Citizen Cook County Assessor Releases Senior Exemption Applications — Page 3 Week of Jan. 16, 2019
| Vol. 50 | No. 3 | www.thechicagocitizen.com
CHICAGO WEEKEND
SPOKESPERSON FOR THE FAMILY OF LAQUAN MCDONALD APPROVES OF RECENT PRECKWINKLE AD A press conference was recently held at Grace Memorial Baptist Church, 1457 S. Kenneth Ave. by Pastor Marvin Hunter, great-uncle of Laquan McDonald, to discuss his thoughts on mayoral candidate Toni Preckwinkle’s first campaign ad concerning her role in helping to reveal Laquan McDonald’s autopsy report.
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Pastor Marvin Hunter (pictured), great uncle of Laquan McDonald, recently held a press conference to address questions about his position on mayoral candidate Toni Preckwinkle’s first campaign ad which highlights her role in publicizing his great nephew’s autopsy report.
BUSINESS Kinzie/King Breakfast to Feature Chair of Black Chamber of Commerce PAGE 4
ENTERTAINMENT
FASHION
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Forevermark diamonds lit up the red carpet at the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards on actors Sandra Oh and Gemma Chan
iHeartMedia Names James Howard Senior Vice President of Programming for the Chicago Region and Program Director for 103.5 KISS FM
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2 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Jan. 16, 2019
NEWS briefly EDUCATION
USF NURSING EDUCATOR EARNS FELLOWSHIP THROUGH STATE BOARD University of St. Francis (USF) Undergraduate Clinical Placement Coordinator Ashley Hasselbring, MSN, RN, CCRN, was recently selected as a Nurse Educator Fellow by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). Hasselbring was one of only 19 educators in Illinois to be awarded the fellowship this year worth $10,000, which was established to recognize nurse educators who have excelled in their areas of specialty.
HEALTH
WALGREENS IS THE FIRST TO BE INCLUDED IN THE NEW MY PHARMACY FEATURE Propeller Health, a leading digital therapeutics company, recently announced My Pharmacy, connecting Propeller users living with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) directly to pharmacy services in the Propeller mobile app. Walgreens is the first pharmacy to be included in the new My Pharmacy feature, giving Walgreens patients a single platform for managing their asthma or COPD medication regimen. Through My Pharmacy, patients will be able to refill prescriptions for in-store pickup at Walgreens pharmacies, locate a nearby Walgreens pharmacy, talk live with a pharmacist through Walgreens Pharmacy Chat and check their Walgreens Balance Rewards™ points, all within the Propeller app. “The ability to refill a prescription or talk to a pharmacist through an existing digital health tool is an important step in making care easier, faster and less stressful for patients,” said Greg Tracy, chief technology officer for Propeller Health. “We’re thrilled to work with Walgreens on this launch and hope our collaboration will serve as a blueprint for future pharmacy integrations within our platform.”
LAW & POLITICS
LAW FIRM ANNOUNCES NAME CHANGE The law firm of Ledford Wu and Borges, LLC who’s motto is, “We go the extra mile, that is our practice, our policy and our promise,” recently announced that it has changed its name to Borges and Wu, LLC. Borges and Wu will continue to advertise under the name of BillBusters as the largest African American-owned bankruptcy law firm in Illinois. The law firm provides legal services in a number of areas including, but not limited to Bankruptcy (Chapter 7, Chapter 11 and Chapter 13), stop garnishments, foreclosure defense, loan modifications as well as numerous other legal services.
Spokesperson For The Family Of Laquan McDonald Approves Of Recent Preckwinkle Ad Continued from page 1 BY KATHERINE NEWMAN
A press conference was recently held at Grace Memorial Baptist Church, 1457 S. Kenneth Ave. by Pastor Marvin Hunter, great-uncle of Laquan McDonald, to discuss his thoughts on mayoral candidate Toni Preckwinkle’s first campaign ad concerning her role in helping to reveal Laquan McDonald’s autopsy report. In the ad, Preckwinkle’s role in the Laquan McDonald investigation is highlighted. The ad indicates that Preckwinkle, as the Cook County Board President, used the power of her office, which oversees the Medical Examiner’s Office, to make McDonald’s autopsy report public by giving it to a reporter who was investigating the incident, according to a press release from the Toni Preckwinkle for Chicago campaign announcing the ad. Images of Preckwinkle, the current Mayor, Rahm Emanuel, and images of McDonald’s autopsy report make up the visual element of the ad and are accompanied by a voice-over. “Sixteen shots, nine in the back. Facts that the police and city officials tried to bury. Facts that Toni Preckwinkle brought to light. It was Toni who made sure Laquan McDonald’s autopsy went public. It was Toni who called for the dashcam footage to be released. Toni demanded the police chief be fired and helped oust the state’s attorney for not doing her job. Toni Preckwinkle, a Mayor
