Chicago Weekend Citizen 3-8-2023

West Side United provides funds to small businesses in the community briefly

CHICAGO TREASURER’S OFFICE HOSTS FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS TO ENHANCE THEIR ACCESS TO FINANCIAL SERVICES

To ensure that faith-based organizations have access to the financial resources and services they need to help them grow and better serve their communities, the Chicago Treasurer’s Office is hosting an innovative financial education program, “Tailor-Made Financial Solutions for Faith-Based Organizations.”

The program is designed to showcase the broad range of financial products and services from Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). This includes loans for real estate and land acquisitions, and deposit accounts and cash management services for operational needs and expansion of Faith-Based Organizations in under-resourced and disinvested communities.

“The intent is to help more Faith-Based Organizations serve their communities,” said Wendy Ryce-Smith, Vice President, Liberty Bank & Trust. “Whether it’s helping to operate a new health care service or building a new community center or depositing in-kind donations, CDFIs can assist with a financial solution tailored to meet an organization’s need that meets the needs of the community.”

The CTO’s program on Wednesday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Shine Bright Community Center, 8560 South Cottage Grove, features Liberty Bank, a certified- CDFI, and one of the nation’s largest Black-owned financial institutions, and Sunshine Enterprises, a nonprofit that helps under-resourced organizations to grow and build their communities.

Advance registration is required. To register or for additional information about the program, “Tailor-Made Financial Solutions for Faith-Based Organizations,” please contact Monique Cook-Bey at 312-744-2432 or Monique.Cook-Bey@cityofchicago.org.

GOVERNOR PRITZKER ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITIES AND THE CHAN ZUCKERBERG INITIATIVE

CHICAGO – Governor Pritzker today congratulated the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago for being selected by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) to launch the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago (CZ Biohub Chicago) - a NEW biomedical research hub that will bring together leading scientific and technology institutions to study human tissue with the goal of creating new, groundbreaking therapeutics.

Selected through a highly-competitive yearlong application process, the Illinois team was chosen out of more than 60 applicants. The application was supported by Governor Pritzker, who committed $25 million in capital funds to provide support to the CZ Biohub Chicago. The Chicago site is the first expansion of the CZ Biohub Network, which launched in 2021 with CZ Biohub San Francisco. The site will include state-of-the-art laboratories, meeting spaces, a biofoundry and more. Northwestern professor Shana Kelley will serve as president of the new hub.

Through CZ Biohub Chicago, the state’s leading institutions will develop new groundbreaking technologies for studying human tissue to improve the understanding of inflammation, which could lead to new treatments for the inflammatory states that underlie many diseases.

The CZ Biohub Chicago’s collaborative model for scientific research will have profound implications for health and medicine, with the goal of creating new therapeutics, and catalyzing biotechnology in high impact areas such as regenerative medicine.

As home to some of the highest-ranked universities and hospitals in the world along with the renowned Argonne National Laboratory, the CZ BioHub Chicago will add to Illinois’ leadership in the bioscience, healthcare and research space. Thanks to the Pritzker Administration’s unprecedented investments in research and development, in recent years Illinois has bolstered its reputation as a worldclass hub for talent, research institutions, tech hubs, incubators and more.

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BY TIA CAROL JONES

Diggs wanted to apply for the West Side United’s Small Business Grant because he wanted to help revitalize the community. His goal is to hire within the community and acquire contract within the community. Diggs also wanted to do his part to raise the life expectancy of the residents on the West Side, which also is one of West Side United’s goals.

Diggs is one of 40 small business owners who received $10,000 as part of West Side United’s 2022 Small Business Grant. This is the fifth cohort of grant recipients which gives access to coaching and training opportunities from Allies for Community Business, an organization that helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses with a goal to create jobs and build wealth.

“The barriers to neighborhood wellness and vitality extend far beyond the health sector. That’s why we’re taking a holistic approach towards building community health, increasing economic activity and addressing inequality by using a cross-sector, place-based strategy,” Ayesha Jaco, Executive Director of West Side United, said in a release. “Grant winners will be able to use these unrestricted funds to hire and train more staff, invest in equipment and facilities, and support innovative marketing strategies, so they can thrive and strengthen the West Side neighborhoods where they are located.”

Sanita Lewis, Director of Anchor Mission West Side with West Side United, said the organization spoke with businesses and anchor institutions which included hospital partners to identify where the needs are, in terms of vendor needs and contract opportunities. Lewis also sought the advice of the working group, which consists of people who live, work or own businesses on the West Side.

The priority industries for the grant include legal services, accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, janitorial services, repair and maintenance, landscaping services, real estate, human resources consulting, marketing consulting, advertising and public relations,

translation and interpretation, waste management and remediation services, as well as HVAC contractors.

Those eligible for the grant had to be a West side business and meet the revenue requirement of less than $100,000.

“We want to build an ecosystem, we’re not just helping the business, we’re helping the community thrive and helping the economic vitality of West side communities,” Lewis said.

Diggs wants to use the grant money to buy better equipment and provide employment to the people in the community. He currently employs four people from the community that work in Garfield Park and one resident that works in Aurora. West Side United also has connected Diggs ad Tidy Up Experts to hospitals for contracts.

