grow- in Atlanta. His stance to wear a uniform with a side- A jury of six Whites and six Blacks unanimously ing Up King,” he spoke of gazing upon the writing implicated U.S. government agencies in the wrongful arm shocked the principled non-violent, anti-gun on his father’s crypt, “Free At Last,” and feeling that workers at the King Center. But he was determined death of Dr. King. The shocking evidence convinced same sense of freedom. Yet he was freed in a differ- to understand the system from the inside out. the jury that Dr. King had been the victim of assasent way- not in death - but in the resolution of living sination by a conspiracy involving the Memphis Dexter also wanted to test his acting abilities. his best life on his own terms and not becoming a With his uncanny resemblance to his father, he por- Police Department as well as local, state, and prisoner of the King name. trayed him in the 2002 television movie “The Rosa federal government agencies, and the Mafia. The As a journalist and later biographer of Coretta Parks Story.” His love for the creative arts drew him Jury also concluded, just as Dexter had argued all Scott King, I was in and out of the King household along, that Ray was not the shooter, but had been to relocate to California but he also continued his since the seventies watching their becoming years. work with the King Center and commitment to the set up as a patsy to take the blame.

As a teenager Dexter used to love talking about one King family legacy, This news, where both Dexter and Mrs. King day becoming a businessman and he started his testified, should have rocked the world, but unAs deftly as he helped free himself from fear first enterprise, a music company where he hired fortunately it landed like the noise of a feather and tradition, he also took responsibility for freehimself out as a disk jockey for weddings. In later hitting the ground. The verdict and shocking tesing his family, especially his mother, from digging years, his zest for business skills took root at the timony were virtually ignored by the media - as it their graves with their forks. He became a strict King Center, where he sometimes took the reins is today. of the King Center with his siblings helping it Dexter was often criticized for his insisto become a Beloved world house of peace and tence on following up on details ignored by non-violence. the press, but he argued that it was hard for Coretta King said all four siblings—Martin him to believe looking into his father’s murIII, Yolanda, Dexter, and Bernice had inheritder was somehow illogical. ed specific qualities from her and their father.

Yet, even in this failure, Dexter believed Yolanda had a love for the performing arts and as his mother did, that they had both freed became an actress. Martin III, a social justice themselves of the guilt of not pushing for the activist; Bernice, a Call to ministry and pastotruth. So many times, they had heard their ral and organizational leadership; and Dexter, father and husband say, “Truth crushed to a drive to master the complexities of life by Earth Shall Rise Again.” pushing forward, overcoming the most difficult And they left this world believing that problems, even when at the very root he had to one day it would. overcome himself.

The Rev. Dr. Barbara Reynolds is co-auConfronted with the fear of death, instead thor of the memoir, Coretta Scott King: My Journalist, Dr. Barbara Reynolds, with Martin Luther King III (left) and of running from it, he freed himself by running the now late Dexter Scott King (on right wearing hat) in their younger Life, My Love, My Legacy. into it. At age 16, he started working at a funeral

BY DR. BARBARA REYNOLDS

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PBS Presents a Curated Collection of Films, Series, and Digital Content to Celebrate Black History Month 2024

The Cleaners 2 is Sedrick’s debut hit movie to his first movie The Cleaners. This movie has been highly anticipated.

Sedrick Savoy.

Filmmaker Sedrick Savoy Unveils

“The Cleaners 2” on Leading Streaming Platforms After Chart-Topping Success of Predecessors OPELOUSAS, La., PRNewswire -- Sedrick SaCity” has solidified SSFILMZ as a powerhouse in voy, the visionary Louisiana filmmaker behind the the film industry, known for pushing boundaries cinematic triumphs “The Cleaners 1” and “When and challenging conventions.

Country Meets The City,” is set to enthrall audienc“The Cleaners 2” promises to build upon the es once again with the highly anticipated release success of its predecessors, offering audiences a of “The Cleaners 2.” Savoy’s journey from humble cinematic experience that goes beyond traditionbeginnings to a celebrated figure al storytelling. Sedrick Savoy’s in the entertainment industry has dedication to using his platform been nothing short of extraordifor positive change is evident nary, marked by groundbreaking in every frame, as he strives to visuals and storytelling that have bring people together and make earned him numerous awards, a meaningful impact on the including RIAA gold and platiworld. num certifications.

