Chicago Weekend 5-18-2022

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WEEKEND

WEEKLY

Continuing The Legcy! Todd McDonald Named President Of Liberty Bank P4 And Trust

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Week of May 18, 2022

FREE | VOL 53 | ISSUE 21

7TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CANDIDATE HAS BEEN

ON FRONTLINES AND IN THE TRENCHES Kina Collins is running for the 7th Congressional District against incumbent Congressman Danny Davis and Denarvis Mendenhall.

Collins answered questions about issues she believes are important to the community and her experience as a part of the community and how it has translated to the creation of policies. P2

Kina Collins has been on the frontlines, from leading the largest gun violence prevention nonprofit in the state of Illinois to co-authoring legislation to create the Illinois Council on Women and Girl.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY KINA COLLINS

Frankies Bikinis Dives Into Efficiency With Centric PLM™

‘Finding Happy’ highlights Bounce’s upcoming originals slate

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2 NEWS briefly DOORDASH ANNOUNCES THE INAUGURAL COHORT OF ACCELERATOR FOR LOCAL GOODS PARTICIPANTS In March, DoorDash debuted the Accelerator for Local Goods – an educational program designed to uplift local consumer packaged goods businesses owned by entrepreneurs who are women, transgender, immigrants, or people of color. DoorDash is proud to announce the inaugural cohort of business owners from Chicago, New York City, and the greater Washington DC area who have been selected to participate in the six-week program designed in partnership with Next Street aimed at providing educational resources and funding for participants to grow their businesses.

This class of innovators represents a wide range of identities, with 77% of participants identifying as female, 40% of participants identifying as Black or African American, 7% Hispanic or Latino, and 21% Asian or Pacific Islander. Immigrant-owned businesses make up 20% of the participants and the top product categories include sweet snacks, grocery products, non-alcoholic beverages, and salty snacks.

DoorDash is welcoming the below entrepreneurs from Chicago into the Accelerator: ● Sugar Bliss ● Hoppy Planet Foods ● Lorenzo’s Frozen Pudding ● Signature Sweets Factory ● Tubby’s Taste ● Stellar Granola ● Nemi Snacks ● Chicago French Press ● Laine’s Bake Shop ● Herby PoP These participants were selected based on their business story, ability to fully participate in the program from the first day to commencement, opportunity for growth and potential to overcome challenges with access to more resources, in addition to meeting the standard eligibility criteria.

In addition to participating in the educational programming, businesses will receive a $5,000 grant to support their growth, access to marketing and sales support from DoorDash, plus the opportunity to sell their items via DashMart -- a DoorDash-owned and operated grocery and convenience store.

For many participating entrepreneurs, this will mark the first time their products have been distributed outside of their own websites.

CITY OF CHICAGO’S ICONIC FREE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS RETURN NEXT MONTH Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) celebrate the return of six of the City of Chicago’s iconic free summer music festivals with today’s announcement of lineups for three of Chicago’s most beloved summer events starting in June: June 4: Chicago Gospel Music Festival June 9-12: Chicago Blues Festival June 20-Aug. 18: Millennium Park Summer Music Series Admission is free. Schedule highlights enclosed with full details and updates online.

Save the dates for three more DCASE music festivals later this summer and fall; lineups to be announced in the coming weeks: Sept. 1-4: Chicago Jazz Festival Sept 16: Chicago House Music Festival and Conference Sept. 30-Oct. 9: World Music Festival Chicago For more information about City-funded “Chicago Presents” community events and other City-permitted neighborhood festivals and special events, visit Chicago. gov/DCASE. Details about the rest of the Millennium Park summer season - including Summer Workouts, Summer Film Series and more - will be announced soon.

(For Grant Park Music Festival information, visit GPMF. org).

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors.

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7th Congressional District Candidate has been on frontlines and in the trenches

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Citizen Newspaper: Why did you decide to run again for the 7th Congressional District?

Collins: I was born in Austin on the West Side. I am a daughter of this district. I grew tired of watching communities like mine get left behind by our leaders in Washington. We need a leader who will not only vote the right way, but one who will fight for us and prioritize the issues that most impact our community, from the gun violence epidemic, to neighborhoods that lack a single grocery store, to climate change, to abortion access. I am running to be that fighter that I know our district deserves.

Citizen Newspaper: What did you learn from the first campaign that you are using this time to ensure a win?

Collins: I think we did a lot of important work the first time around. We spoke with lots of voters and ultimately came in second in a crowded field, despite raising and spending the least money. This year, we’re building on what we did in 2020 by creating an operation and building the infrastructure to win in June, and be ready to hit the ground running once I’m sworn in.

