Chicago Weekend Citizen 05-12-2021

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 May 12, 2021

| Vol. 52 | No. 20 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CHICAGO WEEKEND

CHICAGO APPRENTICE NETWORK BOASTS OF MORE THAN 1,000 PARTICIPANTS

New Report: Pandemic’s Effects on Relationships Page 3

100 Black Men of America, Inc. Announce Virtual 35th Anniversary Conference

Sabrina Wilks wanted to go back to school, but had to work full-time to pay bills, especially in the midst of the pandemic. So, when she heard about an apprenticeship with Zurich North America, she was stunned, but motivated to apply. “They really were going to pay me a full-time salary on top of paying for my tuition,” she said.

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RV Rental Bookings are up 846% in April with a Promising Summer Season Ahead Page 7

Sabrina Wilks is a Zurich North America apprentice with the Chicago Apprentice Network. Recently, Chicago Apprentice Network reached a milestone of more than 1,000 apprenticeships. Photos provided by Marian Daniells

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NEWS briefly EDUCATION DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AWARD NAMED IN HONOR OF DR. BARBARA ROSS-LEE The ACGME recently announced that its Diversity and Inclusion Award will now be known as the Barbara RossLee, DO Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award in honor of Dr. Ross-Lee’s illustrious career, contributions to graduate medical education (GME), and expertise in health policy.

In 1993, Dr. Ross-Lee became the first African American female dean of a United States medical school when she accepted the position at Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is currently the President Elect of the American Osteopathic Foundation.

The award recognizes ACGME-accredited Sponsoring Institutions, programs, or specialty organizations working to diversify the underrepresented physician workforce and create inclusive workplaces that foster humane, civil, and equitable environments.

The ACGME is a private, non-profit, professional organization responsible for the accreditation of over 12,000 residency and fellowship programs and the approximately 865 institutions that sponsor these programs in the United States. For more information, visit https:// www.acgme.org

HEALTH

MORE THAN 4 IN 10 AMERICANS BREATHE UNHEALTHY AIR, PEOPLE OF COLOR 3 TIMES AS LIKELY TO LIVE IN MOST POLLUTED PLACES A new report from the American Lung Association finds more than 4 in 10 people (135 million) in the U.S. live with polluted air, placing their health and lives at risk. The 22nd annual “State of the Air” report shows that people of color were 61% more likely to live in a county with unhealthy air than white people, and three times more likely to live in a county that failed all three air quality grades. While the report finds some improvements in the nation’s air quality, according to a press release, in many parts of the country, climate change is making air quality worse.

“This report shines a spotlight on the urgent need to curb climate change, clean up air pollution and advance environmental justice,” said American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer. “The nation has a real opportunity to address all three at once – and to do that, we must center on health and health equity as we move away from combustion and fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy.”

LAW & POLITICS

OVER 400,000 VIEWERS TUNE-IN TO COURT TV FOR CHAUVIN TRIAL VERDICT More than 400,000 viewers – the most since the network relaunched - tuned into Court TV to watch the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial on April 20.

April 20 was the most-watched day since Court TV was rebooted in May 2019 with increases as high as +10 times the pre-Chauvin trial time period average. The network’s trial coverage itself was up more than +330 percent. In terms of streaming viewing, Court TV was up more than 20 times for the trial and more than 40 times for the verdict versus the pre-trial average.

Forty-six-year-old African American George Floyd was killed on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis while being arrested for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Footage showing Minneapolis police officer Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck while three police colleagues looked on, went viral on social media and sparked a global movement protesting against police brutality and racism. Chauvin was tried separately and was found guilty on all charges: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The three other officers, charged with aiding and abetting murder, will be tried later this year; Court TV will air the trial.

Chicago Apprentice Network boasts of more than 1,000 participants Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Sabrina Wilks wanted to go back to school, but had to work full-time to pay bills, especially in the midst of the pandemic. So, when she heard about an apprenticeship with Zurich North America, she was stunned, but motivated to apply. “They really were going to pay me a full-time salary on top of paying for my tuition,” she said.

Wilks said participating in the apprenticeship will enable her to earn a degree that will be useful. She said she also has been able to gain a great network. “I’ve just met so many people here at Zurich and beyond, wherever my career goes, they’re going to be integral to my growth, my mentorship opportunities and just being able to grow in my career and have lots of different avenues that people can help me navigate,” she said.

People like Sabrina Wilks and Javier Perez are part of why Chicago Apprentice Network has exceeded 1,000 apprenticeships in the Chicagoland area. The apprenticeship model allows participants to gain access to corporate roles, with a salary and benefits, as well as payments for tuition, books and other fees for the apprentices while they pursue their degrees.

Chicago Apprentice Network began in 2017, with three companies, Accenture, Aon and Zurich North America and has expanded in the last 4 years to include 40 more companies.

Javier Perez also wanted to go back to school, but was feeling stuck financially. He said it was an amazing opportunity, one that he let pass previously because he wasn’t sure he had what it took to do it. This time, he decided to do it. He said being a part of the program has helped him gain confidence. “It’s been an amazing experience. I’ve met amazing people, I’ve expanded my network, as well. I feel like I actually have what it takes to be in a corporate environment, which is not what I felt like before,” he said.

Wilks said 10 months into her apprenticeship, she has gained a lot of experience and feels comfortable in her department. “I look at how fluidly I can talk about what I’m doing. I work in claims and I feel comfortable talking to my co-worker and my supervisors and to people outside my job about what I’m doing,” she said.

City Colleges of Chicago is one of Chicago Apprentice Network’s education partners. Juan Salgado, City Colleges of Chicago chancellor, said City Colleges of Chicago wanted to partner with Chicago Apprentice Network because it allows the students to showcase what they can do and how much value they can provide

Javier Perez is an Aon apprentice with the Chicago Apprentice Network. Recently, Chicago Apprentice Network reached a milestone of more than 1,000 apprenticeships.

