Weekend october 11 2016

Week of October 12, 2016 Vol 47 • No 41 • www.thechicagocitizen.com

BUSINESS

Weekly

CI BUILDS OFFICIAL APP FOR SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE +P4

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SPRUCE UP YOUR FALL WARDROBE FOR LESS’ + P6

By Safiyyah Muhammad

Marie Lynch (at podium), owner and founder of Skills for Chicagoland's Future speaks at Skills event, with Mayor Rahm Emanuel (centered behind Lynch), and Skills candidates on the right. The program has partnered with 50 local businesses to find jobs for unemployed residents of Cook County. Since 2012, Skills has hired more than 3,000 people.

ENTERTAINMENT

UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS PLAYS CHICAGO + P10

SKILLS ACKNOWLEDGED AS FINALIST IN COMPETITION

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kills for Chicagoland Future, a local non-profit, public-private organization, recently announced since its inception in 2012, it has placed more than 3,000 Cook County jobseekers, considered unemployed and underemployed.

The organization also achieved a milestone when it was recently recognized as a Finalist in the Inclusive Innovation Competition (IIC), created by the Massachusetts of Technology (MIT) Initiative on the Digital Economy (IDE).

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Yellow Cab Building Restored Long an anchor building when the near south side was the city’s iconic Motor Row District, the former Yellow Cab building is destined for a new life as a home for people instead of cars. 3L Real Estate, a relatively new entrant in Chicago’s real estate market, has announced their purchase of the building and plans to transform the 80,000 square foot warehouse into a quality residential living space to accommodate the

growing market for near-downtown living.

According to 3L Real Estate’s CEO Joseph Slezak, when the $10 million renovation of the building is complete, 57 East 21st street will provide 110 studio, one- and two-bedroom rental apartments with parking and immediate access to the amenities, shops and restaurants that make the South Loop so attractive.

“In Chicago and the South Loop, many

developers and investors are coming in and pursuing the new construction of luxury apartments to accommodate growing demand,” said Slezak. “Our developments provide an affordable rental alternative for those seeking quality housing in city-center locations without the high price tag.”

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Yellow Cab Building Restored Continued from page 1

Slezak explains that by focusing on the adaptive reuse of centrally located structures, 3L is able to offer rental rates below the surrounding market with rents at the converted Yellow Cab building expected to start at $1095.

Less than two blocks away from the recently renovated CermakMcCormick Place Green Line station, a ten minute commute from the central business district and with proximity to many colleges and universities, Slezak says that the residential transformation will provide quality living spaces to Chicago’s growing young adult workforce who desire easy access to downtown, the lakeshore and the diverse amenities the South Loop has to offer.

“We believe it should be possible Former Yellow Cab Building at 57 East 21st Street, Chicago for students, recent graduates and a young growing workforce to live Earlier this year, 3L Real Estate closed on in popular urban neighborhoods like the South its first deal with the University of Chicago in Loop, in well-appointed living spaces that allow Chicago Weekend. The deal included three iconic them to enjoy all that the neighborhood and the residential properties that served as dormitories surrounding city has to offer,” said Slezak. for the University of Chicago campus. The three-

"We Stood Up: Reflections on the Civil Rights Movement" Celebrates the Legacies of Freedom, Opportunity and Equality in America Lincoln Financial Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC), announced recently the release of an audio anthology for children, “We Stood Up: Reflections on the Civil Rights Movement.”

The new album includes excerpts from interviews with some of the most influential voices on civil rights and social change, including the late Julian Bond and Franklin McCain, as well as former Atlanta mayor, Shirley Franklin, and current Congressman, John Lewis.

In addition to the interview excerpts, the album features original songs performed by children and artists that specialize in children’s music. It was produced by Philadelphia-based Emmy Award-winning composer, Rodney Whittenberg. “We Stood Up” also includes a reading of the legendary Maya Angelou’s “Caged Bird,” by her great-granddaughter Caylin Johnson, and renowned poet Sonia Sanchez recites her poem, “Catch the Fire.” The album is being released by Clamorhouse Kids, and it is available on iTunes. The educational album is also available as a free download

to schools, libraries and nonprofits that serve children.

building collection, Chicago Weekend Places, will remain open as dormitory rentals with flexible leasing options for the 2016 - 2017 academic year, with initial upgrades already under way. A broader multiyear transformation will allow for a comprehensive renewal process that will provide continued tenancy during redevelopment.

3L Real Estate, founded

by Slezak in 2015, is a newly established Chicago based company, that prioritizes the adaptive reuse of underutilized structures that possess untapped potential in the market. Guided

by Slezak’s proven acquisition and adaptive reuse strategy, 3L is making city living affordable for those who pass on size and ownership in favor of centrally located and high quality rental spaces. With an established presence in the South Loop and Chicago Weekend, 3L Real Estate promises to secure additional pipeline projects in the coming year.

Skills Acknowledged as Finalist in Competition Continued from page 1

“As we celebrate this important milestone in Skills’ effort to connect to Chicagoland job seekers with employment, we are honored to have MIT recognize our impact alongside some of the most innovative and forward-thinking organizations in the world,” said Marie T. Lynch, founding president and CEO of Skills for Chicagoland’s Future. She also added, “It’s no secret that many Chicago communities face significant social and economic hardship, and we are proud to put our city on the map as an international leader for solutions that deliver economic opportunity.”

On the South and West sides of the city, where large segments of the African-American population reside, the unemployment rates were noticeably high, according to a online unemployment statistics for Chicago in 2015. The Skills program assisted a large number of participants who lived in those communities. Cherita Ellen, vice-president of business operations and communications said that in 2015, more than 40 percent of candidates who got jobs through the Skills program were from Chicago communities with unemployment rates over 20 percent. She added that more than seventy-three percent of those who were placed (with jobs) in the Skills program were African-Americans, fourteen percent were Hispanic, eight percent were white and five percent fell in the “other” category. More than fifty-eight percent of those individuals who were assisted through the Skills program were considered long-term unemployed she said.

Katrina Williams, 35, a Chicago native, who lives in the Austin community (West side), is one who has successfully benefitted from the Skills program. In 2013 Williams, who previously held a loan processing position in a Community Bank in Mississippi, returned back to Chicago unemployed.

“My family and I left Mississippi in 2013. The bank that

I worked for was not a national bank and I was unable to transfer employment. So, for two years I was basically unemployed. The Skills program actually found me through Indeed.com.” Williams said after initial contact with Skills, she was asked to get in touch with a Skills recruiter and over the course of three plus months, and through a series of being trained on how to get jobs through successful interviewing, Williams landed a Loan Support Specialist job with J.P. Morgan Chase. Williams has been with the Chase multibillion dollar banking giant since March of 2015.