Every day we are talking to voters about the issues they care about most deeply. Organizers, activists, and progressives have consolidated behind our campaign. We’re bringing in more groups nationally and locally — from Indivisible, to Sunrise Movement, to Women’s March Illinois, and many more. We even outraised the incumbent in 2021. Congressman Danny Davis has not faced a primary challenge this serious in his entire career.

Citizen Newspaper: You have organized for Medicare for All and founded the Chicago Neighborhood Alliance, why has it been important for you to be at the forefront of policymaking and community activism?

Collins: Organizing is in my blood. When I see pain or suffering in my community, I can’t help but step up and fight back. It’s what I’ve done my whole life. When Laquan McDonald, a seventeen-year-old Black child, was murdered by a white police officer, I showed up and protested. When my community was ravaged by gun violence, I stepped up and organized around gun violence prevention, led the largest gun violence prevention nonprofit in the State of Illinois, and took on the gun lobby in Illinois and across the country. When former-President Donald Trump unilaterally dismantled the rights of women on the national level by destroying the White House Council on Women and Girls, I co-authored legislation to create the Illinois Council on Women and Girls and put in the work to get it passed and signed into law by the Republican governor.

Whether on the frontlines of a protest or a rally, or in policy rooms with lawmakers, I show up and fight back when my community needs me.

Citizen Newspaper: What do you think is the single most important issue in the District?

Collins: As a survivor of everyday gun violence, I understand the importance of ensuring safety in our communities. I led the largest gun violence prevention non-profit in the State of Illinois and served on the Biden-Harris transition team’s task force on gun violence. I fought to block illegal ownership of guns and to hold gun shops and manufacturers accountable for the guns that float into Illinois from neighboring states.

In congress I will continue to support common sense gun reforms such as universal background checks on all gun sales, red flag laws, banning assault rifles, and raising the legal age to purchase a gun to 21. We also

need to strike at the root cause of gun violence, which is poverty. We need a leader who will fight for the funds needed to fully invest in our schools, our mental health programs, and our infrastructure. We need to invest in the people of this district.

Citizen Newspaper: Why do you think transparency and communication are important when it comes to the role of an elected official?

Collins: My entire life I’ve seen politicians speak out of both sides of their mouths. Leading up to an election, they promise that they will fight for your best interests. Then, when they get into office, oftentimes, they fail to deliver on those promises. I think transparency and communication are vital as an elected official.

Constituents need to know where their representatives stand on pressing issues and why. Representatives need to lead with their constituents’ best interests in mind.

That’s a large part of why I don’t accept any corporate or PAC money. Grassroots donors fund my campaign.

If elected, I will know exactly who sent me to Congress and those are the people and communities I would be fighting for.

Citizen Newspaper: How will you ensure that the issues that affect everyone in the District are addressed in Congress?

Collins: Part of the solution is better, more frequent, communication. I believe that constituents should not just hear from their Representative when elections roll around. When I’m in Congress, my office will proactively reach out to constituents to see what they need from me and my office and how we can better serve them. I will host a town hall in the district at least once a month and hold listening sessions on the key issues and legislation in Congress. When Members of Congress are actively involved in their district, they’ve got skin in the game, ensuring that they are zealous advocates for their constituents.

Citizen Newspaper: What is the key piece of legislation you would introduce and why?

Collins: Within my first 100 days in office, I plan to convene a task force within the community aimed squarely at closing the 30-year life expectancy gap in our district. I will introduce companion legislation designed to implement the goals and recommendations of that task force. I will also plan to be an original co-sponsor of legislation to lift the liability shield on gun manufacturers to hold giant manufacturers and gun shops accountable for their role in trafficking illegal guns into our district.

Citizen Newspaper: How do you think certain attributes and experience set you apart from the other candidates?

Collins: Lived experience is what sets me apart from other candidates. I spent my entire life working for change in my community and across the district – from the frontlines protests to the policy rooms in Springfield. I led the largest gun violence prevention group in Illinois, wrote and passed state legislation, served on the Biden-Harris transition team’s task force on gun violence, and organized 20,000 doctors and medical students across the country in the fight for Medicare for All. I am a public policy expert, a leader, and a problem solver. These attributes and my experience have shaped me into the person I am today and meet the urgency of this moment.