Photos provided by Marian Daniells

while they are in the process of completing their degrees.

According to Cheryl Freeman, director of apprenticeships for City Colleges of Chicago, City Colleges of Chicago has more than 460 apprentices in the program. “It’s a best practice for the companies to have the opportunity to tap into this talent in advance of a fuller commitment to them, in terms of a permanent hire. We’ve seen our students have great success on the back end of this. Not only did they excel in the apprenticeship, but many of them are taken for full-time jobs,” Salgado said. Salgado said in the case of JP Morgan Chase, there were five apprentices from the City Colleges of Chicago who were hired after their apprenticeships. He added that companies aren’t seeing the apprenticeships as temporary work experience in the same way they might see an internship. “This is a true investment in the possibility of a long-term commitment to these employees,” he said.

Freeman said apprenticeships that are non-trade have recently become more popular in the United States and added that they are very popular in Europe. “Finally, companies are getting the gist that

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this builds a pipeline, and it helps with their retention. They came in initially, a lot of these big companies, thinking they were doing us a favor, and then, when they started to see how wonderful our students are, now it’s a smart business decision,” she said.

Freeman said there is an 82 percent retention rate with the apprentices. Salgado said he sat with the CEOs when the Chicago Apprentice Network was started. He said they wanted to be champions of this work.

“They have gone from believing this could be helpful to them to understanding that this could be transformative for them,” he said.

Salgado added, when companies partner with City Colleges of Chicago, they tap into diverse talent in every form of diversity – race, ethnicity, gender, and how they came to City Colleges of Chicago.

“There’s an abundance of talent out there, we see the talent, but the systems are not set up to tap them. Why apprenticeships are growing, is that the leadership wants the companies to tap them. And, they’re challenging their own system to find ways to do that,” he said.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of May 12, 2021

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NEWS

Human Rights Campaign Praises Sec. Fudge’s Decision to Repeal Trump-Era Proposal to Gut Equal Access Rule The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced that it would be rescinding a Trump-era proposal to gut the Equal Access Rule. The 2016 Equal Access Rule explicitly prohibits discrimination in HUD-funded housing and programs on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

In addition, the rule provides inclusive definitions for families, and makes clear that individuals seeking emergency housing cannot be turned away because of their gender identity and have a right to be housed safely and in accordance with their gender identity.

In 2020, the Trump Administration issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would have drastically undermined protections for transgender and gender non-conforming people served by HUD programs by equipping emergency shelters with ways to turn away transgender and gender non-conforming people. The 2020 rule was not finalized before the end of the Trump administration.

Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, testified to Congress about discrimination in housing in 2019, and the Human Rights Campaign has long fought to secure housing rights for trans and non-binary people.

Most recently, the Human Rights Campaign called for the restoration of the 2016 Equal Access Rule, including the provision in its post-election Blueprint for Positive Change. In addition,

Marcia Louise Fudge (pictured) is the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

as part of the Blueprint for Positive Change, the Human Rights Campaign has called for HUD to: Restore Disparate Impact Regulation Restore Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Regulation Engage in Outreach to LGBTQ Youth Centers to Connect Youth to HUD Services Expand Outreach to Homeless LGBTQ Veterans A 2020 study by The Williams Institute reported that 40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ, nearly nine times the estimate of LGBTQ-identifying adults in the Unit-

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION LEFT A LONG LEGACY OF DEVASTATING ATTACKS ON TRANS AMERICANS AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND WE PRAISE SECRETARY FUDGE’S LEADERSHIP IN TAKING NECESSARY STEPS TO PRESERVE AND IMPLEMENT THE EQUAL ACCESS RULE. LGBTQ PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THOSE FROM COMMUNITIES OF COLOR, ALREADY FACE DISCRIMINATION AT UNACCEPTABLY HIGH RATES. TRANS AND NON-BINARY PEOPLE ARE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE LIKELY TO BE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, AND CONSEQUENCES FROM THAT EXPERIENCE, ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, CAN LAST A LIFETIME. SAFE HOUSING IS AN ESSENTIAL RIGHT FOR EVERY AMERICAN, NO MATTER THEIR GENDER IDENTITY, AND WE CELEBRATE HUD’S DECISION TO PRESERVE AND IMPLEMENT THE EQUAL ACCESS RULE AND PROTECT TRANS LIVES ACROSS OUR COUNTRY. Alphonso David, Human Rights Campaign President ed States. Nearly a third of transgender and non-binary people experience homelessness during their lifetime, including half of those who are Black, Middle Eastern, Multiracial, and/or undocumented immigrants.

Sex, Relationships, and Divorce During COVID-19: New Report Highlights Pandemic Effects on Relationships Love Connection has compiled statistics from multiple sources to find out how coronavirus has affected love and relationships.

The report covers dating, sex, and divorce, with a focus on how the pandemic has affected relationships across the board.

“Recognizing the impact the pandemic has had on relationships isn’t straightforward, but by compiling the statistics, we’ve created an overview of the strain and benefits put on couples and singles during COVID-19,” says Tina Fey, founder of Love Connection.

Statistics gathered from dating apps, law firms, and numerous studies show that during the pandemic: * 50% of people reported a decline in their sex life * 27% of participants felt a decrease in relationship satisfaction * 46% of people involved in the study didn’t notice a difference in their relationship * Divorce applications rose from 40% to 45% in the U.S. * The online dating industry grew roughly 13% during 2020 * 45% of people have stopped dating altogether during the pandemic In addition, research indicates that 20% of new marriages (under five months or less) struggled to survive during the pandemic, highlighting how the significant changes during the last year have pressured newlyweds to divorce. “These surveys and statistics can help us understand how dating and relationships evolve, especially under the pressure of a worldwide pandemic,” says Fey. “It’s essential to know where vulnerabilities lie within the dating and relationship world so we can continue encouraging and fostering healthier relationships.”

