Y O U R S O U R C E F O R C O R O N AV I R U S N E W S
Citizen Week of April 14, 2021
| Vol. 52 | No. 16 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com
CHICAGO WEEKEND
College Students Earn Extra Income as Online English Teachers
SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM PROMOTES POSITIVITY
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Social media platforms can be great places to share experiences with likeminded individuals who want to get together to engage in meaningful discourse. On the flip side, they can also be a place where people encounter a lot of negativity and vitriol. One social media platform is looking to change that by offering an opportunity for people to share positive experiences in the social media sphere.
2021 Global Scientific Summit on COVID-19
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Black Girl Sunscreen Secured $1 Million Dollars from Female Investor Amid COVID-19 Pandemic Page 6
Vrinda Johnson is the co-founder of ChekMarc, a social media platform that allows users to connect with people one-on-one privately to seek advise on a topic. Photo provided by Lindsay Stevens
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NEWS briefly EDUCATION COLLEGE STUDENTS EARN EXTRA INCOME AS ONLINE ENGLISH TEACHERS Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the online teaching industry and demand for qualified online ESL teachers is proving to be a viable option for new graduates, according to a news release. Teach Away, a mission-driven education company, has seen teacher training enrollments soar 3x since the pandemic began. ESL teachers help English language learners whose first language isn’t English to reach English fluency as their second language. As a flexible online job, graduates have the opportunity to work as many or as few hours as they want to fit into their schedules. The freedom allows ESL teachers to customize their hours while meeting their personal and family life needs. Teach Away is partnered with North American educational institutions in order to qualify College graduates to teach English online and overseas, once it is safe to do so. The 120-hour TEFL course can be completed at home and provides an internationally recognized qualification. For more information about the TEFL certification offered visit: www.teachaway.com/courses/online-tefl-certification.
HEALTH
NEW REPORT: PATIENTS PAY THE PRICE WITH PROLIFERATION OF SUBSTANDARD HEALTH PLANS A new report published by 30 patient organizations shows the significant risks patients face when they enroll in non-compliant and substandard health insurance products, and details ways state and federal lawmakers can help protect these vulnerable consumers. The report, “Under-Covered: How ‘Insurance-Like’ Products Are Leaving Patients Exposed,” issued by a coalition representing millions of people with pre-existing conditions, details eight different types of “non-compliant plans” that do not adhere to Affordable Care Act (ACA) consumer protections like coverage for pre-existing conditions, elimination of annual and lifetime coverage limits, and coverage for essential health benefits. The plans have proliferated in recent years, and in many cases, are marketed to consumers who don’t fully understand what they’re purchasing. As a result, patients are often vulnerable to exorbitant medical bills. This report serves as a warning to consumers to avoid these plans – and a call to action to lawmakers.
LAW & POLITICS
EEOC CONDEMNS VIOLENCE AGAINST ASIAN AMERICANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS IN THE UNITED STATES The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) unanimously approved a resolution condemning the recent violence, harassment, and acts of bias against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. The resolution reaffirms the Commission’s commitment to combat all forms of harassment and discrimination against members of AAPI communities, and to ensure equal opportunity, inclusion, and dignity for all in the workplace. “The Commission condemns the recent violence and discrimination against AAPI persons in the strongest possible terms,” said EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows. “Hatred, xenophobia, and racism violate our nation’s core principles. The Commission stands in solidarity with the victims, their families, and AAPI communities across the nation, and we pledge to work together to address harassment, bias, and discrimination in the workplace.” The EEOC advances equal opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination.
Vrinda Johnson, co-founder of ChekMarc, the social media platform is available on iOS and Android, or at chekmarc.com. Photo provided by Lindsay Stevens
Social media platform promotes positivity Continued from page 1 BY TIA CAROL JONES
Social media platforms can be great places to share experiences with like-minded individuals who want to get together to engage in meaningful discourse. On the flip side, they can also be a place where people encounter a lot of negativity and vitriol. One social media platform is looking to change that by offering an opportunity for people to share positive experiences in the social media sphere. ChekMarc, launched in late February, by co-founders Marc Kaplan and Vrinda Johnson, is a free social media platform geared towards people 18 and older. It is available in 35 languages via chekmarc. com or on the ChekMarc app on an android or iOS. It has secured $3 million in seed funding. “At a moment when so many people are wondering whether social media is still a worthwhile use of their time and effort, ChekMarc is ready to help elevate human connections that empower people to do good deeds, gain knowledge from each other, and drive positive change in the world,” Kaplan, CEO of ChekMarc, said in a release. Johnson, COO of ChekMarc, said digital communication is a beautiful thing and it gives people the ability to connect across the world, across barriers, but because of
the negativity, people don’t connect in the same way using social media platforms anymore. Johnson said ChekMarc is a way to get back to the fundamentals of social media platforms and do good and help people, without worrying about retribution. People are able to use ChekMarc to connect with people to get advice on how to get started in their careers, how to start a business, or even how to improve leadership skills. “What we’ve seen is that it’s just an overwhelmingly positive response, where people are able to go in and post all kinds of questions and are getting responses from folks whether they sit across from them or sit halfway across the world from them. And, these connections are happening in a private way,” Johnson said. Users of ChekMarc verify their identities securely and use private one-on-one connections, both users have to agree to connect. ChekMarc doesn’t have likes, and it doesn’t sell users’ information. “What that does is that creates a certain level of trust between our members, to be able to share, the most difficult questions they want to ask and really get that one -on-one guidance they’re looking for,” Johnson said. Johnson said while there was a lot done to promote the one-on-one connection between users, ChekMarc is looking at the community aspect. An overhaul to create
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a community aspect is in the development phase. “We’ve been listening to our community, we’ve been listening to our members and on one hand, we’ve had folks that have been really excited about having a place like ChekMarc, we’ve also heard on the other hand that it would be great to now have a larger audience to interact with,” she said. Johnson said the responses to the social media platform have been extremely positive from users. Being able to connect with people from around the world, based on a simple concept. She said the privacy of the connection has also been something people responded to positively. “We don’t have likes, we don’t have shares, we don’t have follows. You can’t see people’s conversations and we moderate content. So, you can’t just say whatever you want to say while you’re in the heat of [a] conversation, which maintains that positivity on the site,” she said. Johnson said she and Kaplan built ChekMarc to connect people, to remove bias. “When you’re connecting with someone, you don’t know if it’s an 18year old sitting in South Africa or an 80-year old sitting in New York. You just know you’re looking for help with something and this person has the expertise to help you,” she said. “It’s removing the bias, promoting the connection and maintaining that positive, very supportive environment.”