“West Side United really has helped me out, just to be able help the people and give them jobs. I love the community and working with my neighbors and they are really helping me do that,” he said.

Lewis acknowledged that Diggs and his business are an example of what West Side United wants to do with the grant program and all of the businesses that receive the funds.

“This is a full circle of services. So, we’re not just helping James, we’re helping that employee that he gave a job to. We’re also creating more opportunities for more jobs, and more opportunities for more contracts will create lead to more work for everyone involved,” she said, adding that she is looking forward to seeing how much Diggs’ business grows.

Lewis wants to encourage businesses within the community to apply for the grant program. Even if they are not eligible for the grant program, West Side United has cohorts that will help businesses grow, focus on their marketing, or focus on their financials. West Side United wants to pull businesses within the community in however they can.

For more information about West Side United’s Small Business Grant, visit www.westsideunited.org.

Green City Market to Kick Off 2023 Sustainable Supper Series at Michelin-Recognized Restaurant, Eden

CHICAGO, ILL. -- Green City Market (GCM), the nonprofit organization behind Chicago’s premier sustainable farmers’ market, is hosting its first installment of the 2023 Sustainable Supper Series at The Paramount Group’s Avondale-based restaurant, Eden. The event takes place on from 6 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, March 21, and tickets will include a specialty cocktail (or mocktail), a three-course meal sourced locally and sustainably from Green City Market farmers, and a live panel discussing the important impact that farmers’ markets have on the local food system.

VIP guests will also enjoy wine pairings, private dining rooms, and an exclusive tour of Eden’s onsite greenhouse, where they grow many of the ingredients showcased on their menu. The panel discussion will feature long-time GCM farmer and board member, Abby Schilling of Mick Klug Farm, alongside Marc Luff of Flatwater Farms who just completed their first season with GCM. The panel will be moderated by Green City Market Executive Director, Mandy Moody.

Eden, led by The Paramount Group’s Chief Culinary Officer Devon Quinn, was recently named one of the most sustainable restaurants in the United States and is one of Green City Market’s top wholesale shoppers, directly shopping with farmers at the markets. “It is my view that the patrons of Eden deserve the best that the Midwest has to offer,” shared Quinn.

“Green City Market is the forum that allows me to hand select local ingredients, at their peak. It gives me a true understanding of seasonality, and the hard work and thought that goes into growing. The market inspires me every time I visit.”

TICKETS + INFO

The event takes place at Eden at 2734 W Roscoe St at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 21. Tickets are $200 per person and can be purchased at greencitymarket.org/sustainable-supper-series-eden. The Sustainable Supper Series works to instill a lifelong commitment to sustainability and champion the efforts of local farmers and markets. Further, proceeds from the March 21 event will support Green City Market’s 501c3 nonprofit mission to support local, sustainable farmers, educate our community about where food comes from and why this knowledge matters, and expand food access in Chicago. Nonprofit Green City Market is proud to be a local food leader whose mission is to secure the future of food by deepening support for sustainable farmers, educating our community, and expanding access to locally-grown food. Beyond its world-renowned farmers market, GCM partners with individuals, nonprofits, corporations, and foundations to expand access to local food throughout Chicagoland. For more information, visit www.greencitymarket.org.

Sebastian White to Partner With Chef Devon Quinn to Raise Funds for The Evolved Network

The collaboration dinner will be hosted at eden in Avondale and directly benefit The Evolved Network

CHICAGO, ILL. – Chef Sebastian White of The Evolved Network and Chef Devon Quinn, Chief Culinary Officer for eden, are thrilled to present “Sprouts of Change”, a five-course collaboration dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 14. Guests will enjoy passed bites, dinner, and wine pairings–with each of the five courses created by either Devon or Sebastian, ending with a dessert they’ve created together. All proceeds from the dinner will directly support The Evolved Network in their mission to provide culinary, gardening, and service experiences to equip youth in systematically oppressed Chicago communities. Programs offer transformative healing, useful real life skills, and the support needed to evolve into masters of their own unique gifts.

GRILLED SPANISH BABY OCTOPUS

yukon gold potato, fennel, spring alliums, white wine by Sebastian White

PAN-BASTED DIVER SCALLOP

sunflower, browned butter, parmesan, truffle honey by Chef Devon Quinn

CATALPA GROVES RACK OF LAMB

nichol’s farm carrots, chickpeas, yogurt by Sebastian White

COCONUT CAKE

caramelized white chocolate, citrus, fermented lime by Chef Devon Quinn & Sebastian White

TICKETS + INFO

SIMS CELEBRATES ILLINOIS’ SEVENTH CREDIT UPGRADE

For the seventh time in less than two years, Illinois has seen another improved bond rating. S&P Global Ratings – one of the nation’s major rating agencies – announced upgrades Thursday thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions made by Illinois Democrats.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. – the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader – released the following statement:

“Today’s news is yet another sign the years of fiscal responsibility from the General Assembly is paying off. In recent years, we have been able put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families and provide funding for the people who need the most help – all while paying down our bill backlog. Illinois is a standout state when it comes to putting the needs of our residents first, and we do so in a responsible and equitable way.

