South Suburban Citizen 9-13-2023

HISTORIC PULLMAN FOUNDATION AND NORFOLK SOUTHERN LAY FOUNDATION TO BRING RARE RAILCARS TO PULLMAN NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK AND STATE HISTORIC SITE

CHICAGO – Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and Historic Pullman Foundation (HPF) announced a commitment by Norfolk Southern to help create an interactive rail exhibit at the Pullman State Historic Site and Pullman National Historical Park where visitors will experience close up the historic railcars on display, including those once manufactured on the historic site.

The commitment, including a $250,000 contribution from Norfolk Southern, coincides with the second anniversary of the Park’s grand opening over Labor Day and recognizes the significant historical contributions of Pullman’s impact on the American labor movement, civil rights movement, and railroad transportation.

Still in the planning phase, the exhibit is expected to restore about 1,000 feet of rail track and an accompanying rail support yard on the State Historic Site. It would also include a display structure over the support yard in front of the Rear Erecting Shop adjacent to 111th Street to protect the exhibit cars.

“In connecting the rail car exhibit to an active rail network, the spur would help park visitors to visualize Pullman’s historic role involving civil rights and fair labor while also demonstrating how the community is continuing to evolve as a center of investment for the Far South Side, the city and the region,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Planning for the project began earlier this year with an engineering and operational feasibility study. The proposed project would include the restoration of a spur track off Norfolk Southern’s Chicago Pullman Branch Line to directly serve the former Pullman railcar manufacturing plant by rail.

“The pride of the Pullman neighborhood and South Side of Chicago is on full display with this remarkable railroad partnership. The revitalization and restoration of the community to bring it back to its former heyday as a cultural, social, and economic powerhouse has been many years in the making, but we have written a successful playbook for other neighborhoods throughout the country to replicate. On this Labor Day, I can emphatically state that the Pullman Progress Train has officially left the station,” Ninth Ward Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale said.

The estimated cost for the entire exhibit is still under study as part of the planning phase.

CONGRESSMAN JONATHAN L. JACKSON CELEBRATES LABOR DAY

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL-01) released the following statement celebrating Labor Day and the contributions of those who made the holiday possible:

“All across our country, Americans are taking a well-earned rest to spend time with their loved ones this Labor Day Weekend. It is a chance to celebrate the contributions of the countless working men and women who have built the labor movement — like the late, great A. Philip Randolph.

“A. Philip Randolph was a towering figure in both the labor and civil rights movements. His Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was the very first Black labor union to achieve a union contract signed by a white employer. Additionally, Randolph was the first to dream of the March on Washington For Jobs and Freedom.

“To honor the legacy of Randolph and so many others who’ve powered the labor movement, Congress must pass H.R. 20, the “Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2023,” to guarantee every worker can exercise their right to join a union.

“To working men and women everywhere, thank you for your labor and enjoy the holiday weekend!”

State Rep. Evans stays connected to the community

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Veto Session begins in October. During veto session, legislators will make last checks to the budget and prepare for the next session, which begins January 2024.

Evans was able to get 13 bills signed, out of the 30-40 bills he sponsored. Those bills include everything from health care to education. Energy and energy reliability are important to Evans. Bills have been passed in regards to that, including being the chief House sponsor of SB2408, a clean energy bill.

“The budget is the most important thing for the State, making sure that we’re funding education appropriately and we’re funding the human services and our local hospitals, like South Shore Hospital, Jackson Park Hospital, making sure they’re receiving some money,” Evans said.

The 33rd District includes Calumet City, Lansing, Lynwood and portions of Burnham, as well as South Shore, Avalon Park, South Chicago, Burnside, Calumet Heights, East Side, Hegewisch, Pill Hill and Jeffery Manor.

Evans is the Chairman of the Labor and Commerce Committee and the Business and Innovation Subcommittee, Income Tax Subcommittee, Minority Impact Subcommittee and Wage Policy and Study Subcommittee. He also is a member of the Appropriations-Human Services Committee, Ethics and Elections Committee, Executive Committee, Health Care Availability and Access Committee, Revenue and Finance and the Workforce Development Subcommittee.

The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization that consists of staffs and

legislators across the country. With the new role as Vice President of the National Conference of State Legislatures, Evans will go across the country to communicate the thoughts and ideas of the members of state legislatures. The goal is to inform legislators on different topics and issues so they can in turn spread information and best practices on policymaking.

Evans will serve as Vice President for one year, then become President-elect a year later and serve as President at the Legislative Summit in 2025.

“NCSL has done an exceptional job promoting legislative institutions and supporting legislators and staff,” Evans said in a press release. “As your next vice president, one of my principal goals is to increase the number of legislators participating in NCSL. I truly believe this organization nurtures every state policymaker across the country reinforcing the strength of the nation. Better state policymakers equals better legislatures that produce quality legislation for the hardworking people of this country.”

During the summer Evans has been engaging with his constituents by attending meetings hosted by residents. He wants to be able to represent the thoughts and ideas of the people in the District. To ensure the needs of the residents are reflected in policy and legislation, he wants to connect with his constituents.

“I’m from the community, I live in the community. Every relationship is about constant contact, constant connection. Anyone who has a thought or idea should be reaching out to their local elected official, emailing them and connecting to them,” he said.

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Makes Initial Investment from Breakthrough FIRST Fund

CHICAGO – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs launched the breakthrough FIRST Fund investment portfolio to jump-start local construction projects, foster economic development, and create good paying jobs while generating investment returns for state taxpayers.

Joined Wednesday, Aug. 30, by Illinois labor leaders leading into Labor Day, Frerichs announced a $75 million investment in the Ullico Infrastructure Fund, a $4.5 billion effort that supports projects in the power, utilities, energy, transportation and digital sectors. Ullico provides insurance and investment solutions for labor organizations, union employers, institutional investors and union members.

For every $1 invested from FIRST Fund, the law requires a $2 matching investment into Illinois projects, essentially doubling Illinois’ job-producing power. FIRST Fund has a total of $1.5 billion available to invest.

“The new FIRST Fund does triple duty for the State of Illinois. We are making critical investments in Illinois infrastructure to help meet the enormous needs of our state, supporting job creation for union and other skilled professionals, and earning money for Illinois taxpayers,” Frerichs said during a gathering at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134 hall near McCormick Place in Chicago. “It’s another example of how I’ve made the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office an economic engine working for you.”