View the report here at - https://loveconnection.org/loveand-relationships-during-covid/.

Love Connection is a platform dedicated to keeping its readers informed on love, relationships, and cultivating meaningful connections. For more information, visit https:// loveconnection.org/love

GSA Revives Commitment To Renewable Energy The U. S. General Services Administration (GSA) has announced its commitment to 100 percent renewable electricity sources for the federal real estate portfolio by 2025.

By leveraging its purchasing power, GSA will provide renewable energy to its real estate footprint of 186 million square feet.

GSA is continuing its plan to eliminate fossil fuel use in newly constructed facilities and facilities undergoing major modernization and achieving net-zero by 2030.

This aligns with President Biden’s pledge to tackle the climate crisis and invest in innovation to spur transformational technologies that can help reduce emissions, while also creating new economic opportunities to build the industries of the future.

“I am proud to affirm GSA’s commitment to 100 percent renewable energy by 2025,” said Acting Administrator Katy Kale. “This is an important step in reasserting the federal government’s leadership role in addressing the existential crisis of climate change.”

“Buildings account for 40 percent of all energy consumed in the US, and 70 percent of the electricity. By the federal government demonstrating a path toward decarbonization, we can encourage greater use of renewable and clean electric resources across the country,” said Mark Chambers, senior director for building emissions, White House Council on Environmental Quality.

Additionally, to strengthen the mission of GSA and advance diversi-

ty, inclusion, equity, and accessibility into how federal buildings are designed and renovated, GSA collaborated with the NAACP to establish an Environmental Justice and Equity Task Group. This group’s mission is to improve engagement with diverse and underrepresented communities www.citizennewspapergroup.com

to create solutions throughout the federal sustainable building process.

This includes design, construction, operation, renewal and occupancy leading to opportunities and green jobs.

“We are gratified and eager to begin this critical work of examining the past and present impacts of federal buildings on Black, Indigenous, people of color and low-income communities, as well as advancing the transformative possibilities through the work of the Environmental Justice and Equity Task Group,” said Jacqui Patterson, NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program senior director. “In working towards centering equity in addressing our federal building infrastructure, we aspire to spur a

broader transition to a universally equitable and sustainable building sector.”

GSA also established the Federal Building Decarbonization Task Group. This group will explore opportunities and challenges for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in alignment with national climate goals and action plans, through the use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, electrification and smart building technologies at federal buildings.

GSA provides centralized procurement for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of more than 370 million rentable square feet and overseeing approximately $68 billion in annual contracts.

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BUSINESS

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DuPont Announces $20 Million Investment in LISC’s Black Economic Development Fund DuPont (NYSE: DD) recently announced it has committed to invest $20 million in the Black Economic Development Fund (BEDF), managed by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).

The BEDF will provide financing to support Black-led financial institutions, anchor institutions, and businesses through improved access to capital to incentivize economic activity and wealth building opportunities in Black communities.

“For too long, systemic racism has prevented Black-led business owners and entrepreneurs from participating fairly and fully in our economy,” said Ed Breen, DuPont executive chairman and chief executive officer. “Improving access to capital for Black-led businesses can have an outsized impact—creating an economic multiplier and advancing racial equity. At DuPont, inclusivity is vital for delivering innovation and growth, and we’re proud to invest in the Black Economic Development Fund and support communities with the resources to thrive in a more equitable and inclusive economy and society.”

“DuPont is making a high-impact investment that will help

tackle racial injustice and support broad-based growth as well,” said Lisa Glover, interim chief executive officer of LISC. “It’s gratifying to see some of the country’s most dynamic corporations align their treasury strategies with their values in order to expand access to capital in Black and Brown communities, bridge racial wealth and income gaps, and help our economy work better for everyone.”

The investment builds on DuPont’s 2030 Sustainability Goals to improve lives and empower people by supporting education initiatives, workforce development, mentoring and recruitment programs, and partnering with community organizations to advance racial justice, and eliminate bias and barriers to equality.

Additionally, the company has signed on to the Catalyst CEO Champions for Change, pledging to advance more women, particularly women of color, into senior leadership positions and onto the Board of Directors, and the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge, which commits DuPont leaders to take measurable action in advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Breen also serves as a founding Guardian on the Council for Inclusive Capitalism.

Corporate Spending On Diverse Suppliers Rose An Average Of 54% In Recent Years The wave of national protests against systemic racism in 2020 prompted leadership teams across the country to increase their engagement with businesses owned by Black people, women and other underrepresented groups.

Now, close to one year after the wave of protests began, a growing number of executives are confirming that not only is diversifying their supplier base a good move for society, it is a good move for improving business performance as well.

A new report from Bain & Company, with data provided by Coupa, a provider of Business Spend Management solutions and capabilities, analyzes procurement spend of more than 350 companies across global industries. The analysis shows that spending on diverse suppliers rose an average of 54% between 2017 and 2020.

Additionally, companies that are in the top quartile of spending on diverse suppliers see an average of 0.7 percentage points more savings off total procurement expenditures, compared to their peer group.

“This data confirms our long-held hypothesis about the business value of diverse supply chains,” said David Schannon, who co-leads Bain’s Procurement practice in the Americas. “When companies stop thinking of diversifying their supply base as a standalone initiative and start to recognize the benefits of investing in underrepresented groups, we see meaningful business improvements.”

UPS, Target, Pacific Gas and Electric, and other leaders have been building more diverse supplier pools for decades, a move that benefits their bottom lines.

