Chicago Weekend Citizen 4-26-2023

On Thursday, April 13, A mural depicting the life of Harold Washington was unveiled at Harold Washington College. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CITY COLLEGES OF CHICAGO.

Harold Washington College President Daniel Lopez speaks during the unveiling of the Harold Washington mural. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CITY COLLEGES OF CHICAGO.

BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION SELECTS BLACKS IN GREEN TO SERVE AS NEW TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER

CHICAGO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that Blacks in Green has been selected to serve as an Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (EJ TCTAC). Blacks in Green will receive at least $10 million to help communities across Region 5 access funds from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. This includes historic investments to advance environmental justice.

From day one of his administration, President Biden made achieving environmental justice a top priority. Through the Investing in America agenda, the Biden-Harris Administration will continue to support and strengthen communities that for too long were left out and left behind. Administrator Regan announced the technical assistance centers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America tour.

Blacks in Green is among 17 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) the EPA announced to receive a total of more than $177 million to remove barriers and improve accessibility for communities with environmental justice concerns.

EPA will deliver these resources in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, whose funding allows the EJ TCTACs to provide support for identifying community opportunities for clean energy transition and financing options, including public-private partnerships supporting clean energy demonstration, deployment, workforce development and outreach opportunities that advance energy justice objectives.

The EJ TCTAC program is part of the Federal Interagency Thriving Communities Network and delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of the benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities.

HARPER BILLS ADVANCE BOLD AGENDA FOCUSED ON EQUITY, SUSTAINABILITY

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following the first half of the 2023 legislative session, state Rep. Sonya M. Harper, D-Chicago, has successfully passed an ambitious package of bills aimed at improving healthy food access, economic and social equity and environmental sustainability.

Harper passed eight bills, which now move to the Senate for debate and approval:

House Bill 2214 — Allows the state to reimburse SNAP recipients who have been victims of card skimming and tracks incidents of fraud;

House Bill 2557 — The Farmer Equity and Innovation Act. Creates a program designed to help keep small and mid-sized farms competitive;

House Bill 2879 — Creates the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program, which aims to help food banks source healthy produce directly from Illinois farms and food producers;

House Bill 3086 — Raises some pesticide registration fees and uses the money to aid pesticide safety education;

House Bill 3087 — Gives the Illinois Dept. of Agriculture more authority to prevent the transportation and sale of affected animals during a livestock-related epidemic, in response to last year’s avian flu outbreak;

House Bill 3556 - Provides land access, assistance and training for farmers that have been historically underserved and affected by discrimination and inequality;

House Bill 3557 — Aims to increase the proportion of food procured by state agencies that is sourced from socially and economically disadvantaged farmers.

House Bill 3814 — Removes a major barrier to youth participation in agricultural education programs by preventing them from being marked absent from school while doing so.

Harper’s office is reachable at 773-9256580 or repsonyaharper@gmail.com.

Mural celebrates life of Mayor Harold Washington

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

The unveiling was a celebration of the mural and an opportunity for people to reflect on the lasting legacy of Washington, who was Chicago’s first Black Mayor.

The idea for the mural came after the celebration of Washington’s 100st Birthday. The college gathered community members and college stakeholders to discuss how to celebrate. Students came up with the idea to do a mural. It took more than a year to complete.

Harold Washington College President Daniel Lopez said the college is always looking for ways to celebrate Washington, because of all of the things he did, and how those things connect to the mission and values of the college.

“It’s an opportunity for us to continue to celebrate, to acknowledge and educate the college community, and the Chicago area community, about the accomplishments and contributions of Harold Washington, not just to the college but for the city. Quite simply for me, it’s also what he did in terms of race relations across the country,” Lopez said.

The muralist was chosen by a committee of college stakeholders and community members after proposals were submitted. Harold Washington College was looking for a mural that depicted the complexities of Washington’s legacy in the city and state. There were more than 10 entries and Mayer’s was chosen. “We had a number of entries and we chose this one which we thought was truly representative of his work and what he means for many of us here at the college and in the City of Chicago,” Lopez said.

Lopez said all of the mural submissions were really creative. When he first saw Mayer’s mural rendering, he was drawn to how it represented Washington’s work in the city and state. Part of the mural depicts the space where Washington sat in state government and Congress. Lopez liked the references to Washington’s Mayoral campaign, with Punch 9. He also liked the colors and how the mural incorporates Washington’s life as a leader and a person.

Lopez noticed the smiles on people’s faces during the unveiling. People who worked with Washington, as well as people from the Harold Washington Legacy Committee, attended the unveiling. Lopez believes the mural really resonated with them and reminded them of the work they did with him. Josie Brown Childs face was incorporated in the mural. Childs, who was the founder of the Mayor Harold Washington Legacy Committee, passed away in February.

“This is really a proud moment for us here at Harold, we have a number of photographs that we have from him, but this is the first mural of him. What I really like is that this was a community effort,” Lopez said, adding that student leaders helped to work on the mural.

Harold Washington College was named the Citizen Leadership Center by the Citizens Campaign. The free class provides leadership training. For more information, visit https://thecitizenscampaign.org.

City Colleges of Chicago Summer Registration is open until June 3. For more information, visit www. ccc.edu.

Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Fermilab’s New Integrated Engineering Research Center

CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker joined government officials and stakeholders at a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of Fermilab’s new Integrated Engineering Research Center and PIP-II cryoplant building. Fermilab is a premier particle physics and accelerator laboratory and a recognized world leader in neutrino research and science. The new Integrated Engineering Research Center will bring together some of the world’s greatest engineers, technicians, and scientists to tackle the technical challenges of particle physics.

“Today, our state’s leadership on the national and global tech stage is clearer than ever,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The growing nexus of partnerships, innovation hubs, public and private universities, national laboratories, and international research programs will fuel the next generation of economic vitality for communities across the state – and a next generation of discovery for the world. So often, we don’t know we’re witnessing history until it’s over. With Fermilab, we get to celebrate discovery and innovation in real time.”