who does what’s right,” the voiceover states in Preckwinkle’s first mayoral campaign ad. During the press conference, Hunter stated that he is thankful for Preckwinkle’s efforts in uncovering the details of his great nephew’s death. “There has been a lot of talk about the ad that President Toni Preckwinkle put out for her campaign for Mayor of the City of Chicago and the question is what do I think about it and what does the family think about it? After talking with our family and being the spokesman for the family, we decided that our message would be that we are grateful for the commercial,” said Hunter. Because of this new ad, Hunter said that he and his family now know the role that Preckwinkle played in holding the city accountable for the death of Laquan McDonald and the eventual conviction of Jason Van Dyke, the Chicago police officer who was found guilty of shooting and killing McDonald. “It puts us in a position where we know now that all the elected officials in the City of Chicago did not fold and they were concerned about what was happening to our family and other families just like ours that have suffered from gun violence and mistreatment from police officers in the City of Chicago. We were not aware of all the help or the work that the President was doing during the time of the Laquan McDonald murder, however, we are thankful and grateful that she was doing what she did,” said Hunter. Hunter went on to say that there is still work to
be done and he hopes to have the same amount of support at the upcoming sentencing hearing for Jason Van Dyke to ensure that he is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Other mayoral candidates weren’t as pleased with the ad and one even went as far as to call it a distraction from Preckwinkle’s connection to a campaign contribution resulting from a fundraiser Alderman Ed Burke hosted for her most recent Cook County board campaign. Burke was recently charged with attempting to commit extortion and in a press statement, Preckwinkle acknowledged that Burke hosted a fundraiser for her previously, but her current mayoral campaign had not been contacted by the authorities. She added in the press release that she’s confident her staff followed proper protocol when it came to accepting and refusing contributions at the time of the fundraiser. “By using the Laquan McDonald video as a shiny object to distract from her role in the Ed Burke extortion scheme, Toni Preckwinkle proves she is not ready to lead,” said mayoral candidate Lori Lightfoot “Toni Preckwinkle’s attempt to erase the tireless organizing of thousands of activists, young people, lawyers, investigative journalists, and everyday Chicagoans who rose up to demand justice is deeply concerning. It’s also concerning that Toni Preckwinkle would feature footage that can re-victimize friends, family members, and survivors of trauma.”
University of Chicago Celebrates 50 Years Of Preparing Low-Income Students For College BY KATHERINE NEWMAN
The University of Chicago recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of their Office of Special Programs-College Prep (OSP) initiative and the 15th anniversary of the Collegiate Scholars Program. The event took place at the Chicago Theological Seminary building, 1407 E 60th St., and featured speeches from program leaders and alumni. The University of Chicago’s Office of Special Programs-College Prep initiative and the Collegiate Scholars Program are two groundbreaking programs led by the University of Chicago’s Office of Civic Engagement to help low-income, high-potential students from public high schools gain admission to college, pay for college, and succeed in college. “We have seen not only students graduating at a higher rate throughout the district, but if you look at the students that have had the opportunity to participate in both of these programs, the college acceptance rate is at 100 percent,” said Janice Jackson, Chicago Public Schools CEO. The OSP initiative was launched in 1968 and made the University
Janice Jackson, chief executive officer of Chicago Public Schools (pictured), recently spoke at The University of Chicago to celebrate the anniversary of two programs that help to prepare students for college. Photo Credit: University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement
of Chicago one of the first universities in the nation to incorporate the federally-funded TRIO suite of programs into their community engagement efforts. TRIO is a set of federally-funded college opportunity programs that support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their pursuit of a college degree, according to a press release announcing the anniversary celebration. Upward Bound is one of the TRIO programs that the University of www.thechicagocitizen.com
Chicago operates at four local high schools and this particular program offers year-round academic support for students as well as gives them insight on navigating the college application, admission, and financial aid experience. “Ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access and the opportunity to succeed in higher education is a vital priority for the University,” said Robert J. Zimmer, president of the University of Chicago.
“The Office of Special Programs is especially focused on providing a system of support and enrichment for young people in the University’s neighboring communities, such programs help first-generation students succeed while strengthening the colleges and universities they choose to attend.” The OSP program serves over 100 students every year and several alumni spoke at the event to thank the University of Chicago for the role that OSP played in their success after high school. “I needed to get into college not only to achieve my dream of being a doctor, but also to be able to go back and help my family just like they helped me growing up,” said Naa Ashitey, a program alumni from the Woodlawn neighborhood who’s now a student at the University of Chicago. The Collegiate Scholars Program also celebrated it’s 15-year anniversary during the special event and operates to further enrich the learning opportunities for high-performing Chicago Public School students and makes sure that they are not under-reaching in their college application choices. To learn more about either program visit www.civicengagement. uchicago.edu.
CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Jan. 16, 2019
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NEWS
The Young Women’s March Rally 2019 Coming Soon Young women, femmes, non-binary folks, and allies of all ages are coming together for a rally in Chicago to stand in solidarity with the 3rd annual Women’s March on Washington on January 19, 2019. This rally is youth-organized and youthled, but everyone young and old is invited to attend. “It is time for the next generation to raise their voices, and commit to dismantling systems of oppression through nonviolent resistance and building inclusive spaces for all. Following the Women’s March Unity Principles, this includes all women—Black women, Indigenous women, poor women, immigrant women, disabled women, Jewish women, Muslim women, Latinx women, Asian and Pacific Islander women, lesbian, bi, queer and trans women,” according to a Women’s March Illinois press release. Women’s March Illinois is an affiliated chapter of Women’s March Network. Additional sister marches are happening in New Lenox, IL, and Woodstock, IL. The 2019 Women’s Agenda priorities include: • Ending Violence Against Women & Femmes • Ending State Violence • Reproductive Rights & Justice • Racial Justice • LGBTQIA+ Rights • Immigrant Rights • Economic Justice & Worker’s Rights • Civil Rights & Liberties • Disability Rights • Environmental Justice Speakers will be youth organizers in Chicago and a list of speakers will be provided before the event. The Young Women’s March Rally 2019 will take place on Saturday, January 19 from 10:00AM-12:00PM CST at the Federal Plaza, Adams & Dearborn, Chicago, IL and the lead organizer is Jazmine-Marie Cruz. Jazmine-Marie Cruz is a freshman at
Roosevelt University, majoring in paralegal studies and minoring in political science. She plans to attend law school after graduation. Commenting on the upcoming event in a press release she said, “I am a first generation college student who grew up inspired by strong women. I come from a small town in Wisconsin and was raised by a single mother. We, like countless others, lived paycheck to paycheck; barely making ends meet most of the time. Living below the poverty line and at the mercy of government assistance can make you feel powerless. “I didn’t know I had a voice. I watched countless racial and hate-based acts of violence happen on the news, and I watched privileged white men make decisions regarding women’s rights. It was infuriating. And then, the 2017 Women’s March happened. Thousands of women gathered to show that when our voices are united, we can move mountains. I participated in the 2018 Milwaukee March and joined thousands of others in resistance to bigotry. “I want to make sure that young women have a chance to raise their voices here in Chicago on January 19, 2019, and that we show the diversity and inclusion of the Women’s March. I want to show others who, like me, have felt powerless that they are dynamic and life changing. All voices deserve to be heard no matter the age, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or size.” For more information, visit Facebook at this link https://www.facebook.com/ events/2275953855808706
Cook County Assessor Releases Senior Exemption Applications Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi recently announced that his office has mailed Senior and Senior Freeze Exemption renewal applications for tax year 2018. Over 300,000 applications were mailed to seniors who received the exemptions last year. The application deadline is February 6, 2019 and annual renewal is required. The Senior Exemption application is part of a booklet sent to eligible seniors. The booklet also contains the separate, income-based Senior Freeze Exemption application. “It is very important to me as I begin my term as assessor that my office reaches as many seniors as possible to ensure that they continue to receive the exemptions to which they are entitled,” said Assessor Kaegi. “No senior in Cook County should be in a position where they are paying more their fair share.” To qualify for the Senior Citizen Exemption for tax year 2018, a taxpayer must have: • been born prior to or in the year 1953 • owned the property during 2018 or have a
lease or contract for 2018 which makes them responsible for the real estate taxes • used the property as his or her principal place of residence in 2018 Beginning last year, a new law increased savings for the Senior Exemption from $5,000 to $8,000 in Equalized Assessed Value (EAV). Also noteworthy is the exemption amount is not the dollar amount by which a tax bill is lowered. EAV is the partial value of a property to which tax rates are applied; it is this figure on which a tax bill is calculated. The savings for a Senior Citizen Exemption is calculated by multiplying the exemption savings of 8,000 by the local tax rate. The Assessor does not set tax rates. To qualify for the Senior Freeze Exemption for tax year 2018, a taxpayer must have: • been born prior to or in the year 1953 • a total household income of $65,000 or less for [income] tax year 2017 • owned the property or had a legal, equitable or leasehold interest in the property on
January 1, 2017 and January 1, 2018 • used the property as his or her principal place of residence as of January 1, 2017 and January 1, 2018 • been liable for payment of 2017 and 2018 property taxes Beginning last year, the law expanded eligibility for the Senior Freeze Exemption by increasing allowable total household income to $65,000, from the previous limit of $55,000. There is also a new minimum $2,000 EAV deduction for the Senior Freeze, which will help offset increases in assessed value and help ensure that more seniors benefit from the Senior Exemption. “If you don’t qualify for the Senior Freeze Exemption because you exceed the income level, this does not mean you will not be eligible for the standard Senior Exemption,” Assessor Kaegi explained. “The Senior Exemption has no income restrictions and it is important for those seniors who are eligible to apply.” Seniors receiving the Senior Citizen Ex-
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emption automatically receive the Homeowner Exemption. Seniors receiving the Senior Freeze Exemption automatically receive both the Homeowner and Senior Citizen Exemptions. Eligible seniors who have never applied for the Senior and/or Senior Freeze Exemptions in the past may visit the Assessor’s website at www.cookcountyassessor.com and download an application or contact the Assessor’s Office at 312-443-7550 and request a form be mailed to them. Applications for additional exemptions administered by the Assessor’s Office will be available within the next several weeks. “Our office will work throughout the year to reach Cook County seniors through our community outreach programs and help the seniors with the exemption application process,” Assessor Kaegi said. “We will also be working hard to bring more fairness, ethics and transparency to the property tax assessment system,” Kaegi said.
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BUSINESS
Kinzie/King Breakfast to Feature Chair of Black Chamber of Commerce Frank Bass, the Chair of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Illinois will be the featured speaker for the 11th annual Joyce Kinzie/ Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast at Lincoln College, set for Monday, Jan. 21. Tickets are now available for the event, which will be held in the Davidson-Sheffer Gymnasium on the Lincoln College campus. The doors will open at 7 a.m. with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m. The annual event raises funds exclusively for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Minority Student Scholarship. It was co-founded in 2009 by Rev. Glenn Shelton and Lincoln businesswoman Joyce Kinzie, who died in 2010. The scholarship assists a Logan County minority student while attending Lincoln College. Since Ms. Kinzie’s death, the annual breakfast has continued at Lincoln College, honoring her accomplishments and wishes to provide academic assistance to students. The event features a buffet breakfast and remarks by this year’s MLK Scholarship recipients, Jessica Jackson and Aurora Board, as well as keynote speaker Frank Bass.