For more information about Kina Collins and the 7th District Congressional Campaign, visit kinacollins. com

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Weekend | Week of May 18, 2022

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WEEKEND

MAYOR LIGHTFOOT AND CITY CLERK ANNA VALENCIA ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP WITH UN WOMEN TO CREATE SAFER PUBLIC SPACES FOR FEMALE-IDENTIFIED RESIDENTS “I am grateful for this partnership with the UN Women Safe Cities initiative to end sexual violence and improve the safety of our public spaces in Chicago. ” Remarked Clerk Valencia.

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CHICAGO — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and City Clerk Anna Valencia announced a partnership with UN Women’s Global Flagship Program, Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces. The initiative responds to sexual violence against women and girls in public spaces. Chicago joins 53 other cities from 32 countries in its partnership with UN Women, including Quito, Ecuador; Cairo, Egypt; London, UK; and New York City. The initiative responds to sexual violence against women, female-identified residents, and girls in public spaces.

“Partnering with the UN Women’s Global Flagship Program is an important step forward in our citywide mission to protect residents who identify as female,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “Preventing gender-based violence is a core part of our public safety strategy and necessary to achieve in order to create a safer Chicago.

Through this partnership, we will be able to better respond to incidents of violence against women, as well as stop them from happening in the first place.”

The partnership aligns with the City’s Citywide Strategic Plan to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Human Trafficking, published in September 2021.

In Chicago, between 2018 and 2021, there were 908 reported criminal sexual assaults to the Chicago Police Department (CPD) that happened in a public space such as on the street, in an alley or an abandoned building. According to the US Department of Justice’s National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), only 310 out of 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to the police.

“I am grateful for this partnership with the UN Women Safe Cities initiative to end sexual violence and improve the safety of our public spaces in Chicago.

This partnership builds upon the important work our office has previously done through the Status of Women and Girls (SWAG) initiative and The Pink New Deal since 2018,” remarked Clerk Valencia. “Chicago’s women and young girls are looking to us to act now. This is one additional tool t​ hat we can utilize to build upon the important work already being done in this space. This working group will provide us as leaders with updated data and research to craft equitable policies that address the root causes of violence against women and girls, creating a safer Chicago for all.”

The first step in the Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces program includes conducting a scoping study that provides essential research to inform the City and other key stakeholders when designing a plan to address violence against women and girls in public spaces. As part of the City’s Strategic Plan, Mayor Lightfoot has convened a GBV Research Advisory Group to support the implementation efforts of the plan. A smaller working

group of researchers has formed that will lead the scoping study. These researchers include: Sarah Welch, Director of Research Evaluation, Buehler Center for Health Policy and Economics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Callie Kaplan, Director of Research, Social IMPACT Research Center at Heartland Alliance Abha Rai, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, School of Social Work; Associate Director, Center for Immigrant and Refugee Accompaniment, School of Social Work; Faculty Fellow, Center for Urban Research and Learning, Loyola University Chicago Gwendolyn Purifoye, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, North Park University Amanda Ward, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor, Center for Criminal Justice Research, Policy and Practice, Center for Urban Research and Learning, Loyola University Chicago Maribeth Rezey, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Loyola University Chicago “Public spaces — which includes mobile spaces like buses, trains, planes, transport hubs, and highway plazas — can be​and are​weaponized to victimize women and girls. The design of transport hubs pedestrian density, and rapid movement add a level of potential danger that is not mirrored elsewhere,” said Professor Gwendolyn Purifoye of North Park University. “I am pleased that the City of Chicago is studying public spaces because doing so can provide us with a critical view for better assessing and addressing the conditions present during the offenses and lead to more impactful solutions.

The study will require significant analysis of readily available data such as CPD data, National Crime Victimization Survey data, and the Chicago Department of Public Health’s Healthy Chicago Survey. The Mayor’s Office and the City Clerk’s Office will engage stakeholders and residents to better understand their experiences in public spaces as well.

“Chicago’s efforts in addressing an often-normalized form of violence in cities across the world, and as the second city in the United States to participate in this Global Initiative we hope will inspire many more cities to take their steps in ensuring safe and sustainable cities for women and girls — and for all,” said Kalliopi Mingeirou, Chief, Ending Violence against Women Section, UN Women.

Information gathered in the scoping study will inform recommendations for the City to increase safety in public spaces for female-identified residents.

The study is anticipated to be released at the end of 2022.