Within the new PIP-II cryoplant building, Fermilab has already begun building the first particle accelerator in the United States that will serve as the center of its accelerator complex. It will also power the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment and provide the capability

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and capacity to support a diverse physics program for decades to come.

In 2020, Illinois was named a top recipient for federal quantum research in the nation, enabling the advancement of the state’s status as a technology hub. Governor Pritzker’s administration has prioritized the advancement of science, research, and innovation, including the following investments:

$500 million for Discovery Partners Institute to establish its Innovation Network at regional universities throughout the state

$200 million for the Chicago Quantum Exchange

$25 million for the new Chan Zuckerberg biomedical hub in Chicago

$21 million for the Electric Vehicle Innovation Cluster

$15.4 million to increase access to modern lab space

$15 million for two top-tier manufacturing training academies downstate

Last month, Governor Pritzker’s administration launched the Innovative Illinois Coalition, a first-of-its-kind effort to identify and pursue funding from the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This funding will allow Illinois to continue being a leader in the global technology space.

The visit highlights Illinois’ continued growth as a technology hub

MUSEUM DEBUTS THREE-STORY

DOTS OBSESSION INFINITY ROOM INSTALLATION BY YAYOI KUSAMA

CHICAGO – WNDR Museum, Chicago’s original immersive art and technology experience, located in the city’s West Loop, has announced the U.S. debut of the yellow Dots Obsession, a three-story immersive infinity installation by the globally iconic Yayoi Kusama, on Friday, May 12.

Featuring a series of floating yellow and black polka dots alongside walk-in and peep-in installations, Dots Obsession will fill WNDR’s atrium and transport visitors into Kusama’s obsession with polka dots, repetition, celestial bodies and the experience of the infinite.

“Since my childhood, I have always made works with polka dots. Earth, moon, sun and human beings all represent dots; a single particle

among billions,” Yayoi Kusama has said.

The collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Kusama, first in 2012 and then again in 2023, has further expanded attention and affection of the 94-year-old renowned artist. While Yayoi Kusama fans in New York City are anticipating her upcoming May 2023 show featuring new work at David Zwirner, the presentation of yellow Dots Obsession at WNDR Museum offers the unique opportunity for an up-close and personal experience of the artist’s vision.

Dots Obsession was created by Yayoi Kusama in 2008 and has been exhibited around the world. After making its debut in London, the work has appeared in Lithuania, Singapore and Australia, and was most recently on view at Museum MACAN in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2018. This will be the first time that yellow Dots Obsession will be installed in the United States.

The installation of Dots Obsession furthers WNDR Museum’s commitment to making fine art accessible and approachable, notably featuring the Midwest’s only Kusama Infinity Room, Let’s Survive Forever, since WNDR’s inception in 2018. Serving as a longtime centerpiece of its flagship Chicago location, Let’s Survive Forever is slated to close at WNDR Museum Chicago on April 30 before traveling to WNDR Boston which opens this summer at 500 Washington Street.

spirit, we’re thrilled to bring these iconic Kusama infinity room installations to WNDR guests in Chicago and across the country.”

In addition to Dots Obsession in Chicago and Let’s Survive Forever soon to be arriving in Boston, visitors to WNDR Museum’s recently opened Seattle location will find Starry Pumpkin (2016), an iconic work of Kusama’s pumpkin sculpture series.

WNDR Museum offers an unparalleled art and technology experience. WNDR guests are immersed in a multi-dimensional journey in which they participate and engage in the artworks, interacting with various installations through motion, sound, taste, smell and more. WNDR Museum is home to more than 20 installations that are designed to awaken guests’ senses through mind-expanding experience and provocation.

Open seven days a week, WNDR Museum was recently voted one of the top five immersive art experiences in the country by USA Today’s 2022 Reader Poll. The original WNDR Museum is located in Chicago’s West Loop, and WNDR Museum San Diego and WNDR Museum Seattle are now open, with WNDR Museum Boston opening in early summer 2023. Additional locations of WNDR Museum will be announced in the coming months. Tickets are timed entry and should be purchased in advance.

Tickets & Hours

CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

Chatham, Avalon Park, Park Manor,GreaterGrand Crossing, Burnside,Chesterfield, West Chersterfield, South Shore,and Calumet Heitghts.

BOOMING GAINS IN GOVERNMENT PENSION FUNDS LIKELY SHORT-LIVED; AIRPORTS BOOST ECONOMY WITHOUT BURDENING PROPERTY TAXPAYERS, REPORT FINDS

A once-in-a-generation investment market for government worker pension funds likely will be fleeting, according to a Cook County Treasurer’s Office report of local government debt.

The office’s latest analysis shows overall local government debt in Cook County rose 1.6% to $160.5 million from fiscal 2020 to 2021 — a modest increase held in check by the exceptional investment performance of the pension funds. But those gains are expected to be diminished by investment losses in fiscal 2022 that have yet to be fully recorded.

The report, based on data submitted to Treasurer Maria Pappas under the Debt Disclosure Ordinance enacted at Pappas’ urging in 2009, also explains how the region’s primary economic engines — its two airports — rack up significant debt that is no burden on Chicago property taxpayers. Although billions of dollars of debt stem from work at O’Hare and Midway airports, all of it is paid off with federal revenue and from fees and taxes paid by airline travelers.

That’s just one way some types of local debt don’t push up property taxes. That’s also the case for water and sewer line upgrade debt, which is paid off with water and sewer fees, and bonds backed by sales taxes instead of property taxes. Those alternate debt-funding sources help explain why Chicago has one of the lowest tax rates in Cook County despite having one of the highest debt levels.

The report also explains why some predominantly minority south suburbs have high property tax rates despite relatively low amounts of overall debt. That occurs when troubled finances constrain the ability to borrow, forcing local leaders to instead raise property taxes to fund government.

