CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Citizen Week of Feb. 26, 2020
| Vol. 39 | No. 14 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com
SOUTH SUBURBAN
Dwyane Wade Sr. speaks to young people in Robbins during an event where the fathers of NBA players participated in a forum. Photo Credit: Tia Carol Jones
FATHERS OF NBA PLAYERS BRING MESSAGE TO ROBBINS
Fathers of NBA players visited Robbins to participate in a forum, which brought youth from the community together with local politicians and others with the goal of inspiring the youth. PAGE 2
BLACK HISTORY FOCUS
FASHION
BUSINESS
Politics And Women Helped Shape Chicago’s Black History
Parents Get Organized with kidpik’s Spring 2020 Collection Offering Fashion That’s Streamlined and On-trend
Mike Bloomberg Makes History with the Black Press of America PAGE 4
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NEWS briefly EDUCATION SUMMER MEALS PROGRAMS SERVED MORE THAN 5.2 MILLION MEALS IN 2019 Illinois’ summer meals programs, administered by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and funded by the U.S Department of Agriculture, served more than 5.2 million meals in 2019. However, 35 counties did not have any summer meals serving sites. ISBE is seeking additional sponsors to expand access to healthy food in between school years. Illinois’ summer meals programs provide free meals and snacks to children through age 18 and to children with disabilities through age 21 when schools are not in session. Sponsors receive reimbursement for the number of meals served. ISBE’s Nutrition Department is holding workshops across the state for school districts, community organizations, churches, camps, park districts, and others interested in serving as sponsors. The training is required to become a new sponsor. Organizations interested in participating in ISBE’s summer meals programs can find more information by calling ISBE’s Nutrition Department at (800) 545-7892, emailing cnp@isbe.net, or visiting www. isbe.net/Pages/ Summer-Food-Service-Program.aspx
HEALTH
SHIPPING OF CDC 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DIAGNOSTIC TEST KITS BEGINS A CDC-developed laboratory test kit to detect 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) recently began shipping to select qualified U.S. and international laboratories. Distribution of the tests will help improve the global capacity to detect and respond to the 2019 novel coronavirus. The test kit is called the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019nCov) Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase (RT)-PCR Diagnostic Panel (CDC 2019-nCoV Real Time RT-PCR) and uses a technology that can provide results in four hours from initial sample processing to result. Check the CDC website for the latest information and guidance on 2019-nCoV. The CDC will continue to update its guidance as the 2019-nCoV situation evolves. For additional information, visit CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/
LAW & POLITICS
SCHOLARS FIND THAT PERCEIVED BIAS IN THE LEGAL WORKPLACE IS WIDESPREAD AND OFTEN EXPLICIT An article by American Bar Foundation (ABF) researchers finds that discrimination on the basis of race, gender, and sexual orientation remains pervasive in the legal workplace despite efforts of bar leaders to eliminate discrimination from the legal profession. Based on self-reports of experiences with various types of discriminatory treatment at their place of work in the last two years, the study finds that attorneys of color, white women, and LGBTQ attorneys perceive high levels of workplace bias compared to white male attorneys and to respondents in other workplace studies. Women in every racial and ethnic group reported higher levels of discrimination than their male counterparts, ranging from 50% of African American women to 30% of white women. 42% of African American men reported workplace discrimination. (Studies of African American workers across all occupations find that 28% report discrimination at work). LGBTQ men were twice as likely as non-LGBTQ men to report discrimination at 29% vs. 16%. The study is the first national probability sample to ask about discrimination in the legal profession.
Fathers of NBA players bring message to Robbins Continued from page 1 BY TIA CAROL JONES
Fathers of NBA players visited Robbins to participate in a forum, which brought youth from the community together with local politicians and others with the goal of inspiring the youth. The NBA Fathers Network is a group of fathers of NBA players who travel throughout the country and speak at events. Dwyane Wade, Sr. is the father of retired NBA player Dwyane Wade. “My son went to the NBA. He’s accomplished something that is beyond great,” he said. “We’ve all been a part of the community for so many years.” Charles Paul, who is the father of Oklahoma City Thunder player Chris Paul, said he wanted to support Dwyane Wade’s father. “He’s a part of us. He let us know what it would mean for us to come here for this event,” Paul said referring to Dwyane Wade’s father. Paul said he understands the fathers that are a part of the group have the opportunity to make a positive impact. “These kids might not get a chance to see our sons in person, they might see our sons on TV, but they will see us,” Paul said. “We know we are truly blessed to be in the position we are in.” Ed Gordon is the father of Aaron Gordon, who plays for the Orlando Magic, and Drew Gordon, who plays professional basketball in Poland. Gordon said having a son that plays for the NBA is wonderful, for the most part. “It’s pretty surreal. It’s higher highs and lower lows,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun. It’s a roller coaster.” Gordon said he always wants his sons to do well in their careers. “We like to try and get out into the community and have the young men see fathers and father figures,” he said. “We just want to reach out and pass on a positive message.” Part of that message, said Wendell Carter Sr., father of Wendell Carter, Jr., who plays for the Chicago Bulls, is to stay humble and don’t get caught up in material things. “Don’t change your lifestyle,” Carter, Sr. added.
Charles Paul, father of Chris Paul, speaks about having a son in the NBA during a forum in Robbins. Photo Credit: Tia Carol Jones
Gary Harris is the father of Gary Harris, who plays for the Denver Nuggets. Harris said he came to support Wade and his father. “We go around the country and reach back, to be an inspiration to these kids. We’re reachable and we can relate,” he said. “Any inner-city area reminds me of where I come from.” Anthony Randolph is the father of Anthony Randolph, Jr., who plays professional basketball in Madrid, Spain. “We want to let them know there are men out there who care about them, there are
positive role models out there,” Randolph said. “We hope at least one child gets inspiration from us, has a productive life and follows their dreams.” Robbins Mayor Tyrone Ward welcomed the fathers coming to the community. “This is a great step forward in our attempts to eliminate the fatherless children crisis in our communities. Hearing from these dads of their positive steps as well as their challenges in raising young boys is a great boost for fathers everywhere,” Ward said in a release.