Despite the recognition “The Cleaners 1” and “When and accolades that continCountry Meets The City” stand as ue to pour in, Sedrick Savoy testament to Savoy’s prowess in remains grounded in his roots crafting narratives that resonate and committed to philanthrowith audiences on a global scale. py. His unwavering efforts to The success of these films has help others in need have led to paved the way for “The Cleaners various initiatives and charita2,” which is poised to make its ble endeavors that aim to bridge debut on the popular streaming gaps and celebrate diversity in platforms FilmHarbor, Prime, and Sedrick Savoy a Louisiana pioneer the world of film. Savoy’s jourTubi. This release marks a contin- in the film and music industry. Sed- ney serves as a true testament rick Savoy. uation of Savoy’s commitment to to the transformative power delivering exceptional storytelling of following one’s dreams and that transcends genres and captivates diverse using success to uplift others. audiences.

“The Cleaners 2” stands as the next chapter Savoy’s unique eye for storytelling has not in Sedrick Savoy’s cinematic legacy, showcasing only propelled him to fame but has also left an innot only his evolution as a filmmaker but also delible impact on those who have experienced the his dedication to creating narratives that inspire cinematic journeys he creates. SSFILMZ, Savoy’s and unite. Audiences worldwide are invited to production company, has become a source of inexperience the magic of “The Cleaners 2” as it spiration and hope for many, providing a window premieres on FilmHarbor, Prime, and Tubi, sointo new perspectives and cultures. The success lidifying Sedrick Savoy’s position as a trailblazer of “The Cleaners 1” and “When Country Meets The in the world of storytelling.

ARLINGTON, VA, – PBS will celebrate Black History Month with an expanded new slate of programming, specials, and digital content, shining a spotlight on the diversity of people, stories, and experiences in the Black community.

As a complement to the primetime schedule and continuing for the third consecutive year is THE BLOCK PARTY, a streaming collection and social campaign presented by PBS’s Black Culture Connection, created to amplify Black stories across PBS’s digital platforms through curated and original bonus content.

“PBS is proud to bring forth stories from diverse perspectives with documentaries such as GOSPEL and those from INDEPENDENT LENS and POV, which apply a wide lens on the lived experiences of the Black community,” said Sylvia Bugg, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming at PBS. “We’re also excited to bring back audience favorites with the return of FINDING YOUR ROOTS and THE BLOCK PARTY, highlighting content that audiences can access during Black History Month and all year long.”

“At PBS KIDS, we want kids across the country to see themselves represented in our content, and also want to be a window into experiences that may be different from their own,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS. “We’re excited to welcome Lyla and the Loops family to PBS KIDS and know families across the country will be drawn to this warm, funny, and smart series.”

Below is a snippet of the schedule of Black History Month 2024 programs premiering on PBS (check local listings), PBS.org, and the PBS App—available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and VIZIO. GOSPEL LIVE! PRESENTED BY HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR Premieres: Friday, Feb. 9, 9 p.m. ET GOSPEL LIVE! PRESENTED BY HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. is a concert celebration honoring the legacy of Gospel music in America. As a companion to GOSPEL, hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., secular and gospel artists sing their favorite gospel classics.

GOSPEL Premieres: Monday, Feb. 12, 9 p.m. ET Musical styles come and go, but there’s one sound that has been a constant source of strength, courage, and wisdom from the pulpit to the choir lofts on any given Sunday. GOSPEL, the latest history series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., digs deep into the origin story of Black spirituality through sermon and song.

INDEPENDENT LENS “Breaking the News” Premieres: Premieres: Monday, Feb. 12, 9 p.m. ET Frustrated by a broken news media system, a group of women and LGBTQ+ journalists launch The 19th*, an unprecedented digital news startup dedicated to combatting misinformation. Challenging the status quo, the 19th* aims to elevate voices often left out of mainstream news. “Breaking the News” captures honest discussions at The 19th* around race and gender equity, revealing change doesn’t come easy.

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Pigeon Forge, Dolly Parton Team Up for 2024 Pigeon Forge Family Challenge

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dolly Parton is keeping a big secret about Pigeon Forge. The entertainment legend and Pigeon Forge’s hometown gal knows which one of five families was crowned the grand champion of the 2024 Pigeon Forge Family Challenge.