Bass is a member of a family that has been active in Chicago African-American businesses since the mid-1960s. The family is known for its business acumen, owning an array of businesses including real estate, grocery stores, dry cleaners and laundromats, funeral homes, and more. His uncle, Rev. James Bass, once had one of the largest churches on the west side of Chicago at 700 S. Pulaski Road and was instrumental in bringing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the west side of Chicago. In keeping with the Bass family legacy, Frank Bass is a small business owner based in Chicago. He owns a political consulting/government affairs firm and has been involved in politics and government in Illinois and Georgia since 1984, and has over 20 years of campaign and public policy experience at the local, county, state, and federal levels. Bass is also the Chairman of Strategic Human Services, a not-for-profit that produces the North Lawndale Newspaper in Chicago and provides services such as job training for Veterans and mentoring to at-risk youth.
Frank Bass, the Chair of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Illinois will be the featured speaker for the 11th annual Joyce Kinzie/Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast at Lincoln College, set for Monday, Jan. 21. Tickets are now available for the event, which will be held in the Davidson-Sheffer Gymnasium on the Lincoln College campus. The doors will open at 7 a.m. with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Tickets are $10; seating is limited so reservations are recommended. Call Jen McMillin at Lincoln College (217735-7210 or jmcmillin@lincolncollege. edu) to reserve tickets to pick up at the door. Tickets for the event are also available at the Lincoln Heritage Museum (1115 Nicholson Rd, Lincoln, IL 62656), or from committee member Rev. Glenn Shelton. Tickets will be sold at the door if seating is still available.
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MONEY MATTERS
Sixty nine percent of families are waiting until January or later to complete the FAFSA, which is now available on Oct. 1, and are potentially missing out on aid that’s awarded first-come, first-served.
How Families Today are Paying for College StatePoint - The way families pay for college is a good indicator of how much planning takes place before the first tuition bill arrives. A new study by Sallie Mae suggests that while families are feeling confident in their decision making, nearly 40 percent do not have a plan to pay for college. Last year, family income and savings covered 47 percent of all college expenses, according to “How America Pays for College 2018,” the national study from Sallie Mae -- the nation’s saving, planning, and paying for college company -- and Ipsos, an independent global market research company. The annual report examines how families pay for college, how much they spent, and how they made their funding decisions. The average amount spent on college in 2017-18 was $26,458. While income and savings cover the largest portion of college costs, scholarships and grants cover 28 percent of college costs, and students and parents use loans to account for 24 percent of college costs. Extended family and friends paid an additional 2 percent of college costs. While no single resource is used by all families, the most prevalent college funding sources -- scholarships, grants, and parent income -- are each used by about three in five families, with scholarships being the single most-used resource. In addition, 57 percent of families used scholarships last year, paying for almost a fifth of total college costs. Unfortunately, about a third of families don’t even apply for scholarship opportunities. More than half of families, 53
percent, borrowed money to help pay for college last year and two-thirds of these families said they had always planned to borrow to pay for college. When it comes to planning to repay loans, however, 39 percent of families say they haven’t researched any repayment topics. “It’s gratifying that families are so confident in the financial decisions they make regarding paying for college,” says Raymond J. Quinlan, chairman and CEO, Sallie Mae. “Still, there’s more work to do to equip families with the tools and information that will help them manage education expenses, whether it be applying for financial aid earlier in the process or taking steps to minimize student loan financing costs.” When it comes to completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, (FAFSA), three-quarters of families report filing the form last year. However, the majority of them are not taking advantage of the earlier availability of the form: 69 percent of families are waiting until January or later to complete the FAFSA, which is now available on Oct. 1, and are potentially missing out on aid that’s awarded first-come, first-served. The complete report and other resources are available at SallieMae. com/HowAmericaPaysForCollege. To join the conversation, use #HowAmericaPays. For more information, or to start your plan to pay for college, visit SallieMae.com. Experts say that with the right tools and knowledge, families can develop a smart strategy for paying for college.