Ullico Chairman and CEO Edward M. Smith said Ullico is proud to be the first recipient of the Illinois Treasurer’s investment in infrastructure.

“As the only insurance and investment company owned by organized labor, our mission is to protect and grow the union movement. Congratulations to Treasurer Frerichs for engineering this groundbreaking solution to develop the state of Illinois’ infrastructure and bring union jobs to the state,” Smith said.

Labor leaders praised the FIRST Fund investment.

“The $75 million investment by Treasurer Frerichs to Ullico’s Infrastructure Fund acknowledges the value that union-built

projects add to communities throughout Illinois,” said Terrence M. Healy, vice president and regional manager of the Laborers International Union of North America. “It will allow residents to enjoy all the benefits of a Public-Private Partnership through the multiplier effect that occurs when local workers are paid union wages, the improvement to quality of life that happens with new infrastructure, as well as decreasing the local tax burden through the solid returns Ullico Funds will provide. We appreciate Treasurer Frerichs’ longstanding commitment to helping expand the union-built middle class.”

“Investing in the Ullico Infrastructure Fund means you’re investing in unions and powering the development of essential infrastructure projects. This investment will not only provide a risk-adjusted return, it will also create good-paying union jobs and help strengthen the state’s middle class,” said Sean McGarvey, president of the North American Building Trades Unions and secretary treasurer of the Ullico Board of Directors.

“By partnering with Ullico and their Infrastructure Fund, Treasurer Frerichs will again be making an investment for all of Illinois,” said Don Finn, business manager and financial secretary for IBEW Local 134. “The cherry on the top of this partnership is the opportunity it creates to put Illinois and Union Labor to work in this great state.”

The FIRST Fund is a first-of-it-kind, $1.5 billion impact investment fund dedicated to building and strengthening Illinois’ infrastructure and real estate. For every $1 the FIRST Fund invests in a fund, the investment fund is required by law to invest $2 in Illinois projects. Additionally, FIRST Fund also should attract additional investors to bridge the gap between infrastructure demand and capital investment to repair crumbling bridges and streets across Illinois.

Treasurer Frerichs proposed the Infrastructure Development Act that created the FIRST Fund and worked with state lawmakers to pass it in 2021. The law allows the State Treasurer to allocate up to 5% of the state portfolio to invest in, create, and maintain infrastructure and real estate assets within the state

Gov. Pritzker Announces Increased Access to Mental Health Services for Rural Farmers and Agricultural Communities

DECATUR — Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) at the 2023 Farm Progress Show to announce funding for a grant program aimed at breaking down the stigma of accessing mental health services in agricultural communities. The announcement was made in partnership with the Illinois FFA Foundation and the Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine.

“As Governor, as a father, and as someone who has personally witnessed the mental health epidemic among family and friends, there is nothing more important than making sure every Illinoisan has access to the mental health services they need to lead happier and healthier lives,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our greatest problems require our most creative solutions — and I am confident that this grant program will simultaneously break down barriers

and open up doors for our state’s number one providers.”

“As Chair of the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council, it is clear how much our farmers and agricultural communities contribute to Illinois. As many in our rural communities struggle not only with mental health but overcoming stigma to seek help, our state is coming together with the Rural Mental Health Grant Program to provide the support our rural communities need and deserve,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “That is at the core of this grant program, and we will continue to invest in the efforts that uplift the needs of rural Illinoisans.”

The Farm Family Resource Initiative (FFRI) was created initially as a pilot program covering six Illinois counties providing telehealth mental health access in addition to a helpline. Following its overwhelming success, the FFRI was expanded to cover all 102 counties in the state. In addition to the telehealth helpline, family members can now access six free telehealth mental health sessions.

The program will also fund up to 20 grants at $1,000 each to support FFA chapters implementing local initiatives encouraging access to mental health resources. Grants will be used to increase awareness of mental health and wellness in schools and communities across Illinois. All FFA chapters in Illinois are eligible to apply for the grant, and grant applications will be available from the Illinois FFA Foundation in fall 2023.

“Thanks to Governor Pritzker’s leadership, FFA membership has jumped from 23,000 to over 41,000,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “This talented pool of leaders are the perfect messengers for this important task.”

all professions — especially farmers whose job, success and livelihood relies on many things out of their control,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “Together, we can uplift the health and well-being of some of our state’s hardest working individuals.”

“With partners like the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Human Services, we are moving the health of rural families forward,” said Dan Mahony, President of the Southern Illinois University System. “Now working with Illinois FFA Chapters, we have the opportunity to expand our impact by engaging youth in a multi-generational approach to mental health and wellness.”

“FFA members are creative thinkers and know and understand their communities,” said FFA Executive Director Mindy Bunselmeyer. “I’m excited to see the unique ways our membership will look to tackle this challenge.”

Other recent efforts made by the Pritzker Administration to support farmers include:

Investing in Future Farmers of America by paying dues for every Illinois student enrolled in agriculture classes

Securing student participation in agricultural events by declaring that all FFA and 4-H exhibitions and events will qualify as excused absences

Providing financial assistance for cover crop adoption through the ‘Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program’ bringing total available acres for 2023 to 160,000

Re-launching the “Homegrown by Heroes” branding program, aiding veterans or current active-duty service members who are interested in a second career in Illinois’ number one industry, agriculture.

COOK COUNTY TREASURER MARIA PAPPAS TO HELP TAXPAYERS SEEK REFUNDS DURING

SEPT. 14 PHONE BANK WITH ABC 7

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and ABC 7 Chicago will host a “Black and Latino Houses Matter” phone bank Sept. 14 to help taxpayers learn if they are owed refunds.

Taxpayers may call 312-603-5105 between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 at the Cook County Treasurer’s Office. Phone bank representatives will help taxpayers search for potential refunds by checking whether property taxes were overpaid for the past 20 years. Callers can also discover whether they are entitled to refunds for missed exemptions for the past four years.

Samantha Chatman, consumer investigative reporter with ABC7’s I-Team, will report on the phone bank throughout the day. Phone bank callers may provide an address to researchers who can look up a parcel’s Property Index Number, or PIN.