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Jodi Fyfe, CEO of The Paramount Group and the newest member on The Evolved Network’s board of directors, along with eden’s Chief Culinary Officer, Devon Quinn, will host “Sprouts of Change”, donating all proceeds to the nonprofit. Funds raised will support The Evolved Network’s spring programming, which will kick off at five different Chicago schools: St Sabina Academy (Auburn Gresham), The Montessori School of Englewood (Englewood), Pulaski International School (Bucktown), Sarah E. Goode Stem Academy (Ashburn), and Chicago Jesuit Academy (Austin), with more to come this fall. Further, The Evolved Network collaborates with local nonprofits throughout the year, lending support to the efforts of Gardeneers, My Block My Hood My City, Stein Learning Gardens, Pilot Light, Green City Market, and 61st Street Market.

COLLABORATION MENU

SNOW PEA LEAVES & WHITE ASPARAGUS

white chocolate, macadamia, hyssop

by Chef Devon Quinn

“Sprouts of Change” will take place on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 beginning at 6pm until 9pm at eden, located at 2734 W Roscoe St. Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased at the following link: exploretock.com/edeninchicago/event/395352/ eden-the-evolved-network-chef-collabora

tion

Sebastian is a trained psychotherapist, who was working with youth who were gang-involved, labeled at-risk, and many others who were simply struggling with the complexities of life before being hit and devastated by the unexpected deaths of both his aunt (Gwen Barjon) and father (William White Jr). In their honor, he founded The Evolved Network, NFP and established Evolved Kitchen and Garden, LLC. Sebastian seeks to inspire through food and use its lessons to heal.

After earning his degree in Culinary Arts from Le Cordon Bleu, Devon went on to cultivate his culinary proficiency by working alongside a range of world-renowned chefs including Jean-Michel Diot at La Bastide Tapenade in San Diego where he learned basic French technique, Dale Levitski of the former Trio Atelier where he developed his passion for modern American cuisine and Andrew Zimmerman of Del Toro where he discovered his love for Spanish flavor.

“S&P Global Ratings’ upgrade of Illinois bonds shows our fiscally responsible budgeting approach is working and is independent proof that our state is headed in the right direction. Our future looks bright and I look forward to continued collaborative efforts during this year’s budget negotiation process to keep the state on this upward economic trajectory.”

JOYCE ANNOUNCES NEARLY $3 MILLION IN LOCAL OSLAD GRANTS

With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is distributing nearly $3 million in grant funds to multiple communities in the 40th District as part of the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program.

“The funds from the OSLAD grants are a great resource for our communities so improvements can be made to parks and other outdoor spaces to continue to make them useful for folks,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Not only does this investment help keep our outdoor areas appealing, it continues to build up and maintain spaces for people to visit for safe, public outdoor recreation.”

A total of $60 million in state grants are being awarded for 118 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. The grants represent the largest round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants in the 36-year history of the program.

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that has become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since it was established, OSLAD has awarded more than $530 million for park projects throughout Illinois. This year, the 40th District will receive funding in these local areas:

Chicago Heights Park District- $600,000

City of Kankakee- $600,000

Kankakee River Valley Forest Preserve District- $207,750

Village of Monee- $600,000

Village of University Park- $200,000

New Lenox Community Park District$600,000

“These outdoor areas and recreational facilities have shown to promote growth among individuals, as well as the community, environment and the local economy,” said Joyce. “I will continue to always support the OSLAD grant program so our park districts and natural resource preserves in Illinois can continue to thrive.”

For more information about the OSLAD grant program and to see a full list of recipients, visit DNR’s website.

Tuesday, March 14. Guests will enjoy passed bites, dinner, and wine pairings–with each of the five courses created by either Devon or Sebastian, ending with a dessert they’ve created together.

JENISE TERRELL Named CEO Of Public Allies

MILWAUKEE, PRNewswire -- The Board of Directors of Public Allies, a nonprofit dedicated to social justice and racial equity, is honored to announce the appointment of Jenise Terrell to the position of CEO. Jenise brings over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, community development, and leadership development to this role. Most of her career has been focused on leveraging national service as a vehicle to create pathways to leadership for marginalized and disenfranchised voices across the United States.

Ms. Terrell began her journey in servant leadership as a Public Allies AmeriCorps member herself in 1997. Throughout her more than 20 year history with Public Allies, Ms. Terrell has held several roles, including Ally mentor and supervisor, field operations leader, fundraising strategist, government relations lead, Executive Vice President of Program Strategy, and most recently, Interim CEO. By accepting this new role, Jenise Terrell becomes the first alumni and first Black woman to hold the CEO title at this organization that has included such powerful women leaders as Vanessa Kirsch, Public Allies co-founder and first CEO, and former First Lady Michelle Obama, founding Executive Director of Public Allies Chicago.

Ms Terrell has been serving as Interim CEO for the past six months, deftly navigating Public Allies through transition following an organizational restructure. Following the organization being called into account for operating in alignment with its values, Ms. Terrell has driven the effort to work with the board, staff, alumni, and key organizational partners to reimagine a vision for the future.