The report points to some tangible advantages of diverse supply chains, including a higher annual retention rate— to a tune of 20+ percentage points.

Additionally, leaders in supplier diversity tend to have more efficient procurement processes overall. The top quartile of companies engaging with diverse suppliers have higher rates of preapproved spending (+10%), greater use of electronic purchase orders (+52%), faster requisition to order processing times (+18%) and faster invoice approvals (+46%) than their peers.

“It’s high time we put to bed the myth that diversifying a company’s supply chain means sacrificing business results,” said Radhika Batra, an expert partner in Bain’s Performance Improvement practice. “The data conveys quite the opposite. A well-managed ecosystem of diverse suppliers, including businesses owned by women and people of color, can be a strategic differentiator for companies, generating meaningful returns.”

Bain’s report identifies four key obstacles that companies need to overcome in order to boost spend with diverse suppliers and retain competitive advantage.

Stop thinking of diversity as a standalone initiative. Many leadership teams eager to embrace supplier diversity limit their efforts to a series of short-term strategic sourcing events. This approach won’t address the long-term engagement required to develop a sustainable pipeline of diverse suppliers. For example, it typically takes 12-to-18 months to fully qualify a new supplier.

Make sure the organization is aligned

from the board to the business unit.

Boards make strong commitments to increasing supplier diversity but may overlook vital changes in the day-to-day decisions that are critical to implementation. Business units need a mandate to channel procurement spending to a new set of unknown suppliers—and a clear sense of how diversity goals stack up against other competing priorities.

Don’t assume success will happen without resources. One of the key reasons supplier diversity initiatives flounder is that organizations underinvest in the capabilities required to support new or developing suppliers, including onboarding, risk mitigation and mentoring.

Expand goals beyond Tier 1 spending and suppliers. A narrow focus on Tier 1 spending restricts the ability to grow a diverse supplier ecosystem and may render company targets unsustainable. It also reduces the full potential benefits of working with a diverse supplier group, including collaboration and innovation as well as access to new markets, customers and services.

“In the past, decisions related to diversity, equity and inclusion were happening in silos, making it difficult for organizations to realize their full impact,” said Donna Wilczek, senior vice president of product strategy and innovation at Coupa. “The data in this report reinforces just how important it is for companies to embed supply base diversification practices right within the spend process in order to maximize business and societal impact in concert.”

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50/50 Women on Boards Reveals Gender Diversity Index Key Findings 50/50 Women on Boards (50/50WOB), the leading global education and advocacy campaign driving the movement toward gender balance and diversity on corporate boards, recently announced that as of Dec 31, 2020, women hold 23.7% of the board seats among the largest publicly-traded companies on the Russell 3000 Index, a 1.1 percentage point increase from June 30, 2020.

Using data provided by Equilar, 50/50 Women on Boards Gender Diversity Index™ Key Findings also reveal that for the first time, the 25 states, with 20 or more headquartered companies, now have 20% or more women directors on their boards. Energy continues to be the only sector below 20% at 19.6%. Conversely, 71% of Utilities companies have three or more women, and Consumer Cyclical has more gender-balanced boards than any other sector.

Other Key Findings, as of Dec 31, 2020: In the last six months, 425 companies added 469 women to their boards.

77% of those companies did so by expanding their boards.

173 (6%) companies have gender-balanced boards, compared to 154 (5%) companies reported in June.

879 (30%) companies have 3+ women on boards, excluding gender-balanced (GB) boards.

917 (31%) companies only have one or no women on their boards.

In the 25 states less than 10% of companies have gender-balanced boards, except with 12%.

No state yet has a majority of companies with 3+ women on their boards.

Of the 1,021 women who joined a board in 2020, 23% identified as a Woman of Color, 2% identified as White/Caucasian, and 75% are not identified at all.

“The sustained increase and progress for women is positive, but there is work to be done to achieve gender balance and diversity on corporate boards,” said Stephanie Sonnabend, co-founder

and chair of 50/50 Women on Boards. “After more than a decade of collaborating with corporations and action groups committed to advancing women to corporate boards, we know that what gets measured gets done. Thereby, we are furthering our commitment to diversity. In addition to women holding 50% of all the corporate board seats, we call for women of color to hold at least 20% of ALL the corporate board seats.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2019, the demographics for women in the U.S. were approximately 60% White and 40% women of color. Given the statistics, women of color should represent at least 20% of all corporate board seats.

“Achieving diverse and gender-balanced boards will take deliberate actions by corporations and institutional investors.” said Betsy Berkhemer-Credaire, CEO of 50/50 Women on Boards.

“We continue to educate women, including women of color, about how to pursue and position themselves for board service, while we advocate and collaborate with our robust network of allies.

Our 50/50WOB Diversity Advisory Council, our Board of Directors and our Alliance Partners provide powerful influence for change at the highest corporate levels so women of all racial and ethnic backgrounds can advance.”

In addition to its annual research report, 50/50WOB, will release quarterly research and insight, beginning with the fourth calendar quarter of 2020. As data is made available by race and ethnicity, or if disclosure is required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 50/50WOB is committed to disaggregating the data. Learn more about the commitment 50/50WOB is making to women of color holding corporate board positions and steps to achieve this goal at https://5050wob. com/our-values.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of May 12, 2021

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NEWS

If You Have Diabetes, Know These Signs of a Stroke (NewsUSA) - People living with diabetes are at higher risk of stroke, so it’s especially important for them to talk to their doctor and manage their risk factors.

Know Diabetes by Heart, a joint initiative of the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association, offers several tips for people with diabetes to reduce their risk of a stroke: - Take control. Managing your diabetes is a key step to staying healthy. Make a plan with your doctor to establish or maintain control of your condition.

