Chicago Weekend Citizen 2-26-2020

Citizen CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH Week of Feb. 26, 2020

| Vol. 51 | No. 9 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CHICAGO WEEKEND

BLACK HISTORY FOCUS

Politics And Women Helped Shape Chicago’s Black History PAGE 3

BUSINESS

Mike Bloomberg Makes History with the Black Press of America PAGE 4

FASHION

Michelle Duster (pictured), great granddaughter of Ida B. Wells-Barnett, said there has been some erasure of the contributions of African American women when it comes to the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Photo Credit: Tia Carol Jones

Parents Get Organized with kidpik’s Spring 2020 Collection Offering Fashion That’s Streamlined and On-trend PAGE 10

TALK LOOKS AT EFFORTS OF BLACK WOMEN TO GAIN RIGHT TO VOTE Michelle Duster is the great granddaughter of activist and journalist Ida B. Wells-Barnett.

On Thursday, Feb. 20, she spoke about African American Suffragists and their fight for inclusion. PAGE 2

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2 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Feb. 26, 2020

NEWS briefly EDUCATION SUMMER MEALS PROGRAMS SERVED MORE THAN 5.2 MILLION MEALS IN 2019 Illinois’ summer meals programs, administered by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and funded by the U.S Department of Agriculture, served more than 5.2 million meals in 2019. However, 35 counties did not have any summer meals serving sites. ISBE is seeking additional sponsors to expand access to healthy food in between school years.

Illinois’ summer meals programs provide free meals and snacks to children through age 18 and to children with disabilities through age 21 when schools are not in session. Sponsors receive reimbursement for the number of meals served.

ISBE’s Nutrition Department is holding workshops across the state for school districts, community organizations, churches, camps, park districts, and others interested in serving as sponsors. The training is required to become a new sponsor. Organizations interested in participating in ISBE’s summer meals programs can find more information by calling ISBE’s Nutrition Department at (800) 545-7892, emailing cnp@isbe.net, or visiting www. isbe.net/Pages/ Summer-Food-Service-Program.aspx

HEALTH

SHIPPING OF CDC 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DIAGNOSTIC TEST KITS BEGINS A CDC-developed laboratory test kit to detect 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) recently began shipping to select qualified U.S. and international laboratories.

Distribution of the tests will help improve the global capacity to detect and respond to the 2019 novel coronavirus.

The test kit is called the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019nCov) Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase (RT)-PCR Diagnostic Panel (CDC 2019-nCoV Real Time RT-PCR) and uses a technology that can provide results in four hours from initial sample processing to result.

Check the CDC website for the latest information and guidance on 2019-nCoV. The CDC will continue to update its guidance as the 2019-nCoV situation evolves.

For additional information, visit CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/

LAW & POLITICS

SCHOLARS FIND THAT PERCEIVED BIAS IN THE LEGAL WORKPLACE IS WIDESPREAD AND OFTEN EXPLICIT An article by American Bar Foundation (ABF) researchers finds that discrimination on the basis of race, gender, and sexual orientation remains pervasive in the legal workplace despite efforts of bar leaders to eliminate discrimination from the legal profession.

Based on self-reports of experiences with various types of discriminatory treatment at their place of work in the last two years, the study finds that attorneys of color, white women, and LGBTQ attorneys perceive high levels of workplace bias compared to white male attorneys and to respondents in other workplace studies.

Women in every racial and ethnic group reported higher levels of discrimination than their male counterparts, ranging from 50% of African American women to 30% of white women. 42% of African American men reported workplace discrimination. (Studies of African American workers across all occupations find that 28% report discrimination at work). LGBTQ men were twice as likely as non-LGBTQ men to report discrimination at 29% vs. 16%.

The study is the first national probability sample to ask about discrimination in the legal profession.

Michelle Duster (pictured) is the great granddaughter of Ida B. Wells-Barnett, educator, journalist and activist. Duster spoke at The Wing about African American Suffragists and their fight for inclusion. Photo Credit: Tia Carol Jones

Talk looks at efforts of Black women to gain right to vote Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Michelle Duster is the great granddaughter of activist and journalist Ida B. Wells-Barnett. On Thursday, Feb. 20, she spoke about African American Suffragists and their fight for inclusion.

2020 marks the centennial of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote.

During her presentation, which was held at The Wing, 811 W. Fulton Market, Duster talked about the Women’s Suffrage Movement and the difference between white women and Black women when it came to the suffrage movement.

“As far as the difference between Black women and white women, it was almost like separate, but unequal as it is in so many other ways in our country,” she said.

Duster talked about the meeting in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York, that was initiated by Elizabeth Cady Stanton that had a sort of Women’s Declaration of Independence.

“It was mostly wealthy white women, why, because they had a little bit more time and resources to kind of focus on trying to gain these rights,” she said.

“Most women who are working class, just didn’t have that amount of time on their hands to do that.”

Duster said a lot of the white women were abolitionists.

“So, they did believe that African American people who were enslaved, did not deserve to be enslaved, but they didn’t necessarily believe that they actually should be absolutely equal,” she said.

In 1869, the 15th Amendment gave African American men the right to vote.

Duster said that set white suffragists off.

They had been working around 20 years to get the right to vote for themselves, so they were not pleased with the idea

that Black men, who were in some cases considered former property, would get the right to vote before they would.

Duster said in 1890, the National American Women’s Suffrage Association was founded, but they didn’t include all women.

“They just so happened to not really be welcoming to African American women because they wanted to appeal to their southern sisters, who did not feel comfortable working with African American women side-by-side. So, they chose White Supremacy over sisterhood,” she said.

Duster said Black women, in parallel, were working on the Women’s Suffrage Movement, but it started in the church.

“Black women also started working for the suffrage movement for the right of black women getting the right to vote, but they started through the churches.

Most of our civil engagement as African Americans begins through the churches,” she said.

“In this case, it was the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This was women who were fighting to have more equality within the church. Then, they branched out from the church and wanted to have equal rights in other areas of society.”

Duster talked about the Colored Women’s League, which was founded in 1892 in Washington, DC, and the National Federation of Afro American Women, founded in Boston, in 1895. Then, she talked about the National Association of Colored Women, which was founded in 1896.

“My great grandmother was one of the founders of the NACW. And then, she, my great grandmother, Ida B. Wells, founded Alpha Suffrage Club in Chicago, which is credited with being the first all African American suffrage club in the country,” she said.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Duster went on to talk about her great grandmother and her accomplishments, which included being an educator, journalist and activist.