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NEWS
McDonald’s Names Desiree Ralls-Morrison as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE: MCD) recently announced that Desiree Ralls-Morrison has been named the company’s General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, overseeing global legal operations and corporate governance. Ralls-Morrison will start on April 26, 2021 and will be based at the company’s Chicago headquarters in the West Loop. Ralls-Morrison most recently served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Boston Scientific Corporation, a world leader of innovative medical solutions. “I’m thrilled that Desiree is joining our team not just for the strong experience she brings, but for the values-based leadership that has defined every aspect of her career,” said Chris Kempczinski, McDonald’s president and chief executive officer. “Her commitment to leading with integrity, along with her work to support positive change in communities, will strengthen our efforts to bring our values to life across the business. As the leader of our Global Legal function, I’m confident that Desiree will build on the strong foundation in place to deepen our commitment to our communities, embed our values across all aspects of the System and help us further bring our Accelerating the Arches growth strategy to life.” “McDonald’s role in communities is known throughout the world, and I am proud and humbled to be joining a company with such an immense impact,” said Ralls-Morrison. “The challenges are complex,
but the opportunities are significant. I look forward to leading this talented legal team as we support Chris, the Senior Leadership Team and the entire System to deliver on McDonald’s business priorities and its vital purpose to feed and foster communities.” Prior to Boston Scientific Corporation, Ralls-Morrison served as general counsel and corporate secretary at Boehringer Ingelheim USA, Inc., and general counsel of the Consumer Group at Johnson & Johnson. She currently serves on the board of directors for DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. and was previously a director for The Partnership, Inc., whose mission is to ensure the economic competitiveness of the Boston area by attracting, retaining and convening professionals of color. Ralls-Morrison was also a founding member of The New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund in Massachusetts. In 2019, she was named one of the most powerful women in corporate America by Black Enterprise Magazine, and in 2020, she was named as one on the top innovative general counsels around the world by the Financial Times. Ralls-Morrison earned her juris doctor from Harvard Law School and her Bachelor of Arts in economics and political science from Wesleyan University. For more information about Ralls-Morrison, visit https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/en-us/our-stories/article/ourstories.general-counsel.html
City’s first-ever campaign fights human trafficking and exploitation The City of Chicago recently announced the city’s first-ever campaign to address and raise awareness about human trafficking and exploitation at a citywide level. This new campaign, “It’s Wrong, Know Your Rights” is aimed at ensuring that victims and survivors who have experienced human trafficking or workplace exploitation understand their rights and see that there are vital resources and services available to them. This targeted and powerful awareness campaign was created through the city and Pahnke Chicago’s pro-bono partnership, “By Chicago, For Chicago”, and will ensure that individuals who have experienced exploitation and/ or human trafficking understand their rights by using public signage in high-traffic areas of Chicago. “People who are currently experiencing or are survivors of human trafficking and exploitation need to know they are not alone, and their City is by their side,” said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “This new campaign will significantly enhance our ability to funnel resources to these individuals, get them out of dangerous situations and prevent others from succumbing to the same fate. Thanks to efforts like these, we will not only be able to protect the lives and safety of those most vulnerable to human trafficking and exploitation, but also provide them and survivors with the opportunity they deserve to find stability and healing.” This campaign will provide the public with information about their rights and the critical city and nonprofit resources services available to them by utilizing digital billboards, public transit signage and a newly created microsite available here https://www.chicago. gov/city/en/sites/human-trafficking/home.html “It’s Wrong, Know Your Rights” will also serve as a catalyst for the ongoing work by Mayor Lightfoot to fight human trafficking on all levels, which has included the city’s first-ever coordinated strategy to combat human trafficking at the citywide level. The
strategy includes training all city employees about how to identify and properly address signs of exploitation and trafficking, as well as significant policy changes to better identify, protect, and serve survivors of human trafficking and exploitation. “Pahnke Chicago is honored to partner with the City of Chicago on what is some of the most important work of our careers,” said Susan Betteridge, executive creative director and partner at Pahnke Chicago. “The insight that victims of human trafficking often don’t know what they’re experiencing is illegal was the impetus for this forthright creative approach. ‘It’s Wrong. Know Your Rights’ educates victims by illustrating some of the complex realities of human trafficking in simple terms and empowers them to take action.” “Human trafficking and labor exploitation are a pervasive problem in our society. This campaign helps raise awareness and provide resources to individuals whose rights are violated,” said Catherine Longkumer, managing attorney at Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services. “I commend Mayor Lightfoot and her team for acknowledging the problem of human trafficking and their commitment to use the city’s resources to help find solutions.” Digital billboards are now visible from Chicago’s expressways. There will also be digital signage throughout the city at over 50 different locations, in both English and Spanish. Additional signage will also be posted on CTA trains, buses, and at bus shelter locations, and will also be in both English and Spanish. These messages will be aimed at grabbing the attention of pedestrians and drivers and will include both the city’s website where anyone can go to better understand their rights and what exploitation or human trafficking can look like, as well as to the National Human Trafficking hotline.
McDonald’s Corporation recently announced that Desiree Ralls-Morrison has been named the company’s General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, overseeing global legal operations and corporate governance.
