South Suburban Citizen 3-15-2023

LONGTIME PUBLIC SERVANT

TALKS ABOUT CAREER

Bonita Parker has worked in different capacities throughout the years and is now the Chairwoman of the Chicago Southland Chamber Board of Directors.

Dress for Success® Worldwide celebrates women leaders globally as it launches its biggest campaign of the year, Your Hour, Her Power® Manny

LLINOIS RANKS #2 STATE IN THE NATION FOR CORPORATE INVESTMENT

Chicago takes the title as ‘Top Metro’ in the nation for 10th straight year

CHICAGO — Site Selection Magazine –an international industry-leading business publication -- released its annual corporate expansion and relocation rankings, naming Illinois 2nd in the nation for corporate projects and Chicago the Top Metro for the 10th year in a row. The publication noted 487 Illinois projects in 2022, moving the state up from the number three spot in the previous year’s rankings.

The issue also named the Chicago metropolitan area as the Top Metro for corporate investment for the 10th straight year. With a growing reputation as a tech hub with Google’s purchase of the Thompson Center and new headquarters moving in, such as Kellogg, Chicago continues to bolster its reputation as a global powerhouse.

This follows a recent report from Moody’s stating, “Illinois has been one of the Midwest’s stronger performers during the past year. Led by the Chicago metro division, job growth has outpaced that of the Midwest and brought the pandemic jobs recovery in line with the region’s. Most major privatesector industries are moving in the right direction.”

The State of Illinois has created an environment where companies can thrive through unprecedented investments in our infrastructure and our workforce, while also developing cutting edge programs that bring economic growth and jobs to the state. Illinois recently launched a $400 million invest in Illinois fund to attract large businesses and stay competitive with other states, expanded incentives for the clean energy industry, and made it easier for companies to apply for EDGE – the state’s primary incentive program.

The state also announced $40 million in grants to supercharge the development of megasites - large, developed sites ready for occupancy for manufacturers, distribution centers, industrial centers, and more. These grants will increase the number of investment-ready sites in Illinois and increase the state’s competitiveness for large-scale projects.

Similarly, the State of Illinois – which was recently named the top state in the Midwest for Workforce development by Site Selection - has made unprecedented investments in training programs and workforce facilities, including Manufacturing Training Academies, Illinois Works preapprenticeship programs, and nearly $180 million annually for clean energy jobs training and community support efforts under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).

Site Selection’s yearly analyses are regarded by corporate real estate analysts as “the industry scoreboard.” To qualify, projects must meet one or more of these criteria: investment of $1M or more, creation of 20 or more new jobs or 20,000 sq. ft. or more of new space.

2023 ILBCF SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

NOW OPEN

Since 2002, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation has given out more than $1 MILLION in scholarships.

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for our annual scholarships. The deadline for submission is May 31.

Students who are matriculating to an accredited 2- or 4-year post-secondary institution of higher learning are eligible and encouraged to apply.

To apply, visit https://tinyurl. com/2wfxyhvn

For additional inquiries or difficulties with your submission, email: scholarship@ ilbcf.org.

Longtime public servant talks about career

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Citizen Newspaper: You have served as Chief of Staff to former 7th Ward Alderman Sandi Jackson and as Director of Financial Education for former State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. How did you become interested in government and politics?

Bonita Parker: The common thread over my career trajectory has been service to others. I’m not certain if it’s in my DNA or my Baptist upbringing, but I have always found serving others gratifying. I realized the best way to change policy and serve the greater good was through working with elected officials, so that’s what inspired my desire to work with elected officials.

CN: You also served as COO (Chief Operating Officer) and National Director of One Thousand Churches Connected for the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and Director of Investments and Economic Empowerment at Salem Baptist Church. What led you to pursue those roles and how did they fit in with your passion for people and your community advocacy?

BP: After leaving Corporate America initially I started my own business with two of my corporate counterparts. We started Skills for Life Inc. which was designed to provide leadership training for corporate, job readiness and financial fitness training for young adults, and anti-bullying training for elementary students.

I had a passion for financial training and had started a family investment club after I left Northern Trust Co. I had begun to teach my six older siblings and their spouses how to invest in the stock market, the importance of living on a budget and within your means, and the importance of credit management. I was trying to grow Skills for Life and as a member of Salem Baptist Church (the largest African American Church in the State of Illinois) I sought guidance from my Pastor, the Rev. James T. Meeks. I showed him the investment club portfolio I had designed for my family and I left his office as the Director of Investments and Economic Empowerment at Salem Baptist Church of Chicago. After accepting the job at Salem, my pastor began preaching sermons on debt elimination and investments. He then launched the Investments and Economic Empowerment Ministry and I - along with other financial services professional members of the church - began teaching classes during Wednesday night Bible Study. There were over 1,500 in attendance every Wednesday.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson paid a visit to one of the classes and asked my Pastor if he could recruit me to replicate the program across the country. I was then offered the position of National Director of One Thousand Churches Connected for the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. I loved this job! I spoke at over 1,000 churches across the country and aided them in starting Financial Stewardship Ministries.

I performed so well after about 18 months, Rev. Jackson promoted me to COO. As COO, aside from the daily routines of people and budget management, I was responsible for facilitating over seven conferences every year in seven different states all geared towards empowering people and gaining access into industries that women and minorities had historically and systematically been locked out of.

CN: What is the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce and how does it benefit the businesses and residents in the Southland?

BP: The Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce provides regional leadership, advocacy, strategic alliances and programs that unite and grow its members and the business community. Our goal as a regional Chamber, is to be the primary regional organization that unites businesses and communities to create an environment where: 1) Business of all sizes & diversity will be attracted and thrive. 2)Partnerships and alliances are created with local organizations to work together for regional development and community improvement. 3)Public policy promotes strong and healthy businesses.

CN: You have served on the Chicago Southland Chamber Board of Directors since 2014. Why do you think you were appointed to lead the organization?

BP: I believe my passion for service, my ability to organize and multi-task while simultaneously cultivating healthy relationships is why I was nominated and elected as its Chairwoman.

CN: What are some of the ways you reach back into the community to help young people who are interested in advocacy and public service?

BP: Given my current occupation as External Affairs Manager for ComEd, most of the help I provide youth is geared towards increasing awareness of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). I am especially passionate about girls and young ladies being more involved in STEM because according to AAUW (American Association of University Women) only 21% of engineering majors are women, and only 19% of computer science majors are women. These numbers must improve. I serve on the Board of Directors for MYTT (Mentoring Youth Through Technology) and I actively participate with Homewood Science Center’s Girls STEAM Club. I try to model public service and I often encourage students to mentor.

CN: Throughout your years of service, you have received numerous accolades and recognition, how does it feel to be honored for the work you do?

BP: I am humbled by the recognition I receive. My service to humanity is my lifeline; it gives me purpose for waking up and being motivated to perform. The recognition makes me feel appreciated.

CN: Where can people go to find out more about the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce?