Parton was on hand to help announce the grand champion and will appear in the final episode that airs in March 2024.

“All five families are winners in my book because they truly squeezed every ounce of fun and great times out of the Pigeon Forge Family Challenge,” Parton said. “Everybody enjoyed the family fun and great attractions that we offer in Pigeon Forge, and they made lifelong friendships and sweet memories that they’ll have forever.”

Others can discover the grand champion and see the competition unfold when the seven-episode series airs on Pigeon Forge’s YouTube channel. The series was filmed at several locations in Pigeon Forge in August 2023. Knoxville broadcast journalist and Tennessee native Beth Haynes served as host. The first episode, which introduces the five families, aired the week of Jan. 29. Subsequent episodes will be released on Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 and March 5. Episodes also are available for viewing at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/family-challenge.

The grand champion family will be revealed in the seventh and final episode which also will be released on March 5. The 2024 Pigeon Forge Family Challenge grand champion family won $5,000 and a return trip to Pigeon Forge.

“The Pigeon Forge Family Challenge proved itself to be an ideal setting to showcase the variety of attractions Pigeon Forge has to offer while also shining a spotlight

on how much fun families have while visiting our destination,” said Pigeon Forge Executive Director of Tourism Leon Downey. “Dolly’s involvement took the challenge to the next level for the families and us!”

The five families featured in the 2024 Pigeon Forge Family Challenge are the: Bethunes—Jenn and her husband Kyle and their three

children Ben, (12), Molly, (10), and Eli, (8), are Tampa Bay, Florida, natives who have spent the past three years traveling the country in a renovated bus; Boldens—Dayna and Ernest and their two children Aria, (9), and Bryce, (4), are from Atlanta, Georgia; Nichols—Ashlee and her husband Brett and their three children Laikyn, (10), Lennyn, (8) and Brexton, (5), are from Boerne, Texas; Daniels—Rosalynn and Harvey and their three children Harper, (9), Harvey IV, (5), and Hollis, (3), also are from Atlanta, Georgia, and Falins—From Las Vegas, Nevada, Sandi and her husband Jimi and their three children Nixon, (14), Skylar,

(13), and Ryder, (10), have traveled the country for the past eight years in their RV. The Nichols and Boldens were first-time visitors to Pigeon Forge, while the Bethunes, Daniels and Falins knew the lay of the land from previous family vacations.

The Pigeon Forge Family Challenge put each family through the paces as they displayed their skills, enthusiasm and agility in five contests. The Island in Pigeon Forge is the backdrop for the introductory episode where the five families come face to face for the first time. One episode finds the families on the lawn of the Mountain Mile where they rolled around in a 12-foot in diameter water-filled orb from Zorb Outdoor Gravity Park. Another installment features the families at the historic Old Mill where pancakes were the key to their success. An episode at the Lumberjack Feud Adventure Park tests the families’ athleticism, while another filmed at Country Tonite Theater got the families on stage and in step. Of course, they visited Parton’s Dollywood theme park in an episode where knowledge was the featured attraction.

The winning family in each competition was awarded the most points, and the family with the greatest cumulative points was named the 2024 Pigeon Forge Family Challenge grand champion.

Pigeon Forge is located in East Tennessee, approximately 35 miles from Knoxville and McGhee-Tyson Airport. Twothirds of the nation’s population east of the Mississippi River lives within a day’s drive, making it an easily accessible family vacation destination. The city’s neighbor is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited national park in the U.S. It also is home to Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park, Tennessee’s most-visited ticketed attraction. More information about all aspects of Pigeon Forge is available at MyPigeonForge.com or toll-free at 1-800-251-9100.

NCHE LAUNCHES LANDMARK ACTIVITIES TO HONOR THE 8TH ANNUAL NATIONAL DAY OF RACIAL HEALING WASHINGTON - The National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE) celebrated the 8th Annual National Day of Racial Healing with groundbreaking activities, such as releasing a series of scholarly articles amplifying the value of connecting across racial, ethnic, and other perceived differences to embrace a shared humanity. And, working with publisher Mary Ann Libert Inc., NCHE also released a roundtable discussion on research showing that many Americans seek unity and want to embrace racial healing.