Royal Caribbean Welcomes Brand-New Ship Setting course for a lifetime of adventure, Royal Caribbean International’s Odyssey of the Seas completed the final chapter in its construction odyssey recently. The highly anticipated marvel officially became the 25th ship in the cruise line’s award-winning fleet, following a virtual rendition of the time-honored maritime tradition known as a delivery ceremony. Odyssey will now set the stage for a bold, new way to vacation when it debuts from first-time homeport Haifa, Israel in May 2021 and Fort Lauderdale, Florida in November. Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Richard D. Fain, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International Michael Bayley, and Master of Odyssey of the Seas Captain Per Kristoffersen received the new ship from Meyer Werft Yard’s Managing Partner Bernard Meyer and Managing Director Jan Meyer in the customary handover ceremony with a virtual twist. “Receiving Odyssey of the Seas into the Royal Caribbean family is a welcomed breath of fresh air. The ingenuity, passion and hard work our dedicated crew, teams on land and partners at Meyer Werft put into building a new ship always deliver, and to pull it off so well during a time unlike any other is incredible,” said Bayley. “We are looking forward to delivering the memorable vacations we’re known for today on a ship that will mark several firsts for us, from making Israel a first-time homeport to introducing Quantum Ultra Class to North America. Every new ship
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is a blank slate to go bolder and be different, and Odyssey is bringing the very best of the new and guest-favorites across two continents for the years to come.” Odyssey is the second Quantum Ultra Class ship, and just in time for summer, it will welcome Royal Caribbean’s first guests to cruise from Israel on sailings where travelers above the age of 18 and crew members are fully vaccinated. Israeli residents can embark on 3- to 7-night getaways through October to visit sunsoaked destinations in the Mediterranean, including Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos and Athens, Greece and Limassol, Cyprus. Following its inaugural summer season, Odyssey will embark on a transatlantic crossing for its North American debut this November, where it’s slated to offer 6- and 8-night Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale to idyllic ports of call like Aruba, Curacao and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s game-changing private island destination in The Bahamas. Weighing 169,000 gross tons and measuring 1,138 feet (347 meters) long and 135 feet (41 meters) wide, Odyssey will be the newest and largest ship to homeport in Israel and the first of its kind to call Florida its home later this year. Vacationers of all ages are in for a combination of 12 all-new and first-tobrand experiences as well as the signature adventures. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean. com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.
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BUSINESS
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The Culture Launches The State Of Black Entrepreneurship
Four Black Entrepreneurs Announce a New Scholarship for HBCU Students Black entrepreneurs are showing a commitment to their community by joining together to offer a $2,000 scholarship for two HBCU undergraduate students. Four businesses have teamed together to pay it forward to the next generation of black leaders. Lauren and Zevi Lacey, founders of Urban Business Directory, CEO Wesley Jacques of BlueDrem Media & Marketing Services, Gia Mac, CEO of Infinite 7, and Ashley Johnson, owner of the Vegan Chef Ash brand, have partnered to present the opportunity. These entrepreneurs have created a collective call to action to give back to the community that has continued to support their dreams. “As black business owners, we want to show our love and appreciation to the upcoming generation so the Step into Greatness Scholarship will be rewarded to passionate individuals who are making a positive impact in the community,” states Lauren Lacey, co-founder of Urban Business Directory. With the goal of empowering young people to move forward in successful paths despite any roadblocks that may come their way, these black business owners want to express their support and encouragement for students. “Food, expenses, and tuition are expensive, so I am truly honored to be in a position to pour into the lives of young people by any means necessary. Our college students need to be uplifted because they are the pillars of the future,” says Wesley Jacques of BlueDrem. In these ever-changing times, being able to pause and think about the future of the world is imperative. For these five black entrepreneurs, it was not an easy road to get to where they are today, which is why this scholarship presents a full circle moment for many of the business owners. “Entrepreneurship takes a lot of work and dedication, and we believe it’s our responsibility to champion those who have the dedication and drive to go after their
Black entrepreneurs are joining together to offer a $2,000 scholarship for two HBCU undergraduate students.
dreams, especially at such young ages,” says Gia Mac, CEO of Infinite 7. By cultivating this call to action for HBCU students, these black entrepreneurs hope to be a source of encouragement, especially to those who go on to curate black businesses. In addition to providing financial relief for students, this crafted partnership plans to continue in their collective support of assisting the community through scholarships, conferences and funding individuals interested in attaining professional certifications. They make a point to remember the years before their careers and the people who have helped them along the way. “I am inspired by stories of perseverance and people who have a desire to serve. I am looking forward to giving back to a community that continues to love and root for me. My core clients are people who understand the importance of a healthy mind, body, and soul. I accept all opportunities for me to practice what I preach and help young people step into their greatness in all aspects of life,” said Ashley Johnson, the founder of Vegan Chef Ash. The Step into Greatness Scholarship application deadline is May 31, 2021. The recipients will be announced on July 7, 2021. Applications must be submitted digitally on either of the following websites www.urbanbusinessdirectory.com/hbcu-scholarship and www.infinite7llc.com/hbcu-scholarship. For more information please contact: Scholarship Committee: Scholarship@urbanbusinessdirectory.com
Forbes has launched The State of Black Entrepreneurship, an ongoing project that aims to accurately define, rectify and create Black history. Driven by For(bes) The Culture, the world’s preeminent community for Black and Brown professionals, The State of Black Entrepreneurship incorporates historical research that will unveil decades of forgotten and omitted Black business successes. The platform will also draw from quantitative data and original multimedia storytelling to illustrate how Black entrepreneurship stands across industries today, and where it’s headed. Key components of the State of Black Entrepreneurship include: · CultureX: The Forgotten, a series spotlighting decades of forgotten and omitted Black business successes through in-depth profiles of Black business titans from history. The inaugural Culture X: The Forgotten profile spotlights Joseph Lee, one of Boston’s most successful hospitality entrepreneurs in the 1890s-1900s and the inventor of two machines that revolutionized breadmaking. Each profile will be printed alongside retro Forbes cover designs as if they had been celebrated back in the time compared to their contemporaries. A Barometer Check on Black Entrepreneurship, which will highlight anecdotal testimonies from business leaders across industries, getting their personal takes on the state of Black entrepreneurship. To accompany these checks, For(bes) The
Forbes announces its State of Black Entrepreneurship initiative.