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CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Jan. 16, 2019
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News
Finding solutions for diabetes management By Senator Kimberly Lightford
2.3 times higher than those who do not have diabetes. The ADA More than 1.3 million people reports that diagnosed diabetes in Illinois, or 12.5% of the adult costs an estimated $12 billion in population, have diabetes and an Illinois each year. These figures additional 37.5% have prediainclude direct medical costs for betes - a condition of high blood care, but also indirect costs such glucose levels but not yet qualias lost productivity due to diafied as diabetes, according to the betes. American Diabetes Association What's even more alarming is (ADA). Diabetes, if not managed the impact diabetes has on comproperly, can lead to serious com- munities of color. According to the plications including heart disease, Health & Human Services' Office stroke, amputation, kidney disof Minority Health, African ease, even death. Americans are almost twice as People with diabetes have likely to be diagnosed with diamedical expenses approximately betes as non-Hispanic whites. In
HEALTH (StatePoint) While a lot of people think they have a handle on diabetes, this serious disease is actually rather complex. Here are three common diabetes myths -- debunked, with the help of Nutrisystem Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs) and Courtney McCormick, dietitian for Nutrisystem. Myth: I’m a healthy weight -- I can’t get diabetes. Fact: Although there’s a clear connection between being overweight or obese and developing type 2 diabetes, genetics and other lifestyle factors can also play a role. Prediabetes can sometimes be an early-stage development of type 2 diabetes, and its risk factors (other than weight) include: • Polycystic ovary syndrome: Fairly common in women, stay attuned to symptoms such as increased hair growth, weight gain and an inconsistent menstrual cycle. • Older age: Prediabetes risk increases after age 45, according to the Mayo Clinic. • Family medical history: A family history of blood sugar-related health complications increases prediabetes risk. • Gestational diabetes: Women who experience gestational diabetes (diabetes developed during pregnancy) are more likely to develop prediabetes. Additionally, if your baby weighed more than nine pounds at birth, you’re at greater risk, according to the Mayo Clinic. Men, aren’t off the hook. This increased risk extends to the children of women who had gestational diabetes. • Inadequate sleep: Certain conditions causing sleep disruptions can be a recipe for insulin resistance. Myth: People develop diabetes because they eat too much sugar. Fact: Although consuming excess calories can contribute to being overweight, which is associated with type 2 diabetes, sugar is not the singular cause of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is the result of genetics and additional unknown factors and type 2 diabetes is the result of a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. Myth: If I have diabetes, I can’t have carbs or dessert. Fact: Generally speaking, individuals with diabetes can follow the same healthy diet recommended for the general public and can even enjoy sweet treats in small portions on special occasions. Carbs are a necessary part of a healthy meal plan. Just pay attention to portions. Optimal carbohydrate counts will vary by person, but the American Diabetes Association recommends starting with 45-60 grams per meal, and tweaking depending on how your body responds. Some good carbs to consider? Whole grain breads, pastas, rice and cereals, plus starchy vegetables like potatoes, peas and corn. Fruits, beans, milk and yogurt also count toward daily carbohydrates. On the Nutrisystem D plan, which is designed for people living with type 2 diabetes, milk and yogurt are considered “PowerFuels,” even though they provide some carbohydrates. Many people are advised to enjoy these foods with fruit to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia. It’s important to have a good understanding of the risks, causes and precautions associated with diabetes. Although preventative measures can’t be taken against type 1 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association, research suggests that you can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes by 58 percent by: • Losing seven percent of your body weight • Exercising moderately 30 minutes a day, five days a week Eat well, be well and know your risk factors for diabetes.
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addition, they are more likely to suffer complications from diabetes, such as end-stage renal disease and lower extremity amputations. Disease management is critical in preventing these serious complications. However, patients who are having problems affording their medications are trying to stretch them over longer periods of time or not taking them at all, which can have devastating effects on their health.
In an effort to help people who have issues affording their insulin, Eli Lilly and Company launched the Lilly Diabetes Solution Center on Aug. 1 of 2018. The goal is to provide solutions to people who need help paying for their Lilly insulin, including those with lower incomes, the uninsured and people still paying their deductibles in a high-deductible insurance plan. Solutions are unique to individuals' needs but can include free insulin or significantly discounted
medicine. Other individuals may qualify for coverage that they were not aware of. As a member of the Illinois General Assembly, I applaud this initiative to help our community and other communities across our state have better access to their diabetes medication. Senator Kimberly A. Lightford represents the 4th Senate District and is an Assistant Majority Leader.
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ENTERTAINMENT
BPM Selects Fellows For Round Three of 360 Incubator
James Howard
iHeartMedia Names James Howard Senior Vice President of Programming for the Chicago Region and Program Director for 103.5 KISS FM Chicago – iHeartMedia recently announced that James Howard has been named Senior Vice President of Programming for the Chicago Region and Program Director for 103.5 KISS FM, Chicago’s #1 Hit Music Station, effective January 16. The iHeartMedia Chicago Region has a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing six stations comprised of CHR, AC, Hip-Hop and R&B, New Country and Contemporary Inspirational music formats. iHeartMedia has the leading consumer reach and influence across multiple platforms and delivers more live programming than any other media company. As Senior Vice President of Programming and Program Director for 103.5 KISS FM, Howard will be responsible for all programming and digital operations that deliver a strong return on investment for clients reaching consumers through iHeartMedia’s unmatched assets, including on-air, online, social media, personalities and live events. He will report to Matt Scarano, president of the Chicago Region for iHeartMedia. In addition, Tommy Austin joins the National Programming Group, reporting to Jon Zellner, executive vice president of programming & operations Executive for iHeartMedia. Howard joined iHeartMedia more than 16 years ago and has held programming positions in the Orlando, Albany, Atlanta and Tampa regions. Most recently, Howard was Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia’s Washington, D.C Region. “Our Chicago brands and dedicated teams that operate them are some of the finest in our industry,” said Howard. “I’m excited to help them continue to make an indelible impact on our Chicago communities.” “James Howard has a winning track record,” said Scarano. “His breadth of knowledge, leadership and programming creativity will be a tremendous asset to our team.” iHeartMedia is the leading media outlet in the Chicago market with multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; live events; data; and its digital businesses and platforms, including mobile, social and its own iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service – with more than 2 billion app downloads and 125 million registered users.