Federal Jury Convicts Chicago Man of Illegally Structuring Nearly $350,000 A Chicago man has been found guilty of illegally structuring nearly $350,000 in cash deposits in an effort to evade federal reporting requirements. In 2015 and 2016, Antuane King made at least 37 deposits of less than $10,000 each at seven financial institutions, including the Chicago Firefighters Credit Union.
The deposits were structured in an effort to evade federal reporting rules, which require financial institutions to notify the U.S. Department of the Treasury about transactions of more than $10,000. After making all of the structured cash deposits, King later combined all of the money to purchase three residenc-
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
es in Markham, Lynwood, and Homewood. A federal jury in Chicago recently convicted King, 49, on two counts of structuring a currency transaction. Each count is punishable by up to five years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso set sentencing for June 12, 2020. The conviction was an-
nounced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher V. Parente and Esther Mignanelli.
CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Feb. 26, 2020
NEWS
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BLACK HISTORY
Task Force Recommendations Outline Changes Needed to Increase African American Physics and Astronomy Students Due to long-term and systemic issues leading to the consistent exclusion of African Americans in physics and astronomy, a task force is recommending sweeping changes and calling for awareness into the number and experiences of African American students studying the fields. The National Task Force to Elevate African American representation in Undergraduate Physics & Astronomy, known as TEAM-UP, was chartered and funded by the American Institute of Physics to examine the persistent underrepresentation of African Americans in physics and astronomy in the U.S. The American Institute of Physics is a federation of member societies and an institute supporting the physical sciences enterprise. In its report, “The Time Is Now: Systemic Changes to Increase African Americans with Bachelor’s Degrees in Physics and Astronomy,” the task force discusses the five factors it discovered as responsible for the success or failure of African American students in physics and astronomy: belonging, physics identity, academic support, personal support, and leadership and structures. The report was released on Jan. 5 at the 235th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Honolulu, Hawaii. “It was important for AIP to bring together experts from physics, astronomy and the social sciences to investigate and recommend solutions toward increasing the number of African American students in our field,” said Michael Moloney, chief executive officer of AIP. “AIP and its member societies are committed to promoting increased diversity, equity and inclusion in the physical sciences. I hope the recommendations in this task force report are taken seriously and enthusiastically implemented to achieve our goals.” TEAM-UP’s two-year investigation included student and faculty surveys, in-person interviews with African American students, and site visits to high-performing physics departments in colleges and universities. The report is calling for a new way of thinking to solve this persistent problem, and it outlines research findings into each of the five factors with recommended changes to address issues within the factors. Recognizing that the underlying norms, values and culture of the profession need to be addressed before lasting changes can occur, the report provides a detailed guide for faculty, departments and professional societies to understand and manage the necessary change processes. Some of the report’s highest priority recommenda-
tions concern change management. According to the TEAM-UP report, “The persistent underrepresentation of African Americans in physics and astronomy is due to (1) the lack of a supportive environment for these students in many departments, and (2) the enormous financial challenges facing them and the programs that have consistently demonstrated the best practices in supporting their success. Solving these problems requires addressing systemic and cultural issues and creating a large-scale change management framework.” While African American physics and astronomy students have the same drive, motivation, intellect and capability as students of other races and ethnicities, the task force found many students are choosing other degree fields that are more supportive and financially rewarding. The TEAMUP task force wants to at least double the number of bachelor’s degrees in physics and astronomy awarded to African Americans by 2030 and calls on departments and professional societies, working with funding agencies, foundations and donors, to commit to achieving this goal. “A systemic problem needs a systemic solution,” said task force co-chair Ed Bertschinger, physics professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “The presence or absence of caring faculty members can make the difference between a student persisting or leaving. Department leaders choose the faculty and signal to them what’s important, as does the profession at large. The culture of physics and astronomy today affects discoveries that will or won’t be made by these scholars in the future.” The report calls on the scientific community to foster a sense of belonging for African American students within physics and astronomy programs by creating environments that are welcoming and promote the feeling that students are valued through departmental practices, and faculty, student and peer interactions. Other recommendations call on academic programs to improve services for students with a focus on African American students. By emphasizing effective teaching and strength-based approaches for support, the task force believes departments can greatly improve African American student retention and success. In addressing the financial burden for African American physics and astronomy students, the TEAMUP report encourages connecting students with funding programs and help them find jobs that advance them academically during their
undergraduate time. In addition, they want a consortium of physical science societies to raise a $50 million fund to support minority students in physics and astronomy who have unmet financial needs. Half of the endowment income would go to direct support of African American physics and astronomy students and half would go to support departments’ implementation of the TEAM-UP report’s recommendations, particularly those at historically black colleges and universities. “HBCUs have long been known to be top producers of African American physics and astronomy majors while also being largely underfunded and underappreciated,” said TEAMUP member Jedidah Isler, assistant professor at Dartmouth College. “Our goal in recommending the $50 million endowment is to create structural and systemic interventions that will support students and reward the institutions that have consistently produced some of our brightest minds. The problem is not with our students. It is with the systems they must endure to succeed.” To sustain and improve recruitment and retention of African American physics and astronomy students, the report calls for academic and disciplinary leaders to prioritize creating environments, policies and structures that maximize African American student success. Department chairs should establish departmental norms and values of inclusion and belonging and actively partner with campus programs that support student belonging. While the report focuses on the efforts of the scientific academic community, TEAM-UP also identifies areas where professional societies can raise the profile of the underrepresentation issue and assist in its correction. The TEAM-UP task force is calling for action now and recommending that progress toward the recommendations in the report is monitored and publicly communicated every two to four years. “The report [should] not sit on a shelf but be used to inform, inspire, and serve as a guide toward real and lasting change,” said TEAM-UP’s Executive Summary. Download the full report and summary Report summary download: https://www.aip.org/sites/default/files/ aipcorp/files/teamup-preview.pdf Full report download: https:// www.aip.org/sites/default/files/aipcorp/files/teamup-full-report.pdf