According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, long-term unemployment is defined as when a person has been out of work for more 27 weeks.

A Skills press release said that it was one of 24 finalists in the IIC program, which was selected from more than 1,000 entrants from across the globe. The finalists were selected based on their innovative support of people who earn middle and base-level incomes.

The organization’s goal is to have 5000 job seekers hired by 2018. “To enroll in our job program, most of our job seekers have to go to our website at www.skillsforchicagolandsfuture. com, Ellen said. “Our program has been in the news, social media and we also participate in hiring events. We do provide internal and external hiring events. After the person is hired, he or she doesn’t have to do a follow-up with our program, but we do a 30-90 day retention follow-up with their employer.”

Ellen said Skills assists job seekers in finding jobs in the banking, retail, hospitality, customer service, hotel, office management, and transportation industries among others.

Skills recently held a Seasonal Retail job fair, October 5th and a Customer Service job event was hosted October 6th. The two events were held in their offices, at 191 N. Wacker Dr., from 9 am – 12 pm. Pre-registration was required, Ellen said.

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CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of October 12, 2016 / 3

news

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Museums Collaborate to Present Straight Talk:

GOVERNMENTAL Affairs

Black/Brown Unity In Changing America Janice Garth

Cook County Resolution Issued for William Garth, Sr. A resolution was issued by Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, recently for William “Bill” Garth, Sr., who died on September 30th. Garth was the former Chicago Citizen Newspaper Group Inc. Chief Executive Officer and past Chairman of the Chatham Business Association (CBA). Funeral services for Garth were held on Saturday, October 1st. The resolution recognizes Garth’s accomplishments in turning the Citizen Newspapers into the largest African-American owned newspaper chain in the Midwest. The newspaper giant was also an active member of the NAACP and founder of the QBG Foundation, a not-for-profit organization which Garth started in memory of his late son, Quentis B. Garth. The QBG Foundation awarded over $1 million in scholarship funds to deserving inner-city youth during the course of Garth’s lifetime.

Libertarian Presidential nominee, Gary Johnson was recently endorsed by the Chicago Tribune over front runners candidates, Democratic Presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton and Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump. In an editorial entitled, “A principled option for U.S. president: Endorsing Gary Johnson, Libertarian,” the Tribune endorsed the so-called “What’s Allepo?” candidate in its September 30th issue.

Recently, Governor Bruce Rauner signed Executive Order 2016-11 to create the new Illinois Bicentennial Commission and the Governor’s Office of the Illinois Bicentennial to lead the planning for the celebration of the state’s 200th anniversary.

The Bicentennial Office will develop the strategic vision for the bicentennial celebration and work with the public and private sectors to implement that vision.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Department of Family Support and Services (DFSS) Commissioner Lisa Morrison Butler announced recently the innovative Day for Change initiative—a jobs program that will provide up to 100 homeless individuals an opportunity to connect to services while earning a modest wage. A Day for Change will connect homeless panhandlers with temporary employment opportunities and supportive services.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle recently announced that Cook County is upgrading its mapping system to better improve efficiency and services to residents and facilitate graphic representations of what would otherwise be available only as statistical data.

The Alliance for Aging Research has announced Congresswoman Maxine Waters of California’s Forty Third District as the recipient of the 2016 Claude Pepper Award for leading the way for policies that encourage medical research and innovation to benefit Americans as they grow older. Congresswoman Waters accepted her award at the Alliance’s 2016 Annual Bipartisan Congressional Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. held recently. Congresswoman Waters is the author of legislation to expand health services for patients with diabetes, cancer and Alzeheimer’s disease.

Seventh District of Illinois Congressman Danny Davis recently expressed disappointment at Governor Bruce Rauner’s veto of SB250, the Automatic Voter Registration bill. It has been estimated that up to two million Illinoisans could be added to the voter rolls if this legislation were to go into effect.

ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS NEWS: Voting by personal appearance at an Early Voting Center started Sept. 29th for the November 8th General Election. Election authorities in each county in the state have announced the locations of Early Voting Centers that will be open through November 7th. Eligible voters will be able to vote at certain times and locations during the early voting period.

The DuSable Museum of African American History has joined forces with the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture (NMPRAC), to present the first-ever timely and provocative panel discussion, Straight Talk: Black/ Brown Unity in a Changing America. The event will take place on Thursday, October 20, 2016 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the DuSable Museum, 740 East 56th Place (57th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue) in Chicago.

Straight Talk: Black/Brown Unity in a Changing America will consist of a Keynote Address by Felipe Luciano, the legendary writer, civil rights activist and original member of the Last Poets. This will be followed by a round-table discussion on “Black and Brown Unity Building,” featuring Salim Muwakkil, Pablo Medina, Sol Flores, and Prexy Nesbitt, which will be moderated by Kai El Zabar, Editorin-Chief of the Chicago Defender. A “Q&A” will take place immediately following the panel discussion.

“The DuSable Museum is proud to be partnering with the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture in this groundbreaking effort to promote communication, education and unity between African American and Latino communities at a time in our collective history when open

and honest dialogue around race is so desperately needed,” said Perri Irmer, President and CEO of the DuSable Museum.

Irmer continued, “We are all facing common threats and we should endeavor to come together to address common goals and solutions. This Black/Brown Unity dialogue is a great place to start.”

Billy Ocasio, Chief Executive Officer of the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture added, “I am proud to partner with the DuSable Museum in an educational lecture on how we must all be treated with dignity and respect. Society has looked at us differently and while our traditions, culture, language, hair and skin color may look different, inside we are the same, we are part of the human race. I believe things can improve in our society if we learn how to value, appreciate and celebrate our differences as well as shared experiences.”

Admission is FREE to the public; however, making reservations in advance is strongly recommended. You may register by visiting 1466.blackbaudhosting.com/1466/ Straight-Talk-BlackBrown-Unity-in-a-Changing-America or by calling 773-947-0600 ext 238.

Illinois Voter Project Hosts Forum The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform has published the Illinois Voter Project.

The project included a comprehensive profile of how Illinois votes, including gender, age, party affiliation, and data on both active and eligible, but unregistered voters sourced from the Illinois State Board of Elections. This data had never been compiled before in Illinois, according to an Illinois Voter Project press.