“She was the co-founder of the NAACP,” she said. “Here in Chicago, by today’s standards, she would be considered a community activist, a social worker and she worked for fair housing.”

Duster pointed out that all women did not get the right to vote in 1920, 45 years later, Black women got the right to vote through the Voting Rights Act. Duster said while Black women, were at the forefront of the suffrage movement, there has been erasure when it comes to telling the history of their contributions.

Duster talked about Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman and their contributions to the Women’s Suffrage Movement.

“Most people think of Harriet Tubman as someone who was part of the Underground Railroad,” she said. “But she was kind of involved in the Women’s Suffrage Movement.”

She talked about her efforts to make the story more inclusive and the work her family has done to make sure her great grandmother’s name and legacy are known.

Those efforts have included the naming of Ida B. Wells Drive, an honorary street named after her at 37th and King Drive, as well as a placard at the site of the Ida B. Wells Homes in Chicago. In Holly Springs, Miss., where Wells-Barnett was born, there is an Ida B. Wells Museum as well as a historical marker in the town square.

Duster said she has been keeping track of monuments depicting the Women’s Suffrage Movement and wants to make sure Black women are included.

“It matters to be able to see yourself in public spaces,” she said. “Public monuments tell the story of our country.”

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Feb. 26, 2020

NEWS

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BLACK HISTORY

Increases in minimum wage may not have anticipated positive health effects, study shows In the decade-long absence of federal action, many states, counties and cities have increased minimum wages to help improve the lives of workers. While political debate over these efforts has long been contentious, scientific research on the health effects of raising the minimum wage is relatively new.

Some studies have found higher minimum wages associated with positive health outcomes, with little evidence that minimum wages harm health. However, a new study by researchers at the University of Washington found that increases in minimum wages primarily had no effect on health overall. However, they did find a mix of negative and positive effects associated with the health of certain groups of working-age people.

The UW study, published Feb. 10 in the American Journal of Epidemiology, looked at more than 131,000 adults who provided information to the federal National Health Interview Survey between 2008 and 2015.

The subjects were 25 to 64 years old and were either employed or unemployed but looking for work.

“We found that an increase in minimum wage really didn’t have a huge impact on health overall, which surprised us,” said Lead Author James Buszkiewicz, a doctoral student in epidemiology in the UW School of Public Health. “We did see, when we looked at subgroups, some mixed health effects there, however.”

For example, the researchers found that a wage increase was associated with an increased likelihood of obesity and elevated body mass index in working-age people of color. They also found that higher minimum wages were associated with a lower likelihood of hypertension among working-age men but higher likelihood of hypertension in working-age women.

“These mixed results shine a spotlight on segments of the population that need to be studied in relation to rising minimum wages in order to learn how best to achieve the goal of reducing inequality with adjustments to the minimum wage,” said co-author Heather Hill, an associate professor in the UW Evans School of Public Policy & Governance.

The researchers looked at several health outcomes: obesity, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, fair or poor general health and serious psychological distress.

Barack Obama Photo credit: Courtesy of the Obama Foundation

In addition, the UW study provides detailed data on the effects of minimum wage increases on subgroups of workers based on gender, race and age.

And, to make sure they were seeing results tied to minimum wages and not other factors, they compared the health outcomes of working-age people with less formal education — who are most likely to receive the minimum wage — to health outcomes of those with more formal education. If a health outcome appeared in both groups, the researchers could assume that it wasn’t caused by changes to the minimum wage.

According to the researchers, these types of analyses and comparisons set their study apart from previous research on this topic. This gives the team confidence in its main finding — no overall effect on the health of working-age people — even though that result contradicts previously published studies. In addition, the UW study provides detailed data on the effects of minimum wage increases on subgroups of workers based on gender, race and age.

The team points out in the study that an association between higher minimum wage and higher rates of obesity for a specific subgroup of working-age people may reflect differences in how minimum-wage policies affect certain demographics of workers, especially those more likely to have low- or minimum-wage jobs.

The researchers did not explore in this study the obesity or hypertension differences they uncovered, but believe that these results point to potential consequences of minimum-wage policy that should be the focus of future research.

“When we are looking at a minimum-wage policy, or any policy for that matter, we should be looking at

A new study shows increases in minimum wages primarily had no effect on health overall.

the effect overall, but we should also consider how it is affecting different groups. And, if there is evidence that minimum wage or any policy is affecting groups differently, that’s something to hone in on for further investigation,” said Buszkiewicz, who is expanding his research into the minimum wage to include its effects over time and by gender and race.

The authors also point out that this research could help inform policymakers when it comes to establishing wage policy.

“Cities and counties are increasing minimum wages with very good intentions, which is to benefit lower-earning workers and reduce inequality, and yet we still need more research evidence on the effects of the minimum wage on health.”

Hill said. “In particular, we need to understand how it affects different types of workers differently.”

Co-author on the study is Jennifer Otten, an associate professor in the UW Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences and the UW Nutritional Sciences Program. This research was funded

by Arnold Ventures and the National Institutes of Health.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Politics And Women Helped Shape Chicago’s Black History

BY WENDELL HUTSON Contributing Writer

Chicago is known more for its gun violence and high sales tax than its black, political history that seems to be growing almost every election.

The nation’s third largest city is home to Barack Obama, America’s first black president; Carol Mosley Braun, the first black, female U.S. Senator; the late Harold Washington, the first black, mayor of Chicago; John H. Stroger Jr., the first black, president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners; and the late Oscar Stanton De Priest, the first, black U.S. Representative. And during his three terms from 1929 to 1935, De Priest, a republican from Illinois’ 1st District, was the only black member of Congress.

These days, though, Chicago’s local political landscape has created even more black history from mayors to aldermen, said Timuel Black, a 100-year-old historian from the South Side.

“For black politics, Chicago is the mecca,” he said. “It is where careers have started and ended for blacks, and where the road to the White House finally happened for Barack Obama.”

The Year of the Woman is how many voters coined last year’s election because it produced black women from Chicago as the first in their respected offices. Those black history makers included Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Alderman Stephanie Coleman (16th), Kari Steele, president of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Karen Yarbrough, Cook County Clerk, and Juliana Stratton, lieutenant governor of Illinois.