“In a time of increasing inequity and division across the country, Public Allies’ values-based leadership practice, our signature Ally Program, and our talented, mobilized alumni network are needed now more than ever. We have the leadership, network, passion, and programming in place to support that vision.” says Ms. Terrell. “Everyday, I have the privilege of working with an amazing group of driven leaders. My appointment to CEO is a reflection of their brilliance, and a reflection of the values that we hold so dear. It is the greatest honor of my life to serve at the helm of the organization that not only helped shape my own leadership, but

has been responsible for launching the careers of thousands of noteworthy changemakers across our nation. I am enthusiastically committed to furthering the reach of our premise that leadership is an action to be taken, not just a position to be held.”

Over the course of its 30-year history, Public Allies has continued to transform lives and impact communities by choosing to see promise and potential in spaces where others see deficit. Centering the values of equity and proximate leadership, Public Allies has launched nearly 10,000 equity-centered and social justice-oriented leaders across sectors and across the country. With the rise in rhetoric that points to an increasingly divided nation, America needs the kinds of diverse, democratic leaders that Public Allies fosters. Public Allies’ mission is more relevant and critical now than ever before.

“Jenise Terrell so powerfully embodies the mission and values of Public Allies,” says Kanwar Singh, Chair of the Board of Public Allies. “Her appointment to this position represents a shift towards the alignment of our values with our practice. We can not help but recognize her as exactly the kind of leader our social justice movement needs today. We commit to walking the path alongside her and in support of her, and we extend our deepest gratitude to her for leading us into this next, exciting phase for Public Allies.”

Public Allies is a 501c3 national nonprofit committed to advancing social justice and racial equity by engaging and activating the leadership of all people. Our mission is to create a just and equitable society and the diverse leadership to sustain it. Since 1992, we have been a pioneer in recruiting and developing equity-focused change-makers. We have built a powerful network of more than 9000 proximate leaders who bridge races, ethnicities, socioeconomic levels, and cultures. Holding roles ranging from elected officials to heads of foundations and organizations, they reflect system re-designers, policy shapers, builders of inclusive cultures, and transformers of cultures – ones that accept, value, and view differences that we all bring to the table as strengths.

The PepsiCo Foundation and Doritos® SOLID BLACK® Invest in 16 Nonprofit Leaders for Black Changemakers Program

PURCHASE, N.Y., PRNewswire -- The PepsiCo Foundation and Doritos SOLID BLACK announced 16 Black nonprofit leaders selected for the 2023 Black Changemakers program, a program developed to uplift Black community leaders and amplify their bold voices to showcase the positive impact they are making. The nonprofit leaders selected for this year’s program represent organizations focused on education, youth development & mentorship, food insecurity, job training, financial literacy, and more.

Selected Black Changemakers will each receive a $50,000 grant, leadership development training with Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, which provides nonprofit professionals and volunteers with research-based education and training, and regular one-on-one fundraising coaching, software, and technical assistance from Network for Good, a Certified B Corporation software company that offers software and coaching for charities and nonprofit organizations.

Black nonprofit leaders are historically underrepresented. Black-led organizations generate 24 percent less in revenue than white-led organizations. The PepsiCo Foundation and Doritos SOLID BLACK are committed to elevating Black leaders who are driving change within their communities.

“Many Black community and non-profit leaders face roadblocks in gaining access to capital to start, sustain and/or scale up their work. In partnership with Doritos SOLID BLACK, the Black Nonprofit Changemakers program, seeks to narrow that gap and provide participants with the assets they need to not only survive but to adapt and thrive,” said C.D. Glin, President of the PepsiCo Foundation and Global Head of Philanthropy for PepsiCo. “We believe lasting impact is led by those with lived experiences in local communities. These Black nonprofit leaders are proximate to the issues their organizations are striving to address and closest to the Black communities we’re working to support more broadly.”

This program supports leaders with philanthropic capital, personal and professional leadership development, fundraising capabilities, impact measurement, and network building. Additionally, the program offers an opportunity to amplify the nonprofits’ mission to inspire and catalyze others to support their cause.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with the PepsiCo Foundation to grow the SOLID BLACK initiative and take our support of Black Changemakers to another level,” said Stacy Taffet, senior vice president of marketing, Frito-Lay North America. “Doritos has long been a brand that champions bold self-expression and we’re honored to continue providing a platform and resources to the bold individuals who are inspiring change and having an impact on their communities.”

The program’s capacity-building support aims to fuel participants’ dedication to making bold, positive impacts in their communities and arm them with the resources they need to drive transformative, lasting change. Today’s announcement kicks off the year-long partnership with the Changemakers. Visit our website to learn more about the Black Changemakers program and for the latest updates.