Barack Obama Photo credit: Courtesy of the Obama Foundation
Politics And Women Helped Shape Chicago’s Black History BY WENDELL HUTSON Contributing Writer
Chicago is known more for its gun violence and high sales tax than its black, political history that seems to be growing almost every election. The nation’s third largest city is home to Barack Obama, America’s first black president; Carol Mosley Braun, the first black, female U.S. Senator; the late Harold Washington, the first black, mayor of Chicago; John H. Stroger Jr., the first black, president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners; and the late Oscar Stanton De Priest, the first, black U.S. Representative. And during his three terms from 1929 to 1935, De Priest, a republican from Illinois’ 1st District, was the only black member of Congress. These days, though, Chicago’s local political landscape has created even more black history from mayors to aldermen, said Timuel Black, a 100-year-old historian from the South Side. “For black politics, Chicago is the mecca,” he said. “It is where careers have started and ended for blacks, and where the road to the White House finally happened for Barack Obama.” The Year of the Woman is how many voters coined last year’s election because it produced black women from Chicago as the first in their respected offices. Those black history makers included Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Alderman Stephanie Coleman (16th), Kari Steele, president of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Karen Yarbrough, Cook County Clerk, and Juliana Stratton, lieutenant governor of Illinois. LORI LIGHFOOT In 2019, Lori Lightfoot was elected the city’s 56th mayor and the first, black female mayor. And during her inauguration speech, she spoke about her milestone and what it means for the Windy City. “As I stand here today, I can’t help but think of where I came from— and I know, in my heart, that a story like mine of a kid from a working class family growing up to realize the dreams of my father and mother through education, hard work and sheer determination needs to be the
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
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BUSINESS
Mike Bloomberg Makes History with the Black Press of America BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia
Recognizing the importance of the Black vote and the reach of the Black Press of America, Democratic Presidential Candidate Mike Bloomberg has just delivered the largest single advertising buy to the Black Press in the 80-year history of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). The NNPA is the national trade association that represents 230 black-owned newspapers and media companies throughout the nation. The $3.5 million ad buy became official on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020,
during Black History Month. It enables Bloomberg to continue his aggressive campaign for president with ads appearing in Black Press of America publications throughout the upcoming Super Tuesday states, as well as other key states where the Black vote will be the determinative factor in the Democratic Party primaries. Columbia, South Carolina Mayor Steve Benjamin, who co-chairs Bloomberg’s campaign, said the deal is reflective of the former New York City mayor’s commitment toward building an inclusive economy. “The Bloomberg campaign’s initiative is groundbreaking, and it goes to significantly increasing the economic health of African
Mike Bloomberg visits the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Alabama. Originally founded in the holding pen of a slave trader, the church was eventually led by one of our greatest Americans, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Pictured left to right: Rev. Cromwell Handy, Mike Bloomberg, ASU President Quinton Ross and Bloomberg Campaign co-chair, Bobby Singleton / Source: Facebook.com/mikebloomberg)
Americans by tripling their net worth,” said Mayor Benjamin. “The Bloomberg model is intentionally focused on creating a million new African American homeowners, 100,000 new African American-
owned businesses, and $70 billion in federal capital to go in the 100 most challenged neighborhoods across the country.” Benjamin added that the ad agreement counts as a recognition that, while some people only talk about accomplishing important initiatives, Bloomberg follows through. “Mike has a history and a record as mayor, CEO, and philanthropist, of getting things done,” Benjamin stated. “The ad buy not only is a show of respect to the incredible impact and importance of African American journalism but also it is Mike walking the walk when it comes to his investing in African Americanowned businesses.” Steven N. Larkin, the NNPA advertising salesman who helped in negotiations with Bloomberg’s campaign, called the ad buy a “Historic partnership between Mike Bloomberg and the Black Press.” Reaching Black America in 2020 is critical for all presidential candidates, according to the Brookings Institute, a nonprofit public policy organization in Washington, D.C. In a recent study, researchers at Brookings noted that candidates increase their chances of winning the presidency by “taking the longrange approach of energizing Black voters. Both parties should not discount the powerful recent election results in which Black votes determined the outcome.” A recent Quinnipiac poll revealed that Bloomberg is steadily gaining traction among Black voters. The survey showed that Bloomberg rose 7 points overall, just two points
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
“THE AD BUY NOT ONLY IS A SHOW OF RESPECT TO THE INCREDIBLE IMPACT AND IMPORTANCE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN JOURNALISM BUT ALSO IT IS MIKE WALKING THE WALK WHEN IT COMES TO HIS INVESTING IN AFRICAN AMERICAN-OWNED BUSINESSES.” Columbia, South Carolina Mayor Steve Benjamin, who co-chairs Bloomberg’s campaign
behind former Vice President Joe Biden, who dropped 7 points. Bloomberg polled second among Black voters with 22 percent to Biden’s 27 percent. The former New York City mayor recently unveiled his Greenwood Initiative, which is designed to ignite economic justice for African Americans. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the president and CEO of the NNPA, NNPA, emphasized, “It is appropriate and politically providential that candidates for the highest office in the nation recognize and sustain the significance of reaching African American voters through the Black Press of America via the NNPA. Mike Bloomberg has now stepped up to the plate with the commitment of his resources at this pivotal moment in history to affirm the importance of the Black vote in 2020.”
CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Feb. 26, 2020
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NEWS
Sustainable Home Upgrades for Better Health Family Features - When you’re on a quest to create a home rack save energy and time by reducing the frequency of washing environment that promotes wellness, it can be difficult to know towels, it keeps them dry and free of mold and mildew between where to begin. One easy solution is to look for small changes washes. Plus, wrapping up in a warm towel can help reduce joint that improve your personal well-being while also promoting a stiffness and muscle spasms, according to research by the Johns better environment overall. Hopkins University School of Medicine. With 150 affordable Consider these sustainable projects and changes for a mounted and free-standing models made from 100% recyclable, healthier, happier household: marine-grade stainless steel, and custom color options available, Rethink window treatments. Windows can affect a home in it can be easy to add a stylish accent to bathrooms, laundry numerous ways, both good and bad. On the upside, ambient rooms or mudrooms. light is a natural mood-boosting alternative to energy-hungry Reduce household chemicals. It may seem that the stronger, fixtures. Windows add character, and the right window the better is the best approach when it comes to fighting dirt treatments can play an essential role in a decorative scheme. In and germs, but in fact, there are many negative health and the winter, windows can also be natural conveyors of the sun’s environmental impacts from harsh cleaners. Opt instead for heat, reducing your reliance on energy. more natural formulas that deliver the same clean with fewer Client: ComEd Bleed: Region: US ingredients. You may also be surprised to learn that the window synthetic Campaign: Solar Spotlight BHM Print Ad Trim: Language: English treatments you choose to help manage lightAgency and climate can play Aside from cleaners, there are likely numerous other sources Job #: B1241-0120220-00 Live: 10” x 6.5” Notes: None AD #/ADDrapes ID: QEXL0792000 a big role in your home’s health and sustainability. can be of potentially risky chemicals throughout your home, including Date Modifi January Keyline Scale: 100% difficult to clean, which means they can trap dirt, dusted:and other31, 2020 10:39 AM furniture, clothing and bedding that requires dry cleaning. CR: Output at: allergens that tarnish air quality. Many blinds use synthetic Products containing chemical dyes and synthetic materials are AD Round: Page: materials, making them less than ideal earth-conscious options. not only potential irritants, they often also carry the weight of Your best bet is bamboo or wood treatments that are certified as lesser earth-friendly production practices. TOless BEenergy USEDthan FOR APPROVAL An alternative like a heated towel NOT rack uses a COLOR eco-friendly and easy to keep clean. Linens made from natural materials may help you avoid standard dryer (about the same amount of electricity as a few ACD:you A. Sel Valle CD: G. Apfelbach P: C. Capaola AM: L. Mitchell BM: E. Schmidt unnecessary exposure to chemicals, and you can readily find Lessen the laundry load. Reducing the amount of laundry light bulbs). do not only saves time but is also better for the environment. options that help alleviate concerns about allergens and allow refrigerator, clothes washer and dishwasher combined. Washing clothes accounts for 15-40% of the water consumption you to support sustainable manufacturing practices. An alternative like a heated towel rack uses less energy than for an average family of four, according to Home Water Works, Learn more about sustainable products and ideas for a healtha standard dryer (about the same amount of electricity as a few and the annual energy consumption of typical electric clothes conscious home at ambaproducts.com. light bulbs). Not only does an option like an Amba heated towel dryers often equals the cost of running a new energy-efficient SOURCE: Amba Products
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH 104300_QEXL0792000_v1
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Highlights From The 4th Annual Black Table Luncheon Held In Chicago Honoring Black History Month The 4th Annual Black Table Luncheon was held in honor of Black History Month in collaboration with BUILD, ABC 7 Chicago and Hyatt Hotels to celebrate Chicago’s rich tradition of African-American leadership. Accomplished African American leaders were invited to share their stories with promising African American teens from seven of Chicago’s most respected youth organizations. The moderators included: Diana Palomar, Vice President of Community Affairs, WLS-TV; Adam M. Alonso, MSW, Chief Executive Officer, BUILD, Inc. Photo by: Daniel Perez
In Celebration Of Black History Month
Rev. Jackson Releases New Book "Keeping Hope Alive"
In honor of Black History Month, members of the Illinois Appellate Court and Circuit Court of Cook County who are also members of the Divine 9 Fraternities and Sororities came together for a photo showcasing their presence in the judiciary. Included in the photo are Appellate Court Justices Shelvin Louise Hall, Bertina Lampkin and Carl Walker. Judges Adrienne E. Davis and Tiana Ellis Blakey spearheaded this project. Photo by Darryl Hammond.
Starbucks held at public book signing in honored of the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s new book “Keeping Hope Alive” Sermons and Speeches, with a public book signing at the new Starbucks Reserves on Michigan Ave. Pictured are: Mike Foster; Kim Scott, Starbucks Reserves, Facilities Manager; Carolyn Palmer; Rev. Jesse Jackson; Attorney June Brown; Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Associate Professor of Theology, Earlham School of Religion; Eddie Ford, Jeweler; Rev. Janette Wilson, Director PUSH Excel and Carolyn Curry.
The 2020 Minority Entrepreneur Interactive Solution Symposium (MEISS), Was Recently Held In Robbins 2020 Minority Entrepreneur Interactive Solution Symposium (MEISS), hosted by Mayor Tyrone Ward, Robbins, Illinois, brought together public and private sector influencer to help provide resources to minority entrepreneurs in the South Suburban Chicagoland area. Serving as panelist and also receiving awards were A.C. Green, Radio Host, Carol E. Bell, Vice President, B. Coleman Aviation LLC and Mayor Tyrone Ward, Robbins, Mayor Tyrone Ward, pose for a pictured with representatives Illinois of Seaway Bank at the event.