In order to provide new resources for the upcoming General Election in November, ICPR’s data team has updated the project to include an age A voting map of Illinois that show "Active" and "Eligible" voters in the state, which can be found on the breakdown of Primary Illinois Voter Project's website. The ICPR has published The Illinois Voter Project.The project included a Election votes cast, comprehensive profile of how Illinoisans vote, including gender, age, party affiliation, and data on both partisan voting trends active and eligible, but unregistered voters sourced from the Illinois State Board of Elections. To view the across the state, and the voter's project, log on to www.ilcampagin.org. Graphic Courtesy of Illinois Campaign for Political Reform. average age of registered voters in Illinois. ICPR will General election. In whole numbers, this represents a mere 542,017 present this updated view of the Illinois Voter Project at a forum on voters, age 18-24, who will participate in the 2016 General Election as October 17th, and will discuss the potential implications of changing compared to 1,676,914 voters, age 65 and older, who are predicted to voting trends the press release said. show up at the polls. The age 65 and older voters represent 22% of According to Sarah Brune, executive director for the Illinois Campaign Illinois voters. for Political Reform, data for the Illinois Voter Project was compiled The voter project predicts that in the IL General election, there will be earlier this year using 2015 and 2016 voter files. a 47% voter turn-out, which is 22% higher than the 2008-14 average “At ICPR, we want to provide information to present the facts to primary turn out, according to the Illinois Voter Project website. advocates and lawmakers when it comes to who is actually voting.

The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform will host a free forum On The project can also be used as a resource for policy-makers to October 17th, on the November General Election at the Standard demonstrate (using charts) how Illinoisans will vote during the Club, 320 S. Plymouth Court. Featured Speakers will be Natasha general election,” she said.

Korecki, Senior Reporter for Politico; Christopher Mooney, Director Charts on the voter’s project website define “active” and “eligible of the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University voters.” An active voter according to the website is someone who of Illinois, Amanda Vinicky, Statehouse Bureau Chief, Illinois Public has voted within the past four years. An eligible voter is defined as Radio, Davis Yepsen, Director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute any Illinois resident aged 18 and over. at Southern Illinois University. The forum will be moderated by Kate On the Illinois Voter Project website, statistics show in the category Grossman, Director, Fellows Program, University of Chicago Institute of “Age of Active Voters” category, that 7.1% of voters between the of Politics. ages of 18-24 will turn out at the polls for the upcoming November

www.thechicagocitizen.com • 51 years of serving the Black community

4 / CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of October 12, 2016

business

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CI Builds Official APP for Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Clearly Innovative has built and launched the official Clearly Innovative (CI), one of the Washington area’s leading digital mobile App for the Smithsonian’s’ new National Museum of African-American History and Culture (NMAAHC) which and business solutions companies, opened Saturday, September 24, 2016. A picture of the built and launched the official museum is shown in the photo. mobile App for the Smithsonian’s’ new National Museum of AfricanAmerican History and Culture (NMAAHC) that opened Saturday, September 24, 2016. The App contains features to provide information about the museum.

“We are proud, honored and excited to be working with Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on a mobile solution for the museum,” said Clearly Innovative CEO and Founder Aaron Saunders “As an African American owner of a DC based technology company, I could not have dreamed of a more meaningful project to be a part of,” Clearly Innovative created a cross platform mobile he added. solution to enhance the museum experience.

The App can be found as NMAAHC in Google While it does not duplicate the actual visitation Play and Apple ITunes . It is available in English, experience, it does provide information about French and Spanish. exhibits and key features of the museum’s location ​As the official mobile vendors for the museum, and its architecture. CI also designed the initial

maps to be used for the museum opening.

Saunders, sees the firm’s creation of the NMAAHC app as another project that fits Clearly Innovative’s mission to serve the community through its products and education initiatives. In fact as part of that aim, Clearly Innovative created, Luma Lab, an education arm, to provide meaningful access to tech and entrepreneurship education for Washington D.C residents. Part of Luma Lab’s expansion beyond its current after school and adult workshops is a partnership with the DC Government. Earlier this year Luma Lab and DC’s mayoral office broke ground for the “inclusive innovation incubator (In3)” on Howard University’s campus. In3 is the first incubator in the district to be intentional about diversity to encourage minority entrepreneurship. The incubator is scheduled to open in the near future.

Comcast Business Expands Fiber Optic Network In Englewood Comcast announced recently that it has expanded its network to Englewood Square, a 5.5 acre retail development anchored by Whole Foods in Chicago’sEnglewood neighborhood. This proactive technology infrastructure investment, which includes fiber optic and coaxial cable, will give retailers in the development access to Internet speeds of up to 10 Gbps (100 Gbps on a case-by-case basis), along with a wide range of Comcast Businessservices, including Ethernet, Internet, Voice and value-added cloud services. Fiber means increased bandwidth – and increased bandwidth allows businesses to better serve customers, access more and more applications and services in the cloud, accommodate rapidly increasing numbers of employees in the field using mobile devices and exchange large amounts of data. Having the fiber so close also allows Comcast to install new customers more quickly and could reduce or even eliminate their start-up costs.

The investment Comcast is making in Englewood and other locations in Chicago and its suburbs is in response to strong demand for its Comcast Business offerings. It also aligns with efforts many communities are making to expand their local telecommunications and information technology infrastructure and revitalize their economies.

“Our hope is that Comcast’s state-of-the-art technology infrastructure will help stimulate additional economic growth in Englewood,” said John Crowley, Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region senior vice

president. “Comcast has had an economic presence in Englewood for years. We have thousands of customers in the neighborhood and make nearly 12,000 visits a year to their homes and businesses each month. In the process, our employees purchase gas, meals and other goods and services. In addition, we have more than 200 employees in two south side facilities that serve Englewood.”

“We’re thrilled that Whole Foods, Comcast and other companies have chosen to invest in Englewood and encourage others to follow suit,” said Chicago 16th Ward Alderman Toni Foulkes. “Our hope is that the presence of these companies will attract additional employers and serve as a catalyst for additional investment in the neighborhood.”

All told, Comcast has about 11,000 miles of fiber across its Greater Chicago Region, which includes locations in Chicago and the rest of Illinois, Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan where the company provides service. As part of this investment, Comcast has been adding fiber to reach city and suburban business and industrial corridors and employment hubs. In addition to Englewood, Comcast has built fiber to diverse areas in the region, including Chicago’s Back of the Yards and Bridgeport neighborhoods; the Peterson Pulaski Business and Industrial Park; near O’Hare and Midway airports;Interstate 88 in Chicago’s west suburbs and Interstate 90 in Chicago’s northwest suburbs; Morris, IL; and Elgin and South Elgin, IL, among others.