Ten producing teams have been selected by Black Public Media (BPM) for its innovative 360 Incubator+, a program designed to identify and pipeline quality black content. The third round of the competition is its largest-ever class. Eight broadcast and web projects will vie for up to $150,000 in funding to help produce the pilots or funding reels of their broadcast or digital projects; for the first time, producers for two virtual reality projects will also compete, a nod to BPM’s new mission to introduce black filmmakers and creatives to the storytelling potential of virtual reality and other emerging technologies. The winning 10 projects beat out 39 other storytellers who also answered the open call issued in July. Black Public Media is the nation’s only nonprofit dedicated solely to media content about the black experience. The 360 Incubator+ offers a holistic, comprehensive approach to honing the skills of experienced producers and filmmakers—and their projects. From January 11 through 13, participants, or Fellows, will attended a boot camp in the historic Hudson Valley, before heading to New York City for 11 days for the intensive Incubator Workshops. Now through January 25, they will work full time, attending workshops on topics including grant-writing, budgeting, reel creating, licenses, engagement, graphics and animation, and virtual reality. For the next 10 weeks, producers will return to their home base, working on their proposal, sample reel and pitches under the guidance of their mentors in preparation for pitchBlack in New York City. Mentors include Joe Brewster, Rachel Falcon, Sonia GonzalezMartinez, Sabrina Schmidt Gordon, Chris Hastings, Byron Hurt, Michael Premo, Yoruba Richen and Michèle Stephenson. The dynamic pitchBlack forum on April 11 will put Fellows center stage in front of a diverse audience of funders, distributors and industry leaders. The Fellows battle to nab top honors and be one of up to three projects to be awarded a license agreement ranging from $50,000 to $150,000. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, April 12. The seven projects chosen by a panel of industry experts include: The 3,000 Project, a broadcast program by Keith McQuirter and LaNora Williams-Clark
In Wisconsin, one of the most incarcerated states in the nation, are 3,000 imprisoned men and women trapped in the judicial system between two changing parole laws, tripling their prison sentences. The changes create an inferno of activism and debate from the high offices of state government to the streets of Milwaukee, as the state grapples with solutions to curb its alarming rates of mass incarceration. Changing State, a broadcast program by Leola Calzolai-Stewart and Kiley Kraskouskas
At the height of the Cold War and civil rights movement, the first African-American ambassadors walked a tightrope: promoting the democratic promise of America abroad while living as second-class citizens at home.
The Chicago Franchise, a broadcast series by Randall Dottin
After the city of Chicago tore down its high-rise public housing towers in 2011, the murder rate continued to climb. This was no accident. The Chicago Franchise explores the complicated relationship between gun violence, poverty and residential segregation. Commuted, a broadcast program by Nailah Jefferson
Commuted tells the story of Danielle Metz—a 50-year-old AfricanAmerican woman whose triple life sentence (in New Orleans’ biggest RICO drug case of the early ’90s) was commuted by President Obama in August 2016. Now back home in New Orleans after 23 years behind bars, Metz is trying to find her footing in the free world and reconcile her present with her past regrets. A Good Man, a web short by Michael Fequiere
This film documents Michael’s search for the elusive father he never knew and his process of coming to terms with the truth of his origins. This quest ultimately has Michael interviewing his immediate family www.thechicagocitizen.com
including his mother, who sacrificed everything so her children could have a future. This family portrait shows that even in a fatherless household, there can be strong family ties that support the younger generation. Greenwood Avenue, a virtual reality project by Ayana Baraka
Greenwood Avenue is a groundbreaking, emotional exploration into the lives of the African-Americans living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921, during the era of Black Wall Street, the second rise of the KKK, and the Tulsa Race Riots of 1921, as told through the eyes of an elderly black female protagonist named Agnes Bess. Heroes of Color, a web series by David Heredia
Heroes of Color celebrates the courage, perseverance and intellect of lesser-known people of color. The diverse group of heroes in the series includes black, Native American, Latino and Asian people. The objective of the series is to create a more inclusive curriculum in school grades K–12 and inspire pride in the nation’s youth. Listen to My Heartbeat, a broadcast program by Nyjia July
Washington, D.C., is the political epicenter, but residents beyond Capitol Hill have long battled for a voice. As the city gentrifies, black residents are pushed out, along with their voice: Go-Go Music. Much like the black residents, Go-Go has been evicted. Listen to My Heartbeat examines the gentrification of Washington, D.C., through the lens of the city’s folkloric music. The film examines a changing city, the people displaced and the future of the music that gave them a voice. A Love Supreme: Black, Queer and Christian in the South, a broadcast program by Katina Parker
A Love Supreme: Black, Queer and Christian in The South is a long-overdue heart-to-heart between black LGBTQ people, their families and the black church. The film follows eight families struggling to reconcile the religious bigotry they learned from the pulpit with the immense love they have for their lesbian, gay, bi, queer and trans loved ones. A Love Supreme will be accompanied by an impact campaign that networks resources, trainings and retreats for welcoming black churches. POV, a virtual reality project by Alton Glass and Rashaan Nichols
A hyper-reality experience set in the alternate future of Los Angeles 2025 where weaponized police drones govern the skies. In response to rising levels of police brutality and mass incarceration, the federal government experiments with the world’s first Drone Law Enforcement Program. Armed with Artificial Intelligence and artillery, the drones hover through Los Angeles accessing data through the point cloud: GPS locations, algorithmic surveillance and social media profiles. The point of view toggles through various access points and collects data from these highly adaptive police drones in the line of duty prior to a tragic encounter. These multiple points of view slowly peel back the viewer’s own implicit biases and zero in on the important role both society and law play in the development and implementation of emerging technologies. With each point of view, viewers experience how algorithms and privacy shape present-day reality. Based in Harlem, BPM has been presenting diverse stories about black people on public television since 1979. With the growth of digital platforms, the organization has presented its own web series (Black Folk Don’t) and helped train filmmakers and producers on new and emerging media. The group also helps to fund films—including the Oscar-nominated I Am Not Your Negro, The Murder of Emmett Till and Daughters of the Dust. In April, the organization held its inaugural Black Media Story Summit, an effort to identify stories on the most pressing issues facing the black community and work with seasoned creatives, funders, distributors and others to bring these stories to viewers. For more information on BPM, visit www.blackpublicmedia.org or follow the organization on Twitter (@BLKPublicMedia) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BlackPublicMedia).
CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Jan. 16, 2019
Change can happen in a heartbeat.
BY CHRISTINA
ANDERSON SMITH
DIRECTED BY NIEGEL
A young writer’s life turns upside down when her girlfriend drops some unexpected news. Fifty years later, four artists feel the reverberations of that moment—and its unexpected consequences—as their lives intersect in pursuit of creative passion and legacy. A bold, imaginative work from Christina Anderson—“a gifted playwright you want to pay attention to” (Variety).
Get $25 main floor tickets using code CITIZEN* *Excludes premium and partial view.
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FASHION Colgate® Optic White® Advanced Sparkling White® Becomes The First Toothpaste In The At-Home Bleaching Category To Be Awarded The ADA Seal of Acceptance Colgate Optic White recently announced that the brand is the first toothpaste to be awarded the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance in the athome tooth bleaching category. Colgate Optic Advanced White Sparkling White Toothpaste earned the Seal of Acceptance following the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs' finding that the product is safe and effective in helping prevent cavities and whitening teeth beyond surface stains, when used according to instructions. To earn the Seal, the product was scientifically evaluated by independent experts for safety and efficacy, passing ADA laboratory tests and meeting ADA and American National Standards Institute-
approved dental standards. Backed by science, the ADA Seal of Acceptance helps eliminate confusion when it comes to buying trusted products. With the new addition of Colgate Optic White Advanced Sparkling White, consumers can confidently choose a whitening toothpaste that is specially formulated to go beyond surface stains, to deeply whiten, unlike other ordinary toothpaste. "We are honored that the ADA has recognized Colgate Optic White with this Seal of Acceptance," said Ben McLaughlin, associate director, Optic White Toothpaste, North America Marketing. "Colgate Optic White Advanced products represent years
PRNewsfoto/Colgate-Palmolive
of research and development and receiving the ADA Seal of Acceptance underscores our commitment to making the best at-home whitening toothpastes on the market."
For more information about Colgate Optic White's ADA Seal of Acceptance, visit ADA. org/Seal, and follow @Colgate on Twitter and Instagram to learn more about the brand.
Forevermark diamonds lit up the red carpet at the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards on actors Sandra Oh and Gemma Chan The host of the evening and Golden Globe winner, Sandra Oh dazzled in Forevermark diamonds in three show-stopping looks. Channeling old Hollywood glamour on the red carpet, Oh donned an elegant white gown, statement diamond earrings and a stack of diamond line bracelets. For her second look, Oh changed into a bold red gown and shoulder skimming diamond drop earrings. Finally, Oh accepted her Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV series for her role in Killing Eve wearing a white gown with embellished gold sleeves, striking serpent-inspired diamond earrings and fancy yellow Forevermark Exceptional Diamond rings. Elizabeth Saltzman, Oh's stylist, shared inspiration behind her look, "Working with strong, powerful, super talented women like Sandra Oh is not only lucky, but exciting– especially in this year where we have so much choice. Choosing the right designers and the right jewels to compliment Sandra's amazing personality was a joy. Forevermark diamonds were not only perfect but felt perfect for the message: Sandra Oh is a rare, beautiful, smart, talented person." Gemma Chan, actor in Golden Globe nominated Crazy Rich Asians looked radiant on the red carpet dressed in a pair of cascading chandelier diamond earrings and stackable diamond rings to complement her dramatic deep blue gown. Chan's stylist Rebecca CorbinMurray said of her diamond look, "Committed to social responsibility, empowerment of women and conservation– we were drawn to the breathtaking pieces from Forevermark
Sandra Oh and Gemma Chan Sparkle in Forevermark Diamonds at the 2019 Golden Globes.