In addition, this report includes dozens of governments previously excluded for lack of adequate assessment data, including 13 additional municipalities, 17 more school districts and 50 other local governments.

“This is the ultimate in government accountability,” Pappas said. “It opens government books that were previously closed. People can now see where their tax money goes and how much debt their governments have incurred.” The latest debt report can be found at cookcountytreasurer.com.

Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island,SouthHolland,and Dolton. Shopping- their favorite pastime!

Created by Kusama in 2017 and considered to be one of her masterpieces, Let’s Survive Forever features stainless steel balls suspended from the ceiling and arranged on the floor; an enclosed column within the room offers yet another mirrored environment accessible through peepholes. A sense of infinity is offered through the play of reflections between the circular shapes and the surrounding mirrors on the room’s walls.

“Yayoi Kusama is perhaps the most prolific and celebrated living artist with a truly inspiring history of creative genius, and we are committed to the idea that her work should be experienced by the public as a source of awe and inspiration,” said WNDR Museum Creative Director David Allen. “At WNDR Museum, we are disrupting the sense of exclusivity and distance that too often has marked the experience of art, and we are redefining the museum as a source of engagement and inspirational playfulness – in that

General admission tickets to WNDR Museum Chicago start at $32 and must be purchased in advance at www.wndrchicago.com. Children’s tickets are available for ages 12 and under starting at $22. Children under ages two and under receive free admission. Those looking to elevate their WNDR Museum experience can take advantage of WNDR’s new Premium Pack for $50 per ticket. The Premium Pack includes expedited entry into WNDR Museum, a limited-edition, collector pin (which rotates designs seasonally), WNDR photo memory, 10 percent off at The WNDR Store and a WNDR re-run, allowing them to enjoy a second lap through WNDR Museum to revisit their favorite installations before exiting.

Chicago Hours of Operation:

Monday - Thursday: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Friday - Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. For more information, visit www. wndrmuseum.com and follow WNDR Museum on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok.

SENATOR VAN PELT ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION INVESTMENT IN UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO’S EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM

State Senator Patricia Van Pelt announced that the University of Chicago will receive a $1 million Early Childhood Faculty Preparation grant to increase the number of early childhood providers and faculty diversity in the field.

“Providing early childhood education workers with more applicable resources and tools allows our community to become stronger and our children to have a better chance at success,” said Van Pelt (D-Chicago). “This funding will provide students seeking to enter the early childhood workforce better opportunities to do so.”

The Illinois Board of Higher Education awarded $3.37 million in Early Childhood Faculty Preparation grants to four universities, including $1,027,989 to the University of Chicago. This funding is designed to implement programs of study for working adults from diverse backgrounds and those who work with diverse populations interested in becoming early childhood faculty. The grants will fund scholarships and other academic and holistic supports for 78 students to earn master’s degrees.

“This funding allows us to provide a diversified education curriculum and faculty that can meet the needs of all students from an early age,” said Van Pelt. “We owe it to our youth to enrich their early childhood experience while making sure educators feel secure in doing their jobs at the highest level.”

The Early Childhood Faculty Preparation Grants are a part of the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity initiative, a key strategy in A Thriving Illinois, the state’s strategic plan for higher education. Those who enroll in the programs are expected to graduate by the summer of 2024.

How to Exercise Good Financial Health

SPONSORED CONTENT FROM

JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.

April is Financial Literacy Month – a perfect time to start building a foundation for a healthy financial future. Good financial health is the foundation on which strong and resilient households, communities and economies are built, but the reality is, many struggle to manage their financial daily lives.

In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, Jared Evans, a Community Manager with JPMorgan Chase who works from the Stony Island Community Center branch, offered top financial tips to help achieve financial freedom and build generational wealth. 1

Small steps lead to bigger opportunities: No matter what amount of money you have, taking small steps towards building a solid financial foundation is key. Whether it’s saving a little more each month, starting to save for the first time or monitoring your credit score, these steps can help you prepare for the unexpected while setting you up for long-term success.

2

Establish good credit: The main elements of securing a good credit score include paying your bills on time, the length of time you’ve had a credit history, and the amount and type of accounts you have. Potential lenders will use this information to determine your credit risk. Managing your finances wisely will help you establish strong credit, a practice that will pay off when you want to make larger purchases like a car or a home.

3

Embrace digital tools: Apps, online goal sheets and budget builders are a great way to manage your finances. Look into what digital tools your financial partner offers. Whether it’s credit and identify monitoring, or setting up repeating automatic transfers from your checking account to

A joint account can offer features designed to help kids learn the importance of saving and meeting their financial goals, whether it’s tracking their spending, creating recurring payments and setting spending limits, or being rewarded when completing chores and earning an allowance to deposit. Once your child understands the importance of saving the money they earn, they can begin to build savings habits that will last a lifetime.

your savings account, these tools will help keep you on track with your payments and savings goals.

4

Include the whole family in the process: It’s never too early to get kids started on their financial journey. Ask your bank about opening up a joint checking account geared towards children to help them establish good financial habits.

5

Ask for help: Whether it’s meeting with a banker or talking to friends or family, conversations and advice can be critical to improving financial health, from building a budget to more complex matters like saving for retirement.

6 Keep the conversation going: Talk with your partner or other family members regularly about your financial goals and how you plan to achieve them, and check in with your children to discuss their financial activity – whether it be what or where they’re spending, how much they’re earning, or their savings goal. These discussions all provide opportunities to keep money as part of your family conversations.

Establishing solid financial habits can be a lifetime process, but it’s easier if you learn the fundamentals as early as possible. It’s never too early, or too late, to begin your journey, and this month is a great time to get started or recommit to your financial health. For more financial health tips, visit chase.com/financialgoals.

OkayMedia Hires New EIC To Oversee OkayPlayer + OkayAfrica

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- OkayMedia, the multimedia organization dedicated to uplifting the artistic and progressive voice of global Black culture, announced the hiring of Geo Hagan as the new Editor-in-Chief.