Small Businesses Have Happy Workforces New research shows that small-business employees are among the happiest people in the workplace. One major reason for their happiness stems from the way many small-business owners show workers how much they appreciate, respect and value them on a professional and personal level. Opportunities offered by small businesses, such as a family atmosphere, flexible work schedules and a greater understanding of how current goals fit into long-term plans for the company, may be harder to come by in larger companies. Small businesses can play to their strengths by frequently communicating and taking action in areas where their employees see opportunities for improvement. Learn more at aflac.com/smallbusiness.

www.thechicagocitizen.com • 51 years of serving the Black community

CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of October 12, 2016 / 5

CFPB Sues Fines TMX Finance $9 Million Over Misleading Loans

By Charlene Crowell (NNPA Newswire Columnist) Many consumers breathe a sigh of relief when their car loans are finally paid off.

Gaining title to personal vehicles should free up monthly monies unless that title is later used as collateral for a high-cost and abusive loan.

Car-title loans provide a percentage of a vehicle’s total value in exchange for the promise of quick cash. Unfortunately, when car titles are used as collateral for one of the most predatory and high-cost consumer loans, another cycle of debt can begin. The typical car-title loan is refinanced eight times and comes with triple-digit interest rates as high as 300 percent. Each year, car-title loans strip $4 billion in fees from consumers. The looming threat of repossession, which affects one in five consumers, often prompts these costly renewals.

Frequently industry collection practices violate basic consumer laws. Vehicle repossessions cause not only the loss of personal transportation, but create mobility challenges affecting virtually every dimension of life - reaching employment, education, medical services or managing personal business.

In recent days, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) fined a major car-title lender $9 million and sued another five. Together, these separate actions underscore how consumers’ rights are often violated and the continued need for financial regulation.

TMX Finance, offering auto-title and personal loans in 18 states, is one of the nation’s largest auto title lenders with 1,300 storefronts doing business as TitleMax, TitleBucks, and InstaLoans.

CFPB charged the businesses with failure to tell its customers the terms and costs of its auto-title loans sold over a 5-year period that begin in 2011. It was also charged with illegally exposing consumers’ personal information to their employers in three states Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

Due to CFPB’s actions, TMX must stop both making visits to collect debts and end deceptive marketing and advertising practices that confuse borrowers’ understanding of actual loan costs. In addition to paying a $9 million fine, TMX Finance was found to use guides’ or similar documents that misrepresented loan terms, lengths and costs. Before the enforcement action, it also made in-person visits to

consumers’ workplaces or homes to collect payments.

TMX Finance lured consumers into more expensive loans with information that hid the true costs of the deal, said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. Them they followed up with intrusive visits to homes and workplaces that put consumers’ personal information at risk [W]e are making it clear that these actions were unacceptable and illegal.

CFPB found that TMX Finance employees offered borrowers a Voluntary Payback Guide that would extend payment periods at a smaller monthly cost. What these employees failed to share, however, was the true

cost of the extended loan.

When borrowers can no longer afford the interest charged, their personal transportation is seized for a fraction of the vehicle’s value, noted Delvin Davis, a senior researcher with the Center for Responsible Lending. “Unfortunately, there are many other predatory lenders whose practices mirror these same unfortunate consumer experiences.

Only a few days before CFPB’s actions against TMX Finance, the Bureau sued five other car-title lenders operating in Arizona: Auto Cash Leashing, LLC; Interstate Lending, LLC; Oasis Title Loans, LLC; Phoenix Title Loans, LLC; and Presto Auto Loans, Inc. All are lenders

charged with also failing to disclose in respective advertisements annual percentage rates on loans.

The case now moves to an Administrative Law Judge for further actions.

These enforcement actions are recent examples of why proposed rules for debt collectors should be finalized. CFPB’s proposed rules for payday and car-title lending need to be strengthened and eliminate loopholes,” added Davis.

Charlene Crowell is a communications deputy director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.

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Give Communities of Color A Voice in Reshaping Education

By Wade Henderson (President and CEO, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights) For the first time in our nation’s history, the majority of students in public schools are students of color. But in most places, communities of color still have little meaningful say in how their states manage and resource education. As a result, too many students in this new majority are in overcrowded classes and inadequate facilities where teachers are overworked, underpaid and stuck with a curriculum that lacks rigor and relevance.

All students deserve the opportunity to learn and work hard in a healthy environment with excellent teachers, but even 62 years after Brown v. Board of Education, our nation is reeling from the unfulfilled promise of an equal education for all. Educational equity is vital to our nation; two-thirds of all future jobs will require some level of higher education, and research suggests that within the next 10 years, our economy will face a deficit of 11 million skilled workers.

Continuing policies that fail to prepare all students for college and careers is an immoral and self-defeating choice that stunts our nation’s economic potential — and mocks our democratic ideals.

But now there’s an opportunity for states, districts and schools to make a better choice. The Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA, the federal education law Congress passed late last year, requires that parents and communities be meaningfully engaged in determining how states equitably educate their children.

Under ESSA, every single state and school district is confronted with a question of enormous consequence: Will they work with new majority communities to develop plans and policies that ensure excellent schools for all children? Or will they continue to make their decisions in a bubble, avoid accountability and do a disservice to students in the process?

Progress is not guaranteed. For this new law to improve education for every student, states need to put communities in the driver’s seat and focus on the interests of marginalized students. We have always had strong, clear and diverse voices demanding

that our education system serve the interests of their children — but decisionmakers rarely listen.

Recent research shows that Black and Latino parents understand what the problems exist in their children’s schools — and they have clear ideas about what should change. They know that the schools their children attend don’t get as much funding as schools White children attend; they know their children aren’t getting as good an education as White children; and they know that race is at least one of the reasons why. But they also believe good teaching and high expectations are critical and they want both for their children.

This is all information that states should be taking into account when determining their policies and programs under the new law.

And to do that, states, districts, and schools have to engage new majority parents and communities. They have to build strong accountability systems that identify and target meaningful support and improvement in any school where all students — or any group of students — are not learning. They have to provide robust data and reporting about how well schools are educating students and they have to provide them in formats and languages that parents can understand. And, as communities of color demand, they have to distribute resources — high-quality teachers, challenging coursework, up-to-date facilities and classroom materials — more equitably.

Last year during the debate over the new law, states argued that they were in the best position to make decisions that would benefit all students. Now is the time to prove it.

Every single child in this great country deserves a world-class education. But that can’t happen if states and districts ignore the priorities of the families they serve.

Experience shows that this can be done.

All we need is the will to sit down, open our minds and listen to what all families are saying.

Wade Henderson is president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition of more than 200 diverse civil rights organizations. Follow The Leadership Conference on Twitter @ civilrightsorg and learn more about their work at http://www.civilrights.org.

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fashion

Tips to Put a Stop to Early Aging

You can find new fall clothes for the whole family without breaking your budget.