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NEWS

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POLITICAL AFFAIRS

REP. KELLY VISITS KANKAKEE COUNTY FARM WITH PRESIDENT BIDEN DURING HIS RECENT VISIT TO THE CHICAGOLAND AREA President Biden & Secretary Vilsack announced new initiatives to reduce costs for farmers in the wake of Putin’s price hike Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) visited O’Connor Family Farms in Kankakee, Illinois with President Biden and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. President Biden announced actions his administration is taking to support American farmers, reduce food prices, and feed the world.

PHOTOS available here.

“I am thrilled to have welcomed President Biden to the Second Congressional District today, which is home to over 1,200 family-owned farms. President Biden and his administration are working to reduce costs for farmers and to mitigate supply chain issues facing consumers,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “I applaud President Biden for the measures he announced today – doubling funding for domestic fertilizer production, increasing assistance for soil nutrient management and expanding double cropping insurance – which will help farmers like Jeff and Gina O’Connor.

“It is an honor to work on behalf of Illinois’ farmers and I will continue working with President Biden to reduce costs for farmers and consumers and strengthen our supply chains.”

Putin’s unjustified invasion of Ukraine has cut off a critical source of wheat, corn, barley, oilseeds, and cooking oil. It has also disrupted global supply chains for fertilizer, which farmers depend on to maximize yields. These and other actions, combined with the ongoing pandemic-related disruptions to global supply chains, have put pressure on food prices, with global food prices increasing nearly 13 percent following Putin’s invasion.

America’s farmers are the breadbasket of democracy and are already playing a critical role in the fight against Putin’s Price Hike. During President Biden’s first year in office, American agricultural exports shattered all previous records, reaching a combined $177 billion, generating an estimated $378 billion in total economic output, and supporting 1.3 million jobs here in the United States.

The President recently announced new actions to give farmers the tools and resources they need to boost production, lower food prices and feed the world. As the world’s second largest exporter of wheat and soybeans, these actions will help grow new markets for American-grown food, supporting jobs in rural communities across America. Specifically, the Biden-Harris Administration will: • Increase the number of counties eligible for double cropping insurance: • Double cropping allows farmers to plant a second crop on the same land in the same year, helping boost production without relying on farmers to substitute crops or cultivate new land. But it is not free from risk and some farmers who practice double cropping cannot obtain crop insurance, including those in Kankakee County, Illinois.

• The Biden-Harris Administration is seeking to expand insurance for double cropping to as many as 681 additional counties, bringing the total number of counties where this practice qualifies for crop insurance to as many as 1,935, so more American farmers have the financial security they need to start or expand double cropping.

• Cut costs for farmers by increasing technical assistance for technology-driven “precision agriculture” and other nutrient management tools: • Precision agriculture is a farm management system that allows farmers to use technology to target the application of inputs to soil and plant needs, resulting in less fertilizer usage without reducing yields, saving farmers money over time and extending the usefulness of critical products in short supply worldwide.

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture has planning and cost sharing assistance programs available to help American farmers with nutrient management. The Biden-Harris Administration is working to boost outreach to farmers, streamline the application process, and prioritize application approvals to expand access to these critical programs.

• Double funding for domestic fertilizer production: • Fertilizer prices have more than doubled since last year, due in part to supply chain disruptions created and exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including rising energy costs.

• President Biden announced that he is doubling his initial $250 million investment in domestic fertilizer production to $500 million to lower costs and boost availability for farmers, so they can obtain the inputs they need at prices they can afford to maximize yields.

4 BUSINESS

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Weekend | Week of May 18, 2022

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CONTINUING THE LEGACY! TODD MCDONALD NAMED PRESIDENT OF LIBERTY BANK AND TRUST Todd joined Liberty in 2003 after earning an undergraduate degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and ultimately a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in 2013. In his nearly two decades of service to Liberty Bank he has held positions in mortgage, marketing, consumer and commercial lending, Human Resources, Asset Liabilities Committee (ALCO), Credit, SIC Committee, and the board of directors of Liberty Bank.

Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy where he developed national partnerships that have produced several new revenue streams, helped raise $30 million in tier 1 capital (which allowed Liberty to cross $1 Billion in Assets) and refined existing initiatives around the bank and within the Liberty Financial Holding Company.

Todd continues to grow his business/banking knowledge and Liberty’s community presence through his varied board work, community involvement and academically in LSU’s Graduate School of Banking program which he is scheduled to graduate in June of this year.