LORI LIGHFOOT In 2019, Lori Lightfoot was elected the city’s 56th mayor and the first, black female mayor. And during her inauguration speech, she spoke about her milestone and what it means for the Windy City.

“As I stand here today, I can’t help but think of where I came from— and I know, in my heart, that a story like mine of a kid from a working class family growing up to realize the dreams of my father and mother through education, hard work and sheer determination needs to be the Continued on page 8

4 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Feb. 26, 2020

BUSINESS

Mike Bloomberg Makes History with the Black Press of America

BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Recognizing the importance of the Black vote and the reach of the Black Press of America, Democratic Presidential Candidate Mike Bloomberg has just delivered the largest single advertising buy to the Black Press in the 80-year history of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).

The NNPA is the national trade association that represents 230 black-owned newspapers and media companies throughout the nation.

The $3.5 million ad buy became official on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020,

during Black History Month. It enables Bloomberg to continue his aggressive campaign for president with ads appearing in Black Press of America publications throughout the upcoming Super Tuesday states, as well as other key states where the Black vote will be the determinative factor in the Democratic Party primaries.

Columbia, South Carolina Mayor Steve Benjamin, who co-chairs Bloomberg’s campaign, said the deal is reflective of the former New York City mayor’s commitment toward building an inclusive economy.

“The Bloomberg campaign’s initiative is groundbreaking, and it goes to significantly increasing the economic health of African

Mike Bloomberg visits the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Alabama. Originally founded in the holding pen of a slave trader, the church was eventually led by one of our greatest Americans, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Pictured left to right: Rev. Cromwell Handy, Mike Bloomberg, ASU President Quinton Ross and Bloomberg Campaign co-chair, Bobby Singleton / Source: Facebook.com/mikebloomberg)

Americans by tripling their net worth,” said Mayor Benjamin. “The Bloomberg model is intentionally focused on creating a million new African American homeowners, 100,000 new African American-

owned businesses, and $70 billion in federal capital to go in the 100 most challenged neighborhoods across the country.”

Benjamin added that the ad agreement counts as a recognition that, while some people only talk about accomplishing important initiatives, Bloomberg follows through. “Mike has a history and a record as mayor, CEO, and philanthropist, of getting things done,” Benjamin stated.

“The ad buy not only is a show of respect to the incredible impact and importance of African American journalism but also it is Mike walking the walk when it comes to his investing in African Americanowned businesses.”

Steven N. Larkin, the NNPA advertising salesman who helped in negotiations with Bloomberg’s campaign, called the ad buy a “Historic partnership between Mike Bloomberg and the Black Press.”

Reaching Black America in 2020 is critical for all presidential candidates, according to the Brookings Institute, a nonprofit public policy organization in Washington, D.C. In a recent study, researchers at Brookings noted that candidates increase their chances of winning the presidency by “taking the longrange approach of energizing Black voters.

Both parties should not discount the powerful recent election results in which Black votes determined the outcome.”

A recent Quinnipiac poll revealed that Bloomberg is steadily gaining traction among Black voters. The survey showed that Bloomberg rose 7 points overall, just two points

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

“THE AD BUY NOT ONLY IS A SHOW OF RESPECT TO THE INCREDIBLE IMPACT AND IMPORTANCE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN JOURNALISM BUT ALSO IT IS MIKE WALKING THE WALK WHEN IT COMES TO HIS INVESTING IN AFRICAN AMERICAN-OWNED BUSINESSES.” Columbia, South Carolina Mayor Steve Benjamin, who co-chairs Bloomberg’s campaign

behind former Vice President Joe Biden, who dropped 7 points.

Bloomberg polled second among Black voters with 22 percent to Biden’s 27 percent.

The former New York City mayor recently unveiled his Greenwood Initiative, which is designed to ignite economic justice for African Americans.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the president and CEO of the NNPA, NNPA, emphasized, “It is appropriate and politically providential that candidates for the highest office in the nation recognize and sustain the significance of reaching African American voters through the Black Press of America via the NNPA. Mike Bloomberg has now stepped up to the plate with the commitment of his resources at this pivotal moment in history to affirm the importance of the Black vote in 2020.”

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Feb. 26, 2020

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NEWS

Sustainable Home Upgrades for Better Health Family Features - When you’re on a quest to create a home rack save energy and time by reducing the frequency of washing environment that promotes wellness, it can be difficult to know towels, it keeps them dry and free of mold and mildew between where to begin. One easy solution is to look for small changes washes. Plus, wrapping up in a warm towel can help reduce joint that improve your personal well-being while also promoting a stiffness and muscle spasms, according to research by the Johns better environment overall.

Hopkins University School of Medicine. With 150 affordable Consider these sustainable projects and changes for a mounted and free-standing models made from 100% recyclable, healthier, happier household: marine-grade stainless steel, and custom color options available, Rethink window treatments. Windows can affect a home in it can be easy to add a stylish accent to bathrooms, laundry numerous ways, both good and bad. On the upside, ambient rooms or mudrooms. light is a natural mood-boosting alternative to energy-hungry Reduce household chemicals. It may seem that the stronger, fixtures. Windows add character, and the right window the better is the best approach when it comes to fighting dirt treatments can play an essential role in a decorative scheme. In and germs, but in fact, there are many negative health and the winter, windows can also be natural conveyors of the sun’s environmental impacts from harsh cleaners. Opt instead for heat, reducing your reliance on energy. more natural formulas that deliver the same clean with fewer Client: ComEd Bleed: Region: US ingredients.

You may also be surprised to learn that the window synthetic Campaign: Solar Spotlight BHM Print Ad Trim: Language: English treatments you choose to help manage lightAgency and climate can play Aside from cleaners, there are likely numerous other sources Job #: B1241-0120220-00 Live: 10” x 6.5” Notes: None AD #/ADDrapes ID: QEXL0792000 a big role in your home’s health and sustainability. can be of potentially risky chemicals throughout your home, including Date Modifi January Keyline Scale: 100% difficult to clean, which means they can trap dirt, dusted:and other31, 2020 10:39 AM furniture, clothing and bedding that requires dry cleaning.

CR: Output at: allergens that tarnish air quality. Many blinds use synthetic Products containing chemical dyes and synthetic materials are AD Round: Page: materials, making them less than ideal earth-conscious options. not only potential irritants, they often also carry the weight of Your best bet is bamboo or wood treatments that are certified as lesser earth-friendly production practices.