Spruce Up Your Fall Wardrobe for Less (NewsUSA) - As the temperatures get colder, families start packing up their shorts and sundresses and pulling last year’s warmer garments from boxes. And inevitably, many of last autumn’s clothes no longer fit or are too worn.

Replacing entire wardrobes can create unneeded stress, but there are ways to dress the whole family without breaking the bank. * Look for versatile wardrobe staples.

Women and girls should build their wardrobe with a nice skirt or dress, dress pants, jeans, sweaters and a jacket. Men and boys need khaki pants, jeans, sweaters and collared shirts. * Skip fancy department stores. You’ll save time and money by shopping at your local discount retailer. You’ll find inexpensive basic apparel, often for less than $16 apiece. * Look for deals on denim. Everyone in your family is going to want several pairs of jeans, and those price tags can add up quickly. There are inexpensive lines available today that still offer quality and value. Dollar General sells Bobbie Brooks 5-pocket stretch denim for

women, starting at $12, and Open Trails denim for men, starting at $10. * Stock up on basics. Fall is the perfect time to assess your undergarments. Toss old or illfitting underwear, t-shirts and socks. Replace these pieces inexpensively with value packages of underwear and socks, which can be found at your local discount retailer. * Find fun, useful accessories. Scarves, hats and gloves allow you to express your personality or embrace the newest trends in colors and patterns without breaking the bank. Better yet, they can help dress up wardrobe staples that will last for years, so you won’t spend money on a jacket or dress that will be unwearable by next fall. * Sell old clothes. If your children are still growing, chances are there are some gently used, outgrown items taking up closet space. Take old clothes to a consignment store or thrift shop to make a little extra money to put towards updating their wardrobe.

For more information on the fashions available at Dollar General, visit www.dollargeneral.com.

(NewsUSA) - Dermatologists can’t stress it enough: How you treat your skin now will affect its future appearance. While it may seem silly to worry about wrinkles long before you have any, it’s true that preparation pays off.

According to dermatologists, more women in their twenties are asking for anti-aging tips. So, what can you do keep your skin looking young and healthy? Kiehl’s Since 1851, a company that specializes in skin and hair care formulas derived from natural ingredients, offers the following tips: * Rest up. There’s a reason “you look tired” and “you look great” aren’t synonymous. But did you know that the position in which you sleep can also affect your looks? If you sleep face-down, fluid can collect beneath your eyes. Try sleeping face-up with your head slightly elevated with pillows. If you do wake up with facial swelling, try tapping the skin beneath your eyes or applying a cold compress. * Apply vitamin C. Your skin contains more vitamin C than any other antioxidant, including the much-touted vitamin E. To keep vitamin C at an optimal level, make sure you are applying a skincare formula that contains plenty of vitamin C. “Vitamin C helps keep skin even and bright, and it offers potent antioxidant protection from environmental stressors, such as pollution and sunlight,” said Dr. Adam Geyer, fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, Instructor in Clinical Dermatology at Columbia University and Kiehl’s Brand Ambassador.

Two of Kiehl’s products, “Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate” to improve tone and texture all over the face and “Line-Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate” formulated specifically for the eye area to boost radiance and minimize wrinkles, contain 10.5 percent vitamin C. Unlike many retinol products, they won’t cause photosensitivity and irritation and are gentle enough for twice-daily use. Apply them after cleansing, both day and night to obtain the greatest results. * Reduce your sodium intake. You can make your doctor and your skin happy at the same time! When you eat too much sodium, you can cause your body to shift fluid into extracellular spaces, especially beneath your eyes. Avoid excess sodium intake to benefit both your health and your skin.

For more information, visit www. kiehls.com.

www.thechicagocitizen.com • 51 years of serving the Black community

CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of October 12, 2016 / 7 To the Electors of the State of Illinois: The Illinois Constitution establishes a structure for government and laws. There are three ways to initiate change to the Illinois Constitution: (1) a constitutional convention may propose changes to any part; (2) the General Assembly may propose changes to any part; or (3) a petition initiative may propose amendments limited to structural and procedural subjects contained in the Legislative Article. The people of Illinois must approve any changes to the Constitution before they become effective. The purpose of this document is to inform you of proposed changes to the Illinois Constitution and provide you with a brief explanation and a summary of the arguments in favor of and in opposition to the proposed amendment.

Proposed changes in the existing constitutional amendment are indicated by underscoring all new matter and by crossing with a line all matter which is to be deleted.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ADD SECTION 11 TO ARTICLE IX OF THE ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION ARTICLE IX – REVENUE SECTION 11. TRANSPORTATION FUNDS (a) No moneys, including bond proceeds, derived from taxes, fees, excises, or license taxes relating to registration, title, or operation or use of vehicles, or related to the use of highways, roads, streets, bridges, mass transit, intercity passenger rail, ports, airports, or to fuels used for propelling vehicles, or derived from taxes, fees, excises, or license taxes relating to any other transportation infrastructure or transportation operation, shall be expended for purposes other than as provided in subsections (b) and (c). (b) Transportation funds may be expended for the following: the costs of administering laws related to vehicles and transportation, including statutory refunds and adjustments provided in those laws; payment of highway obligations; costs for construction, reconstruction, maintenance, repair, and betterment of highways, roads, streets, bridges, mass transit, intercity passenger rail, ports, airports, or other forms of transportation; and other statutory highway purposes. Transportation funds may also be expended for the State or local share of highway funds to match federal aid highway funds, and expenses of grade separation of highways and railroad crossings, including protection of at-grade highways and railroad crossings, and, with respect to local governments, other transportation purposes as authorized by law. (c) The costs of administering laws related to vehicles and transportation shall be limited to direct program expenses related to the following: the enforcement of traffic, railroad, and motor carrier laws; the safety of highways, roads, streets, bridges, mass transit, intercity passenger rail, ports, or airports; and the construction, reconstruction, improvement, repair, maintenance, operation, and administration of highways, under any related provisions of law or any purpose related or incident to, including grade separation of highways and railroad crossings. The limitations to the costs of administering laws related to vehicles and transportation under this subsection (c) shall also include direct program expenses related to workers’ compensation claims for death or injury of employees of the State’s transportation agency; the acquisition of land and the erection of buildings for highway purposes, including the acquisition of highway rights-of-way or for investigations to determine the reasonable anticipated future highway needs; and the making of surveys, plans, specifications, and estimates for the construction and maintenance of flight strips and highways. The expenses related to the construction and maintenance of flight strips and highways under this subsection (c) are for the purpose of providing access to military and naval reservations, defense-industries, defense-industry sites, and sources of raw materials, including the replacement of existing highways and highway connections shut off from general use at military and naval reservations, defense-industries, and defense-industry sites, or the purchase of rights-of-way. (d) None of the revenues described in subsection (a) of this Section shall, by transfer, offset, or otherwise, be diverted to any purpose other than those described in subsections (b) and (c) of this Section. (e) If the General Assembly appropriates funds for a mode of transportation not described in this Section, the General Assembly must provide for a dedicated source of funding. (f) Federal funds may be spent for any purposes authorized by federal law.