Phone bank workers will help callers by searching $84 million in available property tax refunds, checking eligibility for $34 million in missing property tax exemptions and verifying whether a property is on a tax sale list due to delinquent taxes.

“Duplicate payments happen all the time, and many Cook County homeowners are unaware the county owes them money,” Pappas said. “One year my own taxes were overpaid because my husband and I both paid the tax bill.”

The Treasurer’s Office and ABC7 have held seven phone banks since 2021 and helped 14,080 taxpayers identify $28.9 million owed for overpayments and missed exemptions.

Owners of residential properties may be eligible for six types of exemptions: homeowners, senior citizen, senior freeze, returning veteran, disabled person and disabled veteran.

Second installment tax bills for the 2022 tax year are expected to be mailed on or about Nov. 1 and due Dec. 1. Taxpayers may also visit the Treasurer’s website at cookcountytreasurer.com to learn more about applying for refunds, missed exemptions and other services.

SENATOR PRESTON PROMOTES TRADESWOMEN CAREERS

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HYDE PARK

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

CHICAGO WEEKEND

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Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGII), Publisher of the ChathamSoutheast,South End, ChicagoWeekend,South

The FFRI funding resulted from IDOA’s grant application for the “Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network” funded by the United States Department of Agriculture National Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA). Funds are provided to state departments of agriculture to connect individuals who are engaged in farming, ranching, and other agriculture-related occupations to stress assistance programs.

“Mental health affects people from

At the Farm Progress event, Governor Pritzker joined IDOA Director Jerry Costello to highlight the new grants alongside Dr. Dan Mahony, President of the SIU System. The Governor also stopped by several agricultural business and tents to greet community members, employees, and board members.

The Farmer Assistance Helpline is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week at 1-833-FARM-SOS.

ILLINOIS... Continued From Page 2

through Illinois infrastructure development firms.

edition. Please send press release information to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 7831251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

Infrastructure firms must maintain a significant presence in Illinois and have a track record of development in Illinois. The law, sponsored by State Sen. Steve Stadelman of Rockford and then-Rep. (now Sen.) Mike Halpin of Rock Island, passed with bipartisan support and without opposition.

Ullico will invest the $75 million from the FIRST Fund in Illinois infrastructure projects. The Ullico Infrastructure Fund

has a strong track record and has invested in projects such as CenTrio Energy. The company’s district operations in Chicago supports more than 53 million square feet of building space, providing cooling solutions for commercial office space, residential properties, hotels, retail properties, government buildings, entertainment facilities, schools and data centers.

The Treasurer’s Office is working with leading global investment firm RockCreek Group, which is advising on opportunities and strategy for the FIRST Fund.

In support of tradeswomen-led efforts to train and support the entry of more women into infrastructure and construction jobs, State Senator Willie Preston commends a $1.35 million federal investment to the Illinois Department of Labor to fund the undertaking.

“As a small business owner of a construction firm, I am excited to see an industry diversified that typically lacks opportunities for women,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This federal grant is a huge win for Illinois in dismantling systemic barriers for women and creates equitable pathways for communities that have historically left behind.”

A $1.3 million federal grant to the Illinois Department of Labor will help bring more women into the construction industry, where they make up barely 4% of the workforce nationwide. The funding to the Illinois Department of Labor will allow Chicago Women in Trades to provide specific guidance on program design and best practices to construction companies, unions, public bodies, and other stakeholders to promote workforce equity on infrastructure projects. The funding seeks to promote gender equity and inclusion in the male-dominated field through established equity goals while prioritizing local federally financed infrastructure projects and empowering more women to join their local workforce.

“Creating more pathways into the trades industry has been a priority of mine before I took on my role in the Senate,” said Preston. “I will continue to fight for programs that support our local commerce, our trades and underserved communities. The support for this grant alone is great progress, but there is much more work to be done on the ground now to see a transformation in the construction and infrastructure workforce to include more women.”

Diverse suppliers are good for business and the community

Diverse businesses are the backbone of many of communities. That’s why JPMorgan Chase is committed to helping these businesses develop and thrive. Ted Archer, Global Head of Business Partner Diversity for JPMorgan Chase, recently spoke about why diverse suppliers are good for business and the community.

1. How did you come to lead supplier diversity at JPMorgan Chase and what inspired you to get involved in this work?

I’ve been at JPMorgan Chase for seven years and most of my career has been dedicated to building business programs that drive economic growth. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is working with underrepresented businesses to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed. At JPMorgan Chase, supplier diversity is just one way we make dreams possible for these diverse business owners, their employees, and their communities.

2. Why should companies prioritize supplier diversity?

Supplier diversity provides companies with access to innovation. Diverse suppliers bring new perspectives and solutions to business problems. They also know how to operate efficiently with limited resources, and are agile to suit different business needs. In addition, supplier diversity generates wealth in diverse communities. Diverse suppliers tend to hire within their local areas, providing jobs and incomes, lifting the overall economy. A prosperous and thriving community is good for everyone.

3. How are you re-thinking supplier diversity? What is JPMorgan Chase doing differently?

An important component of supplier diversity is supplier development. Small and underrepresented

businesses often don’t have access to the same resources, financing and contacts that large majority-owned companies do. Building deeper relationships with these businesses enables us to identify other ways to support their growth, including creating connections to networks that lead to contract opportunities, capital and other resources.

4. How are you amplifying the impact of supplier diversity across the wider business community?

We have mobilized over 100 of our top suppliers to mirror the firm’s commitment to supplier diversity by creating and enhancing their own supplier diversity programs. Through mentoring, coaching and education, we help these companies develop and operate their own sustainable supplier diversity programs, which will generate opportunity and growth for decades.

The results speak for themselves: 85% of the businesses enrolled in our mentorship program launched

new supplier diversity programs in 2022. Additionally, over the last two years, nearly 90% of our top suppliers have committed to spending increases generating more than $6 billion in new spend with underrepresented businesses.