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CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Feb. 26, 2020
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NEWS How to Travel to Cuba with the Support for the Cuban People Travel Category Amidst continuing questions about how to travel to Cuba in 2020, the Cuba travel agency CUBA CANDELA has released step by step guide for American travelers interested in visiting the island nation. Yes, you can still travel to Cuba, with the “Support for the Cuban People” travel category explained in 3 easy steps. After the Trump administration eliminated the group “people-to-people” educational travel category, canceled cruise ship travel to Cuba, and limited U.S. flights to Havana only, American travelers and travel advisors were left wondering if and how they can visit Cuba. “We are getting questions every day from confused travelers wanting to understand and adhere to the travel rules,” says Founder and CEO, Chad Olin. Seeking to educate the public and ease the minds of perplexed travelers, CUBA CANDE-
Travel through the streets of Havana || Photo by CUBA CANDELA
LA created a travel guide explaining how any American can visit Cuba using the “Support for the Cuban People” travel category, one of twelve authorized categories of travel to Cuba — now the most common. “Any American traveler can visit Cuba in 2020, fly directly to Havana from eight different U.S. cities and have a remarkable experience that is legally compliant, culturally enriching
and socially conscious,” said Olin. “We encourage all Americans to travel to Cuba in 2020, and for those with questions about how to do so legally, I hope our guide helps to clarify the rules on how to travel using the ‘Support for the Cuban People’ travel category.” CUBA CANDELA remains one of the only companies in the Cuba travel industry with public reviews. The company guarantees com-
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
pliance with U.S. law and offers clients a ‘100% Guaranteed Departure Policy’ that includes a full refund if future U.S. travel restrictions prohibit legal travel with CUBA CANDELA. CUBA CANDELA specializes in tailor-made tours of Cuba, providing a full suite of services including travel documents, luxury accommodations and unique experiences. For more information, visit https://www.cubacandela.com/
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BLACK HISTORY
Politics And Women Helped Shape Chicago’s Black History Continued from page 3 story of possibility in every neighborhood,” Lightfoot told a crowd of more than 3,000 people at her May 20, 2019 inauguration. “I know we’re just a little bit closer to that dream as I stand here today, inaugurated as Chicago’s first Black woman and first openly gay mayor. I know we’re a little bit closer as we celebrate that, for the first time in the history of Chicago, women of color now hold all three of our citywide elected offices [Office of the Mayor, Office of City Treasurer and Office of City Clerk].” Kari Steele Courtesy of the MWRD
Ald. Stephanie Coleman Photo credit: Wendell Hutson
STEPHANIE COLEMAN Ald. Stephanie Coleman (16th) at age 30 was elected the youngest, black female alderman in 2019, and is the daughter of former 16th Ward Alderman Shirley Coleman. The political newcomer who never held elected office prior to alderman said last year’s election of black women to various city, county and state offices clearly is a sign that women of color are finally being taken seriously in Chicago’s male dominated political spectrum. “Times have surely changed for the better when it comes to black women. And change is needed to make improvements because without change, things will stay the same,” said Coleman. After defeating incumbent Ald. Toni Foulkes last year, the ‘Daughter of Englewood’ as Coleman calls herself, said she has been hard at work now that reality has kicked in. “It hasn’t totally hit me yet [that I am the youngest black woman to be elected alderman] because I have been working so hard to meet the needs of my constituents. In my first 100 days as alderman, I took an inventory of the ward by walking block by block and assessing the needs of each neighborhood,” she said. Her other goals include improving the schools and bringing more economic development to the ward. And despite being defeated in 2016 by Foulkes, that did not stop Coleman’s desire to represent the Englewood neighborhood where she was born and raised. “I ran against Alderman Foulkes four years ago and lost. And while I was wounded, I was not weary,” added Coleman. “I never stopped knocking on doors, registering new voters and engaging with the community.”
KARI STEELE In January, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, quietly made history when it elected Kari Steele, a 43-year-old environmentalist and Chatham-native, as its first black, female president in its 130-year existence. “This year is our 130th anniversary, and it was in 2012, when I started my first term (as commissioner), that we elected our first female president ever,” Steele said shortly after the nine-member board voted unanimously on Jan. 10 to make her its new president. “Six years later, I have had women colleagues, and African American women colleagues, come to my office with tears in their eyes. They cannot believe how the district has transformed, the groundbreaking changes we’ve made since then with diversity on the board.” The $1.1 billion agency oversees seven sanitary and flood protection plants in Cook County that serve not only Chicago but also 125 other municipalities including the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant in Cicero, which is the largest U.S. plant. KAREN YARBROUGH Prior to her election as the first woman ever and first black elected Cook County Clerk, Karen Yarbrough served two terms as Cook County Recorder of Deeds, and before that, she was state Representative for the 7th District. “I am looking forward to serving the people of Cook County, in my new role as Clerk of Cook County,” Yarbrough said shortly after being sworn into office December 2019 by
Elected in 1983 and serving until his death on November 25, 1987, the late Harold Washington (pictured) was the first black mayor of Chicago. Photo credit: Courtesy of the Chicago Public Library
Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans. “I’m the first woman and the first African American in this position and I want to thank the voters of Cook County for placing their trust and faith in my ability to lead and serve them in this manner.” The services provided by the Cook County Clerk’s Office may be unknown to many voters but Yarbrough said the county office does things critical to governmental operations. Its primary role is to serve as the chief election authority for Cook County, which is one of the largest election jurisdictions in the nation. And besides administering elections in suburban Cook County, the office also assists property owners in redeeming delinquent taxes, records the activity of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and maintains birth, marriage and death records.
(from left) Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans is shown administering the oath of office to Cook County Clerk, Karen Yarbrough. Photo credit: Courtesy of the Cook County Clerk Office
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Juliana Stratton Photo credit: Courtesy of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor
JULIANA STRATTON Illinois voters elected a billionaire as its new governor in 2019 but also elected Juliana Stratton, a former state Representative, as its first black, lieutenant governor. During her inaugural speech in January, Stratton said voters did more than elect her as the 43rd lieutenant governor. “On December 3rd, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state. Two hundred years later, with the DNA of my formerly enslaved great, great grandfather, William Stephens as part of my genetic makeup, I am proud to stand before you as our state’s first black Lieutenant Governor.” As second-in-command of the state, the lieutenant governor is responsible for a variety duties, such as heading the Illinois Main Street Program, and serving as chairman of the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council, Rural Bond Bank of Illinois and the Illinois River Coordinating Council.
CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Feb. 26, 2020
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From the desk of
MIKE BLOOMBERG Dear Reader, Thank you for taking the time to learn about The Greenwood Initiative. As someone who has been very lucky in life, I often say my story would only have been possible in America — and that’s true. But I also know that because of the artificial barriers of discrimination, my story likely would have turned out very differently if I had been Black, and that more Black Americans of my generation would have ended up with far more wealth, had they been white. Building Generational Wealth for Black Families is Critical. That’s why I launched The Greenwood Initiative in Tulsa last month. I visited the site of the Black Wall Street Massacre, where a white mob decimated the prosperous community of Greenwood. It is to the memory of the lost lives and promise of Greenwood that we’ve dedicated The Greenwood Initiative: a plan to address the systematic bias that has kept Black Americans from building wealth.