EXPLANATION The proposed amendment adds a new Section to the Revenue Article of the Illinois Constitution that provides revenue generated from transportation related taxes and fees (referred to as “transportation funds”) shall be used exclusively for transportation related purposes. Transportation related taxes and fees include motor fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees, and other taxes and user fees dedicated to public highways, roads, streets, bridges, mass transit (buses and rail), ports, or airports.

Under the proposed amendment, transportation funds may be used by the State or local governments only for the following purposes: (1) costs related to administering transportation and vehicle laws, including public safety purposes and the payment of obligations such as bonds; (2) the State or local share necessary to secure federal funds or for local government transportation purposes as authorized by law; (3) the construction, reconstruction, improvement, repair, maintenance, and operation of highways, mass transit, and railroad crossings; (4) expenses related to workers’ compensation claims for death or injury of transportation agency employees; and (5) to purchase land for building highways or buildings for to be used for highway purposes.

This new Section is a limitation on the power of the General Assembly or a unit of local government to use, divert, or transfer transportation funds for a purpose other than transportation. It does not, and is not intended to, impact or change the way in which the State and local governments use sales taxes, including the sales and excise tax on motor fuel, or alter home rule powers granted under this Constitution. It does not seek to change the way in which the State funds programs administered by the Illinois Secretary of State, Illinois Department of Transportation, and operations by the Illinois State Police directly dedicated to the safety of roads, or entities or programs funded by units of local government. Further, the Section does not impact the expenditure of federal funds, which may be spent for any purpose authorized by federal law.

FORM OF BALLOT Proposed Amendment to the 1970 Illinois Constitution Explanation of Amendment The proposed amendment adds a new section to the Revenue Article of the Illinois Constitution. The proposed amendment provides that no moneys derived from taxes, fees, excises, or license taxes, relating to registration, titles, operation, or use of vehicles or public highways, roads, streets, bridges, mass transit, intercity passenger rail, ports, or airports, or motor fuels, including bond proceeds, shall be expended for other than costs of administering laws related to vehicles and transportation, costs for construction, reconstruction, maintenance, repair, and betterment of public highways, roads, streets, bridges, mass transit, intercity passenger rail, ports, airports, or other forms of transportation, and other statutory highway purposes, including the State or local share to match federal aid highway funds. You are asked to decide whether the proposed amendment should become part of the Illinois Constitution.

YES –––– NO

For the proposed addition of Section 11 to Article IX of the Illinois Constitution.

CAPITOL BUILDING SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE I, Jesse White, Secretary of the State of Illinois, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Proposed Amendment, the Explanation of the Proposed Amendment, Arguments in Favor of the Amendment and Arguments Against the Amendment and a true copy of the Form of Ballot for this call as the regularly scheduled general election on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, as set forth in compliance with the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and affix the Great Seal of the State of Illinois, Done in the City of Springfield, this 22nd day of June, 2016.

Jesse White Secretary of State This voter information material is available in written format in English, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Spanish, and Braille. It is also available in audio format in English. For more information visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com or write the Secretary of State’s office at 111 East Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62756.

Este material de información para el votante está disponible en formato impreso en inglés, chino, hindi, polaco, español y sistema Braille.

También está disponible en formato de audio en inglés. Para obtener más información, visite www.cyberdriveillinois.com o escriba a la oficina del Secretario de Estado en 111 East Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62756. 此投票信息资料提供英语、中文、北印度语、波兰语、西班牙语书面版本，另有盲文版本。同时还有英语音频版本。如需更 多信息，请访问 www.cyberdriveillinois.com，亦可致函州务卿办公室，地址：伊利诺伊州斯普林菲尔德市东门罗街 111 号， 邮编 62756（111 East Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62756）。 यह मतदाता सूचना अंग्रेजी, चीनी, हिंदी, पॉलिश, स्पैनिश तथा ब्रेल लिपि में लिखित स्वरूप में उपलब्ध है। यह अंग्रेजी में ऑडियो स्वरूप में भी उपलब्ध है। अधिक जानकारी के लिए www.cyberdriveillinois.com पर जाएँ अथवा राज्य सचिव के कार्यालय को 111 ईस्ट मनरो स्ट्रीट, स्प्रिंगफील्ड, इलिनॉयस 62756 पर लिखें। Ten materiał informacyjny dla wyborców jest dostępny w formie pisemnej w języku angielskim, chińskim, hindi, polskim, hiszpańskim oraz alfabecie Braille’a. Jest on również dostępny w formacie audio w języku angielskim. Aby uzyskać więcej informacji należy odwiedzić stronę internetową www.cyberdriveillinois.com lub napisać do biura Sekretarza Stanu przy 111 East Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62756.

8 / CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of October 12, 2016

calendar

KEEPING READERS INFORMED ABOUT NEWS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS EVERY WEEK

EVENT OF THE WEEK

Third Annual Children of Hope Fundraiser presented

by Franciscan Works + Liberia Mission, Inc.

Join Franciscan Works and special guest Most Reverend Bishop Joseph N. Perry for Harvest for Hope, an Octoberfest fundraiser benefiting the children of Liberia Mission, Inc. Liberia Mission provides religious formation, housing, education, trade skills and leadership development to more than 400 youth living in extreme poverty in Liberia, West Africa.

Harvest for Hope will take place Saturday evening, October 22, 2016 from 6-9pm at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, located at 2247 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622.

Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at www.harvestforhopechicago. org for $50. Tickets include a German menu with brats, pretzels, strudel and more, as well as three servings of beer or wine. Guests will enjoy live German music from the Die Musikmeisters Band, a silent auction, raffle and photo booth.

For more information, visit Franciscan Works at www.franciscanworks.org.

Chicago Weekend College October PAC Performances

Please note: This calendar is correct at the time of publication and is subject to change.

All events are held in the Kindig Performing Arts Center (PAC) on SSC’s Main Campus and admission is FREE for these events.

(Donations are appreciated to benefit the Music Scholarship Fund.)

Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 12:00 p.m.

Lecture Recital Presented by Band of Brothers Pipe and Drum Band Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 7:00 p.m.

Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Combo Concert and SSC Voices Concert Friday, October 21, 2016, 7:00 p.m.

Symphonic Band and Orchestra Concert For more information or to confirm dates and times, call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2316.