BP: For more information about the chamber, people could visit www.chicagosouthlandchamber. com, call us at 708-957-6950, email us at info@chicagosouthlandchamber.com, or they could follow us on Facebook at chicagosouthlandchamber or LinkedIn at chicago-southland-chamber-of-commerce. The Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce is a regional chamber and open to every business, NFP or educational institution in the greater Chicagoland area. I hope to see your readers connect with us soon.

Tillman, Dolton 149 Board Hail Student Math, Reading Growth

Calumet City, Ill. – The south suburban Dolton 149 Board of Education learned last week that student math and reading score growth has exceeded mid-year expectations.

At its monthly meeting on Feb. 23, the board was informed that Dolton 149 K to 8 students achieved overall reading and math growth of 2% and 3%, respectively, on the national Measures of Academic Progress Test (MAP) at midpoint in the school year, reaching beyond the district’s planned 1.5% growth. For average and above average students, the reading growth was 5% and math, 10%.

“Every school and every student have accomplished reading and math growth, and nearly every

school and nearly every student are meeting or exceeding planned academic growth,” said Dolton 149 Board President Wilbur Tillman.

“That’s phenomenal. This is what student success looks like when the school board, the administration, the teachers, and parents are united behind improving student academic performance in the basics, like reading and math.”

Tillman praises district Superintendent Dr. Maureen White.

“As we consider how we move forward as a district, I would be remiss if I did not thank Dr. White and her team for the work that they have done and for keeping our education priorities on track,” said Tillman.

“Thank you, Dr. White, and the administrators, and the principals who have been working so diligently.”

Goal since 2015 has been to

“build phenomenal education system,” Tillman says.

“As I have said since joining the board in 2015, one of my goals has been to build a phenomenal system of education so good teachers become great enabling their talent to matriculate down to our young scholars so they could become great as well,” said Tillman. “It looks like we are on our way to that.”

Year-end goal is 2.5% growth.

“While we exceeded our midyear reading and math growth of 1.5%, our full-year growth target is 2.5%, which is a heavy lift,” said Dr. White. “But we have the wind at our back in order to achieve our end-of-year growth goal and the commitment of the board of education, administrators, teachers, and parents to make it happen.”

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ADVOCATES FOR FULL COVERAGE OF HIV PREVENTION DRUGS AND SERVICES

Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 21 attorneys general, submitted a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Center for Health Statistics advocating for clear classification of HIV prevention medication to prevent improperly charged medical copays.

cover at least one form of PrEP and all related services, including laboratory testing and appointments, without any cost to the patient.

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

DUCKWORTH MEETS WITH IDPH DIRECTOR TO DISCUSS PUBLIC HEALTH SUPPORT IN ILLINOIS

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) recently met with Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra to discuss the continued importance of public health funding in Illinois, as the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration is set to end in May. Duckworth and Vohra discussed how Illinois can continue to support testing, vaccine and treatment programs going forward, as well as how all Illinoisans can continue to get the high quality, affordable care they need.

“Over the past three years we saw just how critical the leadership of the Illinois Department of Public Health is to the health and well-being of our state,” Duckworth said. “It was great to meet with Dr. Vohra today, and I look forward to continuing to work together to support IDPH and its public health initiatives throughout Illinois.”

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In the letter, Raoul and the coalition support creating a new diagnostic code for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention in the International Classification of Diseases – Tenth Revision (ICD-10). Raoul and the coalition argue the implementation of a new code will ensure lifesaving access to PrEP and related medical services for populations vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.

“Inconsistent and unclear coding should not stand in the way of people from being able to access affordable HIV preventative medication,” Raoul said. “I will continue to advocate for policies that ensure HIV preventative medication is available and covered without out-of-pocket costs to patients.”

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ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE

PrEP is a form of antiretroviral therapy used to prevent the transmission of HIV for those who are at risk of exposure to the virus through sex or injection drug use. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved three PrEP drugs, Truvada, Descovy and Apretude. Since 2020, federal law requires that most health plans

Currently, there is no specific ICD-10 diagnosis code for PrEP, which leaves providers with fewer available code options. As a result, insurers and providers often choose a code that does not actually apply to PrEP, which makes it difficult for providers to indicate the service is preventative and should be covered without cost sharing.

For example, a patient hoping to receive PrEP might be required to take a pregnancy test prior to prescription. Without an ICD-10 code to indicate the pregnancy test is for PrEP and therefore preventative, there is no way to ensure the service is billed properly across providers or consistently covered by insurers. Creating a new code will solve this problem.

If patients cannot afford PrEP and are deterred from seeking care, Raoul warned in the letter that there may be dire results.

Attorney General Raoul joined attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin in signing the letter.

During the meeting, Duckworth also met with IDPH Chief of Staff Laura Vaught and Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Chief of Staff Ben Winick. In her discussion with Winick, Duckworth emphasized the need to ensure that Illinoisans who rely on Medicaid can continue to get coverage, as well as Illinois’s new law to support nursing home rate reform and the critical need to help provide equitable care for nursing home residents in Illinois.

CASTEN OPENS APPLICATION FOR COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING FOR THE 6TH DISTRICT

March 3rd, 2023 - U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL06) has officially opened the applications for FY2024 community project funding.

Members of Congress can advocate for direct funding to their communities through the Fiscal Year 2024 spending bill. To learn what kind of projects are eligible for funding, click here.

Congressman Casten will be able to submit up to fifteen Community Project Funding requests to benefit state or local government grantees or eligible nonprofits. He previously secured over $15 million in funding for FY2023 projects, which included funding to provide housing to victims of domestic abuse, address local hunger and create jobs, combat the climate crisis, and improve local infrastructure.

“Since my first day in Congress, I’ve been working to ensure the federal budget responds to the needs facing constituents of Illinois’ Sixth Congressional District,” said Congressman Casten.“I look forward to advocating for our shared priorities in the appropriations process.

Those interested in applying for community project funding should apply here by March 20th, 2023.

USSFCU President & CEO Timothy L. Anderson Honored at AACUC Hall of Fame Ceremony

WASHINGTON, PRNewswire -- United States Senate Federal Credit Union (USSFCU) President and CEO Timothy L. Anderson was among seven credit union leaders honored at the African American Credit Union Coalition’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

The AACUC African American Credit Union Hall of Fame honors credit union leaders for their distinguished contributions to the industry. Anderson joins USSFCU Board Emeritus Herbert Bowman in the Hall of Fame. Bowman, inducted in 2020, is Capitol Hill’s longest-serving African-American staffer and a long-time mentor of Andersons.

With the addition of the latest inductees, 63

graduates have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since 2008. More information on this year’s honorees is available at: www.aacuc. org/hall-offame.

“The African American Credit Union Hall of Fame is a prestigious recognition in our credit union movement because it honors those who have committed their years of service to advance financial services and access to financial capital for people of color,” said Renée Sattiewhite, AACUC President/CEO.