5. How would a diverse business get started working with large companies like JPMorgan Chase?

For businesses interested in providing services to companies in the private sector, the best first step is to become certified by a diverse business certifying organization. While many business owners are familiar with government diversity certifications, there are also certifications recognized by private-sector corporations, such as the National Minority Supplier Development Council or the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. These organizations can also help connect businesses with prospective corporate clients via conferences, seminars and webinars – all designed to provide business owners with information and enable them to meet and network with corporate executives.

In addition, companies with active supplier diversity programs often have online registration portals through which they invite business owners to share their company history and capabilities. JPMorgan Chase has a Supplier Diversity Network, which is a searchable database for our supplier diversity and sourcing teams to find new diverse businesses when contract opportunities come up.

6. Are there any final thoughts?

Supplier diversity programs are good for any business, and they have a powerful positive impact on employees, families, and communities. It’s an honor to work with diverse businesses to provide jobs, lift local economies, and make dreams come true.

Ida Byrd-Hill, CEO Automation Workz, Selected as Finalist for National Black Chamber of Commerce Famous Amos Pitch Competition

DETROIT, PRNewswire -- Automation Workz has spent the past 3 years leapfrogging Black residents into middle-skilled tech jobs as these careers pay a median annual salary of $70,000 - $110,000, enough to move a Black family out of poverty. While the US Census Bureau shows the US poverty rate is 11.6%, the poverty rate is 37.4% for single Black woman with children.

Currently, Automation Workz offers certification training programs that catapults learners from beginners to experts in IoT Tech Support, network engineering, tech project management, cybersecurity operations. Automation Workz has proven Blacks are capable of successfully completing rigorous Cisco training. Their highest graduates are earning $130,000 albeit the average graduate salary is $67,250, “To see learners move from an average hourly wage of $17.74 to $62.50, solidifies why Intelligent.com designated Automation Workz as a top cybersecurity boot camp 2 years in a row,” states Ida Byrd-Hill, CEO Automation Workz. Their secret weapon is the vision boarding app, Life Culture Audit. Historically excluded individ -

uals, who frequently experienced daily racism — including racial slurs, poor store service or forms of stereotyping — had 2.75 times the risk of poor subjective cognitive functioning than residents who experienced lower levels of daily racism. Unaware of this cognitive fatigue, historically excluded individuals, often struggling with reading tech jargon, believe they do not have the ability to complete longer term or highly technological training necessary for high-paying tech careers.

Individuals input goals and select pictures within the Life Culture Audit app. https://www.autoworkz. org/life Those pictures are populated onto a onepage vision board and can rearranged, made larger or smaller based on the priority in their life

The Life Culture Audit vision board, when reviewed daily, changes what they ‘SEE,’ thus changing their thoughts and beliefs. Many learners had never heard of nor completed a vision board before attending tech training. However, 75% of Automation Workz learners were motivated by the Life Culture Audit app to complete rigorous tech

training.

“I so am excited to be a Finalist in the National Black Chamber of Commerce Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Pitch Competition for an award of $50,000. It is awesome our value is being recognized during this AI and Electric Vehicle age,” exclaimed Ida Byrd-Hill.

The National Black Chamber of Commerce® is the largest Black business association in the world and is dedicated to economically empowering and sustaining African American communities through entrepreneurship and capitalistic activity within the United States. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the National Black Chamber of Commerce has 200+ chambers across 40 states and 50 nations serving 200,000 businesses.

Ida Byrd-Hill has 30+ years of professional business experience in HR, Executive Search, Finance, Social Responsibility, Technology and Wealth Management. She also leads the West Michigan African American Tech Readiness Collaborative. Ida is a graduate of University of Michigan - Ann Arbor with a BA Economics and Jack Welch Management Institute at Strayer University with an MBA specializing in People Management/ Strategy. Byrd-Hill is author of 8 books, including Invisible Talent Market-Solving the Talent Shortage Without Outsourcing and Visas. She serves as a Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce Director and member of Electric Vehicle Jobs Academy, German American Business Council, NABJ, NMSDC and SHRM. 364287@email4pr.com

Ida Byrd-Hill. PRNewsFoto.

Anne Klein Debuts New Fashion Campaign Featuring Supermodel Jasmine Tookes

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Iconic American fashion brand ANNE KLEIN marks impactful year with the debut of its new Fall/Winter 2023 fashion campaign featuring supermodel, entrepreneur and new mom, Jasmine Tookes and New York Fashion Week (NYFW) event in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Versailles, which brought American sportswear to the forefront of global fashion.

Anne Klein played a powerful role in the American triumph of the Battle of Versailles and remains the torch bearer to this seismic event that shifted not only American culture, but changed the way people dress around the world. To mark the anniversary, on September 11th Anne Klein will partner with NYFW: The Talks to produce a panel discussion entitled “Battle of Versailles 50: The Making of Fashion History.”

Tookes will moderate a distinguished panel at Spring Studios that includes those who were originally part of the historic Versailles event:

Designer Stephen Burrows, the last surviving designer from the original ten (10)

Donna Karan, the right hand of Anne Klein at that time. Anne was the sole female designer of the original ten (10)

Trailblazing models Alva Chinn and Pat Cleveland whose legendary modeling styles revolutionized the catwalk

Although Klein founded her eponymous brand in 1968, forever changing the way women dress, the Battle of Versailles emphatically turned the spotlight on American Sportswear giving it equal footing among the leading French fashion houses. Its universal appeal today is wardrobe staples to buy now and wear forever.

“We take immense pride in honoring Anne’s legacy

and keeping that flame alive,” said Jameel Spencer, CMO in Residence for Anne Klein. “The Battle of Versailles not only presented Anne Klein’s work on a world stage, but it was the impetus for social shifts, racial awareness and American magic. As we celebrate multiple milestones this year, in what would’ve been our founder’s 100th birthday, we are thrilled to partner with Jasmine Tookes to recognize the strength of diverse women impacting the world in positive ways and doing it with style and grace like only women can.”

“I am thrilled to be a small part of this storied brand founded by a powerful woman,” adds Tookes, “I’d like to think my power as a woman is my positivity and being able to be a role model for mothers and business women managing it all with grace and style.”