Chicago Weekend College is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

Chosen & Dearly Loved Foundation to Host “Dinner of Champions” with legendary football coach Lou Holtz, Tuesday, October 18th, 2016

The Chosen & Dearly Loved Foundation, championing orphans with special needs, is proud to host an inspiring “Dinner of Champions” on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at The Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel in Northbrook, Illinois (933 Skokie Boulevard), featuring legendary football coach LOU HOLTZ. In addition to delivering a keynote address, Coach Lou Holtz will be leading a private, VIP meet & greet / photo opportunity for event sponsors, and even a chance to sit at his head table during the dinner program.

The “Dinner of Champions” Host Committee is comprised of Chip & Karen Beck, David & Nancy Crouch, Bill & Sondra Douglass, Dennis Drescher, Mike & Mandy Gallagher, Wayne & Nan Kocourek

BEYOND OCTOBER

HEALTHY HABITS HEALTHY LIVES Saturday November 12, 2016 10am - 2pm Illinois Institute of Technology Hermann Hall Conference Center 3241 South Federal Street Chicago, IL 60616

Free Health Screenings Blood Pressure Flu Shots Diabetes Vision HIV Dental Sign-up Free Mammograms

Free Activities

Workshops

Massages Line Dancing Tai Chi Bingo Zumba Nutrition Demonstrations

Health Insurance Clinical Trials Women’s Health Men’s Health Financial Planning

Free Fo od Great R affle Prizes (40” T V) Free FUN for the Whole Family Free Transportation from certain Locations

SAVE the DATE

RSVP by November 5th Call 312-942-3368 or Online http://goo.gl/1EGYJ9 Jeremy & Lindsay Shull, and Adrian & Nancy Smith. The evening’s Corporate Sponsors are the Educational Outfitters Group, Gallagher Industries, LLC, Merrill Lynch and UBS Financial Services.

The evening begins at 5:00 – 6:00pm with the event Sponsors’ VIP Reception & Photo Opportunity with Lou Holtz. At 6:00pm the Cocktail Reception begins, followed by the Dinner Program with Lou Holtz’s keynote address.

Sponsorship opportunities offer: • $25,000 Lou Holtz VIP Reception for 10 / Table of 10 for Dinner Program; • $10,000 Lou Holtz VIP Reception for 4 / Table of 10 for Dinner Program; • $5,000 Lou Holtz VIP Reception for 2 / Table of 10 for Dinner Program;

• $2,500 Table of 10 for Dinner Program; • Individual Tickets can be purchased for $250 each.

All proceeds benefit The Chosen & Dearly Loved Foundation, which was founded 6 years ago by Lake Forest High School alumnae Mike & Mandy Gallagher in response to the global orphan crisis: • Every 18 seconds a child in the world becomes an orphan; • In the US, over 400,000 children are currently in foster care; • Up to 2/3 of foster children will be homeless, in prison or dead within one year of aging out at 18.

“Children with special needs are the most likely to become orphans, and the least likely to be adopted. But every one of them belongs in a family,” Mike Gallagher, Co-Founder and

President.

With its 4 areas of impact: Adoption Grants, Family Support, Advocacy and Global Care, The Chosen & Dearly Loved Foundation works to attack the orphan crisis at both ends, increasing the number of orphans getting adopted, and reducing the number of children becoming orphans. Learn more at www. chosenanddearlyloved.org.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or to make a donation, please contact Stacey Moe at 847.323.5284 or via email designbystacey@yahoo.com. Or visit www.cdl.events.

www.thechicagocitizen.com • 51 years of serving the Black community

CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of October 12, 2016 / 9

FILM REVIEW:

THE BIRTH OF A NATION

By Dwight Brown (NNPA Wire Service Film Critic)

F

inally, a filmmaker unearths one of the biggest secrets in American history: slave revolts.

It’s a lesson rarely mentioned in history books, though it’s common knowledge to anyone who has taken a Black History course. Kudos to actor-turned-director Nate Parker for shepherding this ambitious project from the kernel of an idea to the completion of an inspiring and evocative film that is nothing less than a masterpiece. There are many facets of this movie that are groundbreaking, historic, monumental and unique.

In the evolution of the American film industry few films have ventured into the subject of slavery. Some have misleadingly romanticized the era (Gone With the Wind).

Some have made fun of it and belittled its tragic consequences (Django Unchained).

Some have eloquently captured the suffering (12 Years a Slave). Some have revealed rebellions from a White man’s perspective (Free State of Jones). None have captured the spirit and emotion of the time, the courage and bravery of resistance and the calculated

planning and execution of a rebellion from the viewpoint of African American culture.

Until now.

Southampton County, Va., is filled with cotton plantations. A young slave boy named Nat (Tony Espinosa) and his family work on a farm run by the Turner family. Nat is thought to be a chosen child by friends and family: “This boy has the holy markings of our ancestors.” He is friendly with the slave owner’s son Samuel (Griffin Freeman). That boy’s mom Elizabeth (Penelope Ann Miller) notices that Nat has a knack for words and she helps him learn how to read, using the Bible as a learning tool.

Years later, Nat (Nate Parker) is a young Reverend. His stature among the slaves is high. The Turner family seems to not be too apprehensive about their slave who seems to be intelligent and a leader. Samuel (Armie Hammer), now a young man too, is in charge of a farm that is failing to make money. As talk of rebellious slaves sweeps through the county, Samuel gets Nat to become a traveling pastor who “tames” the nerves of slaves on other plantations, for a fee that is paid to the Turner Family.

Traveling around to other farms gives Nat a general of sense of other slaves’

wretched conditions. Several intensely brutal incidences, involving him, friends and a vicious assault on his wife Cherry (Aja Naomi King) by white men, bring things to a head.

The time to act has come. Nat: “We’ll destroy them all.” How will it be done? Who will join him? How will this insurrection end?

Throughout the film, the script by Parker and Jean McGianni Celestin establishes and maintains a spiritual destiny that never wanes.

There are moments that the Nat Turner they have created has Christ-like, martyr-like attributes. How much of this is based on fact or is manufactured to produce a character that audiences will root for is up for debate. One thing for sure is that the real Nat Turner was a courageous man who gave his life for freedom, and the one on-screen takes over that mantle very well.

For a first-time filmmaker, Parker makes no huge gaffes. He finds and keeps a tone, pulls Oscar-worthy performances from his cast and sets everything in motion in a thoroughly engaging manner that is sustained for 118 minutes. With the skill of directors with ten times his experience, he blends drama, psychodrama, romance, spirituality and action into a relentless, uncompromising classic.

entertainment

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10 / CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of October 12, 2016

UniverSoul Circus Plays Chicago A big top spectacle of global proportions, the 2016 production of UniverSoul Circus takes fans of all ages on an unforgettable journey of light, sound and soul. Get ready for electrifying, edge-of-your-seat performances.