Culture will also power a State of Black Entrepreneurship Survey and will reveal the results at the end of the year. For(bes) The Culture is a network for elite leaders of color who are breaking down barriers and impacting culture globally to connect, collaborate and change. To further its mission of amplifying and accelerating Black entrepreneurs and businesses, and creating equitable pathways, in February, the platform held its inaugural For(bes) The Culture Culturally Accountable Summit, in which a roster of speakers discussed best strategies to foster a productive year ahead for Black and Brown professionals, from lessons in wellness, best practices and workplace negotiations to vision board masterclasses. “The contribution of Black Americans to business and entrepreneurship has often been forgotten from history, but so many of the products we use every day were dreamed up and brought to life by entrepreneurs of color,” said Brianne Garrett, editorial lead for For(bes) The Culture. “The State of Black Entre-
preneurship is a vital part of For(bes) the Culture’s mission to create equitable pathways for Black and Brown professionals and entrepreneurs today, and exemplifies how we’re using our platform to compel change as the world builds back in 2021.” “Black History is American History, and together with our community of trailblazers, we will change the narrative of Black business and entrepreneurship in the past, present and future, said Rashaad Lambert, founder of For(bes) The Culture.” To learn more about For(bes) The Culture and The State of Black Entrepreneurship, visit: The State of Black Entrepreneurship. The Forbes brand today reaches more than 140 million people worldwide through journalism, signature LIVE and Forbes Virtual events, custom marketing programs and 32 licensed local editions in 71 countries. Forbes Media’s brand extensions include real estate, education and financial services license agreements. For more information, visit the Forbes News Hub or Forbes Connect.
SBA Administrator Comments On Biden Signing PPP Extension Act of 2021 President Joe Biden recently signed the PPP Extension Act of 2021 into law, extending the Paycheck Protection Program an additional two months to May 31, 2021, and then providing an additional 30-day period for the SBA to process applications that are still pending. In a released statement, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, said: “Today, President Biden sent another strong
message to America’s more than 30 million small business owners negatively impacted by the pandemic: help is here. By signing the PPP Extension Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act into law, the President is providing additional critical relief to the smallest of the small businesses – the mom-and-pop shops that line our Main Streets and keep our local and regional economies going.” Guzman continued: “The
Isabel Guzman
leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, working with leaders of the House Small Business Committee, Chairwoman Nydia Velázquez, and Ranking Member Blaine Luetkemeyer, Reps. Carolyn Bourdeaux and Young Kim, and Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Chairman Ben Cardin, and Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Susan Collins, ensured a strong bipartisan vote to extend this critical relief to hard-hit small
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businesses. More than 8.2 million PPP loans have provided struggling small businesses with the relief they need to keep workers employed and make ends meets during this pandemic. The SBA remains dedicated to reaching the heart and soul of the nation’s urban, rural, and low-income communities – the smallest businesses – and removing barriers to access this vital relief.” As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses
backed by the strength of the federal government, the U.S. Small Business Administration empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of April 14, 2021
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NEWS
2021 Global Scientific Summit on COVID-19 Takes Place In April The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) – together with the world’s largest cruise company, Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/ LSE: CCL;NYSE: CUK), and the leading global hospitality company Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT) – have announced the 2021 Global Scientific Summit on COVID-19. The free live virtual forum, which is open to the public, will take place from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM (EDT) [3:00 PM to 6:30 PM GMT] [4:00 PM to 7:30 PM CEST] on Thursday, April 15, 2021. It is recommended that people register in advance. Participants will be invited to submit questions in advance. The 2021 Global Scientific Summit on COVID-19 will bring together top global scientists and health experts discussing the latest discoveries, evidence-based insights and best practices for living in a world with COVID-19, and will build on a well-received similar forum hosted last year by WTTC and Carnival Corporation. This year’s event will continue those discussions and build on global and industry-wide understanding of COVID-19’s impact on society, including how to safely live in a world with COVID-19. The event will be of interest to global tourism leaders, WTTC Members, government agencies, destination partners, trade and private businesses who want to hear up-to-the-minute scientific and medical research that can be used to inform practical, adaptable and science-based solutions for mitigating COVID-19, in order to move beyond the pandemic. Topics will focus on vast knowledge of COVID-19, informing a post-pandemic world This unique virtual summit, co-hosted by WTTC and Carnival Corporation with supporting sponsor Hilton, is free to attend, and open to the public. The event will focus on the most up-to-date science amassed
from the past year of studying COVID-19, including how best to address the many ongoing questions about how the virus will affect society, travel and day-to-day activities moving forward. Panels will include factbased discussions sharing the latest thinking on epidemiology, screening, testing and tracing, therapeutics, vaccines, practical prevention and mitigation practices and more. “We are privileged to once again host a panel of esteemed experts who each offer valuable insight on how best to apply the latest science and medical evidence to address the many practical questions people have about living in a world with COVID-19,” said Gloria Guevara, president & CEO of WTTC. “As leaders and global citizens alike, we seek the best and latest information from experts on how we can best move forward and turn the corner on this crisis. I am delighted that WTTC and Carnival Corporation, with partner Hilton are creating a forum where these important conversations can take place.” Arnold Donald, president & CEO of Carnival Corporation, is a member of the WTTC Executive Committee and the North America vice chair. In addition to co-hosting this year’s event, Carnival Corporation worked closely with WTTC leadership to design and produce the first Global Scientific Summit in July 2020. “We are grateful to the highly regarded experts who have agreed to participate in our 2021 Global Scientific Summit on COVID-19 – and to share with us what they’ve learned at the frontlines of the COVID-19 battle,” said Donald. “Their insights will be incredibly helpful as businesses and governments alike seek to better understand COVID-19’s impact on society, and together we can determine safe and workable evidence-based practices for mitigating and living with the virus. We also appreciate Hilton for joining us this year as a supporting sponsor.” Panelists share learnings from
intensive year of focused efforts to understand COVID-19 The Summit will feature a robust lineup of world-renowned medical, epidemiological and public health experts to explore and share the most recent findings and daily practices to curb the spread of COVID-19 in a post-pandemic future. The current roster of panelists, in alphabetical order, includes: Dr. Michael Diamond, M.D., Ph.D., the Herbert S. Gasser Professor of Medicine at Washington University. Dr. Diamond is recognized internationally for his work involving Zika, West Nile, chikungunya, and related emerging viruses. Dr. Steven Gordon, M.D., chairman, Department of Infectious Disease, Cleveland Clinic, Respiratory Institute and professor of Medicine, The Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western University. Dr. Gordon has been focused on hospital infection prevention, including device-associated and opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients. Dr. Michael Lin, M.D., Ph.D., is associate professor of Neurobiology, Bioengineering, and Chemical and Systems Biology at Stanford University. A NIH Pioneer Award recipient, Dr. Lin develops protein-based tools for molecular imaging and control of gene and viral therapy. Dr. William Morice, II, M.D., Ph.D., chair, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, president, Mayo Clinic Laboratories, and professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. Dr. Morice is an expert in diagnostic testing serving in leadership roles for numerous boards and partnerships to enhance understanding of clinical diagnostics and test utilization. Dr. Jewel Mullen, M.D., M.P.H., associate dean for Health Equity, University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School. Dr. Mullen is an internist, epidemiologist and public health physician leader and the former principal deputy assistant secretary for Health in the U.S.