- Take your medicine. Be sure to take all medicine prescribed by your doctor, and if you have concerns about your medications, ask your doctor.

Don’t just stop taking them.

- Take care of yourself.

Continue or develop healthy lifestyle habits, and if you smoke, quit.

- Take stock of your numbers. Keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure at healthy levels, as well as managing your blood glucose and A1C, can make a difference in reducing your risk of a stroke.

“Diabetes is a complicated health condition, so it’s important to be proactive and work with your health care team to learn all you

Experts offer tips for people with diabetes to reduce their risk of a stroke.

can about how to manage it,” according to Robert Eckel, M.D., immediate past president of medicine and science for the American Diabetes Association and past president of the American Heart Association.

For example, Karen Dawson, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in her 40s, was managing the condition well with a combination of medication and a healthy lifestyle, but she lost her health insurance and was unable to afford her medication. With her diabetes and high blood pressure unmanaged, Dawson’s health was more vulnerable, and she suffered a stroke.

Having had a stroke puts her at high risk for another one, but with her health

insurance back in place, she now takes her medication as prescribed, maintains a healthy diet, and stays fit by swimming in her local pool.

And she serves as an ambassador for Know Diabetes

by Heart to encourage those living with type 2 diabetes to stay healthy and maintain a positive attitude.

If you or someone you know is living with type 2 diabetes, make sure you know the warning signs of a stroke.

The acronym FAST makes it easy to remember and recognize the common symptoms of a stroke. If you experience sudden Face drooping, Arm weakness, or Speech difficulty, it’s Time to call 911.

For more information, visit KnowDiabetesbyHeart.org.

100 Black Men of America, Inc. Announce Virtual 35th Anniversary Conference 100 Black Men of America, Inc., the global leader in mentoring minority youth, has launched registration for the 35th Annual Conference. This virtual event will focus on the urgent need to act in transformative ways to help youth and communities adapt to meet the challenges of COVID-19 and triumph in the next normal.

The 2021 conference will take place June 17-19, and attendees from the 100’s global community will feature thought leaders from across corporations, government, foundations, nonprofits, and the health industry.

As COVID-19 continues to profoundly affect communities of color, the 100 will utilize their conference to harness their collective resources and address the needs of vulnerable populations.

Members from across the 100’s network, along with their community partners, invite the public to attend this annual think tank that celebrates black achievement, spotlights youth, awards mentoring leadership, and recognizes excellence across many industries.

Sessions are designed to address the systemic problems facing the black community. Due to the global pandemic, many organizations and elected officials are discussing long-standing socio-economic issues for the first time. 100 members have created programs and dedicated resources, while advocating for youth, families and the communities, since the inception of 100 Black Men. As others pivoted, 100 chapters continued the existing work of the 100. The knowledge learned and the success realized will be shared, action steps for immediate activation in communities

Chicago History Museum Awarded Grant from National Endowment for the Humanities The Chicago History Museum this month received a $376,503 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in the public humanities category to support the upcoming exhibition, City on Fire: Chicago 1871.

The family friendly exhibition commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire and will guide guests through the crucial events and conditions before, during, and after the fire – many of which draw striking comparisons to today’s social climate. City on Fire: Chicago 1871 opens to the public on October 8, 2021.

“The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 is part of the fabric of Chicago, shaping the city’s strength and resilience that defines us today,” said Donald Lassere, president and CEO of the Chicago History Museum. “We are grateful to NEH for allowing us to further our mission

to share Chicago stories by making this pivotal history available for visitors of all ages and interests.”

The Chicago History Museum is one of 225 organizations that received grants from NEH, all directly supporting the preservation of historic collections, humanities exhibitions and documentaries, scholarly research, and curriculum projects. NEH grants totaled $24 million across the country. This grant will also support public programs and educational opportunities related to City on Fire: Chicago 1871.

Created in 1965, NEH is an independent federal agency and one of the largest funders of humanities programs in the United States. NEH awards grants to top-rated proposals examined by panels of independent, external reviewers.

For more information on City on Fire: Chicago 1871, please visit: https://www.chicago1871.org/ www.citizennewspapergroup.com

will be outlined, and youth who benefitted from virtual mentoring will be on display.

The public is invited to this free event.

To learn more about the 100 Black Men of America, Inc.’s cause, programs, partners, and to view all events taking place during the 35th Annual Conference, visit www.100blackmen. org. For more details, including the agenda, webinar details, entertainment, and speaker’s bios visit 100blackmen.org.

Who: 100 Black Men of America, Inc. What: 100 Black Men Virtual Conference When: Thursday, June 17, 2021 – Saturday, June 19, 2021 Where: 100 Website – 100blackmen.org About 100 Black Men of America, Inc. 100 Black Men was founded as an organization in New York City in 1963. The national organization, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. began with nine chapters in 1986 as a national alliance of leading African American men of business, public affairs and government with a mission to improve the quality of life for African Americans, particularly African American youth. These visionaries included businessmen and industry leaders such as David Dinkins, Robert Mangum, Dr. William Hayling, Nathaniel Goldston III, Livingston Wingate Andrew Hatcher, and Jackie Robinson. Since inception, the vision emerged and grew to over 10,000 members impacting over 125,000 underserved, underrepresented minority youth annually. Visit www.100blackmen.org for more information on the programs and initiatives of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and their global network of chapters.

6 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of May 12, 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

On the Road Less Traveled: An Unlikely Journey from Orphanage to the Boardroom (NewsUSA)- A bend in the road,” says Ed Hajim, “is not the end of the road.”

He should know. At the age of three, Hajim was kidnapped by his father, driven cross-country, and told that his mother was dead. He pressed his face against the car window, watched the miles pass and wondered where life would take him. It took him on a journey from one dire situation to the next, from one crowded orphanage to an unfamiliar foster home, from having one semi-present parent to having none.