THE GREENWOOD PLAN WILL: • Create 1 million new Black homeowners • Double the number of new Black-owned businesses • Invest $70 billion in the country’s 100 most disadvantaged neighborhoods
Fixing the System for Black Families. When I was mayor of New York, I was proud to take on the systematic inequality that held back too many New Yorkers. We increased education funding, built 650 new schools and raised Black graduation rates to record highs. We led an ambitious effort to reduce poverty and managed the largest amount of affordable housing in the nation. And as President, I will work even more aggressively to combat inequality nationwide. I understand that undoing generations of systematic discrimination won’t happen overnight, but we can make progress with a clear vision and a comprehensive plan. I’ve included a pamphlet along with this letter that lays out my plan. When I’m President, implementing The Greenwood Initiative will be a top priority.
Join me in ending the systemic inequality that has held Black Americans back for too long! Sincerely,
Mike Bloomberg
PAID FOR BY MIKE BLOOMBERG 2020
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2/14/20 3:00 PM
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FASHION
David’s Bridal Announces the Expansion of Their Retail Footprint Davids Bridal recently announced the opening of their newest retail store in Gainesville, Florida. The Gainesville location continues the momentum the bridal chain built in the back half of 2019 with 6 openings in Virginia Beach, Virginia; Houston, Texas; Macon, Georgia; Union, New Jersey; Buford, Georgia; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The opening of the Gainesville store is part of a continuing commitment to update and improve David’s existing store base and its physical footprint to better service the modern woman. A new store in Little Rock, Arkansas is also set to open in late March.
“We have a phenomenal platform in our store base with over 300 locations in the US, Canada, UK and Mexico. We are honored to have had the opportunity to dress millions of brides, and what we have learned from them is that while they curate and get inspired online, they still want to have the in store experience. “Our store allows them to try on our breathtaking designs, touch and feel the beautiful fabrics up close, and experience the remarkable expertise of our stylists and alterations experts. This is a highly emotional purchase, in a highly emotional time for our brides, and we want to give them the
best in-store experience possible,” said Jim Marcum, David’s Bridal’s chief executive officer. “Since joining David’s Bridal eight months ago, I have made it my number one priority to spend time in every store, in every market. David’s already had a strong brick-andmortar presence, so I wanted to build on the potential growth and put our customer first, thinking about how we could make her shopping experience more enjoyable,” said Bob Walker,
David’s Bridal’s chief field operations and store experience officer. “Customers today want to integrate their online and in-store journeys, and our focus has been on making that transition seamless. The in-store retail experience is social and tangible and cannot be replicated online, so we need to excite our customers as soon as they walk through our doors. We’ve torn apart every customer policy to be sure it’s all in service of her, and we hold ourselves to a very high standard. Right now, 83% of all our reviews are 5 stars. We won’t stop until it’s 100%.” As is the trend in retail, David’s
continually assesses its store fleet to be sure to stay ahead of changing needs of the modern woman. This includes ensuring stores are in the right places. The real estate strategy is the latest announcement coming from the bridal industry leader who also recently announced their new-tomarket planning tools, policy changes such as price parity, as well as “Zoey”, a full-service messaging concierge. Putting a focus on being there for the bride throughout her entire planning journey, David’s Bridal aims to capture her attention early on with inspiration and guidance through to her dress purchase in-store or online.
Parents Get Organized with kidpik’s Spring 2020 Collection Offering Fashion That’s Streamlined and On-trend kidpik, a fashion subscription box service designed exclusively for girls, has released its Spring 2020 collection focused on colorful and stylish looks that are instant girls’ favorites and keep parents on track to stay organized, on time, and stress free. Each personalized box features seven items (3 to 4 mix-and-match outfits, including shoes.) “Spring is the perfect time to simplify and refresh your girl’s wardrobe. Our coordinated looks are designed to grab and go–so your girl’s personalized outfits will be at the top of her rotation, saving you time and money. We allow parents to make intentional and informed fashion purchases from the comfort of their homes, avoid shopping on a whim throughout the season, and investing in items they might not need,” said Dina Sweeney, kidpik CMO. Whether your girl is sporty-chic or lives in girly dresses made for twirling once the warm weather hits, kidpik has subscribers covered with their range of style categories and fashionable wardrobe essentials—offered in sizes ranging from 4-16 and footwear in sizes 9-6. Kidpik’s Highlights of the Spring 2020 Collection include effortless jumpsuits, elevated lounge and active wear, reimagined denim, iridescent accessories and shoes, and dresses ranging from classic to bohemian. The average style costs is $13.50 per piece when the entire box is purchased. Kidpik is risk-free, there is no styling fee, and shipping, returns and exchanges are free, according to a news release. Customers of kidpik’s clothing box have awarded the brand over 9,000 5-star reviews including, “I hate shopping, and my little girl’s closet suffers because of it. She is super girly
Co-Founders of MANTL, a premium personal care brand, Irene Kong, MANTL Chief Product Officer, Karamo Brown and Peter Ricci, MANTL CEO, recently launched its portfolio of grooming products for the bald and balding.
Encouraging men to bare their greatness, MANTL offers a new narrative of self-care
kidpik Spring 2020 Collection
and I’m a neutral freak. But both of us enjoyed the box, and my little girl was super excited that it was [styled just] for her with fun colors and designs. The quality of the clothes is great, easy to mix & match with other items, and all our request were met. Thanks for shopping for me.” Parents can let kidpik’s team of style experts help to streamline their girls’ wardrobe this season, by receiving coordinated, personalized looks. Or for those that want to browse kidpik’s collection on their own, visit Shop kidpik to click to buy individual items and outfits now.
kidpik Spring 2020 Fashion Box
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
MANTL™, a personal care brand for bald and balding men, recently announced the launch of its product line: a portfolio of grooming products. MANTL was co-founded by Karamo Brown, Cultural The MANTL line is now availExpert on Netflix’s Queer able at MANTLmen.com and Eye and men’s health features a Face + Scalp Cleansadvocate, Peter Ricci, er, Face + Scalp Age Defense MANTL CEO, and Irene Moisturizer, Invisible Daily SPF Kong, MANTL Chief 30 and No-Shine Sheets. Product Officer, both Honest Company alumni. MANTL raised a pre-seed round of $1 million led by Airwing Ventures in addition to receiving funding from Revolution’s Rise of the Rest® Seed Fund and numerous angel investments, including Brian Lee, a cofounder of The Honest Company. MANTL’s mission is to support and empower men who embrace their baldness, offering a sense of community, encouraging them to uncover their confidence and self-love, and finally leave behind the outdated ideas of masculinity. MANTL products will now be available on its website mantlmen.com and includes a line of four Face + Scalp grooming products: including a Cleanser, Age Defense Moisturizer, Invisible Daily SPF 30 and No-Shine Sheets.
CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Feb. 26, 2020
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NEWS
Grant funds UIC study on access to early childhood education in Illinois In 2018, Illinois passed one of the most expansive and progressive pieces of legislation (IL PA 100-0105) that aimed to reduce expulsions from early childhood education and child care programs. The legislation requires programs funded by the Illinois State Board of Education or licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services to make every possible effort to retain a child. The use of any and all available resources, services and interventions must also be documented by care providers. While most research on preschool expulsion uses data collected from administrators and teachers, early childhood researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago plan to obtain new perspectives on the matter with feedback from families who are living with the effects of their child’s expulsion. Backed by a two-year, $250,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, co-principal investigators Sarai Coba-Rodriguez and Kate Zinsser will examine the extent
UIC researchers, supported by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, will examine feedback from families who are living with the effects of their child’s expulsion. Photo: Erika Fletcher/Unsplash.
to which families experience the planned transition process included in the legislation; whether and how transition and exclusion practices vary by geographic region, program, family and child characteristics; and how families make new care arrangements and the extent to which those arrangements compare with regards to access, affordability and quality to
the original excluding programs. “More than half of Illinois residents live in regions labeled ‘child care deserts’ because there is such scarcity in licensed early care and education programs,” said Zinsser, associate professor of psychology and principal investigator at the Social-Emotional Teaching and Learning Lab at UIC.
“Unfortunately, even if a family can find and afford care, there is no guarantee that their child will be welcome to stay in that arrangement long-term.” According to the researchers, Latino families are the most affected by the scarcity of child care in Illinois, while on a national level they note excluded children — those who have been expelled, suspended, or otherwise forced out of care — are disproportionately black and male. The UIC research team hopes that the study’s findings help inform policymakers, programs and family advocates about the multiple ways families navigate exclusions and transitions. “By clarifying what barriers families face and support they utilize while trying to access affordable, high-quality care following an exclusion, we will be able to make recommendations about where and how to increase service allocation for low-income families,” said Coba-Rodriguez, UIC assistant professor of educational psychology.
In 2019, Zinsser and researchers at UIC conducted a preliminary investigation of Illinois early childhood programs’ current and prior expulsion practices, in addition to program managers’ understanding of and responses to the new law. Their report showed administrators had varying levels of knowledge about the law, comfort and confidence complying with stipulations, perceived benefits and unintended consequences, as well as historic and expected disciplinary procedures and prior experiences and barriers accessing evidence-based resources and supports. For more than 45 years, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has worked to improve health and health care. The Foundation works alongside others to build a national “Culture of Health” that provides everyone in America a fair and just opportunity for health and well-being. For more information, visit www. rwjf.org. Follow the Foundation on Twitter at www.rwjf.org/twitter or on Facebook at www.rwjf.org/facebook.
If it were up to me, we’d have all the healthcare we need. The 2020 Census informs funding for walk-in clinics, Medicare and all types of health services. Rest assured your answers are safe and secure.
Learn more at:
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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
1/15/20 7:03 PM
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ENTERTAINMENT
Muhammad Ali, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Rosa Parks are Most Popular Historical Figures in Bamboo Luminaries Award-winning skill developer Bamboo Learning has released its first report analyzing learner activities on its new, popular Alexa educational trivia game, Bamboo Luminaries. “We believe that insights from our unique data could further deepen our understanding of voice-powered learning,” said Irina Fine, co-founder and head of content at Bamboo Learning. “We hope to publish more reports like this in the future across the range of our voice-powered skills.” In addition to Bamboo Luminaries, Bamboo Learning publishes Bamboo Books, Bamboo Math, Bamboo Music and Highlights Storybooks from Bamboo. Highlights Storybooks from Bamboo recently was named Education Voice Experience of the Year. Bamboo Luminaries is a trivia game that features 76 important historical figures in various categories like music, sports, and art. The company adds new Luminaries to the game every month. In this report, three learner activities were analyzed during the month of January including: * requests for specific Luminaries * ability to identify Luminaries based on clues * answers to questions about Luminaries Out of 76 Bamboo Luminaries, players requested these three the most: Top 3 Most Requested Luminaries 1. Muhammad Ali Sports 2. Georgia O’Keeffe Art 3. Rosa Parks Social Justice Georgia O’Keeffe was the secondmost popular Luminary, yet the third most difficult to identify based on clues. Bamboo Luminaries learners guess historical figures based on clues spoken by Alexa. In January, 83% correctly identified Martin Luther King Jr., but only 15% knew abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth. In fact, Sojourner Truth was the hardest historical figure for learners to identify. Similar to the recent quiz from The New York Times, The Upshot, which asked readers to name 52 politicians, athletes, and celebrities based on their photos, Bamboo Luminaries challenges learners to identify a range of Luminaries, but by listening to and
Martin Luther King Jr. (at podium)
responding to Alexa. “There tends to be a small group of very well-known people who dominate the cultural and historical narrative, but in reality, there are many more people who shaped the world as we know it who are rarely discussed,” said Bamboo Learning CEO, Ian Freed. “Our first Bamboo Luminaries report demonstrates that we are on track to achieve our goal of creating a new, engaging, voice-based trivia game that helps the whole family learn more about history through the people that shape it.” A World Heavyweight Champion at age 52? The most surprising result of Bamboo Luminaries questions in January was that learners had trouble with whether Muhammad Ali won the World Heavyweight Championship at age 22 or 52. Bamboo Learning’s analysts surmised that most of the learners who answered this question were under the age of 40. Bamboo Learning also added 30 new historical figures to Bamboo Luminaries. Following its approach to have both well-known and obscure Luminaries, the company included artist Frida Kahlo, scientist Albert Einstein, and architect Norma Merrick Sklarek. About Bamboo Luminaries: Bamboo Luminaries can be enabled for free in more than 80 countries
Sojourner Truth
Rosa Parks