TOless BEenergy USEDthan FOR APPROVAL An alternative like a heated towel NOT rack uses a COLOR eco-friendly and easy to keep clean.

Linens made from natural materials may help you avoid standard dryer (about the same amount of electricity as a few ACD:you A. Sel Valle CD: G. Apfelbach P: C. Capaola AM: L. Mitchell BM: E. Schmidt unnecessary exposure to chemicals, and you can readily find Lessen the laundry load. Reducing the amount of laundry light bulbs). do not only saves time but is also better for the environment. options that help alleviate concerns about allergens and allow refrigerator, clothes washer and dishwasher combined.

Washing clothes accounts for 15-40% of the water consumption you to support sustainable manufacturing practices.

An alternative like a heated towel rack uses less energy than for an average family of four, according to Home Water Works, Learn more about sustainable products and ideas for a healtha standard dryer (about the same amount of electricity as a few and the annual energy consumption of typical electric clothes conscious home at ambaproducts.com. light bulbs). Not only does an option like an Amba heated towel dryers often equals the cost of running a new energy-efficient SOURCE: Amba Products

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH 104300_QEXL0792000_v1

6 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Feb. 26, 2020

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 8th WARD VALENTINE SENIORS GALA

CITIZEN On The Move

Photos by Jerome Simmons

O.S. Owens AARP Foundation sponsor and Alderman Michelle Harris (8) .

Micheal Carbonargi candidate for Clerk of Cook County, Attorney Theodore London, 8th Ward Alderman Michelle Harris and Leroy Kennedy who was the events raffle ticket winner.

Supporters of the 8th Ward Valentine's Event are all smiles as they enjoy themselves at the event.

Corey Foster ComEd, Ald. Michelle Harriss

Al Ryder and Melissa Conyears-Ervin, City Treasurer were hands on at the event pulling raffle tickets.

Representing Congressman Bobby Rush is his son Jeff

Read us on the Web at: www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Feb. 26, 2020

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NEWS How to Travel to Cuba with the Support for the Cuban People Travel Category Amidst continuing questions about how to travel to Cuba in 2020, the Cuba travel agency CUBA CANDELA has released step by step guide for American travelers interested in visiting the island nation. Yes, you can still travel to Cuba, with the “Support for the Cuban People” travel category explained in 3 easy steps.

After the Trump administration eliminated the group “people-to-people” educational travel category, canceled cruise ship travel to Cuba, and limited U.S. flights to Havana only, American travelers and travel advisors were left wondering if and how they can visit Cuba.

“We are getting questions every day from confused travelers wanting to understand and adhere to the travel rules,” says Founder and CEO, Chad Olin.

Seeking to educate the public and ease the minds of perplexed travelers, CUBA CANDE-

Travel through the streets of Havana || Photo by CUBA CANDELA

LA created a travel guide explaining how any American can visit Cuba using the “Support for the Cuban People” travel category, one of twelve authorized categories of travel to Cuba — now the most common.

“Any American traveler can visit Cuba in 2020, fly directly to Havana from eight different U.S. cities and have a remarkable experience that is legally compliant, culturally enriching

and socially conscious,” said Olin. “We encourage all Americans to travel to Cuba in 2020, and for those with questions about how to do so legally, I hope our guide helps to clarify the rules on how to travel using the ‘Support for the Cuban People’ travel category.”

CUBA CANDELA remains one of the only companies in the Cuba travel industry with public reviews. The company guarantees com-

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

pliance with U.S. law and offers clients a ‘100% Guaranteed Departure Policy’ that includes a full refund if future U.S. travel restrictions prohibit legal travel with CUBA CANDELA. CUBA CANDELA specializes in tailor-made tours of Cuba, providing a full suite of services including travel documents, luxury accommodations and unique experiences. For more information, visit https://www.cubacandela.com/

8 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Feb. 26, 2020

BLACK HISTORY

Politics And Women Helped Shape Chicago’s Black History Continued from page 3 story of possibility in every neighborhood,” Lightfoot told a crowd of more than 3,000 people at her May 20, 2019 inauguration. “I know we’re just a little bit closer to that dream as I stand here today, inaugurated as Chicago’s first Black woman and first openly gay mayor.

I know we’re a little bit closer as we celebrate that, for the first time in the history of Chicago, women of color now hold all three of our citywide elected offices [Office of the Mayor, Office of City Treasurer and Office of City Clerk].”

Kari Steele Courtesy of the MWRD

Ald. Stephanie Coleman Photo credit: Wendell Hutson

STEPHANIE COLEMAN Ald. Stephanie Coleman (16th) at age 30 was elected the youngest, black female alderman in 2019, and is the daughter of former 16th Ward Alderman Shirley Coleman. The political newcomer who never held elected office prior to alderman said last year’s election of black women to various city, county and state offices clearly is a sign that women of color are finally being taken seriously in Chicago’s male dominated political spectrum.

“Times have surely changed for the better when it comes to black women. And change is needed to make improvements because without change, things will stay the same,” said Coleman.

After defeating incumbent Ald. Toni Foulkes last year, the ‘Daughter of Englewood’ as Coleman calls herself, said she has been hard at work now that reality has kicked in.

“It hasn’t totally hit me yet [that I am the youngest black woman to be elected alderman] because I have been working so hard to meet the needs of my constituents. In my first 100 days as alderman, I took an inventory of the ward by walking block by block and assessing the needs of each neighborhood,” she said. Her other goals include improving the schools and bringing more economic development to the ward.

And despite being defeated in 2016 by Foulkes, that did not stop Coleman’s desire to represent the Englewood neighborhood where she was born and raised.

“I ran against Alderman Foulkes four years ago and lost. And while I was wounded, I was not weary,” added Coleman. “I never stopped knocking on doors, registering new voters and engaging with the community.”

KARI STEELE In January, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, quietly made history when it elected Kari Steele, a 43-year-old environmentalist and Chatham-native, as its first black, female president in its 130-year existence.

“This year is our 130th anniversary, and it was in 2012, when I started my first term (as commissioner), that we elected our first female president ever,” Steele said shortly after the nine-member board voted unanimously on Jan. 10 to make her its new president. “Six years later, I have had women colleagues, and African American women colleagues, come to my office with tears in their eyes. They cannot believe how the district has transformed, the groundbreaking changes we’ve made since then with diversity on the board.”