The Hall of Fame was created to identify and honor African Americans instrumental in making changes in our communities. To be inducted you

must have accomplished or achieved the following: provided more than 10 years of service in the credit union industry and made significant accomplishments that benefited African Americans and access to financial capital for communities of color.

Anderson has a long history with USSFCU, serving as the EVP and Chief Retail Officer before assuming the role of President and CEO in 2019. He served on the USSFCU Board of Directors for over fifteen years in various capacities, including as Chairman of the Board. He began his career with USSFCU as the Branch Manager of the flagship Hart Senate location. Tim possesses over 30 years of senior executive and management experience at large banks and credit unions.

Since 1935, USSFCU has provided the Senate and Capitol Hill communities with world-class financial stability, security, and service. Now a $1.4 billion financial institution with 100 plus paths to membership, access to the same financial resources provided exclusively to the Senate community is at your fingertips. Call, click or tap to learn more at www.ussfcu.org.

Operation HOPE, U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Treasury Host Roundtable to Celebrate Freedman’s Bank

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- Operation HOPE, Inc., the nation’s largest non-profit dedicated to financial empowerment for underserved communities, joined Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and US Deputy Secretary of the Treasury (Treasury) Wally Adeyemo, to lead a roundtable discussion focused on advancing Black entrepreneurship. Several prominent leaders from the public and private sectors also participated, including White House Senior Advisor for Public Engagement, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

At the suggestion of John Hope Bryant, the Treasury Annex building was renamed the Freedman’s Bank in 2015.

The roundtable also recognized the anniversary of the founding of the Freedman’s Savings Bank by President Abraham Lincoln on March 3, 1865, which was commissioned to help formerly enslaved Black Americans participate in the free enterprise system. At the suggestion of John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Operation HOPE the Treasury Annex building was renamed in 2015.

“The Freedman’s Bureau Act was the original small business program for formerly enslaved Black Americans, connecting assets – 40 acres and a mule - with capital and financial education through the Freedman’s Bank,” said Chairman Bryant. “At Operation HOPE, we are building on this legacy, having created 185,000 new Black businesses since 2020 under our 1 Million Black Business Initiative, of which the SBA has been a significant partner. We are grateful to Administrator Guzman

and her team for their ongoing support.”

During the discussion, Bryant also highlighted data from the HOPE Financial Wellness Index, which reveals the disparities between neighborhoods located just five miles apart in the DC Metro area. By creating a path to sustainable entrepreneurship and increasing engagement in the no-cost HOPE 1MBB Initiative, the organization seeks to improve the overall financial wellness of Black communities. Participants agreed that the need for continued partnership between

Kendall Corley, Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Small Business Administration

Rasheeda S. Liberty, Chair, Council of Presidents, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)

Lenwood V. Long, Sr., President & CEO, African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs

Ron Busby, President & CEO, U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce

Stephanie E. DeVane, Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Business Development, National Urban League

“Yesterday’s convening brought top economic leaders from the Biden-Harris Administration together with some of America’s most important Black voices and civil society organizations to listen, strategize and advance solutions to close racial inequities that have limited our economy for centuries,” said Administrator Guzman. “This Administration is working tirelessly to deliver a long-promised economic transformation for Black Americans that dates back at least 150 years to the founding of Freedman’s Savings Bank by Congress. We must aspire to the ideals of that historic act and ensure pathways to prosperity through business ownership and capital access are open to all.”

“Freedman’s Bank was founded with the idea that our nation can, and will, live up to its promise of equality – which includes an economy that works for all Americans,” said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo.

the federal government, private organizations, and community leadership can improve economic outcomes for all.

Additional roundtable participants included:

On the heels of Black history month, the discussion also provided the opportunity to map an actionable plan that widens the path to Black business ownership— a proven strategy for increasing wealth and creating new jobs.

PRNewsFoto

Operation HOPE hosts roundtable discussion in DC on advancing Black entrepreneurship with SBA and leaders from the public & private sectors. (Pictured L-R) Wally Adeyemo –US Treasury; John Hope Bryant –Operation HOPE; Stephanie E. DeVane– National Urban League; Ron Busby–U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce; Administrator Guzman–SBA; Keisha Lance-Bottoms – White House; Lenwood V. Long, Sr.–African American Alliance; Rasheeda S. Liberty– National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC); Kendall Corley–SBA. Operation HOPE, Inc.

Deal That Could Increase Minority Media Ownership Hits ‘Brick Wall’

BY HAZEL TRICE EDNEY

A major acquisition that civil rights leaders and advocates for Black-owned media had hoped would increase media ownership, opportunity, and participation by African-Americans and other minorities has apparently “hit a brick wall.”

Following months of advocacy and public support for a $5.4 billion acquisition of Tegna by Standard General, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has essentially killed the deal by sending it to an administrative judge for a hearing, a process that could mire it down in red tape. Standard General is led by Soo Kim, a Korean American immigrant who moved to Queens, N.Y. when he was just 5 years old. Soo Kim’s vision for the future of local broadcast news is one where diverse voices are escalated and heard to better represent the communities they serve.

“As part of the FCC’s mission, we are responsible for determining whether grant of the applications constituting this transaction serves the public interest. That’s why we’re asking for closer review to ensure that this transaction does not anti-competitively raise prices or put jobs in local newsrooms at risk,” said Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a Feb. 24 press release announcing the decision. “The additional review will allow us to make a more informed assessment on whether proposed safeguards are sufficient to protect the public interest, and we will take the time needed to address these critical questions.”

The FCC’s decision will have a chilling effect on minority ownership, as this action aims to kill the deal by delaying it past the May 22 deadline by which it must close.

The NAACP New York State Conference issued a strong rebuke to Rosenworcel’s announcement. NY NAACP President Hazel Dukes responded to apparently bigoted perceptions that because of Soo Kim’s Asian heritage, he is not the kind of racial minority being sought to increase media ownership.

“I understand that Chairwoman Rosenworcel has bowed to the pressure of those who accuse Soo Kim of not being the “right type of minority,” wrote Dukes in an open letter to Rosenworcel and the FCC Commissioners March 1. “I am appalled that we still use this type of incendiary language to define a person of color who attempts to enter a particular ‘club’ [of which] they are not traditional members.”

She concludes that the assignment to an FCC administrative judge was intentional to kill the deal.

“This action was deliberate and malicious and only happened because some deemed Soo Kim is considered not to be the ‘right type of minority,’” Dukes writes. “Standard General has not only publicly pledged to invest in local broadcasting and to preserve jobs, but they have also committed to directly impacting our communities to have a voice and to empower community journalism.”

The Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the

New York-based National Action Network, was also riled by what appeared to have been a decision based on Asian bias. “Who determines who is the ‘right minority’ and who is the ‘wrong minority’?” Sharpton questioned in a Tweet. He added that Soo Kim’s Standard General and TEGNA would be “a 300 pct increase of minority owned tv stations.”

This disappointing announcement was made by the FCC despite strong support from civil rights leaders and media diversity advocates for the acquisition throughout the year long review process.