Hagan will serve as Editor-in-Chief for both OkayPlayer and OkayAfrica, and report directly to the CEO, Isha Sesay. He’s based in NYC, and shuttles back and forth regularly to Ghana, his native country. Throughout his 19-year career, he has led diverse editorial teams and created impactful content for respected print & digital publications including: The Source, Nylon, Bullett, Man of the World, ONE37pm, YRB, and Complex. His accomplishments also expand into the realm of marketing and advertising. He has worked with several global creative agencies including Hudson Rouge/WPP and VaynerMedia, delivering winning campaigns for international brands including Anheuser Busch, Lincoln, Red Bull, and Pepsi. Hagan will be responsible for creating the multi-platform OkayMedia editorial vision for content serving audiences across the African continent, Europe, and the U.S.

As part of his new role, Hagan will lead OkayPlayer’s year-long coverage of Hip Hop’s 50th year anniversary which will include digital covers, video franchises, podcasts, merchandise, and live programming. He will also spearhead the launch of OkayAfrica’s brand new fashion, beauty and style vertical which aims to capture the dynamic creativity that has made Africa one of the hottest destinations for fashion designers and style lovers everywhere.

Hagan: “I’m thrilled to be joining OkayPlayer & OkayAfrica as Editor-In-Chief during this dynamic era of surging Black creativity, Black culture, and Black media,” Hagan states.

“It feels like a fitting victory lap for an exciting career journey that began in Hip-Hop journalism, evolved into leading various lifestyle & culture publications, and includes creating winning campaigns for well-known international brands.” He concludes, “I’m excited to partner with Isha Sesay and the entire talented OkayMedia team to grow the company into a trailblazing, multi-faceted, global media powerhouse.”

Geo Hagan. OkayMedia.

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CANTU BEAUTY CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL BLACK WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

STAMFORD, Conn., PRNewswire -- Cantu Beauty, an award-winning textured hair care brand, once again joins Women Empowering Nations (WEN) to host the 2023 Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) Global Cohort: an immersive, high impact leadership coaching experience beginning this month through July 2023 for women of color across the globe. This year’s cohort builds on the 2022 program and received applications from more than 2,500 young women from seven countries — the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, France, Germany, Ghana and Nigeria. This year’s investment will eclipse $1 million in total by Cantu toward community efforts across programs and partners including Women Empowering Nations.

“In order to be truly empowered, you must first have access and Cantu Beauty is committed to supporting the next generation of female leaders by equipping them with those resources to make a difference in their personal and professional lives,” said Dametria Kinsley, Cantu Beauty’s Global Vice President of Marketing. “Through our multi-year partnership with WEN, we’re able to take our commitment to the next level at a larger scale to reach Black and Brown women all over the world.”

This year, WEN and Cantu Beauty have selected 50 young women ages 17-23 to participate in the GLOW Global Cohort, an immersive 10-week virtual experience sponsored by Cantu Beauty. The cohort runs from April 15 - June 17 touching on topics such as culture and identity, public speaking, personal and professional branding, executive leadership, and mental health and wellness. At the conclusion of the cohort, members will have planned and organized a Global Day of Service where all of the GLOW cohort members complete their service initiatives on the same day in partnership with each other around the world. Cantu and WEN are excited to announce the 2023 cohort includes the following esteemed young women:

• Cara Doumbe Kingue — Lyon, France

• Diwura Williams — Ondo State, Nigeria

• Jill-Anaïs Lafages — Goyave, France

• Blessing Osarumwens — Lagos, Nigeria

• Elmire Raboteur — Paris, France

• Tariro Hova — Springs, South Africa

• Zinhle Apleni — Paris, France

• Kgaogelo Makgoba — Johannesburg, South Africa

• Anaïs Brochec — Montepellier, France

• Mambesi Matiwane — Cape Town, South Africa

• Faouziya Schremmer — Munich, Germany

• Michell Lethubuhle Chiremba — Johannesburg, South Africa

• Mirjam Mekonnen — Wiesbaden, Germany

• Thandolwenkosi Nkosi — Johannesburg, South Africa

• Anne Achieng Alwala — Accra, Ghana

• Micaleb Lawrence — Cape Town, South Africa

• Deborah Oduro Kwarteng — Accra, Ghana

• Sino Rodrigues — Kaiega, South Africa

• Chleo-Patra Awonpomi Azantilow — Kumasi, Ghana

• Anjolaoluwa Awe — London, UK

• Joy Tari-bagshaw — Koforidua, Ghana

• Marlene Twinomugisha, London, UK

• Opeyemi Adesegun — Lagos, Nigeria

• Ilham Ali — Birmingham, UK

• Oluwadamilola Akintewe — Lagos, Nigeria

• Elle-sue Calderbank — Manchester, UK

• Vanessa Osinlaru — London, UK

• Jeanne’ Spencer — Tulsa, OK

• Chimdinma Okpalauko — London, UK

• Camillah Canty — Belleville, IL

• Sumayyah Adeyemi — Leicester, UK

• Kaylah Harris — Ruston, LA

• Jessica Amponsah — London, UK

• Kyla Hurns — Southfield, MI

• Joanne Kadiri — London, UK

• Nigeria Segure-Watson — Baltimore, MA

• Destiny Daniel — Washington, DC

• Youma Diabira — Philadelphia, PA

• Awa M Sumareh — New York, NY

• KiaraSkye Dodson — Harlem, NY

• Ranita Opoku-Sarfo — Stafford, VA

• Zyahna Bryant — Charlottesville, VA

• Jayda Rogers — Cincinnati, OH

• Blandine Cadet — Atlanta, GA

• Khadijah Merriweather — St. Louis, MO

• Deborah Olatunji — Seattle, WA

• Alina Wilson — Oklahoma City, OK

• Jacqueline Azah — Atlanta, GA

• Te’a Williams — Tulsa, OK

• Ose Ehianeta Arheghan — Brooklyn, NY

We are thrilled to continue investing in the future and talent development of young women of color with Cantu Beauty,” said Carlisha Williams Bradley, Women Empowering Nation’s Founder and Executive Director. “Cantu goes above and beyond in their dedication to the community. Cantu’s executive team has provided their time, resources and financial investment to change the career trajectory of young women around the world. I am proud to continue our work together.”