The $1.1 billion agency oversees seven sanitary and flood protection plants in Cook County that serve not only Chicago but also 125 other municipalities including the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant in Cicero, which is the largest U.S. plant.

KAREN YARBROUGH Prior to her election as the first woman ever and first black elected Cook County Clerk, Karen Yarbrough served two terms as Cook County Recorder of Deeds, and before that, she was state Representative for the 7th District.

“I am looking forward to serving the people of Cook County, in my new role as Clerk of Cook County,” Yarbrough said shortly after being sworn into office December 2019 by

Elected in 1983 and serving until his death on November 25, 1987, the late Harold Washington (pictured) was the first black mayor of Chicago. Photo credit: Courtesy of the Chicago Public Library

Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans. “I’m the first woman and the first African American in this position and I want to thank the voters of Cook County for placing their trust and faith in my ability to lead and serve them in this manner.”

The services provided by the Cook County Clerk’s Office may be unknown to many voters but Yarbrough said the county office does things critical to governmental operations. Its primary role is to serve as the chief election authority for Cook County, which is one of the largest election jurisdictions in the nation. And besides administering elections in suburban Cook County, the office also assists property owners in redeeming delinquent taxes, records the activity of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and maintains birth, marriage and death records.

(from left) Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans is shown administering the oath of office to Cook County Clerk, Karen Yarbrough. Photo credit: Courtesy of the Cook County Clerk Office

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Juliana Stratton Photo credit: Courtesy of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor

JULIANA STRATTON Illinois voters elected a billionaire as its new governor in 2019 but also elected Juliana Stratton, a former state Representative, as its first black, lieutenant governor.

During her inaugural speech in January, Stratton said voters did more than elect her as the 43rd lieutenant governor.

“On December 3rd, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state. Two hundred years later, with the DNA of my formerly enslaved great, great grandfather, William Stephens as part of my genetic makeup, I am proud to stand before you as our state’s first black Lieutenant Governor.”

As second-in-command of the state, the lieutenant governor is responsible for a variety duties, such as heading the Illinois Main Street Program, and serving as chairman of the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council, Rural Bond Bank of Illinois and the Illinois River Coordinating Council.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Feb. 26, 2020

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From the desk of

MIKE BLOOMBERG Dear Reader, Thank you for taking the time to learn about The Greenwood Initiative.

As someone who has been very lucky in life, I often say my story would only have been possible in America — and that’s true. But I also know that because of the artificial barriers of discrimination, my story likely would have turned out very differently if I had been Black, and that more Black Americans of my generation would have ended up with far more wealth, had they been white.

Building Generational Wealth for Black Families is Critical. That’s why I launched The Greenwood Initiative in Tulsa last month. I visited the site of the Black Wall Street Massacre, where a white mob decimated the prosperous community of Greenwood. It is to the memory of the lost lives and promise of Greenwood that we’ve dedicated The Greenwood Initiative: a plan to address the systematic bias that has kept Black Americans from building wealth.

THE GREENWOOD PLAN WILL: • Create 1 million new Black homeowners • Double the number of new Black-owned businesses • Invest $70 billion in the country’s 100 most disadvantaged neighborhoods

Fixing the System for Black Families. When I was mayor of New York, I was proud to take on the systematic inequality that held back too many New Yorkers. We increased education funding, built 650 new schools and raised Black graduation rates to record highs. We led an ambitious effort to reduce poverty and managed the largest amount of affordable housing in the nation. And as President, I will work even more aggressively to combat inequality nationwide.

I understand that undoing generations of systematic discrimination won’t happen overnight, but we can make progress with a clear vision and a comprehensive plan. I’ve included a pamphlet along with this letter that lays out my plan. When I’m President, implementing The Greenwood Initiative will be a top priority.

Join me in ending the systemic inequality that has held Black Americans back for too long!

Sincerely,

Mike Bloomberg

PAID FOR BY MIKE BLOOMBERG 2020

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10 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Feb. 26, 2020

FASHION

David’s Bridal Announces the Expansion of Their Retail Footprint Davids Bridal recently announced the opening of their newest retail store in Gainesville, Florida. The Gainesville location continues the momentum the bridal chain built in the back half of 2019 with 6 openings in Virginia Beach, Virginia; Houston, Texas; Macon, Georgia; Union, New Jersey; Buford, Georgia; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The opening of the Gainesville store is part of a continuing commitment to update and improve David’s existing store base and its physical footprint to better service the modern woman. A new store in Little Rock, Arkansas is also set to open in late March.

“We have a phenomenal platform in our store base with over 300 locations in the US, Canada, UK and Mexico. We are honored to have had the opportunity to dress millions of brides, and what we have learned from them is that while they curate and get inspired online, they still want to have the in store experience.

“Our store allows them to try on our breathtaking designs, touch and feel the beautiful fabrics up close, and experience the remarkable expertise of our stylists and alterations experts.

This is a highly emotional purchase, in a highly emotional time for our brides, and we want to give them the

best in-store experience possible,” said Jim Marcum, David’s Bridal’s chief executive officer.

“Since joining David’s Bridal eight months ago, I have made it my number one priority to spend time in every store, in every market. David’s already had a strong brick-andmortar presence, so I wanted to build on the potential growth and put our customer first, thinking about how we could make her shopping experience more enjoyable,” said Bob Walker,

David’s Bridal’s chief field operations and store experience officer.

“Customers today want to integrate their online and in-store journeys, and our focus has been on making that transition seamless. The in-store retail experience is social and tangible and cannot be replicated online, so we need to excite our customers as soon as they walk through our doors.

We’ve torn apart every customer policy to be sure it’s all in service of her, and we hold ourselves to a very high standard. Right now, 83% of all our reviews are 5 stars. We won’t stop until it’s 100%.”

As is the trend in retail, David’s

continually assesses its store fleet to be sure to stay ahead of changing needs of the modern woman. This includes ensuring stores are in the right places. The real estate strategy is the latest announcement coming from the bridal industry leader who also recently announced their new-tomarket planning tools, policy changes such as price parity, as well as “Zoey”, a full-service messaging concierge.

Putting a focus on being there for the bride throughout her entire planning journey, David’s Bridal aims to capture her attention early on with inspiration and guidance through to her dress purchase in-store or online.

Parents Get Organized with kidpik’s Spring 2020 Collection Offering Fashion That’s Streamlined and On-trend kidpik, a fashion subscription box service designed exclusively for girls, has released its Spring 2020 collection focused on colorful and stylish looks that are instant girls’ favorites and keep parents on track to stay organized, on time, and stress free.