The FCC decision follows months of pushing for the transaction. In her letter, Dukes listed a string of her civil rights associates, who publicly supported the acquisition, including Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford, civil rights leaders including the iconic Rev. Jesse Jackson; Rev. Sharpton, Transformative Justice Coalition President Barbara Arnwine, and Dr. Benjamin Chavis, president/ CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Chavis was among the first to support the acquisition and to explain the benefits of an Asian American taking ownership of TEGNA.

“I know some of you would ask me why I am speaking up and out about other persons of color to own media businesses in America in addition to African American ownership of media businesses. There is, I assert, only one clear answer. If you are, as I am, for equality, equity, and believe in the oneness of all humanity, then we must practice what we preach. This is why I am publicly and forthrightly supporting the efforts and leadership of Soo Kim, founder and managing partner of Standard General. Kim is an effective and outstanding Korean American business leader, and he is on record supporting greater Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in our nation’s media ownership landscape,” Chavis wrote in an op-ed published in NNPA and other newspapers Dec. 2. “The multimedia publishing and communications industry is a trillion-dollar business sector in America. Yet the disparities and inequities of ownership of media industry businesses by persons of color remains glaringly inequitable.”

Black Star Network host Roland Martin, an avid supporter of Black Media ownership, announced that the deal has now “hit a brick wall.” Interviewing Kim on his You Tube talk show, he asked how it felt to Kim to be assumed “not the right kind of minority?” Kim responded with a quote from former First Lady Michelle Obama, “‘When they go low, I go high.’” He said, “It’s not a great” feeling. Adding that the Black participation in his network would be huge, Kim shows no sign of giving up.

“This deal has taken a long time. We’re in our eleventh month of review here. And so, yes, we have made concessions and basically addressed each of the concerns that have been put up,” Kim told Martin on the show. “We’ve actually gone in and said we’re willing to address each of these concerns. What I’d hoped from the

very beginning is that we’d be treated like everybody else. I would say that maybe that was too much to hope for. But we’re still optimistic that we’ve put together a series of responses to each of the concerns that we’ve heard.”

Rev. Jackson, as president/CEO of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, sent a letter to the Commission in support of the acquisition.

“After meeting with Soo Kim and upon careful and scrupulous review of his record on diversity and inclusion, my team and I wholeheartedly support the purchase of Tegna,” Jackson wrote. “Soo Kim, being Korean-American, is sensitive to the plight of racial justice, equity and inclusion… It is my strong belief that Soo Kim would be committed to inclusion which leads to growth in the America of our dreams. He will honor the spirit and the law representing the best in American ideals.”

If the deal now fails, the FCC’s decision will no doubt call into question its seriousness about increasing ownership by minority media, one of its stated goals. And the civil rights community will once again feel like their voices are not being heard.

“Enhancing media diversity is a primary objective at the FCC, but it has a lot of work to do,” wrote Barbara Arnwine in an op-ed published in January. “The FCC just reported that Blacks account for only 3% of majority interests in full-power TV stations with Asian Americans at only 1%. Now it has a chance to really show that it cares about this goal as the Standard General transaction would radically enhance minority media ownership of broadcast channels.”

The issue of Black media ownership matters greatly and will continue as a top priority for the civil rights activists. Unrelated to the Standard General/ TEGNA acquisition, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights has, for years, been on top of the issue of diversity in media ownership.

The Leadership Conference concluded in a recent report: “At a time when more people, particularly Black people, are distrustful of the media, diversity in media ownership has become more important than ever for the functioning of our democracy. Diversity in ownership is part of that solution.”

Dress for Success® Worldwide celebrates women leaders globally as it launches its biggest campaign of the year, Your Hour, Her Power®

ANTHONY HAMILTON PARTNERS WITH FRANCES GREY FOR THE FRANCES GREY X ANTHONY HAMILTON LEGACY COLLECTION

New York, NY – GRAMMY® Award-winning, multiplatinum singer, songwriter, producer, and actor Anthony Hamilton has announced his partnership with luxury millinery hand-crafted fashion brand Frances Grey for the Frances Grey x Anthony Hamilton Legacy Collection. It offers a variety of customizable signature hats of premium quality. Anthony and Debbie Lorenzo, the owner, and designer behind Frances Grey, launched the collection at an exclusive Pop Up Shop at Nordstrom’s NYC Flagship Store on Saturday, March 4.

The collection will be available for custom order at https://www.francesgreyny.com and https://www.anthonyhamilton.com.

After linking up through a mutual friend, Anthony, and Debbie immediately bonded over a lifelong love for hat-wear. Throughout the collection’s development, the pair remained focused on infusing their creations with passion, history, and purpose.

NEW YORK, PRNewswire

-- Dress for Success® Worldwide, the leading global nonprofit employment resource for women, launched its biggest campaign of the year, Your Hour, Her Power.

In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month throughout March, Your Hour, Her Power honors diverse, trailblazing female leaders, from C-Suite executives to media luminaries. The campaign raises funds for innovative, no-fee programming; engages corporate partners through employee workplace experiences; and drives awareness that every dollar counts in positively impacting the lives of the women Dress for Success serves.

Three years into the pandemic, women disproportionately still face the effects of ongoing geopolitical and economic upheaval. For the women served by Dress for Success, the need to usher in socioeconomic change has never been greater.

Michele C. Meyer-Shipp, CEO of Dress for Worldwide, says: “This campaign’s power is equal to the powerful women and companies who are celebrated and aligned with the mission of Dress for Success. Their voices and leadership are helping to turn the tide on the myriad of challenges women face around the globe. We are grateful to them and to all who support our commitment to help women thrive personally and professionally.”

This year’s honorees include ABC’s “The View” co-host and three-time Emmy Award-winning legal journalist, Sunny Hostin; Spotify’s Global Head of Equity and Impact, Elizabeth Nieto; and the host of MSNBC’s “The ReidOut,” Joy Reid.

“Power Shift,” a five-episode podcast series, accompanies the campaign. Hosted by Michele C. Meyer-Shipp,

CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide, the series spotlights select honorees and global client ambassadors in compelling conversations. Episodes will launch each Friday in March, with themes that are of critical importance to women today: agency, power, resilience, courage, and community. Power Shift is sponsored by Chart Industries. This campaign is possible thanks to the generous support from 2023 Lead Sponsors: Arm & Hammer Laundry, Danone, Experian, FedEx, Scotiabank, and Sonobello.

Dress for Success Worldwide is grateful to its 2023 Honorees and Power Spotlight Partners: The Adecco Group US Foundation, AllianceBernstein, Arm & Hammer Laundry, Capital One, ClearEdge Marketing, Cushman & Wakefield, Dallas Mavericks, Danone, Experian, FedEx, Mielle Organics, MSNBC, Publicis Groupe, Scotiabank, Spotify, State Street Global Advisors, Trivium Packaging, Ulta, Verizon Wireless, and The View.