“The Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy and The Fund Raising School are honored to have been selected to assist these 16 Black Changemakers, in partnership with the PepsiCo Foundation and Doritos SOLID BLACK, as they and their nonprofits create positive change in their communities. We look forward to sharing our expertise and proven practices to help these community leaders build upon and expand the leadership abilities they have already demonstrated,” said LaKoya Gardner, Director of Programs for the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy. The Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy and The Fund Raising School are part of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The 2023 class of Black Changemakers includes:

Adrinda Kelly, BE NOLA

Alvin Irby, Barbershop Books

Antoinette Caroll, Creative Reaction Lab

Candice Brackeen, Lightship Foundation

Gabrielle Madison, Bonton Farms

Glen Providence, Hebni Nutrition Consultants

Jamila Trimuel, Ladies of Virtue

Jessica Johnson, The Scholarship Academy

Marvin Pierre, Eight Million Stories

Matt Stephenson, Code2College

Nikole Collins-Puri, TechBridge Girls

Phil Olaleye, Next Generation Men & Women

Quadrean Lewis-Allen, Youth Design Center

Dr. Tony Alleyne, Delaware College Scholars

Van Brooks, Safe Alternative Foundation for Education, Inc

William Jackson, Ph.D., Village of Wisdom

Jenise Terrell, CEO of Public Allies. Public Allies, Inc.

PRNewsfoto/PepsiCo Foundation

Chicago Treasurer’s Office and R. Seelaus & Co. Invest to Increase Homeownership and Renew Neglected Neighborhoods

Chicago, Ill. – More low-to-moderate income homebuyers in Chicago will now be able to realize their dreams of homeownership. Thanks to an innovative public and private partnership between the Chicago City Treasuer’s Office and R. Seelaus & Co., Inc., a certified women-owned, full-service investment and asset management firm, new capital has been invested in Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae that will make mortgages for single-family homes more accessible on the city’s south and west side neighborhoods.

The City Treasurer’s Office has initially invested $7 million with a commitment to invest a total of $25 million within the first quarter of 2023, in partnership with R. Seelaus & Co. About the investment, where the homeownership rates for Blacks is 35% and 43% for Hispanics, compared with 54% for Whites, Chicago Treasuer Melissa-Conyears whose office is the custodian and manager of all cash and investments for the City, said: “Access to homeownership is both a cornerstone to lift marginalized neighborhoods and a critical tool for building long-term wealth, and a more equitable future. We’re proud to be part of this initiative because it will get desperately needed mortgage capital into the hands of hard-working Chicagoans who historically and systematically have been blocked out of the American Dream of homeownership.”

The initiative began in late January 2023, with the Treasurer Office’s initial investment from cash holdings to lower-middle income loan programs under-written by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and exclusive to Chicago residents. These investments will allow low-to-moderate income Chicago residents to purchase their single-family dream home and instill confidence in the market that helps catalyze additional economic devel-

opment opportunities and contribute to a community’s well-being and vibrancy.

“Having investors target specific geographies and underrepresented groups with their capital will have a profound and lasting impact on the families and neighborhoods of Chicago that need it most,” said Annie Seelaus, CEO, Seelaus.

Seelaus was founded in 1984 by Richard Seelaus, originally as a municipal bond broker-dealer. The firm has since become a certified women’s business enterprise (“WBE”) and has grown into a full-service financial firm that is mission driven in its commitment to creating more opportunities for women in the financial services. Seelaus and its subsidiaries offer investment advisory, asset management, capital markets, brokerage, fixed income and equity trading, institutional sales, leveraged finance and insurance services. The R. Seelaus & Co., LLC subsidiary is a broker dealer registered with the SEC and member of FINRA, and the subsidiary Seelaus Asset Management, LLC, is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor (“RIA”). With various fixed income trading desks and more than sixty professionals, both entities serve individuals, families, public and private companies, non-profit organizations,

and institutional investors. The firm has offices in New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, and Massachusetts. For more information about R. Seelaus & Co., and its subsidiaries visit www.rseelaus.com.

The City Treasurer’s Office is the custodian and manager of all cash and investments for the City of Chicago. Since her election in 2019, City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin has brought the public and private sectors together to provide comprehensive financial education and awareness programs that sharpen money management skills and

impart the financial knowledge that puts people on the path to a more stable and prosperous future. The Treasurer is one of three city-wide elected officials in the City of Chicago, with the Mayor and the Clerk being the others. As City Treasurer, she is committed to using a positive, results oriented approach with city departments. She works to restore the public’s trust in government that works for the people and applies an equity lens to all of the office’s programs and outreach. For additional information www.chicagocitytreasurer.com.

Melissa Conyears-Ervin

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CITY TREASURER’S OFFICE.

With an all-electric future on our horizon, ComEd knows our grid will have to be smarter, more resilient and reliable than ever before. That’s why we’re making investments and upgrading technology today, to ensure we continue to deliver reliable service to you and your family for generations to come. So, when everything goes electric, we’ll be ready. Because lighting your life brightens our day.

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Real influencers stay connected to their followers using ultra-fast WiFi. They stream, game, and create content for their online fanbases. With Xfinity supersonic WiFi, there's space to power every device in your home. Now, everyone can stay one step ahead of the game anytime, anywhere.

Kenny Burns - The “Lifestyle Specialist”

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- When it comes to influence, the word is synonymous with legendary Lifestyle Specialist, Kenny Burns.

With an iconic career that spans more than 20 years, Kenny Burns has worked with culture-shifting record labels and well-respected artists such as Sean Combs, Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, Akon, and, along the way he sharpened his business ingenuity while advising major consumer corporations, spirits, and more.