American photographer Tom Schirmacher shot the Anne Klein Fall/Winter ‘23 campaign on the streets of New York City. The campaign captures a modern woman in a fast-paced world dressed in rich classics suited for her every need and worn gorgeously by Jasmine. The collection combines color, texture, and pattern for seasonal looks that work from day to night. A warm, neutral palette, accented with seasonal pinks, greens and red, keep the collection fresh. Plaids, houndstooth, vegan leather, and metallic accents provide the stylish kick the Anne Klein customer has come to expect. Style meets function with accessories designed to complement the looks inclusive of cap toe heels with iflex technology, slouchy multi-compartment shoulder bags, ceramic watches and wearable tech, and gold toned jewelry.

To shop ANNE KLEIN’s new Fall Collection, learn more about the 2023 campaign and partnership with Jasmine Tookes, or to join the Anne Klein Insider’s Club, visit: www.anneklein.com.

Jasmine Tookes featured in Anne Klein Fall/Winter 2023 fashion campaign. PHOTO BY TOM SCHIRMACHER FOR ANNE KLEIN.

American photographer Tom Schirmacher shot the Anne Klein Fall/Winter ‘23 campaign featuring Jasmine Tookes on the streets of New York City.

UNCF Chicago Presents 40th Annual Walk for Education at Burnham Park

Cook Country Board President Toni Preckwinkle to serve as Honorary Chair of the 2023 UNCF Chicago Walk for Education. Radio personalities Ramonski Luv from Omni-Channel and Trey White from WGCI FM will be co-emcees. They will step out for students at the organization’s 40th Annual Walk for Education on September 16, 2023 in Chicago at Burnham Park, Grove 7, DuSable Lake Shore Drive @ 39th Street. As in previous years, participants can choose to walk, run, bike or skate.

“UNCF was founded in 1944 to raise scholarship dollars to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the hundreds of thousands of students who attended them. For 79 years, the work of UNCF in helping to pay for college, has impacted the lives of students and their families, positioning them to move upward economically,” said Fred Mitchell, Vice President, Development Mid-Atlantic/Midwest Divisions UNCF. “With the recent Supreme Court ruling, UNCF knows that more students will turn to HBCUs for their college educations, and the increased demand will require greater contributions to help more students earn college degrees, compete successfully for well-paying jobs in competitive career fields, and affect the economic trajectory. Investing in our students today, builds brighter futures for them, their families and communities.”

Participants can walk or run a 5K course, or bike or skate a 10K course starting at Burnham Park, Grove 7. The schedule for the event is as follows:

•7:00AM - Onsite registration -- Registration fee: $20 Children (12 and under), $35 Adult

•8:00AM – Program -- guest speakers, Jesse White Tumblers, warmup

•9:00AM – Step-off, race begins

•Race starts and finishes at Burnham Park Grove 7, South DuSable Lake Shore Drive @ 39th Street.

“We are excited to honor the President of Cook County Board of Commissioners Toni Preckwinkle, and welcome her again to this year’s UNCF Chicago Walk for Education. We invite everyone in our community to join her in her commitment to further higher education for our young people and their families,” said TeResa Gaddis, UNCF Chicago Development Director.

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Leadership Greater Chicago Announces LGC Class of 2024

CHICAGO, Ill. – Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC) announced the 2024 Class of its Signature Fellows Program, the greater Chicago area’s premier civic leadership development program. These 45 accomplished and diverse individuals represent a cross-section of professionals from the corporate, nonprofit, government and education sectors. During the 10-month program, with the city as a classroom, they will be immersed in major socioeconomic issues facing the region through full-day seminars, neighborhood site visits, conversations with subject matter experts and cultural events.

“As we celebrate our civic leadership organization’s 40th anniversary of its founding by The Chicago Community Trust, I am honored to welcome such a distinguished group of leaders to the LGC Class of 2024,” said LGC Chief Executive Officer Myetie Hamilton (LGC Fellow since 2016). “I look forward to working closely with the new Class to better understand and address the issues that our city is faced with today, and to elevate our impact across every sector and in every corner of the Greater Chicago Region.”

Selection into the LGC Signature Fellows Program is based on a record of professional accomplishment, evidence of leadership skills, the potential to influence positive change and a commitment to the region. This year’s Class advanced through a highly competitive process that included a written application, an online assessment and, in some cases, an interview with graduates of the LGC Signature Fellows Program. Those selected for the 2024 Signature Fellows Program share the organization’s commitment to lead bold, transformative change in the community.

Presenting the LGC Class of 2024:

Kristopher J. Anderson – Director, State and Local Government Affairs, United Airlines

James Baldwin – Chief Financial Officer, Metropolitan Family Services

Laura M. Beres – VP, Enterprise Transformation, Ulta Beauty Keith Borchers – VP Chief of Staff to the CEO, Adtalem Global Education

Tyrone Branch – Senior Lean Improvement Coach, Discover Financial Services

Edward T. Brice – Director, Talent Analytics, Allstate Insurance Company

Edgar Delgado – Executive Director, Chicago Federal Executive Board

Jamie Jones Ezefili – Senior Vice President & Chief Sustainability Officer, Northern Trust

Rachel Flores – Vice President of Business Development, Advocate Health

Lisa Forbes – General Counsel, Builders Vision

Nora A. Garcia – Director of Programs, Healthy Communities Foundation

Sarah Glavin – Head of Community Affairs, Chicago, Amazon

Kelly Greening – Associate General Counsel, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago

Kimberlee Guenther, Ph.D. – Chief Impact Officer, United Way of Metro Chicago

Amiel B. Harper, Esq. – Founder & Principal, The Morpheus Consultancy, LLC

Kevin Harrington – Managing Director, CIBC Bank USA

Kelwin Harris – Chief Civic Engagement Officer & Deputy Assessor, Cook County Assessor’s Office

Rachel L. Harris – Divisional Vice President, North Central Division, Beam Suntory

Kelsey Malnati Howell – Executive Director, Marc & Jeanne

Malnati Family Foundation

Jennie Hull – Chief Program Officer, Nourishing Hope

Craig D. Jeffrey – Partner, Nixon Peabody LLP

Marlena Jentz – Vice President of Operations & Strategic Partnerships, Institute for Nonviolence Chicago