Regarding the collection, Anthony said, “Hats are so important to not only my fashion, but to my personality and spirit. Debbie and I found synergy in creating hats, and it’s something special. The goal here is to create something bigger than fashion. This is the new fabric connected to old fabric that people will talk about and wear throughout history. Be ready.” Debbie added, “It’s beautiful because we both wanted to create heirlooms that we can pass down through generations.”

The Frances Grey x Anthony Hamilton Legacy Collection: where heirlooms create history.

With over 50 million albums globally and proclaimed a “national treasure” by the Los Angeles Times, Anthony Hamilton’s voice will resonate louder than ever in 2023 with more music and performances on the horizon.

GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, and actor Anthony Hamilton has achieved global sales of over 50 million albums. The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee notably performed for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle, cementing his place in the history books as the “narrator of love.” Introduced by way of the iconic 2003 smash “Charlene,” his raw, awe-inspiring performances garnered the attention of NPR where he starred in their Noteworthy documentary series. He made his film debut in the critically acclaimed American Gangster, and lent his vocals to the song “Freedom” from the Academy® Award-nominated film Django Unchained. Hamilton recently added author and publisher to his list of accomplishments with the unveiling of his first self-published book, Cornbread, Fish ‘n Collard Greens, where he shares the inspiration for some of the iconic songs in his illustrious career and his love of southern food. Hamilton recently starred as Kyle Kirby in the feature film Carl Weber’s Influence, now streaming on BET+. 2023 sees Hamilton reach another milestone with the launch of his signature hat line: the Frances Grey x Anthony Hamilton Legacy Collection.

Frances Grey is a luxury millinery brand handcrafted in New York that designs and creates custom hats to your head size and personal style. No two hats are the same...that’s what makes each creation special! Every design embodies simplicity and timeless sophistication.

Lorenzo, who is of Jamaican descent, was born and raised in a vibrant section of Queens, a borough of New York City that is energized by Caribbean heritage and spirit. This environment greatly informed her personal style and her inspiration as a designer today. After marrying young and raising three children, Debbie divorced and began to blaze her own trail, traveling the world and going back to school to pursue and complete a Master’s Degree in Social Work. After receiving her graduate degree, she began fulfilling work with organizations for social good, supporting women, children, and seniors. Not one to rest on her laurels, Debbie simultaneously enrolled in New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology’s millinery program to pursue another passion, cultivate her curiosity, and learn how to develop her design ideas. This creative energy awakened her love of textiles, color, fashion, and hats. These experiences imbued her with confidence, purpose, and a sense of self-worth, which would later become the platform she needed to launch her own business. Years prior to starting her own company, Debbie found her great-grandmother’s passport and knew it meant something special. The unique signature style on her travel documents, accompanied by a family picture as her photo identification, inspired Debbie to learn more about her and the life she led. That woman, Frances Grey, a seamstress from the beautiful island of Jamaica, would become the inspiration and namesake of this new line and woman-run business.

Throughout March, the campaign honors trailblazing C-Suite executives and media luminaries ushering in socioeconomic change.

Your Hour, Her Power honors trailblazing C-Suite executives and media luminaries ushering in socioeconomic change, including ABC’s “The View” co-host and threetime Emmy Award-winning legal journalist, Sunny Hostin. PRNEWSFOTO/DRESS FOR SUCCESS WORLDWIDE

ANTHONY HAMILTON

Chicago Public Schools Home to 13 Golden Apple Award Finalists One CPS Principal and 12 Educators Earn National Recognition

CHICAGO – Chicago Public Schools (CPS) proudly announces that 12 CPS educators are finalists for the prestigious Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching and that Kenwood Academy High School Principal Karen Calloway is a finalist for the prestigious Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Leadership.Nearly a third of the 30 Illinois 4th through 8th grade elementary school teacher finalists are from CPS schools across the city and Principal Calloway is one of six Illinois school leaders who were named as finalists in honor of founding Golden Apple Board Member Stanley C. Golder.

“We are so fortunate to work alongside so many dedicated and talented educators each day and want to especially congratulate these 13 individuals who so aptly reflect the profession and its extraordinary impact on students, colleagues and communities,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “Their commitment to our students inspires all of us to work harder to ensure every student enjoys access to great learning conditions and opportunities. “

The Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching honor outstanding teachers for creating lasting, positive effects on students’ lives and school communities. Teacher finalists demonstrate significant, positive impact on their students’ growth and learning. This year’s competition among teachers was limited to elementary teachers for grades fourth through eighth as the program alternates honoring educators by various grade ranges.

“These educators are compelled to serve and share their skills and talents to support our students each day out of a passion for teaching and not out of any quest for recognition or awards,” said Bogdana Chkoumbova, the District’s Chief Education Officer. “And yet, it’s wonderful to see such dedicated educators be recognized, shining a light on the field of education and its unique power to change lives.”

The Complete list of Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching finalists were announced earlier this month and CPS will highlight each of

PLAY

PURPOSE

the 12 teacher finalists on the District’s website and social media over the next month. The 2023 CPS finalists are as follows:

Anquineice Brown, Marquette Elementary School (4th grade, math & science)

Emily Brown, Robert J. Richardson Middle School (8th grade, English Language Arts)

Helen Chan, South Loop Elementary School (4th grade, Math)

Mandy Guzman, William Dever Elementary School (Grade 7-8, Social Civic Studies)

Latavia Hinton, Daniel Boone Elementary School (8th grade Mathematics and Social Science/ Civics, Algebra)

Rick Coppola, South Loop Elementary School ( 7th grade, English Language Arts)

Miguel Melchor, DeWitt Clinton Elementary School, (6th Grade Math and Science)

Donna Puccini, Edgebrook Elementary School, Chicago (Grade 5, English Language Arts (ELA), Social Science, Math, Social Emotional Learning (SEL))

Jeanette Rocuant, William P. Gray, Chicago (Grades 7-8, Reading, Writing, Social Studies and Civics)

Andrea Salgado, North River Elementary School, Chicago (Grades 7-8, English Language Arts, Writing and Civics)

Piotr Wojciaczyk, Pulaski International School of Chicago, Chicago (Grades 6-8, IB MYP Product Design)

Justin Wrzesinski, John C. Coonley Elementary, Chicago (Grades K-8, General music, rock band, band, and musical)

Guzman of William Dever Elementary School understands the importance of executing meaningful and relevant lessons and encouraging her 7th and 8th grade students to use their voices to raise awareness about important matters, make positive changes, and solve problems.

During a student-led inquiry-to-action project, Guzman’s students organized a series of fundrais-

ers, raising over $2,000 to donate to a Ukrainian charity.

“I love helping students find their power. It motivates me,” Guzman said. “As a Golden Apple finalist, I’m thrilled that my goal to empower students is being recognized as an important part of education.”

The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership honors exemplary performance in school leadership by a principal or head of school who has had a significant and sustained positive impact on the school, created a culture of inclusivity, and delivered dramatic student growth. The finalists in this category were announced earlier this week.