Hailed as the most interactive circus in the world, UniverSoul Circus plays Chicago in Washington Park, now through October 30th.

Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000.

As has become its trademark after 23 years, UniverSoul Circus will present a multicultural/ multinational cast of rock-star performers in 2016. Only under the UniverSoul Circus one ring big top will you be lucky enough to witness the Comedy Dog Act from Chile, Aerial Duet from Colombia, Pagoda Bowl Acrobats from China, Airborne Motorcycles from California, Caribbean Dynasty from Trinidad and Tobago, Russian Bar from Cuba, Contortionists from Ethiopia, Magical Tigers and disco dancing Elephants from the United States.

“Just like the circular ring in which it sits, UniverSoul celebrates cultures from around the world and brings them together under the big top,” said Founder and CEO Cedric Walker. “At this time in our history we need to

come together, to embrace and learn from each other. I believe the circus naturally brings people together. In 23 years of searching for talent, I have journeyed to every continent to find a multicultural, multinational mix of talent to showcase.”

This year’s show is sponsored by the Black McDonald’s Operator’s Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (BMOA) who has sponsored the UniverSoul for the past ten years.

Leading the charge this year as Ringmaster for UniverSoul Circus is the multitalented Lucky Malatsi of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Lucky, 27, has been performing in front of an audience for 23 years. In 1999, while performing in South Africa, Lucky caught the attention of Cedric Walker. By 2000, at the age of 10, he was performing a popular duo contortionist act for UniverSoul. Married with two young kids growing up in the back lot, Lucky brings new meaning to the term, multi-talented. He has been an acrobatic hip hop dancer, acrobat, contortionist, trapeze artist, teeterboard flyer, trampoline artist and an acrobatic-dunking whiz kid with basketballs.

Visit www.universoulcircus.com for more info, show times, and schedules.

Monster High Launches Lady Gaga Doll To Inspire Kindness With Born This Way Foundation Monster High and Born This Way Foundation recently revealed Zomby Gaga, a doll inspired by Lady Gaga to champion kindness, instill bravery, and build a world where young people celebrate their differences.

Zomby Gaga, the newest ghoul to be welcomed to Monster High, will be available for pre-order Monster High and Born starting October This Way Foundation 17 at 9:00AM EST recently revealed Zomby at select retailers for Gaga, a doll inspired by $29.99 USD. The Lady Gaga to champion effort is being led by kindness, instill bravery, six-time Grammy and build a world where young people celebrate and 2016 Golden Globe winner Lady their differences.

Gaga and her mother (PRNewsFoto/Mattel, Cynthia Germanotta. Inc.) Born This Way Foundation was founded in 2012 to support the wellness of young people and to empower

RLJ Entertainment Acquires Urbanworld Film Festival

© 2016 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

STARTS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

Following the 20th anniversary of the Urbanworld Film Festival, RLJ Entertainment is set to release Leila Djansi’s (Where Children Play) compelling new feature film, Like Cotton Twines. The film, which screened in the World Narrative Category at this year’s festival, follows Micah (Jay Ellis, The Game, HBO’s Insecure), an American volunteer who teaches in a Ghanaian village and harbors high expectations for his mother’s homeland. He’s eager to help his students reach their full potential, especially the bright 13-year-old Tuigi (Ophelia Klenam Dzidzornu). But when Tuigi’s family must pay for an accident caused by her father, Tuigi must abandon her education and offer herself as a sex slave. Outraged and upset, Micah battles the tribal culture, religious customs, and the state itself in order to save Tuigi from a cruel fate.

“This film is almost akin to a marriage between Africans and African Americans. Our stories are deeply personal experiences that no one can tell to the world better than us. UMC is a foundation on which such stories can rest. I am continuously grateful that I am able to add to its tapestry,” said Djansi.

Like Cotton Twines is slated to premiere on RLJE’s subscription video on demand service, Urban Movie Channel (UMC) in December 2016. The film will also be released on DVD in early 2017.

In addition to Like Cotton Twines, RLJ Entertainment also acquired Urbanworld film festival alum Knucklehead, which screened in 2015. Starring Emmy awardwinner Alfre Woodard and Gbenga Akinnagbe (HBO’s The Wire, Independence Day 2), who also produced the project, the film follows a young man who suffers from a mental disability and is convinced that prescription drugs can cure him.

“Knucklehead is about the undeniable power of faith moving us forward in our lives despite what obstacles we might encounter. We made this movie about characters in Brooklyn, but anyone whose life has been touched by someone who faces mental health challenges will find hope and a reason to laugh in this uplifting story about one young man’s struggle to help himself,” said director and producer Ben Bowman. “Gbenga Akinnagbe is a force of nature. I’m honored that he put his passion into bringing this project to the screen. I agree with Alfre Woodard that he is ‘one of the most gifted and versatile actors of his generation.’”

To date, Knucklehead has only been seen at select film festivals throughout the country. It will premiere exclusively on UMC on Friday, October 21, 2016, marking the first time the film will be widely released and available nationally.

Knucklehead will also be released on DVD on December 6, 2016.

CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of October 12, 2016 /11

CLASSIFIEDS classifieds

Weekly

SERVICE

SERVICE

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REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Real Estate Auction NOVEMBER 7TH 608 39th St., Downers Grove, Illinois * 4BR, 2BA, 2313SF HOME * UNDER CONSTRUCTION UNFINISHED Value up to $550,000 when completed 312­440­ 2000 www.ricklevin.com __________________________________ Available Commercial Warehouse and Furnish Office Space, located on the Southeast side 773­821­4000 __________________________________

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or trans­ action of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was regis­ tered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County.

Registration Number: D16148238 on September 27, 2016 Under the Assumed Business Name of KEE RECRUITING SERVICES with the business located at:430 E 162ND ST, SOUTH HOLLAND, IL 60473The true and real full name and residence address of the owner is: SANDRA KEETON 2251 W 157TH PLACE MARKHAM, IL 60428, USA __________________________________

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2016

12 / CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of October 12, 2016

DECISION

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE? Why wait? Get Registered Today

2016 Election Schedule and Voter Registration Deadlines

General Election

November 8, 2016

Last day to register to vote

October 11, 2016

Last Day to Register to Vote Online October 23, 2016 GRACE PERIOD REGISTRATION AND VOTING First Day

October 12, 2016

Last Day

November 8, 2016

EARLY VOTING FOR ELECTION First Day

September 29, 2016

Last Day

November 7, 2016 For more information, visit:

http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/elections/registertovote/Pages/default.aspx or http://www.elections.il.gov.