Since 2020, Cantu has been a sponsor of the GLOW Virtual Summit, providing scholarships and business grants to young Black women around the globe to continue their education. Last year, the Cantu GLOW Global Fellowship included a paid, four-month hands-on experience in the beauty industry, which concluded with a capstone and group travel seminar in Accra, Ghana. The partnership is part of Cantu’s continued commitment to elevating and uplifting Black and Brown communities.

To learn more, follow Women Empowering Nations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Stay connected with Cantu Beauty on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or visit them at cantubeauty.com.

THE BROTHERHOOD SISTER SOL CELEBRATES 18TH VOICES GALA ALONGSIDE HONOREE DAPPER DAN

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- The Brotherhood Sister Sol (BroSis), the Harlem-based youth development and social justice organization, today announced the return of its signature Voices gala. Returning for its 18th iteration on Thursday, May 11th, Voices serves as the organization’s annual benefit that celebrates its youth members and enriching programming. Taking place at New York City’s Ziegfeld Ballroom, this year’s event will honor special guest Dapper Dan to recognize his legendary work within fashion, music and culture timed with the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop.

“We are very excited to be honoring Dapper Dan at our 18th annual Voices gala. Dap is a true icon, a son of Harlem whose unique creativity and innovative designs have captured the attention of the world,” said Khary Lazarre-White, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Brotherhood Sister Sol. “Dapper Dan deeply believes in our mission and our commitment to uplifting young people and providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. We are excited to celebrate his lasting impact on our community and we look forward to recognizing and honoring him as we also uplift and elevate the voices of our young people and the mission of BroSis.”

A fellow Harlem native, Dapper Dan pioneered streetwear in the early 1980s, co-opting luxury branding to design original garments with high-end detail. With an impressive client roster of celebrities and entertainers, Dapper Dan changed fashion and design through his bold take on styling. Following BroSis’ recent partnership with Dapper Dan for the

DAP GAP collection, the organization is pleased to recognize his deep impact across fashion, music, and culture.

“I am truly humbled and honored to be recognized at The Brotherhood Sister Sol’s annual Voices Gala,” said Dapper Dan. “As a son of Harlem, it means the world to me to give back to the community that has given me so much. The work that BroSis does to uplift young people is truly inspiring, and I am proud to support their efforts. I look forward to celebrating with them and continuing to work together to make a positive impact in the lives of young people in Harlem and beyond.”

Voices is BroSis’ signature annual benefit highlighting its inspiring young people. Putting a spotlight on their personal journeys through spoken-word performances, heartfelt speeches, and more, the event provides an extraordinary opportunity for dynamic supporters to celebrate BroSis’ commitment to helping youth develop into critical thinkers and community leaders. This year’s event will additionally include special appearances from supporters of the organization to be in attendance.

“It is very exciting to celebrate the endeavors of an organization dedicated to empowering the lives of Black and Brown youth,” said Detavio Samuels, CEO of REVOLT and BroSis Board Member. “The Voices Gala is a tribute to the unwavering spirit of Black excellence and honors trailblazers who are paving the way for future generations. I’m excited to honor and amplify Black voices of all ages, from those who led the way to those who will be doing so in the future.”

“BroSis continues to pave the way for our next generation of leaders, that leaves an impact not only on the youth members but also the communities they represent,” said Rahsan-Rahsan Lindsay, CEO of Mediaco Holding Inc., and BroSis Co-Chair. “Voices speaks to the organization’s accomplishments and sheds light on how important our community’s resources are in making a difference.”

The organization’s Voices gala further carries out its mission of celebrating and recognizing future leaders of tomorrow. The evening features a festive reception, seated dinner, and dynamic program to make for an evening to remember.

“We are thrilled to kick off this year’s Voices gala, a powerful event that showcases the immense potential and promise of Black and Brown youth in our communities,” said Clara Markowicz, BroSis Co-Chair. “As we honor Dapper Dan’s legacy, we also celebrate BroSis’ enduring impact on the lives of young people in Harlem. This is a momentous occasion to uplift the voices of our future leaders and recognize their resilience, strength, and perseverance.”

For more information, please visit brotherhood-sistersol.org and follow The Brotherhood Sister Sol on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

For over 25 years, the Brotherhood Sister Sol (BroSis) has been at the forefront of social justice, educating, training, and organizing to challenge inequality and champion opportunity for all. With a focus on Black and Latinx youth, BroSis is where young people own the power of their history, identity, and community to create the future they want to see. By training educators across the nation and around the world and organizing a community of change agents, BroSis builds on its legacy of youth-led activism to realize a more just and equitable future.

2023 Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) Global Cohort. PRNEWSFOTO.

A Nation’s Air Quality Divided: New Report Reveals Growing Disparities in Exposure to Air Pollution

CHICAGO – (April 21, 2023) – The American Lung Association’s new “State of the Air” report finds that nearly 120 million people in the U.S., or more than one in three, live in counties that had unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. Overall, air quality has improved across the nation; however, major differences exist between air quality in eastern and western states and between air pollution exposures for white people and people of color.

The Lung Association’s 24th annual “State of the Air” report grades Americans’ exposure to unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone air pollution, annual particle pollution, and short-term spikes in particle pollution over a three-year period. This year’s report covers 2019-2021. The report found that out of the nearly 120 million people who live in areas with unhealthy air quality, a disproportionate number – more than 64 million (54%) – are people of color. In fact, people of color were 64% more likely than white people to live in a county with a failing grade for at least one measure, and 3.7 times as likely to live in a county with a failing grade for all three measures.