Principal Calloway was selected as a finalist from more than 130 nominated Pre-K-12th grade school leaders. She believes that a leader must begin with the end in mind, and her end vision is for all her students to succeed in the college and/ or careers of their choice, and to be prepared both socially and emotionally for what comes after graduation.

“I’m honored to be selected for such a prestigious award in education. Being named a finalist for a Golden Apple Award exemplifies the hard work we’ve done at Kenwood over the years,” said Calloway. “Our students, staff, teachers and parents are equal partners in our school community. I thank them all because I wouldn’t have this platform if it wasn’t for their support. I’m blessed.”

The selected 2023 Golden Apple Award recipients will be surprised by the Foundation and their respective districts in the spring. Northwestern University generously provides a spring sabbatical to award recipients at no cost. Each recipient receives a $5,000 cash award. Award recipients become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, a community of educators who play an important role in preparing the next generation of teachers in the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs - which are dedicated to addressing the teacher shortage in Illinois.

COLLEGE STUDENTS INVITED TO APPLY FOR ILLINOIS TOLLWAY 2023 INTERNSHIPS

DOWNERS GROVE, IL – The Illinois Tollway is looking for college students to apply for its 2023 Internship Program with opportunities to learn firsthand about engineering, information technology, finance and more. Eligible students can apply online on the Tollway’s website through March 31.

“We are committed to building a pipeline of new engineers and our goal is to help develop the next generation of working professionals with skills necessary to launch careers within the transportation industry,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “The Illinois Tollway is a great place to work with many different career paths, so the Tollway 2023 Internship Program will offer a diverse group of students firsthand experiences and on-the-job training in a wide range of jobs, as well as mentoring by some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the transportation business.”

Students interested in learning more about the Tollway’s Internship Program can sign up for the online information sessions or view a recording of the session in the Careers section on the Tollway’s website:

Monday, March 27, from 1–2 p.m. CST https://bit. ly/3XDlYcP

The Tollway’s paid internships include an annual summer Professional Services Internship, a year-long internship in the Tollway’s Business Systems Department, as well as the year-long Engineering Cooperative Education internship. All of the internships provide students with opportunities to gain new skills through hands-on experience working in the transportation industry.

To participate in the summer or Business Systems internship, students must be currently enrolled in a college certificate or degree program or have graduated from a college certificate or degree program between December 2022 to June 2023. To qualify for the Engineering Cooperative Education internship, students must be currently enrolled at an accredited technical/vocational program, college or university studying engineering or a related program with an interest in learning about roadway engineering.

The Professional Service Internship offers real-time skill application, assigned mentorship and professional development in a hybrid learning environment and through interactive group experiences. Students will be assigned to one of seven Tollway departments, including Administration, Facilities and Fleet, Finance, Information Technology, Planning, Toll Operations and Traffic and Incident Management. The program begins June 1 and runs through August 11. In addition, the Business Systems internship runs from June 2023 through May 2024.

The Engineering Cooperative Education Internship provides instruction on the three phases of a construction project, including a planning segment that includes bridge inspection and traffic, as well as preparing intergovernmental agreements, as well as a design phase that involves drafting and 3D modeling, and a construction phase that focuses on inspection for environmental impacts and drainage, electrical and lighting work and maintenance of traffic. The program runs from June

2023 through May 2024.

Some internships will take place primarily on-site at Tollway headquarters in Downers Grove and nearby sites, while others will offer a hybrid learning experience on-site and virtually. The Engineering Cooperative Education Internship will be mainly on-site and at active Tollway construction projects to promote a better understanding of the breadth and depth of the agency’s day-to-day operations.

The Illinois Tollway’s Internship Program offer students practical experience in different segments of the transportation industry and government, as well as access to leadership and professional growth activities to help further their careers. Students selected will receive supportive mentoring to help them gain skills that will enable them to become leaders in their chosen professions. Tollway interns will have opportunities to contribute to the development and administration of ongoing programs and support the agency on a variety of projects, including work related to the agency’s 15-year, $14 billion Move Illinois capital program.

The Illinois Tollway is a user-fee system that receives no state or federal funds for maintenance and operations. The agency maintains and operates 294 miles of roadways in 12 counties in Northern Illinois, including the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355), the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80) and the Illinois Route 390 Tollway.

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ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL SUPPORTS PROPOSED RULE PREVENTING DISCRIMINATION IN ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE

Proposed Rule Would Rescind Portions of the 2019 Healthcare Refusal Rule

Chicago – Attorney General

Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 22 attorneys general, today supported a proposed federal rule that protects access to health care for all individuals. The proposed rule rescinds portions of the 2019 Healthcare Refusal Rule, which allowed anyone working in health care to broadly refuse to provide care based on religious or moral beliefs.

In the letter, Raoul and the coalition said the Biden administration’s proposed rule eliminates the problematic and illegal aspects of the federal government’s 2019 rule and better safeguards patients, including those in the LGBTQ+ community and those seeking abortions, from being denied access to critical or lifesaving health services. The 2019 rule also threatened to cut off essential federal health care funding to states for a single breach of the rule.

“Every patient seeking health care should be able to do so with -

out fear of discrimination or being denied critical and lifesaving health services,” Raoul said. “I will continue to advocate for fair and equitable access to quality health care services in Illinois, and I stand in support of the federal government’s efforts to prohibit discrimination in health care.”

The 2019 Healthcare Refusal Rule was successfully blocked in multiple lawsuits nationwide. In January, the Biden administration announced a new proposed rule that seeks to rescind portions of the 2019 rule.

In the letter, Raoul and the attorneys general expressed their support of the new proposed rule, arguing that it:

Protects vulnerable populations, including LGBTQ+ communities and people seeking reproductive care, by revoking the most dangerous parts of the 2019 rule that opened them up to discrimination and threatened to exacerbate preexisting health care

inequities.

Strikes a better balance between safeguarding conscience rights of individual medical providers and protecting access to health care for patients.

Corrects portions of the 2019 rule that are redundant, confusing or have been deemed illegal by courts in litigation brought by the states, local governments and health care providers.

Protects federal funding for states’ public health care and other federally-funded programs that provide crucial health, education and labor services.

Joining Raoul in filing the comment letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington and Vermont.

“Every patient seeking health care should be able to do so without fear of discrimination or being denied critical and lifesaving health services,” Raoul said.

MANNY HALLEY PRODUCTIONS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BET+ RELEASES ORIGINAL HIT SERIES, LEGACY

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire

-- Black Independent film company, Manny Halley Productions is back at it again, with their latest original hit new series, Legacy. Premiering on BET+, the star-studded series features legendary actor, Ving Rhames (Mission Impossible, Baby Boy); Lisa Raye (The Player’s Club, All of Us); AJ Johnson (Baby Boy); Draya Michele (L.A.’s Finest, BET’s Tales); Barton Fitzpatrick (Power Book IV: Force, The Chi); Andra Fuller (True to The Game); Clifton Powell (BET’s The Family Business, CW’s Black Lightning); Jeremy Meeks (Dutch); and more.