It was a daily struggle to survive. Yet somehow, not only

Ed Hajim

does Hajim make it through, but using his own grit and determination, he flourishes.

His life comes full circle and he

lives the American dream as an accomplished Wall Street executive and model family man with great moral fiber and the means to give back to a world that early on seemed intent on rejecting him.

Hajim’s vivid memoir, On the Road Less Traveled: An Unlikely Journey from the Orphanage to the Boardroom, is several storylines in one: the improbable tale of how the author overcame the heavy odds against him as a child; the incredible ride up the corporate ladder to a stellar professional career; and a study in the drive, principles, philosophy and character of a

man seeking his dream.

Hajim served as a senior investment executive at such firms as E.F. Hutton, Lehman Brothers and other financial institutions, regularly transforming fledgling operations into generating solid growth.

He made contributions to the University of Rochester, eventually as chairman of its board. His life accomplishments were rightfully acknowledged in 2015 with the prestigious Horatio Alger Award.

Hajim took every experience as a learning opportunity. The Navy, for example, “trained me to become de-

liberate in everything I do. It showed me that every mission needs well-defined rules. And it showed me that no mission can be accomplished without a well-motivated team.”

Throughout his career, Hajim was guided by his instincts to know when a situation had run its course and it was time to move on. “Sometimes it’s better to sever ties and leave on your own, even if the next step is unknown,” he writes.

“That’s often the road less traveled, but it’s so worth the journey.”

Says Renee Fleming, “On the Road Less Traveled is a moving, personal history that

demonstrates the importance of being faithful to one’s core values -- a road map for a life well lived.”

BookBites is a continuing series bringing readers information and ideas for their next read. For more reading ideas, visit BookTrib.com and subscribe to their weekly newsletter.

Woman Receives Cicero Speechwriting Award Norfolk native, Shereese Floyd-Thompson, founder and chief storytelling officer for the Witness My Life Movement, has won a 2021 Cicero Speechwriting Award from Vital Speeches of the Day. Floyd-Thompson’s speech “The Secret to Healing the World” won in the 2021 TED/TEDx category. This talk was originally performed on November 7, 2020 at TEDxOcala and ended in a rousing standing ovation.

It launched on YouTube a month later and since surged to 45,000+ views during the George Floyd murder trial.

Floyd-Thompson, a black woman, shares her story of living across the cul-de-sac from a white neighbor who displays a Confederate flag. She details how they were able to bridge the divide over a carton of eggs. She notes stories on race, socioeconomics and injustice to drive home her point -- Can we live in peace with those who share different political and ideological views?

In this 13-minute talk, she tackles

Shereese Floyd-Thompson, Founder, Chief Storytelling Officer for the Witness My Life Movement and Winner of a 2021 Cicero Speechwriting Award from Vital Speeches of the Day

the current health and heart crises and asserts that in order to heal the world, we must go beyond the

surface and make things personal to shift perspective. At a time where people seem to pick their

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sides and relate to each other from those boundaries, she challenges the audience to see beyond labels, titles

and notions and ask of each other a simple and vulnerable question: Will you be a witness to my life?

Winners will be recognized at the 2021 World Conference of the Professional Speechwriters Association Oct. 18–22.

To watch the talk, visit, watchmytedx.com Floyd-Thompson is the founder of the Witness My Life Movement.

As a storytelling advisor, she teaches on how to use storytelling to have difficult conversations, unite around a cause, influence behaviors and move people to action. She believes story is the one thing that truly brings the world together. For more information, visit WitnessMyLifeMovement.com Presented by Vital Speeches of the Day, the prestigious monthly collection of speeches, the Cicero Speechwriting Awards recognize the work that makes the speeches that help leaders lead – in every sector of business, politics and society.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of May 12, 2021

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NEWS

RV Rental Bookings are up 846% in April with a Promising Summer Season Ahead The world’s first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace, RVshare, reveals that bookings are surging ahead of the summer travel season. April reservations are up 846% from this time last year. At the onset of COVID-19, all travel came to a halt until National Parks reopened. Then, RVshare saw a huge influx of bookings as people yearned to get outside and connect with nature. Now a year later, RVshare predicts another summer of record-setting bookings, cementing RV travel as a category that is here to stay.

According to a Phocuswright Consumer Travel Survey in partnership with RVshare, more than a quarter (28%) of travelers have rented an RV for leisure travel and the majority want to do it again. In fact, 84% of travelers who rented an RV last year are interested in renting again in the next 12 months, and 81% are interested in renting an RV even after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“RVshare will have another successful summer as bookings are already flooding in by the thousands,” said RVshare’s CEO Jon Gray. “We are bullish about our future and these survey results help paint the picture. RV travel has captured the interest of millions and with post-trip satisfaction being high it is a recipe for success.”

The continued interest of RV travel will be fueled by the desire to get outdoors, which is predicted to thrive past its pandemic-induced popularity. Sixty-one percent of millennials, the largest population of travelers, agree that outdoor travel is more appealing now than ever.

With more than half of RV trips taken by families in 2020, younger travelers (Gen Z and Millennials) and travelers with children are most likely to rent RVs in 2021 and beyond.

Campgrounds are a popular RV destination, but past renters

agree that they are interested in exploring destinations beyond traditional campgrounds. The appetite for renting a RV for a musical festival or sporting event will grow post-pandemic.

For more information about RVshare and the Phocuswright Consumer Travel Survey, visit RVshare.com/press or email rvshare@berlinrosen.com.