“I am excited about the opportunity to continue to serve Liberty’s community focused mission and the legacy founded by Dr. Francis and Alden McDonald. I’ve been singularly driven to build solid stakeholder partnerships and evolve financial products which meet the financial needs of an ever-changing

world. This next 50 years will be extraordinary as we reshape our culture, talent and organizational capabilities which will make us more agile, more competitive, and more effective in our efforts to close the wealth gap in underserved communities across the

Exclucity Founder Trent Out Loud Named 2022 Harry Jerome RBC Young Entrepreneur Award Honoree

The Financial Literacy Institute (TFLI) Celebrates the Rebuilding of the Original Black Wall Street

TORONTO PRNewswire -- The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) recently announced the honorees of the Harry Jerome Awards. The BBPA is a charitable organization whose mission is to advance Canada’s Black community by facilitating the delivery of programs that support businesses, personal excellence, and more. The announcement named Exclucity founder and CEO Trent Out Loud a recipient of the 2022 RBC Young Entrepreneur Award. Trent was highlighted for his outstanding achievements at the 40th annual Harry Jerome Awards Gala on Saturday, April 30.

Trent Out Loud on the “Receiving the RBC Red Carpet at the 40th Young Entrepreneur Award Annual BBPA Harry Jerome at the 40th Annual BBPA Awards. PRNewsFoto Harry Jerome Awards was truly humbling. It is an honor to be recognized by such a prestigious organization for my work as an entrepreneur,” says Trent.

From selling T-shirts and du-rags out of the trunk of his car in Montreal to becoming the CEO of one of the most successful brands in Canadian history, Trent Out Loud is the epitome of persistence and dedication. The mental health advocate dives into the peaks and pits of his entrepreneurial journey in his autobiographies, How Sneakers Saved My Life: Book 1 and How Sneakers Ruined My Life: Book 2. With ten storefronts that have employed more than 800 people, Trent Out Loud has transformed the sneaker culture in Canada.

To learn more about the annual Harry Jerome Awards Gala, please visit www.harryjeromeawards.com.

ATLANTA PRNewswire -- The Financial Literacy Institute (TFLI) is bringing back the Black Wall Street Business Expo (BWSBE) with another show-stopping event to commemorate and pay homage to African American heritage. The event will kick off June 4, at Westin Peachtree Atlanta, from 12-6 p.m. EST. The event will host black-owned vendor shopping and a panel discussion that will include some key people who have reimagined ways of building financial wealth in the black community and circulating the black dollar. Moderated

by Department of Diversity and Inclusion Assistant Dean at Arkansas Tech University Dr. Quinn Brooks, the panel will include Psychologist and Pan-African Activist, Dr. Umar Johnson, Mayor Evelyn Quinn-Dixon of Riverdale, GA, Food Network’s Master Chef Camerron Dangerfield, Real Estate Closing Attorney and TV personality Cristyl Kimbrough, Award-winning Author and Financial Education Instructor, Holly Reid Toddle, CPA, Morris Brown College President Dr. Kevin James, Top-Producing Real Estate Agent and Motivational Speaker, Terrica Wright, and Financial Literacy Institute Founder, Jasmine Young, CPA. “This is the only way to affect social change that African Americans are dying to see. Last year we talked about the importance of rebuilding Black Wall Street.

But this year is exceptional because we are shifting the conversation to bigger and better strategies to mobilize the Black Dollar and will be putting action behind it. We are also coming with a bigger venue and more vendor,” said Event Organizer and Founder of Financial Literacy Institute, Jasmine Young.

To learn more about this event, purchase tickets, or become a sponsor, please visit www.blackwallstreet atlanta.org. To learn more about The Financial Literacy Institute, please visit www.tfliinc.org or social media @ tfli_inc.

BlackPRWire

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country.”

Under the continued guidance of bank founders, CEO, Alden McDonald, Jr. and Chairman, Dr. Norman C. Francis, Todd will continue the legacy as President of the bank responsible for the execution and delivery of new and existing corporate objectives while building a new culture and driving future innovation.

“Todd has the leadership skills, vision and drive that the Bank needs in these unprecedented times.

I’m excited to see him continue to build a culture and team committed to push the bank to new levels. I know that our amazing staff, friends and family will allow him to enjoy the same levels of support and dedication to which I have been privileged for the last fifty years” CEO, Alden McDonald.

“Maintaining continuity, loyalty and an unquestioned commitment to everything we founded Liberty to be and mean to the undeserved was a crucial factor in our naming Todd as president. With Todd contributing to the significant growth that Liberty has experienced I look forward to the future under his leadership as we continue to impact the community as the nation’s largest African American owned bank!”

Dr. Francis.

Todd is a lifelong resident of New Orleans and continues to reside in the city with his wife, Crystal, and their three children Justice (8), Jordyn (5), and Joy (2).