Making an impact in multiple industries, including fashion, radio, television, marketing, and partnering with major brands including Amazon, Coca-Cola, Moet Hennessy, Puma, Heineken, Grey Goose Vodka, REVOLT TV, Aquahydrate, DeLeón Tequila, and Cîroc Vodka, each touched by Kenny Burns’ magic and visionary insight, solidifies his legendary status through his marketing influencer blueprints that span across multiple industries, proving his depth of expertise is not to be underestimated.

Expanding his business portfolio, in 2017, Kenny Burns made a leap into the world of spirits by investing in and advising Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the fastest-growing American Whiskey in US history. Following this success, in 2021, Burns acquired ownership in the Haitian cremas inspired LS Cream

Liqueur, and, in 2022, he continued in the spirit of growth by partnering with and investing in Spearhead Group, the first African-made spirits company comprised of Vusa Vodka and Bayab Gin.

To share his wisdom as a successful entrepreneur, Kenny Burns reignited his radio show The Kenny Burns Show (TKBS) offering listeners free game to kick start their dreams and helping the community navigate their way through pandemic life. After seeing the positive impact in the life of Kenny Burns’ listeners, he launched his weekly podcast, TKBS NATION CONVERSATIONS, which aims to impact, inspire, and inform.

For over two decades, Kenny Burns has been a well-respected name within the entertainment industry. Now, he continues to enlarge his legacy in the world of brands as a business mogul and investor. His mantra “Never let your expectations exceed your efforts” has solidified his relationships on trust and respect, holding him steadfast over the years and exemplifying that if Kenny Burns’ name is attached to a project - the dream will truly become a reality - “The Dream is Real.”

For more information info on Kenny Burns and his current projects visit KennyBurns.com and online at @kennyburns on all social media platforms.

ESSENCE Celebrates the 16th Annual Black Women in Hollywood Awards Luncheon Honoring Sheryl Lee Ralph, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Tara Duncan, Danielle Deadwyler and Dominique Thorne

(Black PR Wire) NEW YORK -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- ESSENCE, the leading and only 100% Black-owned media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities, announced the honorees for the 16th annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards. The star-studded event honors Black women who are making their undeniable mark in film and television and forging forward their own definition of what it means to be a Black woman in Hollywood. The brilliance of modern-day entertainment unequivocally shines brighter because of the tremendous impact of Black women who continue to move the needle.

On Thursday, March 9, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, CA, ESSENCE will mark this momentous occasion honoring luminaries: executive Tara Duncan (President, Freeform and Onyx Collective), director Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King), SAG, BAFTA, Critics’ Choice and NAACP-nominated actress Danielle Deadwyler (Till), actress Dominique Thorne (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), and Emmy-Winning Actress & Activist Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary). This year’s ceremony will include awards presented by actress & producer Yara Shahidi and producer and director Chinonye Chukwu. Additional talent to be announced soon.

The ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, sponsored by Coca-Cola™ and Netflix’s Queen Charlotte will be available on ESSENCEStudios.com and ESSENCE.com.

“For more than a decade and a half, ESSENCE has championed the Black Women in Hollywood

Awards to commemorate the Black women who are the story makers, storytellers, story-doers, and story-sharers that cultivate the entertainment ecosystem that the world cherishes and loves deeply. We are privileged to have this sacred platform that illuminates the on-going accomplishments of Black women at our annual luncheon in its 16th year since inception. Whether the world acknowledges it or not, Black women are the CEOs of home, culture and community and because of that role, when you engage with her, you engage with the Black community as a whole,” said Caroline Wanga, President and CEO of Essence Ventures, LLC.

Fans will receive exclusive access to the red carpet, interviews with the honorees and attendees and Black Women in Hollywood Awards ceremony via livestream on ESSENCE.com starting at 11 AM PT.

Over the last 16 years, Black Women in Hollywood has grown from an exclusive luncheon for 400 guests, to an oasis of sisterhood and a safe space for Black women to fully see, hear and embrace one another. ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards is an annual celebration that honors pioneering and immensely talented Black women in Hollywood – both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. It is a love letter of sincere reverence, camaraderie and celebration to each woman and those who aspire to be like them.

In addition, ESSENCE is bringing back its fourth annual ESSENCE Hollywood House, which will be held on Friday, March 10th. ESSENCE Hollywood House was developed to provide compelling and engaging live content aimed at sparking meaning-

ful conversation and action to drive more inclusion in Hollywood, as well as to provide an opportunity for Black creatives—aspiring and established—to educate, collaborate and empower one another with a purpose. The experience sponsored by Coca-Cola™ and Prime Video will feature thought leaders, industry stakeholders and members of the creative community including actors, directors, writers, showrunners, studio heads and others who will lead a curated schedule of interactive conversations, panels, masterclasses, fireside chats and more. Los Angeles based attendees can register at: ESSENCE. com/HollywoodHouse and the event will be featured on ESSENCEStudios.com and ESSENCE.com.

Essence Communications is the number one— and only 100% Black-owned—media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities. With a community of more than 31 million Black women, ESSENCE inspires a global audience through diverse storytelling and immersive original content rooted in Culture, Equity and Celebration. The brand’s multi-platform presence in/ publishing, experiential and online encompasses its namesake magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; and signature live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, ESSENCE Black Women in Sports, Fashion House, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival of Culture.