This is an increase compared to last year’s report where people of color were 61% more likely to live in a county with a failing grade for at least one measure, and 3.6 times as likely to live in a county with a failing grade for all three measures. Differences in air quality were also seen between eastern and western states.

More than 18 million residents in Western states live in counties with three failing grades and the worst 25 counties for short-term particle pollution were all located in the Western U.S. “The good news is that ozone pollution has generally improved across the nation, thanks in large part to the success of the Clean Air Act. In this year’s ‘State of the Air’ report, we found that 19.3

million fewer people are living in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone pollution, also known as smog,” said Harold Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association.

“However, the fact is that 120 million people still live in places with unhealthy air pollution, and not all communities are seeing improvements. This is why it is crucial to continue our efforts to ensure that every person in the U.S. has clean air to breathe.”

Particle Pollution Fine particulate matter air pollution or soot, can be deadly. These unhealthy particles in the air come from wildfires, wood-burning stoves, coalfired power plants, diesel engines and other sources. Technically known as PM2.5, these microscopic particles can trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes and cause lung cancer. (more) CONTACT for ALA: Flo McAfee| E: flo@summerlandstudio.com C: 202.486.3673 Press Release In total, 63.7 million people lived in counties that experienced unhealthy spikes in particle pollution, the most reported in the last 10 years. In positive news, the report revealed that 1.5 million fewer people were living in a county that received a failing grade for annual particle pollution.

A total of 18.8 million people lived in a county with a failing grade for this measure. Ozone Pollution Ground-level ozone pollution (also known as smog) is a powerful respiratory irritant whose effects have been likened to a sunburn of the lung. Inhaling ozone can cause shortness of breath, trigger coughing and asthma attacks and may shorten life. Warmer temperatures driven by climate change make ozone more likely to form and harder to clean up. Although there were exceptions, ozone pollution has generally improved across the nation. 103 million people lived in an area with unhealthy ozone pollution, which is 19.3 million

fewer than last year’s report. “As a result of numerous current and legacy racist policies and practices, Black Americans are more likely to face environmental risks and live in areas with unhealthy air quality than majority-white communities.

In fact, a report by the NAACP found that 78% of Black Americans live within 30 miles of a coal-fired power plant and 71% live in counties violating federal air-quality standards,” said Cedric “Jamie” Rutland, MD, national volunteer medical spokesperson for the American Lung Association. “On top of that, people of color are more likely to be living with one or more chronic conditions that make us more vulnerable to the health impact of air pollution, including asthma, diabetes and heart disease, and Black Americans are over three times more likely to die of particulate matter exposure than Whites. These disparities are sobering, but important to highlight as we urge local, state and federal governments to invest more in environmental justice.”

The “State of the Air” report relies on data from air quality monitors managed by state, local and tribal air pollution control authorities in counties across the U.S. Unfortunately, out of 3,221 counties in the U.S., only 922 counties are able to monitor for at least one pollutant. That means that there are more than 71 million people who live in counties where their ozone and particle pollution levels are not being monitored.

The American Lung Association is calling on President Biden to urgently move forward on several measures to clean up air pollution nationwide, including new limits on ozone and particle pollution and new measures to clean up power plants and vehicles. See the full report results and sign the petition at Lung.org/ SOTA.

Fifth-Grade Students Learn How to Meet Future Energy Needs Through ComEd’s Power of STEM Program

Educational workshops pair students with ComEd mentors to learn about careers in energy industry

CHICAGO (April 18, 2023) – Twenty-five 5thgrade students of James R. Doolittle Elementary School are the latest to receive hands-on learning about the intricacies of electricity as part of ComEd’s Power of STEM education course.

ComEd worked with Doolittle Elementary in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood to engage students in a series of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) sessions during March and April. Bronzeville is the site of ComEd’s first Community of the Future, through which the company offers its expertise, resources and personnel to introduce advanced technologies that are tailored to address residents’ needs.

The centerpiece of that collaboration is one of the nation’s first community microgrids, a technology which incorporates distributed energy resources, such as solar panels and battery energy storage, to operate in conjunction with the main power grid or disconnect and operate standalone to keep power flowing to a segment of the Bronzeville community when the main grid is challenged.

“At ComEd, our success is rooted in celebrating and embracing the spirit of engineering which, as creators, means always looking at, and working towards, what could be,” said Michelle Blaise, ComEd’s senior vice president of technical services. “As a participant in every community we serve, ComEd’s role is to create, generate, and support STEM-related education for students – our workforce of the future.”

ComEd’s Power of STEM program consists of three, two-hour sessions during which students in grades 4 through 12 complete hands-on projects with ComEd engineering mentors to learn about electricity, how solar energy is generated, the Bronzeville microgrid, and the roles ComEd STEM professionals play in maintaining a community’s power supply. Since the launch of Power of STEM in 2022, 250 students from 10 schools, community organizations and nonprofits have learned about energy fundamentals and careers through the program.

During the closing session in April, students from Doolittle Elementary were assigned mentors to learn about climate change, the challenge it poses to meet ongoing energy needs and discuss possible solutions for meeting future energy needs. As students work and learn, mentors discuss careers in electric power that require two- and four-year degrees and those that require technical training.

Schools and organizations interested in scheduling a Power of STEM session can email Rebecca. Niemeyer@ComEd.com.

More STEM programs for northern Illinois students

ComEd’s Power of STEM is one of the many programs ComEd sponsors to encourage more women and students of color to pursue STEM careers. Other ComEd programs include ComEd’s STEM Labs, the Stay in School Initiative and the ComEd EV Rally for Chicago-area girls.

Scheduled this year for July 29, the EV Rally educates and empowers any female-identifying Illinois resident, between the ages of 13 and 18, to explore careers in STEM and become the innovative workforce of the future. The program provides opportunities to learn about electric vehicles and STEM, connect with female STEM mentors and build electric go-karts. The program is accepting applications through June 1, 2023 at ComEdEVRally.com.