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According to a Phocuswright Consumer Travel Survey in partnership with RVshare, more than a quarter (28%) of travelers have rented an RV for leisure travel, and the majority want to do it again. In fact, 84% of travelers who rented an RV last year are interested in renting again in the next 12 months, and 81% are interested in renting an RV even after the COVID-19 pandemic.

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8 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of May 12, 2021

Lifestyles & Living The Best Warm Weather Shoe Styles for Maximum Comfort

(StatePoint) As comfort continues to reign supreme for clothing and accessories, it’s easier than ever to incorporate ontrend pieces into stylish yet casual outfits. Even though we may not be dressing up as much, there are still plenty of ways to ensure your unique style preference shines through - and footwear can be a great place to start when updating the wardrobe!

From comfortable sandals and casual sneakers to slip-ons, these shoe pairings are ideal whether walking around the neighborhood, enjoying a socially distanced event, or leading a Zoom meeting.

To complement soft, loose-fitting garments. With different colors, patterns, and profiles to choose from, Vans lace-up or slip-on styles can complete any casual-inspired outfit. Use the slim-silhouetted shoe to complement loose-fitting garments like tailored chinos, maxi dresses, or skirts with elastic waists.

For joggers and casual dresses. Finding a sandal that works equally well with joggers and flowy dresses is no easy feat, but Teva’s original universal outdoor sandal for women checks all the boxes. It has a cushioned footbed, and the bottom includes a rubber sole for traction. The multi-colored straps work with an array of hues, but it also comes in several other color options to match casual attire.

To pair with jeans, a t-shirt, and an oversized cardigan. With the air conditioner on overload, it can be easy

to long for that fuzzy slipper feeling. When the home or office starts to get chilly, Crocs has the perfect shoe to try. The brand offers a classic women’s clog that features a soft, fuzzy liner for feet. Additionally, a plethora of colors are available to coordinate with a jeans and t-shirt look. Xappeal also offers a slide option adorned with fur-like material for the ultimate in cozy comfort.

For all your family's comfort footwear needs,

visit rackroomshoes.com for online shopping or curbside pickup options.

“Though many of us are still spending the majority of the day working, exercising, and taking classes online from home, clothing and accessories still afford us the opportunity to enjoy current fashion trends that are easy on our feet,” says Alyson Stanley, buyer for national retailer, Rack Room Shoes. “These outfit and shoe pairings can maximize comfort while embracing the current fashion trends.”

Digital Spring-Cleaning Tips for a New Normal Life (StatePoint) Last year, when the pandemic suddenly shut down our everyday lives and for many of us, pushed them into tiny, isolated spaces, we had to adapt.

Fast forward one year later, and a lot has changed. Now, as the world slowly starts to open back up, it’s time to get a jump start on a new normal routine. Here are some spring-cleaning tips fueled by your smartphone and the latest apps to help you smoothly shift into in-person life.

Make a Fresh Start at the (Home) Office: Research shows that your remote office space may be dirtier and more disruptive to your overall health than work offices. Spring cleaning your workspace and home can be easily done with apps like Spotless and Clean My House. The apps, which offer tools to help schedule chores, create cleaning checklists and organize spaces in your home, are guaranteed to increase productivity and make clutter a distant memory.

If your temporary work-from-home status is now permanent, it may be the perfect time to re-evaluate your remote connectivity needs. Wireless provider T-Mobile provides home internet service that makes use of the same great 5G network your smartphone runs on to help you thrive in a remote environment.

Tackle the COVID-19 Weight Gain: Recent research has shown that most Americans experienced weight gain during the pandemic. According to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Americans gained an average of 7.08 pounds between February and June 2020.

Luckily, your smartphone can help you prioritize your fitness goals. Apps like Nike Training Club, SWEAT, Happy Scale and MyFitnessPal will motivate you to re-enter the world with confidence.

Clean out Your Quarantine Closet: Quarantine life may have left your closets full of comfortable loungewear – or perhaps an excessive amount of unworn professional clothing. Donating your unwanted clothing with apps like Lugg allows you to schedule donation pick-ups from the convenience of your home. And apps like reGAIN offer incentives to clear your closets – providing exclusive discount coupons for donating unwanted clothing items to charity.

Prepare Your Pets: Whether you’re heading back to the office, resuming your weekly happy hour book club, or finally taking that rescheduled vacation,

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) PeopleImages / Getty Images your pets are going to be spending more time alone compared to early pandemic days. Apps like Dog Monitor and PetCam can help you monitor your best friend and ensure they are safe and happy.

As you return to a new normal life, implement any of these spring-cleaning tips to help set yourself up for success.

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CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of May 12, 2021

CITIZEN On The Move

Community Beautification Starts With Plants and Seeds

Simeon Career Academy in partnership with Urban Growers and Auburn Gresham Always Growing gave away Plants and Seeds this past weekend Page Photos by L.M. Warbington

Highlights From Legends Chicken and Fish Mother's Day Celebration

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HOME

Going green: 5 tips to create an eco-friendly home (BPT) - With sustainable practices top of mind and a revived shift toward conscious consumption, Americans everywhere are seeking ways to lead a more sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle. From saving water to reducing energy usage, these are the top five ways to go green for the environment and your wallet.

What does it mean to go green? 2021 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Bosch home appliances defines this as the commitment to empowering consumers with more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible products.

Leading an eco-friendly lifestyle starts within the home. What products and appliances are you utilizing in key home spaces to achieve a low carbon footprint and lower energy bills? Check out the below key features and practices that make sustainable living easy.

1) Reduce your energy usage.

By using less energy, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and save on your household bills.

If you're purchasing a new refrigerator, laundry pair or dishwasher, look for the ENERGY STAR label to find the most efficient appliances. For example, Bosch compact laundry pairs feature dryers with heat pump drying technology, a ventless, sustainable drying solution that was awarded Most Efficient of ENERGY STAR in 2021.