Garrett Johnson – Managing Director, BMO

J. Simone Jones – Partner, Sidley Austin LLP

Annie Kastanek – Partner, Jenner & Block LLP

Jennifer Keeling – Chief of Partnerships and Operations, Chicago CRED

Mia Khimm – Culture Program Director, The Joyce Foundation

Priya Linson – Executive Director, OneGoal Chicago

Eva Liu – Chief Strategy & Operations Officer, Chicago Beyond

Sonia Mathew – Director of Partnerships, Robert R. McCormick Foundation

Matthew F. McCabe – Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago

Ashli Nelson – North American Impact Director, Government Relations, Community Engagement and Public Affairs, McDonald’s Corporation

Natalie C. Neris, Ed.D. – Chief of Community Engagement, Kids First Chicago

Nikki Newsome – Chief Culture Officer, Meta

Merih Ocbazghi – Managing Director & Partner, Boston Consulting Group

Miriam Owens – President and Chief Executive Officer, The People’s Music School

Grace K. Pai – Executive Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago

Abbie Peluso – Partner, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila, LLP

Matt Richards – Deputy Commissioner of Behavioral Health, Chicago Department of Public Health

Carla Rubalcava – Managing Director of Illinois Programs, Mikva Challenge

Joe Salgado – Director, Labor Relations, Nicor Gas

Daniel Serota – Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, Aon

Diana C. Sharpe – Vice President, Large Customer Operations, ComEd

Joanna Trotter – Executive Director/Senior Program Officer, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

David L. Williams – Partner, Faegre Drinker

More than 1,300 leaders have successfully completed this world-class civic leadership development program, and 83% of those individuals still reside in Illinois. A new class of leaders is selected each year, with the approval of the LGC Board of Directors. The application for the 2025 LGC Signature Fellows Program will open on October 1, 2023.

The Dunk Collective and Sparkit Media Announce $1M Creator Partnership Leveraging Fan-Directed Non-Branded Video Collabs

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- The Dunk Collective, a multi-year initiative focused on bringing exposure to professional dunking and forging connections between basketball and its fanbase, and Sparkit Media Inc., a fan-directed media and digital Ad platform designed to reimagine monetization and sponsorship of UGC, today announced a partnership valued at $1m focused on increasing exposure, growing membership and expanding sponsorship for the worldwide dunking community.

“When it comes to authentic content collaboration and innovative monetization for athlete creators, The Dunk Collective and Sparkit are a match made in digital heaven,” said Elliott Charles, Founder. “The DC mission is to showcase the artistry of our talented and influential roster while engaging a diverse audience of superfans to create online events that benefit the entire online community. Having that content Powered by Sparkit supercharges our growth, viewership and sponsorship opportunities for our collective members.”

Sparkit has built groundbreaking digital media technology designed to revolutionize the way athlete creators generate revenue while providing sponsors with unparalleled

reach, clicks, and conversions. Sparkit gives sponsors an arms-length connection to creator content through non-branded videos and custom hashtags, which creates a ‘credibility loop’ that nurtures brand loyalty and organic growth. Sparkit has built a new digital marketplace based on trusted exchanges of value for all participants. The shift from overt commodity selling to authentic community building is what makes Sparkit unique.

“Powered by Sparkit is designed to support athlete creators like The Dunk Collective while delivering value to fans and sponsors,” said Clovis Najm, Sparkit CEO. “We are excited to have a like-minded partner in The Dunk Collective where collaboration and community are key to creating amazing content, attracting and retaining new athlete creators, creating valuable partnership opportunities and elevating online brand exposure exponentially.”

Sparkit is a trusted Media Network leveraging collaboration, real-time voting and unique digital advertising for authentic non-branded video content. Sparkit is compatible with other Web 3.0 technologies including eWallets, validation and authentication technologies. Follow @sparkitbuzz on Instagram to learn more.

Leveling the Playing Field

BEREA, Ky. and FRANKFORT, Ky., PRNewswire -The executive team of This Field Looks Green To Me, a feature film project currently in production, has committed to sharing the profits of the film with Kentucky State University (KSU) and Berea College (BC).

This film, set in a 1950s coal-mining town with Jim Crow laws still in effect, will engage people across generations by telling a true Appalachian story about kids, baseball, and the power of grassroots action in smalltown America. The film’s executive producer, Ron Schmidt, explained that KSU, a Historically Black University (HBCU) and BC, a Kentucky college that has been racially diverse since its inception, are ideal recipients for some of the film’s profits.

“Both schools provide both Black and white students from Kentucky, Appalachia, and beyond, tangible opportunities to live together and learn from each other in an educational context, and this aligns perfectly with our project,” he said.

Kentucky Exemplars

“Both schools recognize that creating and maintaining a racially diverse student body enhances learning for all students,” Schmidt added.

Seventy-five percent of the students at BC come from low-income Kentuckian and Appalachian families. More than half of the student body at KSU are people of color.

As an example of this commitment from KSU and BC, Schmidt pointed to the recent formation of a new initiative, the Association for Teaching Black History, in partnership with the Muhammad Ali Center and the Thomas D. Clark Foundation. Schmidt has proposed that Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear recognize BC and KSU as state “Educational Exemplars” for their efforts to advance the best interests of all students in the state.

This Field Looks Green To Me

One of the central outcomes of the movie will be to engage community mentors in building positive relationships with disadvantaged kids over the course of time. The film is proceeding rapidly toward filming and production, with filming scheduled to begin in Middlesboro and Paducah, KY in 2024.

In addition to telling this powerful story of how community can affect grass-roots change, This Field Looks Green To Me will highlight the beauty of the Appalachian people and their multi-ethnic culture – its mountains and original music.

For information about the film please visit www. thisfieldlooksgreentome. com. To join the effort to recognize these educational exemplars, please contact Schmidt at ronschmidt81@gmail.com or 216-255-1892.

This Middlesboro, KY baseball team is the focus of This Field Looks Green To Me, a feature film project currently in production. The film’s executive team has committed to sharing the profits of the film with Kentucky State University and Berea College. This Field Looks Green To Me LLC.

citizennewspapergroup.com

#athletecreators #dunkers leverage Sparkit’s real-time voting and fan engagement to expand community and supercharge online reach and sales. Sparkit Media Inc.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Know the Warning Signs, When to Get Screened and Important New Treatments

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. According to the latest research from scientists at the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 288,000 men will be diagnosed with the disease this year, with close to 35,000 deaths. Black men are two times more likely to die from the disease than White men and have the highest death rate for prostate cancer of any racial and ethnic group. However, when prostate cancer is detected early, the odds of survival are high. In fact, more than 3.5 million men diagnosed with the disease in the U.S. are still alive today.