by saying “Alexa, open Bamboo Luminaries” to any Alexa-enabled device. Bamboo Luminaries also can be enabled using the Alexa app or via Bamboo Learning at: www. bamboolearning.com. Players who have Alexa screen-based devices, including Echo Show, Fire TV Cube, Fire TV stick, and Fire tablets, can view images, text, and graphics that enhance the voice-first educational game. A video demo of Bamboo Luminaries can be found here: https://www.bamboolearning.com/ luminariesdemo. About Bamboo Learning: Based in Seattle, Bamboo Learning is the award-winning leader in voice-
Muhammad Ali
powered education with a mission to bring engaging, high-quality learning experiences to customers around the world. Bamboo Learning develops skills for Alexa that enable families, teens, and adults to have fun learning and practicing diverse subjects while listening, viewing images, and using their voice. The company earned the title Education Voice Developer of the Year from the Project Voice Awards 2020. Bamboo Learning’s Alexa skills, including Bamboo Luminaries, Bamboo Books,
Bamboo Math, Bamboo Music, and Highlights Storybooks from Bamboo, offer a range of challenging and engaging exercises to help customers master different levels of subjects. Customers can sign up for a Bamboo Grove account to follow their progress in Bamboo Learning Alexa skills. Bamboo’s co-founders are Ian Freed, CEO, and Irina Fine, COO and head of content. Ian Freed is a 30 year veteran of the technology industry, including 12 years at Amazon, having served as vice president of Amazon devices, where he led both the Amazon Echo and the Amazon Kindle businesses, and served as technical advisor to Amazon founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos. Irina Fine is a 30-year veteran of curriculum development and teaching, having worked in public and private sectors of education in New York, Washington DC, London, and Moscow, after receiving her M.Ed. in Curriculum Development and an undergraduate degree in Piano Performance and Music Education. Learn more at: www. bamboolearning.com.
OUT OF 76 BAMBOO LUMINARIES, PLAYERS REQUESTED MUHAMMAD ALI (SPORTS), GEORGIA O’KEEFFE (ART) AND ROSA PARKS (SOCIAL JUSTICE) THE MOST. BAMBOO LUMINARIES LEARNERS GUESS HISTORICAL FIGURES BASED ON CLUES SPOKEN BY ALEXA. IN JANUARY, 83% CORRECTLY IDENTIFIED MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., BUT ONLY 15% KNEW ABOLITIONIST AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS ACTIVIST SOJOURNER TRUTH.
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Feb. 26, 2020
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CALENDAR
Ape Awareness Weekend
Bear Awareness Weekend, one of many events planned at Brookfield Zoo Ape Awareness Weekend April 11-12 (Saturday-Sunday) Quit monkeying around and swing over to Brookfield Zoo to hang out with the apes that live in the zoo’s Tropic World—orangutans, western lowland gorillas, and white-cheeked gibbons. The event will feature special Zoo Chats about each of the species, as well as ape-related activities that are more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Everyone can make a difference for apes in the wild, and zoogoers will hear firsthand how they can help. For more information, visit CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000. World Penguin Day April 25 (Saturday) Waddle over to Brookfield Zoo and celebrate World Penguin Day. The fun-filled event will feature activities for the entire family between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at The Living Coast. Zoogoers can attend special Zoo Chats to learn about the zoo’s Humboldt penguin colonies, partake in penguin-themed activities and crafts, and meet a few of the fine-feathered birds up close. For further information, visit CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000. Roars and Pours May 9 (Saturday) Brookfield Zoo’s Roars and Pours offers a unique opportunity to sample wines and spirits
Bear Awareness Weekend
touch. At Hamill Family Play Zoo (additional fee applies), youngsters can partake in bearthemed crafts. For further information, visit CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000.
Roars and Pours
and spirits. There will also be opportunities to have up-close experiences with several of the zoo’s animal ambassadors. For additional information, including pricing, and to make reservations, visit CZS.org/Events.
World Penguin Day
from around the world. This 21-and-over-only event, which takes place from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., gives guests the chance to come early to see their favorite animals and then venture over to the Pavilions to sample more than 30 wines
Bear Awareness Weekend May 16-17 You’ll “bear-ly” believe all the fun-filled activities Brookfield Zoo has in store for its annual Bear Awareness Weekend. Guests of all ages can attend special Zoo Chats about the zoo’s three species of bears—grizzly, polar, and sloth—and find out what challenges they face in the wild, as well as what conservation efforts are taking place to help bear populations. The zoo’s volunteers will have exploration carts featuring a variety of bear artifacts for guests to
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Brookfield Zoo, located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, Ill., is open every day of the year from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, zoo hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (indoor animal exhibits close a half hour before the zoo closes). Admission is $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $19.95 for seniors 65 and older. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Admission to the zoo is free on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in January and February and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from October through December. From early spring through late fall, Brookfield Zoo offers general zoo admission plus attraction packages at discounted rates. Group rates also are available to groups of 20 or more. For information on group rates, call (708) 688-8431. Parking is $15 for cars and $21 for buses. (A Cook County and Illinois State parking tax is included). For more details on admission packages, pricing, other events or to pre-purchase tickets or memberships, go to CZS.org.
CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Feb. 26, 2020
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REAL ESTATE AC 2-26-2020 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTION ONE MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-1, ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1 Plaintiff, -v.- AKINTOLA SOBERU, SAND CANYON CORPORATION, VILLAGE OF RIVERDALE, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2019 CH 04482 13827 S TRACY AVE RIVERDALE, IL 60827 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 3, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 6, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 13827 S TRACY AVE, RIVERDALE, IL 60827 Property Index No. 29-04102-019-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to
general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 EMail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-03093 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019 CH 04482 TJSC#: 39-7812 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2019 CH 04482 I3145854 _______________________________________ HUD/BANK FORECLOSURES CITY & SUBURBS Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM _______________________________________ 3+ Bedroom HOMES FOR SALE SELLER FINANCING Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ______________________________________
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16 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Feb. 26, 2020
Coke - 10"w x 13”h - Black History Month 36 USC 220506 © 2020 THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
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