“This series is one for the ages, leaving viewers at the edge of their seats from beginning to end,” says Executive Producer Manny Halley. “This is only the beginning.”

Created and Executive Produced by Manny Halley, written and executive produced by Yolanda Halley, the show follows Guy Simmons (Ving Rhames), the patriarch of the Simmons family, the ruling crime family in the southern underworld. When he gets shot, the balance of power is ended, turning his two sons into competitors, vying for

control of the family. Kevin (Andra Fuller), the son of his first wife Gloria (AJ Johnson) is pitted against Ty (Markice Moore), the son of his second wife Debra (Lisa Raye). Both must fight off the ‘Pack, a bunch of young, ruthless gangsters, once led by Ty. Family secrets are unearthed that threaten to not only tear the family apart but the streets as well.

Manny Halley Productions is a black independent

film company that funds, produces and licenses all of its content. This is the second TV series under the company.

‘The Godfather’ meets ‘American Gangster’ series takes viewers on the ride of their life in this American crime drama. Legacy, which is co-produced by Rodney Turner and Denee Busby Howard is available now on BET+.

Manny Halley Productions is a black independent film company that funds, produces and licenses all of its content. The company aims to cultivate a community that provides content for the black community by black creators - giving artists an honest space to share their unique stories.

Faith Media Distribution is a streamlined, highly focused, and audience-driven distribution company, with the flexibility and nimbleness to constantly be responsive to the urban consumer market. There is no existing enterprise with a development and production model that creates, distributes, and markets to the urban audience at the pace in which they can. Within a short period, Faith Media has built a reputation of consistently providing urban-themed film products that are commercial, critical, and audience successes.

Awaken The Power!

CULVER CITY, Calif. — From trophy to tyrant, outcast to outlaw, loner to leader, mayor to mutineer … how will The Power transform you? Prime Video has debuted the electrifying official trailer and key art for the global thriller The Power. The emotionally driven series from SISTER (Chernobyl) and showrunner Raelle Tucker (True Blood, Jessica Jones) is based on British author Naomi Alderman’s award-winning novel. The first three episodes of The Power will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on Friday, March 31, with new episodes available each Friday, leading up to the season finale on May 12.

The Power is our world, but for one twist of nature. Suddenly, and without warning, teenage girls develop the power to electrocute people at will. The series features a cast of remarkable characters from London to Seattle, Nigeria to Eastern Europe, as the Power evolves from a tingle in teenagers’ collarbones to a complete reversal of the power balance of the world.

The series stars Toni Collette as Mayor Margot Cleary-Lopez, alongside John Leguizamo as Rob Lopez, Auli’i Cravalho as Jos Cleary-Lopez, Toheeb Jimoh as Tunde Ojo, Josh Charles as Daniel Dandon, Eddie Marsan as Bernie Monke, Ria Zmitrowicz as Roxy Monke, Zrinka Cvitešić as Tatiana Moskalev, Halle Bush as Allie Montgomery, and more.

The Power comes from Amazon Studios and SISTER, with Raelle Tucker (True Blood, Jessica Jones) serving as showrunner.

Prime Video offers customers a vast collection of movies, series, and sports—all available to watch on hundreds of compatible devices. Included with Prime Video: Watch movies, series, and sports, including Thursday Night Football. Enjoy series and films including Emmy winners The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Lizzo’s Watch

amount+, BET+, MGM+, ViX+, PBS KIDS, NBA League Pass, MLB.TV, STARZ, and SHOWTIME—no extra apps to download, and no cable required. Only pay for the ones you want, and cancel anytime. View the full list of channels available at amazon.com/channels.

- Rent or Buy: Enjoy new-release movies to rent or buy, entire seasons of current TV shows available to buy, and special deals just for Prime members.

- Instant access: Watch at home or on the go with your choice of hundreds of compatible devices. Stream from the web or using the Prime Video app on your smartphone, tablet, set-top box, game console, or select smart TV.

- Enhanced experiences: Make the most of every viewing with 4K Ultra HD- and High Dynamic Range (HDR)-compatible content. Go behind the scenes of your favorite movies and TV shows with exclusive X-Ray access, powered by IMDb. Save it for later with select mobile downloads for offline viewing.

Out for the Big Grrrls, Emmy-nominated satirical superhero drama The Boys, and the smash hits The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Shotgun Wedding, Samaritan, Thirteen Lives, The Tender Bar, Being the Ricardos, The Tomorrow War, Reacher, and Coming 2 America. Prime members also get access to licensed content.

- Prime Video Channels: Prime members can add channels like HBO Max, discovery+, Par-

Prime Video is just one of many shopping, savings, and entertainment benefits included with a Prime membership, along with fast, free shipping on millions of Prime-eligible items at Amazon.com, ultrafast grocery delivery and pickup, unlimited photo storage, exclusive deals and discounts, prescription savings, and access to ad-free music, books, and games. To sign up or start a 30-day free trial of Prime, visit: amazon. com/prime.

Manny Halley Productions

Based on the New York Times best-selling novel by Naomi Alderman, the global thriller from SISTER premieres globally March 31 on Prime Video

Prime Video

BREAKFAST & BLUES FOR SENIORS

Photos by L.M. Warbington Photography

Presented By The Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation

Janssen Launches Health Equity Campaign in Partnership with Award-Winning Radio Host D.L. Hughley to Raise Awareness About Multiple Myeloma Among Black Communities

Black patients can achieve better outcomes.5

Comedian and award-winning radio host D.L. Hughley is partnering with Janssen to empower Black communities with information and encourage better self-advocacy for their health. Hughley’s personal experience with cancer, including his father and sister, motivated him to take his own health seriously many years ago.

International Myeloma Foundation and Professor, Translational Genomics Research Institute, City of Hope Cancer Center.3,4 “Through initiatives such as That’s My Word™, we share a commitment to reaching underserved patient communities that can help result in better education and better outcomes.”

HORSHAM, Pa., PRNewswire -- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced the launch of That’s My Word™ to raise awareness of and help to drive better health outcomes for multiple myeloma among at-risk populations. A national campaign bringing together trusted voices among Black communities, including those at risk of multiple myeloma, care partners, healthcare professionals, advocacy groups and award-winning radio host and comedian D.L. Hughley, That’s My Word™ aims to be a source of both information and hope by sharing resources specifically for Black patients and their care partners about this rare blood cancer.