For more details on the 2023 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, visit ESSENCE.com/ BlackWomeninHollywood. ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood and ESSENCE Hollywood House are produced by ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

Kenny Burns, The Lifestyle Specialist. PRNEWSFOTO

Active Minds and UNCF Release Recommendations for Supporting Mental Health in HBCUs

WASHINGTON, PRNewswire -- Active Minds, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization promoting mental health awareness and education for youth and young adults, and UNCF (United Negro College Fund) are proud to announce the release of their latest report- Lessons from Black Colleges on Mental Health and Wellbeing: Practical Approaches for Historically Black Colleges and Universities to Support Student Belonging and Mental Health.

This new report provides actionable strategies that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) can use to address their campus’s mental health needs, while celebrating the unique strengths of HBCUs by showcasing their comprehensive and proactive approaches toward mental health promotion.

Best practices and recommendations in the report include:

Create systems-level campus strategies

Build and leverage partnerships

Increase access to mental health supports

Effectively promote campus mental health resources

Center student voices

Create a culture of caring between students and faculty/staff

Educate campus community members

Assess campus needs

“There is not a one-size fits all approach to the youth mental health crisis. Institutions need tailored support and recommendations to best serve their unique populations. That’s why I’m so inspired by the solutions that are highlighted in our latest report with UNCF,” said Alison Malmon, founder and executive director of Active Minds. “Implementing the strategies laid out in this report will help ensure that all members of HBCUs campus communities can contribute to the creation of a caring and productive learning environment that helps students thrive.”

“HBCUs, both historically and in the present, have been spaces of inclusion and belonging for a group of students that are not well served in higher education,” said Julian Thompson, director of strategy development of UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building. “We launched our national mental health campaign Unapologetically Free to build on the types of promising mental health practices included in this report, and hope it starts conversations about solutions that can increase an institution’s capacity to support student success.”

The full report is available at activeminds.org/ UNCF.

To explore the recommendations further, Active

Minds and UNCF will host a webinar at 11 a.m. EST on Tuesday, March 14. “Lessons from Black Colleges on Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Panel Discussion,” will feature a panel of leaders from HBCUs as they discuss successful strategies for promoting mental health on campus. Learn more and register here.

Active Minds is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization promoting mental health awareness and education for young adults. Active Minds has a presence at more than 1,000 campuses, schools, communities, and workplaces nationwide, and is powered by a robust Chapter Network, the nationally acclaimed Send Silence Packing® display, and inspiring Active Minds Speakers. The organization is dedicated to ending the silence and changing the culture around mental health for everyone. To learn more, visit www.activeminds.org.

UNCF (United Negro College Fund), the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization, supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for minority education. UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building partners with Black higher education institutions to support their transformation and continual innovation—all to propel student success, community advancement and the fight for educational equity and racial justice. Each year ICB organizes UNITE, the most influential gathering on Black higher education. Learn more at uncficb.org. Join us at uncfunite.org.

Study of Parkinson’s Disease Genetics in Black and African American Populations Expands with Two Additional Sites

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- The Black and African American Connections to Parkinson’s Disease (BLAAC PD) study announces the addition of two clinical site partners — Louisiana State University and University of Florida — extending this effort to six locations and growing its partnership with populations traditionally underrepresented in research to better understand the genetic architecture of Parkinson’s disease. BLAAC PD is a study of the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2), a resource of the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) initiative that is executed by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF).

“The BLAAC PD study is an opportunity for Black and African American people to participate in the pursuit of cures for Parkinson’s — the fastest growing neurological disease — for themselves, their children and their community. We are proud to join as a clinical site and to contribute to a global initiative that is looking both for what makes a population unique and for what is shared,” said Ashley Rawls, MD, MS, clinical assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine and BLAAC PD site principal investigator.

Since its launch in 2021, BLAAC PD has also enrolled participants at Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic, Rush University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and University of Chica-

go. The study is recruiting volunteers from the Black or African American community — people with Parkinson’s disease and people without the disease or a family history of Parkinson’s (control participants). Participants contribute a one-time blood or saliva sample for DNA testing and clinical data around demographics and medical/family history. This aims to better understand the unique differences that present between ethnic heritages.

Interested volunteers can learn more and connect with a site at www.blaacpd.org

Data and samples from BLAAC PD are shared with GP2, which is gathering and analyzing such resources from over 150 cohorts from more than 50 countries. De-identified data is shared with the global research community to speed findings around population-specific or overlapping genetic traits related to PD. These findings could identify novel pathological pathways with potential for therapeutic intervention. Alternatively, they could support application of therapies already in development to additional populations.

“Genetic understanding unlocks a door that scientists walk through toward cures,” said MJFF Director of Clinical Operations Alyssa O’Grady. “We are grateful to the participant and clinical site partners building this study to learn more about Parkinson’s-linked genetic changes in Black and African American populations toward better treatments for all.”