for their beauty and unusual asymmetric design but it's important to me/us to work with brands which are trying to have a positive impact on the planet." Forevermark diamond looks at the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards include: WHO: Sandra Oh, Host and Best Actress in a TV Series Nominee, Killing Eve THE LOOK (Red Carpet): Forevermark Wing Diamond Earrings set in 18K White Gold 10.18 ctw l Forevermark by Martin Flyer Three Row Diamond Bracelet set in
Platinum 18.38 ctw Forevermark by Natalie K Three Row Diamond Bracelet 10.27 ctw l Forevermark by Natalie K Diamond Bangle 1.44 ctw l Forevermark by Maria Canale Deco Diamond Bangle 3.16 ctw l Forevermark Diamond Bracelet set in 18k White Gold 3.20 ctw l Forevermark Stackable Diamond Bangle set in 18k White Gold 5.29 ctw l Forevermark Stackable Diamond Bangle set in 18k White Gold 6.20 ctw l
l
THE LOOK (Opening Monologue): l Forevermark Long Drop Diamond Earrings set in 18K White Gold 18.61 ctw www.thechicagocitizen.com
Forevermark Exceptional Diamond by Premier Gem 15.05 ct Cushion Diamond Solitaire Ring set in Platinum 16.05 ctw l Forevermark by Rahaminov Oval Diamond Ring set in Platinum 5.15 ctw l
THE LOOK (Accepting Golden Globe): l Forevermark Nature's Beauty Diamond Earrings set in 18K White Gold 15.45 ctw l Forevermark Exceptional Diamond by Premier Gem 10.90 ct Fancy Yellow Cushion Diamond Ring set in Platinum l Forevermark Exceptional Diamond by Premier Gem 7.24 ct Fancy
Yellow Cushion Diamond Ring set in Platinum WHO: Actor Gemma Chan, Actor, Crazy Rich Asians THE LOOK: l Forevermark Wonderlight Diamond Earrings set in 18k White Gold 8.52 ctw l Forevermark Exceptional Diamond11.03 ct Cushion Diamond Ring set in Platinum l Forevermark by Natalie K Diamond Eternity Band 3.24 ctw l Forevermark by Mémoire Odessa Diamond Eternity Band set in Platinum 4.00 ctw l Forevermark Eternity Band set in 18k White Gold 2.97 ctw
CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Jan. 16, 2019
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Citizen On The Move
Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly Swearing-In Ceremony and Reception Highlights
Diane Township Democratic Committeeman; Diane Williams, WIllims, Trustee Trustee Flossmoor; Flossmoor;anA unidentified unidentifiedSupporter, Supporter,Lori LoriWilcox, Wilcox,Bloom Bloom Township Democratic Committeemen; Congresswoman Kelly, States Attorney Kimberly Foxx; Commissioner DonnaDonna Miller, Miller, an unidentified supporter; State CongresswomanRobin Robin Kelly, States Attorney Kimberly Foxx; Commissioner a unidentified supporter; Representative Debbie Debbie Meyers Martin; Sheila Chalmers-Currin, Matteson; Michael Fountain, Honorary Consulate of State Represenattive MeyersMayor Martin; Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin, Matteson; Michael Fountain, Honorary Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Consulate of Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
Chicago Urban League Chief Executive Officer and President, Barbara Lumpkin; Dr. Donna Simpson Leake, Superintendent of Sauk Village School District; Congresswoman Robin Kelly; Dr. Blondean Davis CEO Southland Charter School and Superintendent School District 162; Greg Jackson, School Superintendent of Ford Heights.
Rep. Kelly pose for a photo with NBC’s The Voice Season15 top 13 finalist and Matteson resident Sandy Redd. Redd sang the national anthem at Kelly’s Swearing in Ceremony.
Pastors and Clergy of the religious community came out to show their support for Congresswoman Robin Kelly.
Members of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorportated shows support of their sister Congresswoman Robin Kelly. All the photo’s appearing on this page are courtesy of CREDD
www.thechicagocitizen.com
CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Jan. 16, 2019
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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE
genocide, and examine the best and worst of human proclivities. Her new novel, “Six Thousand Miles to Home,” was inspired by the true story of a Jewish family from western Poland during one of World War II’s lesser-known episodes, the imprisonment of 1.5-2 million Polish citizens in the Soviet Union’s infamous Gulag. The novel details a family’s enslavement in a forced-labor camp, and their eventual escape to Iran where they found refuge. “I feel a generational responsibility to help preserve the memory of what happened during World War II. Because so many died without their stories being told or collected, we must try to imagine how they lived and how they perished,” says Kupperman. “Such narratives and personal stories build empathy for those of us fortunate to be remote from these experiences. They also remind us that genocide is a persistent phenomenon, and that by not acting, we are complicit.” Starvation, disease, and hard labor in adverse environmental conditions combined to make the Gulag a ruthless environment in which people perished by the thousands. Despite the horrors of this history, accounts of Soviet deportations and enslavement of Polish citizens are largely absent from the literature of the Holocaust. As those who lived through it grow older, historians say that the time for collecting and understanding these stories is now. Kupperman draws parallels between the historical events detailed in her novel to today’s global refugee crisis. As a result of World War II, tens of millions of people were displaced, an amount of people which seemed staggering at the time. In 2016, an estimated 65.6 million people were forcibly displaced by persecution, conflict, or violence, according to the UN, amounting to 20 people every minute. Understanding history can change perceptions about today’s refugees and encourage individuals to help, whether it’s by providing shelter, volunteering time, or donating resources. Proceeds from sales of Kupperman’s book will support The Suzanna Cohen Legacy Foundation and its mission to collect, preserve, publish, and teach the life stories of men and women who exhibited resilience in the face of forced displacement, and to honor the bravery and generosity of those who provided compassion and assistance to refugees, exiles and persecuted peoples. To learn more, visit suzannacohenlegacyfoundation.org. While learning about historical atrocities can be uncomfortable and disturbing, doing so can ultimately help one become a better citizen of the world today. __________________________________
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LIVING Never Forget: What the Past Can Teach Us About Today’s Problems (StatePoint) While history may feel like the distant past (and something you may think you don’t need to know much about outside the classroom), many experts believe it can offer valuable lessons for today. In the case of World War II, author Kim Dana Kupperman says the stories that came out of this dark time in history can help us gain a new perspective on today’s global refugee crisis, be better prepared to see the warning signs of totalitarianism and
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We Salute The Dreamer. . “The Dream Must Live On...”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. 1929-1968
.