Janssen Launches Health Equity Campaign in Partnership with Award-Winning Radio Host D.L. Hughley to Raise Awareness About Multiple Myeloma Among Black Communities

Janssen Launches Health Equity Campaign in Partnership with Award-Winning Radio Host D.L. Hughley to Raise Awareness About Multiple Myeloma Among Black Communities

Delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation, as well as unequal access to newer and more advanced medicines, are part of the challenging reality that creates significant health disparities in multiple myeloma.1

Each year, approximately 35,000 people are diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the United States, and more than 20 percent of all cases occur in Black people, with cases on the rise.2,3

Multiple myeloma is often diagnosed in people over the age of 60 years, but Black people are typically diagnosed 5-10 years earlier.2,4

While Black patients are less likely to have more aggressive disease, they are twice as likely to die from multiple myeloma because it is often undetected until it has progressed to more advanced stages.1,3

Yet, studies show that with early diagnosis, early treatment initiation, and equal access to care,

“Cancer has touched so many of us, but we need greater awareness of diseases that are disproportionately affecting and killing Black people, like multiple myeloma,” said D.L. Hughley. “I am so inspired by people who are living with this disease and who have become actively involved in their health decisions, caregivers who have experienced incredible loss yet push on, and healthcare professionals who are helping to address the complex relationship that our community has with the healthcare system. I am honored to work in partnership with the Black community through That’s My Word™ to raise awareness of critical information

As a leader in the treatment of multiple myeloma, Janssen believes all patients should be treated equally with comprehensive cancer care as part of its commitment to eradicate racial and social injustice as a public health threat, and Our Race to Health Equity.

“We launched That’s My Word™ to change the trajectory of multiple myeloma in Black communities, because we know the impact of health disparities is exacerbated for people who are living with this incurable blood cancer,” said Tyrone Brewer, President, Oncology, Janssen Biotech, Inc. “We are grateful for the partnerships we’ve built within the community because no entity can do this alone. We will continue to work toward a future in which improved outcomes are the reality for all patients, as part of our mission to reimagine care so that patients can redefine living.”

To get involved, follow the conversation on social media using the hashtags #ThatsMyWordMM and #MMPromise.

and encourage action in a way that can potentially save lives.”

Janssen continues to partner with the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), which is equally passionate in combating healthcare disparities in multiple myeloma. Together, Janssen and the IMF are encouraging people to make Multiple Myeloma Promises, or pledges, to commit to learning more about multiple myeloma and be proactive with their health to help catch it early and treat it, which hopefully will lead to better health outcomes. Janssen will donate one dollar to the IMF, up to $50,000, for each promise made through the campaign at @ thatsmywordMM on Facebook and Instagram.

“Multiple myeloma is too often still diagnosed late or remains undiagnosed altogether in Black communities. While it’s important for patients to be vocal about what they are experiencing, it is equally important that healthcare providers listen to their patients to recognize the signs and symptoms that support prompt and accurate diagnosis,” said Joseph Mikhael, MD, Chief Medical Officer,

Learn more at www.janssen. com. Follow us at @ JanssenUS. Janssen Biotech, Inc. is part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures for African American/ Black People. American Cancer Society 2022-2024. https://www. cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/ cancer-facts-and-statistics/cancer-facts-and-figures-for-african-americans/2022-2024-cff-aa.pdf. Accessed January 2023.

What is Multiple Myeloma. International Myeloma Foundation 2022. https://www.myeloma. org/what-is-multiple-myeloma. Accessed January 2023.

Disparities in African Americans. International Myeloma Foundation 2022. https://www.myeloma. org/IMF-Diversity-Equity-Inclusion-Policy/disparities-african-americans. Accessed January 2023.

Multiple Myeloma in African Americans. The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. https:// themmrf.org/2019/08/multiple-myeloma-in-african-americans/. Published January 2020. Accessed January 2023.

Dong J, Hari P. Black patients with multiple myeloma have better survival than white patients when treated equally: a matched cohort study. Blood Cancer Journal. 2022.

That’s My Word™ campaign issues national call to action for earlier diagnosis and treatment to address the disproportionate impact of multiple myeloma among at-risk communities

The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

Kale and Kimchi “Fried” Rice

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 3 minutes

Servings: 1

1 Minute Jasmine Rice and Red Quinoa Cup

1 cup kale, chopped

1/4 cup kimchi, chopped

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 egg, lightly beaten

Heat rice according to package directions. In medium microwave-safe bowl, combine kale, kimchi and soy sauce. Cover and microwave 1 minute.

Add rice and egg; mix well to combine. Cover and microwave 30 seconds. Stir and serve.

Serving Suggestions: Drizzle with sesame oil. Add cooked shrimp.

Quick and Easy Dishes from Around the Globe

(Family Features) One of the best parts of traveling is trying the local cuisine, and that’s particularly true on an international scale. No matter where you go around the globe, however, there is one ingredient you’ll likely find is an integral part of many cultures and cuisines: rice.

Grown on almost every continent, this staple ingredient is a large part of meals around the world, which means there are nearly endless varieties and recipes to try. However, you don’t need to go on vacation to try authentic-tasting international food; easy-to-make versions of popular dishes from around the globe can be made right at home in mere minutes.

Mediterranean

Known for vibrant vegetables, savory sauces and incredible tastes, the Mediterranean is also home to a few classic rice dishes such as rich and creamy risotto from Italy. Other vibrant options include Spanish specialties like arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) and paella, which is made with an assortment of ingredients like seafood, spices and savory broth.

Asia

If you’ve ever been to an Asian restaurant, you’ll notice a large portion of the menu likely includes recipes made with rice. While it might be difficult to pinpoint where certain recipes originate, fried rice is a Chinese specialty. Over time, this delicious dish has made its way to many different countries and been reinvented with local ingredients. For example, this Kale and Kimchi “Fried” Rice is based on Korean cuisine and can be

made in less than 5 minutes using Minute Jasmine Rice & Red Quinoa Cups, which combine the buttery taste and aromatic scent of authentic Jasmine rice with crunchy, 100% whole-grain red quinoa in a convenient, pre-portioned cup.

Middle East

Much like other cuisines around the world, Middle Eastern cooking uses rice almost every day. A Turkish and Arab mixed dish, shawarma is now a global street food. Traditional Persian rice uses a variety of spices like turmeric, ginger and cardamom with dried fruits and nuts.

Latin America

Latin American recipes vary from country to country and region to region, but rice is essential on the side or as part of the main dish across the board. A quick and easy morning meal, this Mexican Breakfast Scramble is ready in 4 minutes. Aiding the short prep time, Minute Jalapeno Rice Cups are ready in just 1 minute and can help spice up dishes with a tasty blend of onion, green peppers and jalapenos.

North America

With bold flavors, few things say southern comfort quite like Louisiana cooking. Bring the taste of New Orleans to your kitchen with ricebased dishes like gumbo or jambalaya, or by pairing rice with another popular Cajun pastime – a classic shrimp boil.

Find more quick and easy international recipe ideas at MinuteRice.com.

Mexican Breakfast Scramble

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 2 minutes

Servings: 1

1 Minute Jalapeno Rice Cup

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons salsa

2 tablespoons queso fresco

Heat rice according to package directions. In small microwave-safe dish, combine egg, salsa and rice. Microwave 1 minute. Stir in cheese; microwave 30 seconds. Serving Suggestion: For meal to go, wrap scramble in warm tortilla.