Complementary Efforts Aim to Understand and Treat Parkinson’s Disease in the Black and African American Community

While genetics research and cutting-edge technologies have advanced Parkinson’s disease understanding in recent decades, most studies have only included people of European descent. The GP2 study is addressing that challenge. The Michael J. Fox Foundation supports additional efforts — some feeding to GP2 — to explore population-specific genetics, clinical disease experience, and access to care. In parallel, the Foundation works toward inclusive research practices, integrating varied patient perspectives and priorities and enrolling participants of diverse backgrounds into clinical studies.

“The moment you hear ‘You have Parkinson’s disease,’ it can come as a shock and bring many questions. For Black and African American people and families, it can feel isolating when you don’t think others in your community understand or live with the disease,” said Dionne Phillips, a BLAAC PD volunteer who lives in Chicago and was diagnosed with PD at age 39. “It’s important for everyone to get involved in research toward better understanding of the disease and ultimately, a cure, not just for our community living with it today but those who may be diagnosed tomorrow.”

For more information, visit www.parkinsonsroadmap.org.

How the Right Pair of Shoes Can Support Your Wellness, Hobbies and Goals

(StatePoint) Looking to stay motivated and achieve your personal goals? New shoes might just be the answer. Not only can they update your wardrobe, helping you look and feel your best, but they can also support your physical and mental wellness, help you try out new hobbies, and even take small steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

It’s important to replace old, worn-out sneakers before embarking on a new exercise routine. When gearing up, check out brands like Nike, New Balance and Asics for athletic footwear that combines style, comfort and performance.

Ready to try out a new hobby or get back into an old one? Nike Signature Basketball styles from Lebron are on-trend and are great choices for running, jumping and playing, while Brooks Ghost running shoes feature a cushioned insole and lightweight rubber outsole in fun, vibrant

colors to help you push your limits. Perhaps you’re looking to carve out more time for relaxation and quiet activities. You can get cozy and comfortable with the right footwear. The HEYDUDE soft, comfortable slip-on styles are perfect for lounging at home or enjoying some self-care.

And if your goals include adopting more sustainable practices and reducing your impact on the environment, consider selecting footwear that incorporates eco-friendly features

like the Nike Court Vision sneaker, which contains at least 20% recycled content by weight.

For more footwear inspiration to fuel your lifestyle, visit Rack Room Shoes in-store or online at www.rackroomshoes.com.

Whether it's for fitness, self-care, trying out a new hobby or making a difference, there's a pair of shoes to meet your needs.

Top 5 Smartphone Features You Can’t Live Without

Other important deciding factors include overall phone display, size and water resistance. Priorities may vary from person to person, but selecting what’s important for your new smartphone is something only you can determine.

according to findings from Android Authority. Today, that capacity typically ranges from 4000mAh to 5000mAh, with some batteries as large as 6000mAh. And, the latest development of USB-C ports has allowed for faster charging capabilities, charging a near dead phone in just 30 minutes. Look for phones with fast charging technology, from 15W to 20W, and wireless charging options.

• Phone Storage: Storage matters, especially if you’re a business owner, gaming enthusiast or social media influencer. Read-Only Memory (ROM), the internal main storage on your phone, allows you to store media, files and games, and ranges anywhere from 64GB to 128GB, even 256GB and higher in some of the latest models. Random Access Memory (RAM) is used for short-term data like apps, photos and videos. The more RAM you have, the more multitasking you can do. When purchasing a new phone, look for at least 6GB to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of ROM.

• Camera: Phones have nearly replaced traditional cameras, with 90% of people using only their smartphones to take photos versus digital cameras, according to 3D Insider. If you’re an avid photo taker, make sure your new phone features editing software, a variety of camera lenses, like ultra-wide and telephoto, and special functions like night mode to optimize lighting.

• Network: How you stay connected is an important decision. The latest deals can help you select a phone and wireless provider. For example, Samsung just unveiled its latest Galaxy S23 lineup, and T-Mobile is the only provider that can light up 5G standalone three-carrier aggregation, unleashing faster speeds and better responsiveness for some of the newest 5G smartphones – 16% faster speeds on average than phones without it. And switching to what studies have shown is America's largest, fastest and most reliable 5G network comes with perks. New customers can get $200 off via a virtual prepaid card (allow 8 weeks) for each line they switch to TMobile -– that’s $800 off for a family of four. And paired with T-Mobile’s offer to save $800 on the new Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup via bill credits when they choose the Magenta Max plan, that family gets four new phones and saves a total of $4000. To learn more about Samsung’s latest Galaxy S23 Series lineup, visit www.tmobile.com/cell-phones/brand/samsung.

• Security: Gone are the days of remembering a PIN or typing in a password to safely access your phone’s data. Biometric security features like fingerprint, facial or voice recognition are crucial for keeping your private data secure. Most new smartphones feature in-display fingerprint screening and facial recognition, and more institutions like online banking apps are using this method now over passwords.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Marina Demidiuk / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Champions of community

Our dedicated employees volunteer their time to deliver our Better Money Habits® financial education program — helping people in the communities we serve move ahead with financial tips, tools and resources.

We’re committed to helping people in Chicago improve their lives through financial education. In the past 10 years, we’ve donated millions in national and local grants to help people learn the ins and outs of budgeting, saving and reducing debt.

Rita Sola Cook President, Bank of America Chicago