Renowned prostate cancer researcher Dr. Lorelei Mucci is the director of strategic research partnerships at the American Cancer Society. Her role includes leading an ACS initiative called IMPACT, or “Improving Mortality Toward Prostate Cancer Together” to address the alarming negative trends in prostate cancer incidence and disparities.

For Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Dr. Mucci reviews the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, including important information about risk factors, PSA screening, and more:

PRNewsfoto/American

to invest in prevention, early detection, treatment, and improving survivorship.

3- Who is at risk for prostate cancer?

Anyone with a prostate is at risk of prostate cancer, and it is one of the most common cancers. There are some groups that are at higher risk of prostate cancer. For example, our latest research shows Black men and those of African ancestry are 70% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Also, the risk of prostate cancer gets higher with age. In addition, people with a family history of prostate cancer (such as in their brother or father) as well as a family history of breast cancer in a sister or mother, are at higher risk of prostate cancer. Part of the family history is due to inherited genetic factors or gene mutations that we now know about. An important note is that while age, family history, and race/ ancestry are not modifiable factors (things you can change), there are other factors such as maintaining a healthy body weight, not smoking, and being physically active that can help to offset this higher risk.

4- What is the treatment for prostate cancer?

1-Why is it important every September during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to help people learn about the disease?

Despite the alarming statistics concerning the disease, there are opportunities for prevention, early detection, and treatment to improve survival and survivorship and to reduce the burden this cancer has across the U.S. and the globe. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is so important to have a focused time for men and their families to share knowledge, experiences, and state of science on this important cancer. It is also a time to reflect upon the people who have been impacted by prostate cancer and who have lost their lives to the disease. Also, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month can be an important stimulus to remind public health professionals and government leaders of the need

2- What are the warning signs of prostate cancer?

For some men, prostate cancer may lead to urinary problems, such as having difficulty starting urination or urinating frequently, or pain during ejaculation. This is because of the location of the prostate close to the bladder and urethra. These symptoms and signs also occur with non-cancer conditions, so it is important to follow up with a physician to find out what might be causing these symptoms. If a cancer has already grown beyond the prostate, there may be pain in the hips, back, or other areas that does not go away. For most people, however, there are no signs or symptoms indicating prostate cancer and the cancer is diagnosed with a biopsy following an abnormal blood test.

Have there been any advancements in treating the disease? There are effective treatments for prostate cancer. When the cancer is still confined to the prostate (localized), surgery (radical prostatectomy) and certain forms of radiation are useful to treat and cure prostate cancer. For men who have a low risk of their prostate cancer metastasizing, active surveillance - in which a patient is closely monitored for signs of cancer progression - can also be an important treatment to consider. When the cancer is more aggressive, there are additional therapies that are used, including therapies that target hormonal pathways, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiopharmaceutical therapies. In fact, this is an exciting time in prostate cancer with substantial progress in the discovery and approval of new therapies over the past 5-10 years, as well as several other therapies being developed.

For more information on prostate cancer, go to https:// www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer.html.

Managing Your Family’s Year-Round Health

MISSION, Kan., PRNewswire -- (Family Features) Now is a good time to check in and make sure your entire family is protected from infectious diseases.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines help create protective antibodies that fight off infections. Timely routine vaccinations, such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubeola) and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), are known to prevent around 4 million deaths annually, yet only 1 in 5 adults are up to date on their vaccines.

Convenience, accessibility and lack of trust all play fundamental parts in why vaccination numbers are low across some demographic groups and geographic regions. Community pharmacies and clinics, such as the Kroger Family of Companies’ Pharmacies and The Little Clinic, have emerged as accessible and convenient options for people seeking needed healthcare services outside of traditional settings. These facilities offer a range of high-quality services, including medication counseling, health screenings and immunizations.

Routine preventive care, including vaccine administration, can take place at various points throughout the year and is not limited to a single season. Certain populations, such as people who are 60 years of age and older, those with chronic diseases and some minority populations, are more at risk for contracting certain infections and are encouraged to maintain updated vaccinations and boosters throughout the year. (For children younger than 5 years of age, check with your local pharmacist or clinician for vaccine guidelines.)

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months old and older get an annual flu vaccine. Influenza, more commonly

known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs, and could lead to serious illness, hospitalization or death. Dominant flu strains are constantly shifting and protection from a single flu vaccine declines over time. To reduce the risk of getting or spreading the flu, it’s important to get a yearly flu vaccination.

Retail pharmacies and clinics hold a unique position in the local communities they serve and are deeply committed to vaccine education and outreach. In addition to providing protection against illnesses such as influenza, vaccines also offer protection against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), measles, RSV, pertussis (whooping cough), COVID-19 and more. By equipping people with consistent, factual information, retail pharmacies and clinics empower them to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their loved ones.

Research shows schools and colleges have the potential to cultivate a higher disease transmission rate that affects all ages, from students to staff and teachers, due to the proximity of people within buildings. When students are protected against vaccine-preventable illnesses, they experience fewer absences due to illness, allowing them to fully participate in classroom activities and maximize their learning potential.

Ensuring children are current on their vaccines also creates opportunities for parents and caregivers to check their own preventive health statuses. The National Institutes of Health notes vaccine-preventable diseases cost the country approximately $27 billion annually in lost wages and increased healthcare costs. Missing routine immunizations could result in missed work and medical bills that

could prevent people from being able to provide and care for their families.

Unlike some traditional healthcare settings, retail pharmacies and clinics are easily accessible. They are often located within local communities and have extended hours that cater to busy schedules, allowing flexibility for people getting their families vaccinated. In fact, 90% of the U.S. population lives within 5 miles of a pharmacy. Options like the Kroger Family of Companies’ Pharmacies and other retail pharmacies have established vaccine clinics within their pharmacy and clinic locations, making vaccinations a seamless and convenient part of the healthcare experience they provide.