Each personalized box features seven items (3 to 4 mix-and-match outfits, including shoes.)

“Spring is the perfect time to simplify and refresh your girl’s wardrobe. Our coordinated looks are designed to grab and go–so your girl’s personalized outfits will be at the top of her rotation, saving you time and money. We allow parents to make intentional and informed fashion purchases from the comfort of their homes, avoid shopping on a whim throughout the season, and investing in items they might not need,” said Dina Sweeney, kidpik CMO. Whether your girl is sporty-chic or lives in girly dresses made for twirling once the warm weather hits, kidpik has subscribers covered with their range of style categories and fashionable wardrobe essentials—offered in sizes ranging from 4-16 and footwear in sizes 9-6. Kidpik’s Highlights of the Spring 2020 Collection include effortless jumpsuits, elevated lounge and active wear, reimagined denim, iridescent accessories and shoes, and dresses ranging from classic to bohemian. The average style costs is $13.50 per piece when the entire box is purchased.

Kidpik is risk-free, there is no styling fee, and shipping, returns and exchanges are free, according to a news release.

Customers of kidpik’s clothing box have awarded the brand over 9,000 5-star reviews including, “I hate shopping, and my little girl’s closet suffers because of it. She is super girly

Co-Founders of MANTL, a premium personal care brand, Irene Kong, MANTL Chief Product Officer, Karamo Brown and Peter Ricci, MANTL CEO, recently launched its portfolio of grooming products for the bald and balding.

Encouraging men to bare their greatness, MANTL offers a new narrative of self-care

kidpik Spring 2020 Collection

and I’m a neutral freak. But both of us enjoyed the box, and my little girl was super excited that it was [styled just] for her with fun colors and designs.

The quality of the clothes is great, easy to mix & match with other items, and all our request were met. Thanks for shopping for me.”

Parents can let kidpik’s team of style experts help to streamline their girls’ wardrobe this season, by receiving coordinated, personalized looks. Or for those that want to browse kidpik’s collection on their own, visit Shop kidpik to click to buy individual items and outfits now.

kidpik Spring 2020 Fashion Box

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

MANTL™, a personal care brand for bald and balding men, recently announced the launch of its product line: a portfolio of grooming products.

MANTL was co-founded

by Karamo Brown, Cultural The MANTL line is now availExpert on Netflix’s Queer able at MANTLmen.com and Eye and men’s health features a Face + Scalp Cleansadvocate, Peter Ricci, er, Face + Scalp Age Defense MANTL CEO, and Irene Moisturizer, Invisible Daily SPF Kong, MANTL Chief 30 and No-Shine Sheets.

Product Officer, both Honest Company alumni. MANTL raised a pre-seed round of $1 million led by Airwing Ventures in addition to receiving funding from Revolution’s Rise of the Rest® Seed Fund and numerous angel investments, including Brian Lee, a cofounder of The Honest Company.

MANTL’s mission is to support and empower men who embrace their baldness, offering a sense of community, encouraging them to uncover their confidence and self-love, and finally leave behind the outdated ideas of masculinity.

MANTL products will now be available on its website mantlmen.com and includes a line of four Face + Scalp grooming products: including a Cleanser, Age Defense Moisturizer, Invisible Daily SPF 30 and No-Shine Sheets.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Feb. 26, 2020

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NEWS

Grant funds UIC study on access to early childhood education in Illinois In 2018, Illinois passed one of the most expansive and progressive pieces of legislation (IL PA 100-0105) that aimed to reduce expulsions from early childhood education and child care programs.

The legislation requires programs funded by the Illinois State Board of Education or licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services to make every possible effort to retain a child. The use of any and all available resources, services and interventions must also be documented by care providers.

While most research on preschool expulsion uses data collected from administrators and teachers, early childhood researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago plan to obtain new perspectives on the matter with feedback from families who are living with the effects of their child’s expulsion.

Backed by a two-year, $250,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, co-principal investigators Sarai Coba-Rodriguez and Kate Zinsser will examine the extent

UIC researchers, supported by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, will examine feedback from families who are living with the effects of their child’s expulsion. Photo: Erika Fletcher/Unsplash.

to which families experience the planned transition process included in the legislation; whether and how transition and exclusion practices vary by geographic region, program, family and child characteristics; and how families make new care arrangements and the extent to which those arrangements compare with regards to access, affordability and quality to

the original excluding programs.

“More than half of Illinois residents live in regions labeled ‘child care deserts’ because there is such scarcity in licensed early care and education programs,” said Zinsser, associate professor of psychology and principal investigator at the Social-Emotional Teaching and Learning Lab at UIC.

“Unfortunately, even if a family can find and afford care, there is no guarantee that their child will be welcome to stay in that arrangement long-term.”

According to the researchers, Latino families are the most affected by the scarcity of child care in Illinois, while on a national level they note excluded children — those who have been expelled, suspended, or otherwise forced out of care — are disproportionately black and male.

The UIC research team hopes that the study’s findings help inform policymakers, programs and family advocates about the multiple ways families navigate exclusions and transitions.

“By clarifying what barriers families face and support they utilize while trying to access affordable, high-quality care following an exclusion, we will be able to make recommendations about where and how to increase service allocation for low-income families,” said Coba-Rodriguez, UIC assistant professor of educational psychology.

In 2019, Zinsser and researchers at UIC conducted a preliminary investigation of Illinois early childhood programs’ current and prior expulsion practices, in addition to program managers’ understanding of and responses to the new law.

Their report showed administrators had varying levels of knowledge about the law, comfort and confidence complying with stipulations, perceived benefits and unintended consequences, as well as historic and expected disciplinary procedures and prior experiences and barriers accessing evidence-based resources and supports.

For more than 45 years, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has worked to improve health and health care. The Foundation works alongside others to build a national “Culture of Health” that provides everyone in America a fair and just opportunity for health and well-being.

For more information, visit www. rwjf.org. Follow the Foundation on Twitter at www.rwjf.org/twitter or on Facebook at www.rwjf.org/facebook.

If I could do one thing, I’d tell the world she counts.

Communities are as rich and diverse as their needs. That’s why completing the 2020 Census matters. It’s a safe and confidential step toward having an impact on how public funds flow through our communities. That could mean more resources in your area for special needs.