On January 16, an extraordinary day when more than 200 communities across the United States held National Day of Racial Healing events, NCHE continued its pursuit of health equity by emphasizing the need to eliminate racism.

“We recognize that health inequities and health disparities will only end when we end racism,” said Dr. Gail C. Christopher, NCHE’s executive director. “NCHE is expanding our mission to do just that, to work on ending racism in America. We recognize it requires comprehensive strategies that include healing from past injustices.”

While serving as vice president and senior advisor at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Dr. Christopher and others were catalysts for launching the National Day of Racial Healing, which has blossomed into a national event that unites people of all races, ethnicities, and religions in communities nationwide.

In October, NCHE released the results of its first annual Heart of America Annual Survey. As described by Dr. Christopher, “We looked at the major polls used to take the pulse of our country and realized that far too many are merely capturing and amplifying a dominant narrative about division and polarization. Yet our elections continue to show the general electorate is not so extreme or polarized. NCHE developed a survey to take the pulse of America’s readiness to do the hard work of healing, overcoming our legacy of

racial division, and actualizing our core democratic ideals and tenets. “ The survey, conducted by The Benenson Strategy Group, a premier strategic market research firm, found that almost a third (31%) of Americans want our nation to do the relational work that will enable us to see ourselves through a lens of shared humanity. Eight out of 10 respondents recognize that diversity in the workplace is an important requirement for us to overcome our differences, and they believe that teaching our nation’s history of racism in our school system is a necessary step in our healing and overcoming our historical divides. And more than 80% of the respondents want a leader that unites rather than divides.

“There is really a readiness in this country for us to put polarization and division behind us so that we can solve our collective and common challenges and problems,” Dr. Christopher said.

The wide-ranging discussion, which can be read by clicking HERE, includes Dr. Brian Smedley, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute; former Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring; Dr. Susan Eaton, Professor of Practice & Director, The Sillerman Center, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University; Michael Winger, is a Senior Fellow with the American Association of Colleges & Universities; and Heather McGhee, a renowned thought leader and author of an award-winning, New York Times Bestselling book, The Sum of Us—What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together.

“The Heart of America Survey truly shows that a counternarrative exists to the dominant media attention on our political divisions,” said McGhee. “Yes, the Heart of America Survey says that four out of five Americans believe that the country is more divided now than ever before, but in that same survey, more than four out of five Americans

are united on some of the most hot-button issues around race and our democracy, where there have been shocking decisions by state legislatures and by this conservative Supreme Court in the area of diversity policies and in the areas of book banning and censorship around our children’s freedoms to learn.”

As part of its commemoration of the National Day of Racial Healing, NCHE also released five scholarly articles on race and racial healing, which are important resources for leaders working to end racism and achieve health equity.

21st-Century Narrative Change with Focus on Social Media, written by Amy Sprecher and Aaliytha Stevens, Co-founders Building CommUnity LLC Facilitating Social Transformation Through Self and Collective Healing: A Collection of Insights, Resources, and Practices, written by Colette Rausch, Director, Neuroscience and Peacebuilding, Think Peace, and Laura Webber, Convener, Think Peace Learning and Support Hub Toward Transformative Reparations, written by Rob Corcoran, Program Design & Training Consultant, Initiatives of Change International, and Mike Wenger, Senior Fellow, American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Segregation Yesterday and Today: Exploring Possibilities for Systemic Change, written by Susan Eaton, Professor of Practice & Director, The Sillerman Center, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University The Economic Wellbeing of Black Americans and the Implications for Health Equity, written by Darrell J. Gaskins, Ph.D., MS, William C. and Nancy F. Richardson, Professor in Health Policy and Director, Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins School of Management and Public Health.

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How to Build a Healthy Money Mindset for a Stable Financial Future (StatePoint) Building and managing your wealth is a lifelong process that can have major implications for you, your children and other beneficiaries. While your path to building wealth should be tailored to your circumstances, this three-pronged approach from Freddie Mac can help you plan for a stable financial future.

1. Understand your money mindset: Understanding your relationship with money can help you identify opportunities to create healthier spending and saving habits. A positive outlook toward money can provide you with a strong base on which to build wealth and achieve goals. Conversely, a negative outlook can make you reluctant to take the steps you need to establish a strong financial history.