Annual Gallup Polls consistently show pharmacists and nurse practitioners are among the most trusted people in the medical field. Healthcare professionals at retail pharmacies and clinics undergo rigorous training and possess in-depth knowledge about vaccines, proper storage and handling as well as administration techniques. These professionals contribute to the confidence of their patients and the health of the community at large.

Retail providers disseminate accurate information about vaccines and address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation within their local communities. By prioritizing proactive vaccinations, retail pharmacies create an environment that supports the overall well-being of students, teachers, staff and families alike, helping communities live healthier lives.

To learn more about annual vaccination needs, visit kroger.com/vaccinations or plan a visit to a local pharmacy or clinic.

(Statepoint) American families are expected to spend record-high amounts this back-to-school season. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), families with children in elementary, middle and high school will spend $890 on average for school items, while those with college-aged students are looking at more than $1,360 in shopping expenses.

Whether your kids are off to kindergarten or college, here’s how you can shop smarter and prepare for the school year:

1. Upgrade Your Devices. Electronics and tech are a top priority for families this school season. The NRF says Americans are expected to spend a collective $15 billion on electronics for back to school and $23 billion for back to college. The good news is that you may be able to score deals this back-to-school season to help save on smartphones, wearables and more. T-Mobile is offering a free REVVL 6 Pro 5G, OnePlus Nord N30 5G or Samsung Galaxy A14 5G when adding a voice line for each device on a qualifying plan via 24 monthly bill credits plus tax. Plus, if T-Mobile customers prefer to gear up with a wearable, they can score the wireless company’s exclusive SyncUP KIDS Watch for free when adding a qualifying watch line via 24 monthly bill credits plus tax. To learn more about TMobile’s back-to-school deals, head to t-mobile.com/offers/back-toschool-deals.

2. Keep Track of School Items. It’s the time of year when backpacks, lunchboxes and musical instruments tend to go missing. Ensure your child or college student never loses their items again by placing a T-Mobile SyncUP TRACKER in items of importance. It’s a simple, easy way to help you keep track of belongings.

3. Stay Connected for Study Time. For families or college students looking for an affordable option to stay connected at home, T-Mobile has them covered with 5G Internet for only $30 per month with a Go5G Plus or Magenta MAX plan and AutoPay. For those unsure about making the switch, the wireless company offers a worry-free Test Drive of its 5G Internet for 15 days. And, T-Mobile 5G Internet comes with a Price Lock

(StatePoint) More American families are borrowing for college. At the same time, merit aid and the use of personal income and savings is falling.

That’s according to an annual College Ave Student Loans survey of college students at four-year universities, conducted with Barnes & Noble College Insights. The survey also found college affordability is top-of-mind for the majority of students (57%). Despite financial concerns, 81% of students report that a college degree is crucial for their future.

“The mix of methods that families use to pay for college has shifted, however one thing remains consistent: students and families value the investment in higher education,” says Angela Colatriano, chief marketing officer of College Ave.

To borrow smart for college this fall, consider these tips and insights: Exhaust All Options

EDUCATION

4 Tech-Friendly Ways to Ace the School Year

Guarantee, so you can rest easy knowing your monthly rate won’t increase (exclusions like taxes and fees apply). Learn more by visiting https://www.t-mobile.com/homeinternet.

4. Prioritize a Sleep Routine. A recent “Lancet Journal” study found that children need at least nine hours of sleep each night to support healthy neurocognitive development. Set your kids up for success by creating a school bedtime and wake-up routine a couple weeks before school begins to help ease into the new academic year. Apps like Moshi use sounds, sleep stories and even meditations to encourage better sleep for kids, and Calm can be used for college students and parents to ease stress. Get ready to rock the school year with some savvy planning, deal-hunting adventures and a dose of healthy habits that create an epic year ahead for you and your family.

Everything You Need to Know About Student Loans

Before turning to private student loans, first exhaust other sources of financial aid. Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to be considered for grants, scholarships, work-study programs and federal student loans. If your selected school is one of the 400 institutions that requires the CSS profile, submit that too to qualify for institutional aid. Finally, search for private scholarships offered by companies and non-profit organizations. One easy one to apply for is the College Ave $1,000 monthly scholarship sweepstakes.

If you do need to borrow, turn to federal student loans in the student’s name first, which generally offer the lowest rates and come with additional benefits. They don’t depend on credit scores, and offer longer deferments and forbearances, income-driven repayment plans and student loan forgiveness.

Private Student Loans

Federal student loans have annual and aggregate loan limits. If you find

yourself needing to borrow parent or private loans to cover remaining costs, consider these factors:

• Costs: Compare costs of different loans by looking at the actual interest rate you’ll be charged, not the lowest advertised rate. Understand the difference between variable and fixed interest rates, and be aware of any fees and available discounts, such as those offered for using autopay.

• Cosigners: A creditworthy cosigner doesn’t just increase the odds of loan approval, even if the student can qualify on their own, cosigning may yield a lower interest rate, reducing the overall cost of the loan.

• Total Debt: Borrow only what you need. With private loans, you can usually borrow up to the total cost of attendance. However, borrowing less than the maximum can help you save over time. A simple rule of thumb you can use to determine how much student loan debt you can afford: If total student loan debt at graduation, including federal and private loans, is less than the student’s annual starting

salary, you can likely repay the loans in 10 years or less.

• Repayment: Look for repayment flexibility to match your needs. For example, College Ave Student Loans offers 5-, 8-, 10- and 15-year repayment options, along with the choice of deferring payments until after graduation or beginning payments right

away. No matter what option you select, understand the terms.

For more resources, including an online student loan calculator, and to learn more about paying for college, visit CollegeAve.com.

Private loans for college can play an important role in financing your edu-

cation. By researching your financial aid options, applying for scholarships and comparing private student loan options, you can minimize college costs, so you can better manage your finances after you graduate.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) monkeybusinessimages / iStock via Getty

Eshe Ukweli Howard UniversityNNPA Fellow

Solomon Hayes Morehouse CollegeNNPA Fellow

Brielle Smith Howard UniversityNNPA Fellow

Robertney Harlan Howard UniversityNNPA Fellow

Jada Tullos Alabama

Marketing Fellow Carmen

Graham Delaware State University

Jennings

Marketing Fellow