It’s within your control.

Learn more at:

2020CENSUS.GOV Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau.

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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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12 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Feb. 26, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

Muhammad Ali, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Rosa Parks are Most Popular Historical Figures in Bamboo Luminaries Award-winning skill developer Bamboo Learning has released its first report analyzing learner activities on its new, popular Alexa educational trivia game, Bamboo Luminaries.

“We believe that insights from our unique data could further deepen our understanding of voice-powered learning,” said Irina Fine, co-founder and head of content at Bamboo Learning. “We hope to publish more reports like this in the future across the range of our voice-powered skills.”

In addition to Bamboo Luminaries, Bamboo Learning publishes Bamboo Books, Bamboo Math, Bamboo Music and Highlights Storybooks from Bamboo.

Highlights Storybooks from Bamboo recently was named Education Voice Experience of the Year.

Bamboo Luminaries is a trivia game that features 76 important historical figures in various categories like music, sports, and art.

The company adds new Luminaries to the game every month.

In this report, three learner activities were analyzed during the month of January including: * requests for specific Luminaries * ability to identify Luminaries based on clues * answers to questions about Luminaries Out of 76 Bamboo Luminaries, players requested these three the most: Top 3 Most Requested Luminaries 1. Muhammad Ali Sports 2. Georgia O’Keeffe Art 3. Rosa Parks Social Justice Georgia O’Keeffe was the secondmost popular Luminary, yet the third most difficult to identify based on clues.

Bamboo Luminaries learners guess historical figures based on clues spoken by Alexa. In January, 83% correctly identified Martin Luther King Jr., but only 15% knew abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth.

In fact, Sojourner Truth was the hardest historical figure for learners to identify. Similar to the recent quiz from The New York Times, The Upshot, which asked readers to name 52 politicians, athletes, and celebrities based on their photos, Bamboo Luminaries challenges learners to identify a range of Luminaries, but by listening to and

Martin Luther King Jr. (at podium)

responding to Alexa.

“There tends to be a small group of very well-known people who dominate the cultural and historical narrative, but in reality, there are many more people who shaped the world as we know it who are rarely discussed,” said Bamboo Learning CEO, Ian Freed. “Our first Bamboo Luminaries report demonstrates that we are on track to achieve our goal of creating a new, engaging, voice-based trivia game that helps the whole family learn more about history through the people that shape it.”

A World Heavyweight Champion at age 52?

The most surprising result of Bamboo Luminaries questions in January was that learners had trouble with whether Muhammad Ali won the World Heavyweight Championship at age 22 or 52.

Bamboo Learning’s analysts surmised that most of the learners who answered this question were under the age of 40.

Bamboo Learning also added 30 new historical figures to Bamboo Luminaries. Following its approach to have both well-known and obscure Luminaries, the company included artist Frida Kahlo, scientist Albert Einstein, and architect Norma Merrick Sklarek.

About Bamboo Luminaries: Bamboo Luminaries can be enabled for free in more than 80 countries

Sojourner Truth

Rosa Parks

by saying “Alexa, open Bamboo Luminaries” to any Alexa-enabled device. Bamboo Luminaries also can be enabled using the Alexa app or via Bamboo Learning at: www. bamboolearning.com. Players who have Alexa screen-based devices, including Echo Show, Fire TV Cube, Fire TV stick, and Fire tablets, can view images, text, and graphics that enhance the voice-first educational game. A video demo of Bamboo Luminaries can be found here: https://www.bamboolearning.com/ luminariesdemo.

About Bamboo Learning: Based in Seattle, Bamboo Learning is the award-winning leader in voice-

Muhammad Ali

powered education with a mission to bring engaging, high-quality learning experiences to customers around the world. Bamboo Learning develops skills for Alexa that enable families, teens, and adults to have fun learning and practicing diverse subjects while listening, viewing images, and using their voice. The company earned the title Education Voice Developer of the Year from the Project Voice Awards 2020. Bamboo Learning’s Alexa skills, including Bamboo Luminaries, Bamboo Books,

Bamboo Math, Bamboo Music, and Highlights Storybooks from Bamboo, offer a range of challenging and engaging exercises to help customers master different levels of subjects. Customers can sign up for a Bamboo Grove account to follow their progress in Bamboo Learning Alexa skills.

Bamboo’s co-founders are Ian Freed, CEO, and Irina Fine, COO and head of content. Ian Freed is a 30 year veteran of the technology industry, including 12 years at Amazon, having served as vice president of Amazon devices, where he led both the Amazon Echo and the Amazon Kindle businesses, and served as technical advisor to Amazon founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos. Irina Fine is a 30-year veteran of curriculum development and teaching, having worked in public and private sectors of education in New York, Washington DC, London, and Moscow, after receiving her M.Ed. in Curriculum Development and an undergraduate degree in Piano Performance and Music Education. Learn more at: www. bamboolearning.com.

OUT OF 76 BAMBOO LUMINARIES, PLAYERS REQUESTED MUHAMMAD ALI (SPORTS), GEORGIA O’KEEFFE (ART) AND ROSA PARKS (SOCIAL JUSTICE) THE MOST. BAMBOO LUMINARIES LEARNERS GUESS HISTORICAL FIGURES BASED ON CLUES SPOKEN BY ALEXA. IN JANUARY, 83% CORRECTLY IDENTIFIED MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., BUT ONLY 15% KNEW ABOLITIONIST AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS ACTIVIST SOJOURNER TRUTH.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Feb. 26, 2020

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14 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Feb. 26, 2020

CALENDAR

Ape Awareness Weekend

Bear Awareness Weekend, one of many events planned at Brookfield Zoo Ape Awareness Weekend April 11-12 (Saturday-Sunday) Quit monkeying around and swing over to Brookfield Zoo to hang out with the apes that live in the zoo’s Tropic World—orangutans, western lowland gorillas, and white-cheeked gibbons. The event will feature special Zoo Chats about each of the species, as well as ape-related activities that are more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Everyone can make a difference for apes in the wild, and zoogoers will hear firsthand how they can help. For more information, visit CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000.

World Penguin Day April 25 (Saturday) Waddle over to Brookfield Zoo and celebrate World Penguin Day. The fun-filled event will feature activities for the entire family between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at The Living Coast.

Zoogoers can attend special Zoo Chats to learn about the zoo’s Humboldt penguin colonies, partake in penguin-themed activities and crafts, and meet a few of the fine-feathered birds up close. For further information, visit CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000.