For further energy savings, some refrigerators have high-efficiency compressors to generate less heat when they are running for a lower energy output, as well as an Eco Mode that automatically adjusts the appliance's temperatures to run in an energy-saving setting. A simple eco-conscious practice is letting your leftovers cool postmealtime before storing them in the refrigerator, avoiding the increased energy it takes for the refrigerator to cool down its interior.

2) Shop smartly.

You can reduce your carbon footprint when you buy locally sourced fruits and vegetables in season, which don't need to be transported for long distances. Shop at your local farmer's market, and don't be afraid to ask questions, like "Where is this produce from?" and "When was it picked?"

Pro tip: Fruits like cantaloupe, apricots, raspberries, honeydew and white cherries are in season for spring.

Another green way to shop is bringing your own reusable grocery totes to avoid the plastic bags provided at the store.

Consider using a cotton or other reusable produce bag as well when picking fruits and vegetables, further cutting down on plastic waste.

3) Limit food waste.

To best limit food waste, focus on appliances that keep your food fresher longer and organize your refrigerator to keep items in view. A recent study found that Americans toss 103 pounds of spoiled food per year - that's roughly $3,000 wasted annually. The latest refrigerators on the market can do much more than just cool food - look for one with innovative technologies that help limit food waste, such as Bosch French door bottom mount refrigerators that feature a four-point FarmFresh System with pre-programmed freshness settings and odor control.

Another way to combat food waste is saving leftover ingredients for meals you can prep ahead and stretch across multiple days. Consider making a leftover vegetable soup using veggies you have remaining from other prepared dishes throughout the week - you'll make a tasty dinner, reduce food waste and save money when buying produce.

4) Use eco-friendly cleaning products.

Some household cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Make your own allpurpose cleaner with natural ingredients for an eco-friendly approach to spring cleaning. For example, let orange peels sit in a jar with white vinegar for 7-10 days, drain the liquid into a spray bottle and you're left with a great smelling, homemade, all-purpose cleaner.

5) Be water wise.

There is a widespread myth that dishwashers use more water than hand-washing, when in fact, far less water is consumed when you run a dishwasher designed with water efficiency. On average, hand-washing uses about 27 gallons per load compared to the dishwasher which uses around three.

A recent study found that 94% of consumers hand-wash glassware, plastics and more, when these items can be washed in the dishwasher. Many Americans also have a preconceived notion of needing to fully wash their dishes before loading the dishwasher, but the truth is you simply need to scrape off leftover food and let the machine do its job.

Saving water outside the kitchen is just as important; choose a laundry pair with a washer designed to reduce water consumption. Many washers on the market have connected features that offer consumption forecasts for each laundry program so you can stay on top of your usage. A good rule of thumb when doing laundry is "less is more" - avoid adding too much detergent to the washer, as the machine will take longer to rinse and will use more water. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of May 12, 2021

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3+ Bedroom HOMES FOR SALE SELLER FINANCING Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ____________________________________

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State, as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21006079 on FEBRUARY 24, 2021. Under the Assumed Business Name of MAURESHPRECISECUTS ENTERPRISES with the business located at: 7143 EAST END, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60649. The true and real full names (s) and residence address of the owner (s) / partners (s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name Complete Address OMAR AKHIR BEY 7143 S. EAST END, CHICAGO, IL 60649, USA ________________________________________

HELP WANTED DRIVERS New Starting Base Pay - .60cpm w/ option to make .70cpm for Class A CDL Flatbed Drivers, Excellent Benefits, Home Weekends, Call 800648-9915 or www.boydandsons.com _______________________________________

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Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Proposed Three-Year Overall Goal & Methodology For Federal Fiscal Years 2022-2024 This announcement will serve as notice of the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) proposed Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) overall goal of 26% for United States Department of Transportation (USDOT)–assisted contracts for a three-year period for Federal Fiscal Years (FFYs) 2022-2024.

The overall goal is expressed as a percentage of federal funds CTA projects to expend each year during FFYs 2022-2024. The annual goal methodology used is in accordance with USDOT regulations entitled “Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in Department of Transportation Financial Assistance Programs,” 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 26. The annual goal is established to achieve a “level playing field” for DBEs to participate in CTA’s federally–assisted contracting opportunities.

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Pandemic Disrupts Critical Early Childhood Education

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CTA’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) overall DBE goal and methodology report for FFYs 2022-2024 will be made available on the CTA’s website (transitchicago.com/dbe) for 30 days from May 3, 2021 – June 2, 2021. The public may review and provide comments on the overall DBE goal for 30 days. Public comments will be accepted at the email address listed below starting on May 3, 2021 and ending on June 2, 2021.

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Notice is hereby given, pursuant to An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,.as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21006857on May 6, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of MRA TUTORING with the business located at: 5846 KATHRYN LANE, MATTESON, IL 60443.

The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name Complete Address: KIMBERLY SUZETTE PETERZ-DENT 5846 KATHRYN LANE MATTESON, IL 60443, USA ________________________________________

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(StatePoint) While young children have been less vulnerable to COVID-19 health dangers, a new study finds that they’ve been tremendously impacted by the disruption to preschool activities triggered by the pandemic.

The National Institute for Early Education Research study finds that pre-K participation has tumbled during the pandemic.

What’s more it finds that children are spending less time outdoors and on certain key learning activities at home with parents and caregivers, and more time in front of screens.

Education experts say early learning opportunities are critical for young children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development, as well as their mental health. New resources can help fill the preschool void and make this an enriching time for young children. To learn more, visit www.pncgrowupgreat.com.

While the pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for families with young children, building a love of learning early on can help pave the way for a great future. PHOTO SOURCE: (c) kevajefimija / iStock via Getty Images Plus ________________________________________

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