The 2021 Global Scientific Summit on COVID-19 will feature a robust lineup of world-renowned medical, epidemiological and public health experts to explore and share the most recent findings and daily practices to curb the spread of COVID-19 in a post-pandemic future.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Dr. Emil Christian Reisinger, director of the Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases at the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Rostock, dean of the University and member of the board of the University Hospital Rostock. Dr. Clare Rock, M.D., M.S., is associate professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Armstrong Institute of Patient Safety and Quality Core Faculty, and Healthcare Epidemiologist, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Rock is an infectious disease academic physician who innovatively translates healthcare infection prevention strategies to the business, travel & hospitality, and event management industries. Her consultative services, Infection Prevention Strategy Con-
sulting LLC, are guiding companies through the COVID-19 pandemic to their “Next New Normal.” Dr. Stefano Vella, M.D., adjunct professor of Global Health at the Catholic University of Rome and a member of the program committee of Horizon Europe - Health Cluster, the research program of the European Commission. Dr. Vella specializes in infectious diseases and internal medicine and is a researcher in pathogenesis and therapy of viral infections. Specific research has been conducted by Dr. Vella on major pandemics, including on HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis. Registration Details For more information, including the current list of panelists, and to register to attend the virtual event, please visit: www.covidsciencesummit.com.
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6 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of April 14, 2021
FASHION
Urban Skin Rx® Announces The Melanin Experts™ Urban Skin Rx® recently announced The Melanin Experts™ - an evergreen initiative that will provide skincare education, virtual consultations, and a network of services to glowgetters™ seeking expert information and advice on how to tackle skincare concerns most seen in skin of color. Led by Urban Skin Rx® Founder Rachel Roff and a team of in-house licensed aestheticians who specialize in skin of color, a.k.a. glowgivers™, the Melanin Experts™ will provide awareness and advocacy across the United States, working toward the brand’s fundamental goal of firm, consistent allyship to the BIPOC community. “When I began my career as an aesthetician, I noticed a lack of education, services and products that addressed
common concerns seen in deeper skin tones,” says Roff. “I founded Urban Skin Rx® in 2010 to provide solutions to specific issues for women and men with melanin-rich skin. As part, I’ve dedicated the last 15 years to overcoming disparities in clinical skincare for diverse skin tones and am proud to unveil an extension to these efforts with The Melanin Expert™ Network, a free online service that connects consumers with licensed aestheticians with extensive experience in the industry, allowing glowgetters™ to easily address their unique skin concerns without leaving their homes.” Joining Rachel as part of the Melanin Expert™ Network is Dr. Alexis Stephens, DO, FAOCD, FAAD. As the founder and lead board-certified dermatologist at Parkland Dermatology & Cosmetic Sur-
gery in Coral Springs, Florida, Dr. Stephens has devoted her career to creating an accepting and welcoming environment for a diverse group of patients. As a Melanin Expert™, she will serve as an ambassador for the program and share her knowledge to uplift communities of color. “In an industry where less than 3% of dermatologists in the U.S. are Black, I’m proud to be part of this initiative and represent my community,” says Dr. Stephens. “I fully support and believe in the Urban Skin Rx® mission towards creating an ethical, unprejudiced skincare industry and I look forward to providing accessible education and advocating for BIPOC men & women through various resources during this partnership.” To further support these ongoing efforts, the brand will
Urban Skin Rx
continue to give back by utilizing their powerful social media platform to amplify melanated voices. As such, Urban Skin Rx® channels will feature BIPOC tastemakers, skin specialists and competing brands, aiming a spotlight on and providing key insights from those outside the Urban Skin Rx® network. Additionally, to further promote more inclusion in the skincare industry, Urban Skin Rx® is collaborating with The
Black Girl Sunscreen Secured $1Million Dollars from Female Investor Amid COVID-19 Pandemic Last May, Black Girl Sunscreen (BGS) secured a $1Million dollar investment from a private female funding source. Despite double minority owned businesses typically having the hardest time raising capital, BGS achieved this milestone with one single anchor product. After months of vetting potential partners, owner Shontay Lundy made it official with an investor who embodies many of her own traits, namely integrity and business savvy. When the pandemic hit, the five person BGS staff implemented an “all hands on deck” mentality to ensure the company thrived, said Lundy, who holds an MBA. Lundy launched the brand in 2016 and has amassed much success with the SPF 30 sunscreen. She refused to let the pandemic slow down her progress, stating that, ‘I told my team we need to change the narrative and be very nimble to survive this’. The team immediately enhanced their social media strategy, started working longer hours and increased their marketing efforts. This BGS mentality was extremely attractive to the final investment candidates and helped them secure the deal. Since the onset of COVD-19, the brand has seen a tremendous uptick in e-commerce orders and will be launch-
Last May, Black Girl Sunscreen (BGS) secured a $1Million dollar investment from a private female funding source.
Since the onset of COVD-19, the brand has seen a tremendous uptick in e-commerce orders and will be launching a new product later this year.
ing a new product later this year. Several months later and still striving, the brand allocated funds to launch a billboard and marketing campaign in some of the nation’s biggest cities including Miami, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles. Not only does their current marketing efforts show the growth of the brand but also their dedication to normalize the use of sunscreen in black and multicultural communities.