For example, being overly focused on displaying wealth can lead to overusing credit.

Likewise, becoming preoccupied with financial success to the point of anxiety can prevent you from spending the wealth you do have on items you need and want to live comfortably.

By recognizing the factors that influence how you spend and save, you can make new choices that better support your financial goals.

2. Set and manage goals: Establishing and maintaining a set of defined financial goals is the next step when building wealth. Think about what you would like to accomplish over the short-, medium- and longterm, and make a savings plan to help you get there. It’s also important to take actions to safeguard your accumulated savings. This includes being mindful of inflation, guarding your information from scammers, and planning for unforeseen circumstances and emergencies.

3. Be prepared: Building an emergency fund can help you maintain financial stability by putting you in a better position to weather unexpected financial circumstances, such as a loss of income, unplanned medical bills or property damage from a storm.

Creating an emergency budget can help you gauge how much you need to save, but in general, you should save up enough money to

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cover three to six months of your typical monthly expenses. Keep this money separate from your other savings, and don’t touch it until it’s needed. Additionally, having adequate homeowners or renters insurance will help ensure that your wealth is protected in certain unexpected circumstances. Familiarize yourself with your coverage so you understand what is and isn’t covered by your policy.

Want to know more about managing money and establishing wealth? Whether you’re renting a home, are on the path to homeownership or saving for the future, Freddie Mac’s CreditSmart, which is available in English and Spanish, offers free personalized financial educational resources. Visit creditsmart.freddiemac.com to learn more.

By adopting a healthy money mindset and setting tangible financial goals, you’ll be well on your way to a stable financial future for you and your loved ones _________________________________.

HEALTHY LIVING 5 Life-Improving Goals and Apps to Help You Accomplish Them (StatePoint) Setting a goal that will improve your life is simple, but holding yourself accountable and tracking progress can make it difficult to stick with your objectives. Make your new attempts at reaching your goals different by utilizing apps to stay on track.

1. Stay Connected with Loved Ones. With busy schedules and loved ones living near and far, it can be hard to keep track of life’s special moments. Luckily, the American Greetings ecards app makes celebrations easy and affordable. With more than 1,000 highly personalized digital greetings including ecards, SmashUps personalized video greetings, Creatacard virtual greeting cards, and Pics & Wishes multimedia cards, you can quickly create, personalize and send greetings for every holiday, occasion, or just because. Plus, with the ability to schedule cards up to a year in advance and receive reminders for birthdays and anniversaries, the app will ensure your loved ones’ special days are never forgotten.

2. Hit Your Workout Goals.

Achieving your workout goals is within reach— even if you are short on time for the gym.

Whether you are aiming to start a more active lifestyle, build healthy habits, lose weight, get fit, tone up or just feel amazing, there is a workout routine out there for you. The FitCoach app creates a workout plan each week that includes cardio, strength, recovery and other exercises tailored to your goals, lifestyle and personal data.

3. Dive into A New Book Series.

Exercising your mind is equally as important as exercising your body. Reading can boost your vocabulary, knowledge and creativity and even make you more empathetic. Plus, studies from the Mayo Clinic reveal that incorporating reading into your nighttime routine helps with sleep.

Now, finding a new series or page-turner is easier than ever with the Goodreads app. Users can set annual reading goals, see what their friends are reading, write book reviews, and keep track of what they want to read. Struggling with motivation to finish that hefty novel? Online book clubs available in the app can connect you with other readers.

4. Track and Manage Your Finances. Take charge of your finances and keep an eye on your spending. Utilizing a personal finance app like the Spending Tracker – Budget App helps you create a budget calendar, keep track of transactions and manage your accounts all in one place. Gaining insight into spending habits can make saving goals

much more manageable.

5. Cook a New Recipe. Stuck in a culinary rut? Find new recipes in the Kitchen Stories app. With more than 10,000 recipes, users of any skill level and diet preference can find a new recipe every day complete with instructional videos and tips from expert chefs.

Once you find a favorite meal, add it to your personal cookbook so friends can see what you have been up to in the kitchen.

Grab your phone and start downloading! With these simple and helpful apps you can make your goals stick. _____________________________________

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