Live Nation Entertainment Elects Rich Paul To Board Of Directors

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) announced the election of Rich Paul to its Board of Directors. Paul is the Founder and CEO of KLUTCH Sports Group, as well as Head of Sports at United Talent Agency (UTA) where he also serves on the board. Paul represents some of the world’s top athletes, helping them make strategic decisions about professional playing careers as well as develop successful brand and business ventures.

“Rich brings a valuable perspective from sports, business, entertainment and more,” said Greg Maffei, chairman of the Live Nation Board of Directors. “We’re fortunate to welcome him as a new addition to our board.”

“Rich understands what it takes to help talent develop a long and successful career. His input will be a great addition as we continue driving more value for artists and their fans through live shows,” said Michael Rapino, President and CEO, Live Nation Entertainment.

“Live Nation’s artist-centric approach to business makes this a really natural fit for me,” said Paul. “Going to an event live is one of the most powerful ways to experience sports and music, and I look forward to contributing to the company and the industry in this new way.”

Paul has received a number of accolades for his excellence and innovation within the industry, including being named GQ’s 2019 “PowerBroker of the Year” as well as “The King Maker” on Sports Illustrated’s 2019 cover, and being honored on Variety’s “Variety500” list of the most influential business leaders shaping the global media industry. KLUTCH Sports has also been recognized by TIME on their inaugural TIME100 Most Influential Companies List. He has also become well known for using his influence to power important social impact - driving the reversal of what was known as the “Rich Paul Rule,” which would have banned agents without a college degree from representing NCAA student athletes.

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

TIME Reveals the 2023 TIME100 List of the 100 Most Influential People in the World

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -TIME reveals the 2023 TIME100, its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. The issue has 4 worldwide covers, each highlighting a member of the TIME100: actor Jennifer Coolidge, recording artist Doja Cat, CEO of The Walt Disney Company Bob Iger, and actor Michael B. Jordan.

TIME Chief Executive Officer Jessica Sibley said: “We are thrilled to recognize this year’s list of the world’s most influential people. We look forward to convening the TIME100 community—one of the largest leadership communities in the world—to spotlight and hear from individuals who are wielding their influence to drive positive action toward a better world at the TIME100 Summit Featuring TIME CO2 and Gala this month in New York City.”

To celebrate the 2023 TIME100 list of the World’s Most Influential People, TIME will host the annual TIME100 Summit Featuring TIME CO2 on April 25 and the TIME100 Gala on April 26.

For the fourth year in a row, TIME Studios and ABC will present a “TIME100” primetime television special, and for the second year in a row, the television special will bring viewers inside the 17th annual TIME100 Gala, airing Sunday, April 30 (7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC, which will be available to stream on Hulu and Disney+. The gala will be hosted by Jennifer Coolidge, and feature performances by Doja Cat and Lea Michele, as well as honorary tributes from members of this year’s list, remarks from TIME CEO Jessica Sibley, and more.

The third annual TIME100 Summit Featuring TIME CO2 will convene leaders from the global TIME100 community to spotlight solutions and encourage action toward a better world. Speakers for the day-long event include: filmmaker, Steven Spielberg, Speaker Emerita of the U.S. House, Nancy Pelosi, President and CEO, GLAAD, Sarah Kate Ellis, Founder and President, Dolores Huerta Foundation, Dolores Huerta, and more. Visit Time100summit.com for program and speaker updates.

The 2023 TIME100 Summit Featuring TIME CO2 and the TIME100 Gala are presented by exclusive premier partner Cadillac, and signature partners Booking.com and Citi. Both events will take place at the Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

The 2023 “TIME100: The World’s Most Influential People” television special will be created by TIME Studios, the Emmy Award®-winning television, film and immersive division of TIME, produced in partnership with P&G, and presented by exclusive premier partner Cadillac and signature partner Booking.com.

This year’s TIME100 list includes surpris-

ing pairings of the list members and the guest contributors TIME selects to write about them.

The twentieth annual list features: Mia Farrow on Jennifer Coolidge, Mary Barra on Bob Iger, Mila Kunis on Zoe Saldaña, Amy Poehler on Aubrey Plaza, Hillary Rodham Clinton on Oleksandra Matviichuk, Tina Turner on Angela Bassett, Sue Bird on Brittney Griner, Yo-Yo Ma on Laurene Powell Jobs, Jimmy Fallon on Drew Barrymore, Emma Stone on Nathan Fielder, Bill Frist on Mitch McConnell, Nancy Pelosi on Hakeem Jeffries, and more.

The 2023 TIME100 features 16 climate leaders, a record number for the list, including Anthony Albanese, Gustavo Petro, Catherine Coleman Flowers, Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Robin Zeng and more.

Entertainers on this year’s list include: Jennifer Coolidge, Michael B. Jordan, Austin Butler, Zoe Saldaña, Angela Bassett, Aubrey Plaza, Colin Farrell, Drew Barrymore, Jerrod Carmichael, Ali Wong, Salma Hayek Pinault, Nathan Fielder and more.

Athletes on this year’s list include: Patrick Mahomes II, Lionel Messi, Brittney Griner, Iga Swiatek, Kylian Mbappé and Mikaela Shiffrin. Journalists on this year’s list include: Evan Gershkovich, Elaheh Mohammadi, Niloofar Hamedi, Imara Jones and more.

This year’s list features 50 women, including Jennifer Coolidge, Beyoncé, Laurene Powell Jobs, Karen Lynch, Doja Cat, Lea Michele, Kate Orff, Colleen Hoover, Brittney Griner, Oleksandra Matviichuk, Cindy McCain, Sarah Kate Ellis, Angela Bassett, Bella Hadid and others.