Today, according to a press release, BGS is the only indie black owned brand carried full time in Target’s sun care section. This came after a successful sales and marketing campaign, which focused on the importance of all complexions needing sunscreen. Now, over 1100 Target stores across the country sell the BGS SPF 30, BGS Kids SPF 50 and Make it Matte products. BGS is also sold in Ulta stores across the country. www.citizennewspapergroup.com
Academy of Goal Achievers to award scholarships for Aestheticians at The Academy of Nails and Aesthetics. The brand is also working with the Skin of Color Society for an upcoming collaboration that will be impactful to the melanin community and those who focus on Skin of Color. These initiatives will serve as the foundation for change within the beauty industry by funding opportunities for
future Melanin Experts™. From its inception, Urban Skin Rx®, which predominantly serves and sells to BIPOC and women, has fought against injustice affecting children, adolescent girls, women, and the Black community. The company has also brought awareness to the issues marginalized communities face and has provided financial support to the organizations that support them.
Black Owned Hair Care Line, My Curl Products, Is Changing The Natural Hair Game My Curl Products is a blackowned hair care line that’s making life easier for women and men to care for their curls during the pandemic. By offering premium salon-grade products and access to professional hairstylists to answer your specific questions, their team ensures that you get the support you need to maintain and style your hair successfully. My Curl Products complete line has been salon tested on all hair textures by professional stylists. The product line consists of: Clean Slate Shampoo, Rehydrate Intense Moisture Conditioner, Moist Restore Leave-in Conditioner, Curl Foaming Mousse, Curl Sauce Gel, My Curl Body, Clean Slate Scalp Treatment, Gloss Heat Protectant, and newly released Xtra Curls Defining Gel. With over 20 years of experience with natural hair, Master Stylist Lisa Fuller @stylesbylisa has always had a passion for helping people see the beauty in their natural tresses, as she knows for many, it’s directly correlated with self-esteem. Since opening Styles by Lisa, a
relaxer-free salon in Charlotte, NC, in 2004, Fuller has empowered both stylists and clients to embrace the natural hair lifestyle. She is known as “the people’s stylist.” Before the pandemic, she traveled across the country with her team to service clients and educate stylists. Now, in this new reality, she offers free virtual consultations to people all over the world. Fuller has amassed a digital foot-print of over 100k followers and has created her lane in the beauty industry with My Curl Products. A former music executive with over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Fuller was involved in the marketing and sales for some of the industry’s top-charting artists, such as Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Biggie, Maroon 5, TLC, Usher, NSYNC, and the Backstreet Boys, to name a few. She has now gone from promoting artists to building the beauty brand, My Curl Products. Find Fuller on Instagram @ stylesbylisa @mycurlproducts or visit www.mycurlproducts.com or www.naturalstylesbylisa.com
CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of April 14, 2021
Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Because Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. has more stories to tell.
Get vaccinated when it’s your turn.
Overcoming obstacles isn’t just part of our history, it’s our heritage. It’s why the story of COVID vaccines has Black doctors and scientists at its center. And one of the reasons Dr. Gates got vaccinated. Learn more at cdc.gov/coronavirus
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ENTERTAINMENT P&G Aims to Improve Portrayal of “Black Life” on Screen
Black Female Marketing Strategist Creates a Virtual Concert Experience for Artists with Over 1.5 Million Viewers Artists looking for a complete virtual experience have a new way to draw in audiences from around the globe with SetApartandChosen.com. The newly improved channel, whose primary focus is allocated to Christian and Gospel artists, aims to provide a virtual experience complete with 1.5 million viewers for artists who have experienced a substantial decline in actual engagement with supporters and fans alike, due to COVID19 and safety precautions. For some artists, virtual touring and performances have been a bit tumultuous. These artists have families, responsibilities, and now the task of establishing new opportunities. With all that goes into establishing a viable career, it’s a shame to lose out on the prospect of relationships that come from getting to know your fans along with networking opportunities afforded to artist who normally tour, said Veleka B. founder, and CEO of the platform. “This is what motivated me to relaunch Set Apart and Chosen. Over the past year, we have experienced some of the hardest times known to our generation; listening to music is entertaining, and research suggests that the psychological effects of music can be powerful. Music therapy is an intervention sometimes used to promote emotional health, helping patients cope with stress, while boosting their psychological well-being. As we become more engaged with our new normal and the world’s technological advancements, more artists are choosing to create their own tour experience via MP4 conversion, to which Set Apart and Chosen
Veleka B., Set Apart and Chosen CEO/Founder
will gladly add footage to their 24-hour channel, keeping visitors entertained for hours. “We want to explore the benefits of partnering with artists to help them share their music and tour experiences while also helping to monetize their social media platforms. And to that end, the new collaboration between Facebook and Billboard offers artists the ability to capture both visual media growth and music video streams toward Billboard Chart consideration. Set Apart and Chosen serves Churches, Gospel Artists, and faith-based organizations who seek to inspire target audiences; equipping ministry leaders with marketing and social media skills to further their efforts in building the Kingdom.