Roars and Pours May 9 (Saturday) Brookfield Zoo’s Roars and Pours offers a unique opportunity to sample wines and spirits

Bear Awareness Weekend

touch. At Hamill Family Play Zoo (additional fee applies), youngsters can partake in bearthemed crafts. For further information, visit CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000.

Roars and Pours

and spirits. There will also be opportunities to have up-close experiences with several of the zoo’s animal ambassadors. For additional information, including pricing, and to make reservations, visit CZS.org/Events.

World Penguin Day

from around the world. This 21-and-over-only event, which takes place from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., gives guests the chance to come early to see their favorite animals and then venture over to the Pavilions to sample more than 30 wines

Bear Awareness Weekend May 16-17 You’ll “bear-ly” believe all the fun-filled activities Brookfield Zoo has in store for its annual Bear Awareness Weekend. Guests of all ages can attend special Zoo Chats about the zoo’s three species of bears—grizzly, polar, and sloth—and find out what challenges they face in the wild, as well as what conservation efforts are taking place to help bear populations. The zoo’s volunteers will have exploration carts featuring a variety of bear artifacts for guests to

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Brookfield Zoo, located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, Ill., is open every day of the year from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, zoo hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (indoor animal exhibits close a half hour before the zoo closes).

Admission is $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $19.95 for seniors 65 and older. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Admission to the zoo is free on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in January and February and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from October through December.

From early spring through late fall, Brookfield Zoo offers general zoo admission plus attraction packages at discounted rates.

Group rates also are available to groups of 20 or more. For information on group rates, call (708) 688-8431.

Parking is $15 for cars and $21 for buses. (A Cook County and Illinois State parking tax is included).

For more details on admission packages, pricing, other events or to pre-purchase tickets or memberships, go to CZS.org.

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

Three Olympic Athletes Share How Sport Can Inspire Small Business (BPT) - Olympic athletes are some of the strongest people in the world - both physically and mentally. Under constant pressure to perform as they represent their respective countries, they have what it takes to succeed and accomplish what they set out to do.

It should come as no surprise that much of what they've learned both on and off the field of competition - built on practice, skill and grit resonates for small business owners who are striving for their own success.

Visa - a longtime sponsor of both The Olympic and Paralympic Games and athletes recently hosted over 40 Olympian and Paralympian hopefuls at the company's San Francisco Innovation Center. The two-day Team Visa event offered athletes resources on how to improve financial literacy, benefit from digital payments and elevate their personal brand. It also gave them an opportunity to meet and interact with their peers ahead of The Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 and, more immediately, to find new inspiration heading into a new year of challenges and victories. Founded in 2000, Team Visa has championed nearly 500 athletes - each selected based on athletic achievements, character and personal journey.

For over 30 years, Visa has been a partner with The Olympics. And every day, the company supports small businesses with payment services designed to help them pay and get paid. In conversation with Visa, U.S. Women's National Team player and Olympic gold medalist Megan Rapinoe, surfer Kanoa Igarashi representing Japan at the Olympics this summer, and American swimmer and five-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky shared some of the ways their own experiences can serve to inspire entrepreneurs in the new decade.

Staying true to your brand

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LEGAL Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business nt he State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Nmber: Y2003120 on FEBRUARY 4, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of JL EVENTS AND DESIGN with the business located at 8008 S. RHODES AVE, CHICAGO ILLINOIS 60619. The tue and real full name (s) and residence address of the owner (s)/Partner(s) is: OWNER/PARTNER FULL NAME: LESA BEVIL Complete Address: 8008 S. Rhodes Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60619, USA __________________________________

"All the time, we talk about what's going to influence people," says Rapinoe. "The goal is to surround yourself with people with similar ideals who are pushing for important change and have that influence. Partnering with a brand like Visa provides access to ideas and a larger network that shares the same goal of empowering female athletes."

No matter the environment - on the field or in the office - it's important to stand up for what you believe in and stay true to your values. As a small business owner, the new year encourages personal reflection and planning for the year ahead. With 2020 underway, identifying your values is the first step toward maintaining authenticity. From establishing your key values to communicating them to new employees during training, the key is being consistent across every level of your organization.

Accepting support Having a strong support system in place is critical, regardless of the sport or challenge. Whether you're on a team or surround yourselves with friends and family who lift you up, coming together and uniting as you work toward a common goal helps clear the path to success.

For many small business owners, especially in the early years, it can be a stressful and demanding experience. Speaking with others who have been in a similar situation can be invaluable and you will find that most people are happy to give their time and advice to others who are starting out. According to Visa's State of Female Entrepreneurship report, nearly a quarter of women business owners cited building a support network as a top challenge as they seek to fund, run and grow their business.

"It's important to identify your goals from the beginning and continue refining as you work toward your vision," advises Igarashi. "Whether you are an athlete or a business owner, having a network or community of like-minded individuals by your side makes the journey a bit easier."

Your 2020 Resolution: Challenge yourself everyday Maintaining drive and motivation as a small business owner can sometimes prove difficult. The reality is, staying motivated is directly tied to feeling challenged, says Ledecky.

"As a business owner, or in my case, athlete, you are solely responsible for your progress, goal setting and performance," she says. "As challenging as it can be at times, being able to push yourself to overcome obstacles is extremely rewarding."

Visa has long been committed to delivering services, products and programs to help small businesses grow, and it extends that commitment to its Team Visa athletes as they go for the gold in Tokyo.

To learn more about Visa's ongoing support of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, visit Visa's Olympic partnership page.

Advertising In The Classified Section Can Be Easy As 123.

Here’s where you can sell your professional services, your home, used auto, gently used appearel, rent a apartment or sell your slightly used house hold goods.

You can place your ad in this section for a reasonable price.

Darrell Garth

President /Publisher

Janice Garth

Sales Manager General Manager

Editorial

Send news tips, press releases, calendar listing etc to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com

Advertising

Display Advertising advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com or jgarth@citizennewspapergroup.com

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Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGI), Publisher of the Chatham-Southeast, South End, Chicago Weekend, South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually).

Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send information for the calendar at least three weeks prior to the event. Send to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 783-1251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

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16 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Feb. 26, 2020

Coke - 10"w x 13”h - Black History Month 36 USC 220506 © 2020 THE COCA-COLA COMPANY

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