PRNewsfoto/TIME

THE CUBS ORGANIZATION CELEBRATE JACKIE ROBINSON DAY

Chicago mayor-elect hails Illinois as ‘vanguard for progressive policy’ in speech to lawmakers

BY JERRY NOWICKI & ANDREW ADAMS CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS NEWS@CAPITOLNEWSILLINOIS.COM

SPRINGFIELD – Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson said Wednesday his goal was to unify the state while calling Illinois a “vanguard for progressive policy all over this country” in an address to a joint session of the General Assembly.

Johnson, a former middle school teacher and onetime staffer for Senate President Don Harmon, said he came to Springfield to “establish a productive, collaborative and energetic partnership to invest in the people of Chicago and the engine of this economy here in Illinois.”

Some of Johnson’s agenda for the city, such as increasing the city’s real estate transfer tax on properties exceeding $1 million, would require action from the General Assembly. In his speech to lawmakers, he also supported a “revised school funding formula,” with unspecified changes that would “help ensure there is a nurse and a social worker in every single school in Chicago.”

“I stand ready to continue to make those strong investments and to deliver on the promise of fully funded neighborhood schools,” he said. “Public education at the expense of the state, after all, is a Negro idea.”

One major ask for state funding was an increase to the Local Government Distributive Fund, a share of the state’s income tax that is directed to local municipalities across Illinois. It was originally earmarked for 10 percent of those revenues to go to municipalities in 1969, but that number has decreased over the years to 6.16 percent of personal income tax collections and 6.85 percent of corporate income taxes.

Mayors from across the state were in Springfield Tuesday night to request that funding be increased to 10 percent once again over the next four fiscal years. That would cost about $250 million for each percentage point the rate is increased.

“By increasing funding, this body can help provide Chicago and cities and towns across the state with the resources that are needed to build from the ground up,” Johnson said. “And when we build a better, stronger, safer Chicago we are building a better, stronger safer Illinois.”

He praised recent state budgets that included hundreds of millions of dollars aimed at addressing gun violence with youth intervention programs, and increasing spending on public schools, domestic violence prevention and trauma recovery centers.

Johnson’s speech aimed to weave a staunchly liberal agenda with a conciliatory tone.

“For years, they’ve told us that this is a zero-sum game, that if something’s good for Chicago, well, that means we’re taking something away from Peoria,” Johnson said. “They tell us that the challenges that we face in the city of Chicago and families like mine, on the West Side of Chicago, aren’t the same challenges shared by families from Rockford to Carbondale from East St. Louis

to Champaign, and everywhere in between.”

It’s an approach that didn’t land with House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, of Savanna.

“House Republicans were open to hearing the mayor-elect’s vision for Chicago, but what we heard today was a partisan political speech unheard of in our legislative chamber,” she said in a statement. “Where Mayor Johnson says he wants to collaborate on job growth, support law enforcement, and increase education funding, Republicans will be good partners. However, we won’t stand for rhetoric that divides our state, burdens Illinois families, or support bailouts for ineffective programming.”

The strongest pushback from Republicans came regarding the mayor-elect’s stance on public safety.

His recent election win over a more conservative

on social media showing large gatherings in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood and at a beach on the city’s South Side, with at least one showing a group of young people assaulting a woman.

Johnson issued a statement on Sunday calling for the creation of “spaces for youth to gather safely and responsibly, under adult guidance and supervision.”

“In no way do I condone the destructive activity we saw in the Loop and lakefront this weekend,” Johnson said in the statement. “It is unacceptable and has no place in our city. However, it is not constructive to demonize youth who have otherwise been starved of opportunities in their own communities.”

The violence — and Jonson’s statement — have attracted criticism.

Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez, a Democrat who ran for mayor earlier this year, in an appearance on Fox News, said that the city needs to deal with “the here and now,” not just the “root causes” of crime.

“We absolutely need to demonize this kind of behavior because this is unacceptable,” Lopez said on Fox. “We know not all of our youth are bad, but we do know there are organized efforts to bring them downtown and other neighborhoods to cause chaos and pandemonium.”

Some conservative downstate lawmakers called a news conference following Johnson’s address to criticize his plans for addressing violence in the city.

While Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, said downstate lawmakers respect the city’s role as an economic engine, they believe the violence in Chicago poses a threat to business and tourism. The Republicans sought a tougher approach to policing with more accountability for those committing crimes.

candidate, Paul Vallas, was an electoral mandate for his response to crime in the city, he said.

“Public safety is a prerequisite to the prosperity of Chicago,” he said. “And the voters have sent a clear message that they want to get smart, not just tough on crime. We have a mandate to make bold, necessary investments that address the root causes of violence.”

His plan includes adding 200 detectives in the city and expanding mental health services for police officers, who are asked to do too much, he said.

His agenda would also aim to decrease the city’ unemployment rates of 19 percent for those 16 to 19 years old and 12 percent for those 20 to 24 years old.

“As a result, too many young Chicagoans feel there is nowhere to turn,” he said. “Instead of lagging behind other major cities on youth summer jobs, Chicago will look to aggressively expand the number of jobs for young people. We’ll do it by bringing government, philanthropy, the private enterprises together around our common interests to invest in people, particularly young people.”

The mayor-elect’s visit to Springfield comes after a weekend of widely publicized reports of property damage and assault in downtown Chicago. Videos circulated

“Imagine being a Missouri resident contemplating visiting Chicago and seeing what has happened on Michigan Avenue,” Halbrook said. “People do not want to visit places where they may get mugged or beaten.”

Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, spoke directly to the camera in addressing potential attendees of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which Johnson celebrated in his speech.

“What you saw last weekend is just the tip of the iceberg,” Caulkins said. “It’s just the beginning. Be very aware of the environment that you’re being invited to.” Johnson defended his statement on the violence in the city at a news conference on Wednesday following the address.

“You can make sure that we eradicate the root causes that lead to violence,” Johnson said. “And we also can make sure that there’s support on the front line to make sure that we’re preventing violence.”

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.

Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson speaks to reporters outside of the Illinois State Capitol Wednesday after addressing a joint session of the General Assembly. (CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS PHOTO BY JERRY NOWICKI)

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