TWENTY PEARLS Documentary Film about First Black-Greek Letter Organization Now Available Nationwide Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® announces the North American release of TWENTY PEARLS, the official documentary film which chronicles the organization’s history. Narrated by Phylicia Rashād, TWENTY PEARLS journeys through 113 provocative years. Only 40 years past the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, nine Black college women enrolled at Howard University where they organized and built a sisterhood in 1908. The organization has now grown to more than 300,000 members internationally and has been pivotal in watershed moments that have impacted American history. Through narration, interviews, and archival assets, viewers will see how Alpha Kappa Alpha impacted the Harlem Renaissance, World War II, NASA, Civil Rights, Women’s Rights, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) all culminating in the election of the first woman, African American and
Asian American Vice President of the United States of America. Interviews include Alpha Kappa Alpha International President and CEO Dr. Glenda Glover, Vice President Kamala Harris, Miss Universe Ireland 2019 Fionnghuala O’Reilly, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt and many more. “Telling our own story is essential to preserving our history and uplifting the culture,” said Dr. Glover. “Alpha Kappa Alpha’s remarkable 113-year journey is punctuated by stories of history makers, ceiling breakers, public servants and ordinary women who have changed the course of American history. Through this beautifully written and narrated odyssey, this film highlights, in undeniable ways, the vision, courage, tenacity, determination and power of Black women while dispelling any ageold questions about the relevance of HBCUs and the Divine 9.” The film production marks another first for AKA. The sorority is the
first African-American Greek-letter organization to distribute a fulllength, feature documentary film. TWENTY PEARLS premiered on Friday, March 26, 2021 on Comcast Xfinity Black Experience and Comcast Xfinity platforms, xfinity. com, XfinityFlex internet and Xfinity Mobile. The documentary will now be distributed across North America through On Demand to Atlantic Telephone Cable, Bardstown Cable, Cass Cable TV Inc., Charter Communications, Citizen’s Cable, Comcast, Cox, Fidelity Cable, Golden West Cablevision, Grande Communications, Great Lakes DSB, Hiawatha Broadband Comm., Homestead on Demand, Hotwire Communications, Kuhn Communications, Mid-Continent, OTELCO, Paul Bunyan Communications, Pencor Services, Phonoscope Cable, Plantation Cable, RCN, Service Electric Cable TV, Service Electric Cablevision, Troy Cablevision, Wyandotte Municipal Services and more. Check your cable guide for availability. www.citizennewspapergroup.com
The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) recently announced the creation of an expansive content creation, talent development and partnership platform that enables and advocates for increased inclusion of Black creators across the advertising, film and television industries. Titled “Widen The Screen,” it will include new films and initiatives that feature more diverse storytellers, combat bias against all people fueled by misrepresentation, increase investment in Black-owned and operated media and employ more diverse creators in a way that improves their trajectory for long-term success. The anthem film “Widen The Screen” premiered during the 2021 NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, March 27 with a call to action to portray a more holistic view of Black life – one that is layered, beautiful and dynamic – not one that simply reinforces commonly told stereotypes. The film, created and produced by a team of largely Black creators in collaboration with Grey, and narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Mahershala Ali, ends with the line “Let’s widen the screen to widen our view” and challenges the expectations viewers have about the characters and stories often played by Black actors – fueled by a limited view of Black Life on screen. The film and additional content at www.pg.com/widenthescreen helps people learn about how disparities in representation behind the camera lead to misrepresentation of people and communities that fuel bias in real life. “While we’ve made equality a top priority within P&G and worked with other companies to do the same, we recognize that is just not enough. We have to address the systemic inequalities that exist in our industry, and that’s why ‘Widen The Screen’ is a critically important initiative, not just for P&G, but for the industry,” said Marc Pritchard, chief brand officer, Procter & Gamble. “In stepping up and leveling the playing field for Black creators, we will enable change that will benefit all under-represented groups and result in higher quality, more relevant film, television and advertising content that deepens our appreciation of the richness of our society.” Widen The Screen is a significant expansion of prior P&G efforts aimed at increasing inclusion and representation of people of color in the advertising industry. Building on this success, Widen the Screen will provide even greater access and opportunity to break into an industry notorious for being difficult to enter, with an immediate focus on Black creators, and runway for future expansion. Queen Collective, P&G’s signature multicultural talent development
initiative returns for its third year in 2021. A partnership with Queen Latifah, Flavor Unit Entertainment and Tribeca Studios, this effort accelerates gender and racial equality behind the camera by opening doors to the next generation of up-and-coming Black women directors through mentorship, production support, and distribution opportunities. Two films were produced in each 2019 and 2020, and P&G is doubling production in 2021, greenlighting four documentary-style productions for women filmmakers. This summer, P&G is increasing creative output for Black creatives and filmmakers in partnership with UNINTERRUPTED and SATURDAY MORNING, Black-owned creative and production partners, to help the world see their passion, potential and power – and to tell previously untold stories. P&G and UNINTERRUPTED, an athlete empowerment brand within The SpringHill Company built by LeBron James and Maverick Carter with the mission of empowering greatness in every individual, are collaborating on a project that will take viewers on a journey of a father and his son using the power of imagination to explore a range of opportunities beyond athletics. The film and associated community programs are intended to show young Black men that they can follow and achieve their dreams outside of sports, which aligns with UNINTERRUPTED’s “More Than An Athlete” mantra. P&G’s partner for “The Look,” SATURDAY MORNING is a creative agency that brings awareness to and shifts perceptions on racial bias and injustice. With SATURDAY MORNING, Tribeca and dozens of black creatives, P&G is creating scripted stories told in 8 minutes and 46 seconds to tell life-affirming stories of joy, love, and resilience. P&G also announced support for efforts to increase the number of Black creators entering the industry through programs like the Marcus Graham Project and the One Club for Creativity’s One School Initiative; continued support of critical talent development initiatives like ADCOLOR; and increasing investment in a broad range of Black owned and operated companies and media platforms. Widen The Screen also includes important collaborations with a variety of majority-owned advertising agencies and partners, as they too strengthen their efforts to ensure increased representation and inclusion. “True inclusion leads to greater creativity and innovation, provides access to opportunity, and leads to equity in income and wealth creation. Our hope is that we will create a ripple effect and the rest of the industry will follow suit,” Pritchard added.
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HOME
Tips to Keep Kids’ Rooms Clean and Organized
(StatePoint) For the past year, many of us have lived, played, worked and gone to school right at home, making clutter inevitable – especially when it comes to kids’ bedrooms and playrooms. No matter how many times parents tell their children to clean their rooms, the collection of clothes, schoolwork and toys seems to build endlessly. Take charge of the mess with these tips to create a space that’s fun and functional for kids of all ages. 1. Prioritize Belongings. Start by considering what needs to go, what can stay and how much storage space you have available. Make it a family project by working with your kids to identify which items they love most and which things they could do without. Once you know what will be kept, prioritize space accordingly, keeping beloved items easily accessible. 2. Organize the Stuff. Find everything a home. Bins and baskets are ideal for small toys and games with tiny pieces, while drawers and shelves are perfect for larger items. For excess items, especially young children’s toys, use clear bins to store them in closets or under beds. Not only does this help tidy the room, but it can also make old things appear new again when they are pulled out of storage. 3. Create Labels. Getting belongings organized is one thing, but keeping them that way is another. A great way to ensure your hard work doesn’t go to waste is to label the bins or baskets. Labels make things easy to find when you need them and keep items organized when cleaning up. Creating labels with colorful Duck Tape is a kid-friendly DIY project that can help your kids feel in charge of the process. 4. File Away Papers. For older kids, schoolwork should be separated from games and toys, which can be difficult when learning from home and space is limited. Important assignments and documents should be put in folders and binders to prevent them from getting lost and help keep the room looking neat. Organizing school supplies and at-home desks doesn’t have to be a boring task. Customize folders for each kid or each subject with unique designs using printed Duck Tape Brand Duct Tape, or make labels with Duck Brand Chalkboard Tape. 5. Personalize with Décor. Once the room is clean and organized, take some time to add personal touches. Allowing children to pick colors and patterns for their room can really make them feel like it is their own. If you have the space, a table or a lamp can be a fun addition. If you want to keep things simple, showcasing photos of family and friends or displaying kids’ artwork can do the trick, too. For additional home organization tips and DIY projects, visit duckbrand.com. By making the cleaning and organizing process a fun activity, the hope is that children will be more likely to take ownership of the space and motivated to keep it in order moving forward. However, it doesn’t hurt to revisit the process regularly to keep things fresh.
PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Prostock-Studio / iStock via Getty Images Plus
Amp Up Your Spring Cleaning Routine With These Hacks (StatePoint) Spring is a great time to refresh your home. Whether you’re planning a major clean sweep or just giving problem areas a little extra TLC, experts say that a few simple strategies will make the job easier and the fruits of your labor last longer. “When tackling your spring cleaning, checklists are key. The best thing you can do is to plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need to get the job done, which will save loads of time. Second, work room by room until each area is clean. Jumping place to place makes accomplishments take longer and it’s harder to see big results,” says Erin Chase, founder of 5DollarDinners.com, mom of four and “Cleanfluencer” for AlEn USA. To make larger spring cleaning tasks easier and keep your house smelling fresh every day, Chase is sharing her top hacks to get the best results from those larger cleaning tasks: 1. Create cleaning caddies for every bathroom, the kitchen and garage. Having all of your supplies ready for quick touchups and cleaning saves tons of time. “For super fast touchups, I keep a canister of cleaning wipes handy. I prefer naturallyderived Art of Green wipes because they seriously cut through scum, and the scents are amazing. Best of all, they’re safe for use around kids and pets and protect sensitive skin,” says Chase. 2. “Clean” your cleaning supplies. Deodorize your mop by adding 3/4 cups www.citizennewspapergroup.com
Pinalen Original to a gallon of water, soak your mop for an hour, scrub and rinse. “I switched to Pinalen Original because it is made with real pine oil, which makes it a powerful multipurpose cleaner. Plus, I love the scent,” adds Chase. 3. To really disinfect and deep clean nonporous floors, add 1/3 cup of CLORALEN Disinfectant Bleach to 1.5 gallons of water and mop or scrub and let dry. You’ll be surprised what comes off and how much they’ll sparkle. 4. To sanitize countertops, kitchen sinks and the outside of appliances, mix 1 tablespoon of bleach with 1 gallon of water and apply. Let stand for at least two minutes and dry. 5. To clean baseboards without bending and crawling, rubber band a microfiber cloth over the bristles of a broom. Spray the cloth with your favorite cleaner and scrub. No aching back! 6. To make an easy shower door scum remover: mix four parts water to one part fabric softener like Ensueño Max, spray onto scum, wipe off with a sponge and rinse with warm water. With a plan of attack and the right tools and strategies, your spring clean can be fast, efficient and painless.
Special Note: COVID Vaccination In Chicago Will Be Soon Be Available to 16 years of age and older. Check For A COVID Site Location Near You.
CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of April 14, 2021
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Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the uae of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaxctionof Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number; Y21006572 on APRIL 8, 2021. Under the Assumed Business Name of UNITING FAMILIES TOGETHER with the business located at: 50 W 71st STREET APT 603, CHICAGO ILLINOIS 60621. The true and real full name (s) and residence address of the owner (s) /partner (s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name JERLENE WARD Complete Address: 50 W. 71ST STREET APT 603, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60621, USA _______________________________________
Notice is herby given pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21006155 on March 4, 2021. Under the Assumed business Name of GETA-BIT-OF IT with the business located at: 6934 SOUTH CRANDON AVENUE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60649. The true and real full name (s) and residence address of the owner (s) /partner (s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name: GET-A-BIT OF IT Complete Address: 6934 SOUTH CRANDON AVE., CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60649,USA. _______________________________________
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LIVING Bring More Music Into Your Home (StatePoint) Music is a mood booster and can help promote mental health. This past year has been particularly challenging, inspiring many people to reap the many benefits of bringing more music into their homes. Here is how you can too: • Be your own DJ: Music can instantaneously cause us to experience anything from joy to nostalgia to relaxation to inspiration, making it a pretty potent mood regulator. Whether you need a high-tempo blast of motivation to finish household tasks or something soothing to wind down after a stressful day, you can be your own DJ and tailor a playlist to your needs at the moment. (And if it means piping speakers into bathrooms, laundry rooms or other unusual spaces of your home, so be it!) • Learn to play: Whether you’re a novice or an accomplished musician, playing a musical instrument is good for the mind, body and soul. Not only does a daily practice routine give you something to look forward to each day, but the adoption of a new skill can boost self-esteem. To explore the joy of learning to play, consider a Casio keyboard. Forty years of musical instrument expertise is evident in the brand’s keyboards and digital pianos, which inspire students, educators, and performers around the world every day. Certain models even feature tools for new learners of all ages, and their lineup of portable musical keyboards make it possible to practice on-the-go. • Build community: It’s easier than ever to tap into a musical community online, and doing so can help beat the social isolation of social distancing. Sites like Bandcamp give performers
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greater control over how they connect with fans and sell their music; educational institutions like the Smithsonian are offering lifelong learners everywhere opportunities to delve into music history from the comfort of home; and dancers, singers and instrumentalists are using social media apps like Facebook, YouTube and TikTok to livestream performances. • De-stress with dance: If the gym is off the table for you right now, dance can be a great alternative for working up a sweat, and free tutorials abound online that can help you master such dance forms as belly dance, ballet, jazz and tap. Many communities also hold outdoor, socially-distanced classes in parks. Music can enhance your well-being, especially right now. Fortunately, there are brand new avenues for incorporating this age-old therapy into your life.
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