MLB Executive Pursues Career in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion PHOENIX PRNewswire -- Arizona Diamondbacks Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Nona Lee, resigns from the organization to follow her passion to create lasting change with her work in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in America’s corporations, sports teams and organizations.

Nona Lee has launched a consulting company, Truth DEI, for CEO’s, Entrepreneurs and Organizational Leaders wanting to confidently be empowered with diversity, equity and inclusion knowledge to lead their organization to meaningful change. Clients will learn the TRUTH about where they currently stand with DEI and what they are willing to do to change. They will develop an understanding of the winning edge of Arizona Diahaving an inclusive team, and will develop mondbacks strategies to improve their culture and Executive Vice increase their bottom line.

President and As the Chair of the “D-backs for Chief Legal Change JEDI Council,” the internal orgaOfficer, Nona Lee. PRNEWSFOTO nization within the Arizona Diamondbacks dedicated to DEI work, Nona is proud to have the Diamondbacks as her first consulting client with Truth DEI. “We thank her for being the founding member of and her 22 years of service in our legal department and applaud her for being a local and national role model due to her expertise, leadership, and internal rise which ultimately made her a member of the executive leadership team as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer,” says Derrick Hall, President/CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Nona Lee grew up loving sports where she medaled in the Junior Olympics for swimming and later played basketball at Pepperdine University. Nona went to law school where she obtained her Juris Doctor, graduated Summa Cum Laude, and was awarded “Graduate of the Year.”

To learn more about Truth DEI, visit the website at www.truthdei.com.

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Weekend | Week of May 18, 2022

Luggage Company Disrupting Airlines Saving Travelers From Carry-on Fees DETROIT PRNewswire -- Some airlines are now charging for carry-on bags, making upcharges a painful downside of flying on a budget airline. Luggage fees can increase the cost of a bargain ticket and make it hard to estimate the real cost of travel.

Introducing Take OFF Luggage! This travel solution is putting the budget back into traveling by disrupting airline baggage fees - using the airline’s own rules to score a win! The wheels pop off and the bag’s compact size transforms it from a carry-on into an under-the-seat personal item which passengers can take onboard for free.

Take OFF Luggage, which retails at $119, could save passengers an estimated $80 - $200 on just one trip alone. It is available now at takeoffluggage.com and on Amazon.

“Being a frequent budget airline passenger, to save costs, I could not believe when they started actually charging me to roll my own bag to my flight and lift it up into the overhead bin,” said Take OFF Luggage Founder Stephen Davis. “Since under seat bags are still free, I tried to find a bag that size that would still hold everything I needed to carry.”

Davis said he couldn’t find a suitable alternative bag, noting that he once traveled with a friend who solved his problem by packing a book bag. He searched high and low for a sophisticated luggage-style bag that was small enough to qualify as a personal item.

Then the realization struck him without the wheels many of the smaller high-quality carry-on rolling bags would indeed fit under the seat of the aircraft.

That’s when he decided to create the perfect luggage for his budget traveling needs, a bag that would not require compromising on luggage space or traveling style.

The innovative bag is built with four 360 degree spinning wheels that make walking with the luggage a breeze, and removing the wheels as easy as pushing a button.

With wheels off, the suitcase has carry-on capacity – but is still the size of a fee-free personal item.

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FASHION

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H&M BRINGS GILDED GLAMOUR TO THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART’S COSTUME INSTITUTE BENEFIT NEW YORK PRNewswire -- Extravagance, glitz and glamour are the themes for H&M’s one-of-a-kind looks, created exclusively for this year’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Benefit in New York City. The looks, designed by H&M’s in-house design team, are inspired by this year’s exhibition theme, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion”, which explores the sartorial narratives that chart the evolution of American style paying homage to America’s Gilded Age – the 19th to mid-late 20th century. For each look, Laura Harrier. H&M/PRNewsFoto H&M’s designers pulled inspiration from the evolution of American style and designs of this era, focusing on the grandiose nature of the time.

“It has been a pleasure working on these pieces for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Benefit. We were influenced by the Gilded Age while designing these two custom looks, really drawing on styles in the United States from the 19th and 20th centuries. Both designs have very dramatic and glamorous details, really highlighting the opulence of the Gilded Age,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor at H&M. “Each year, The Met Gala shines a light on important moments in fashion history and I am so excited to be a part of H&M’s storytelling process at this year’s gala,” says Laura Harrier.

Actor Laura Harrier wore a gown that draws on the fashion styles of the Gilded Age. The dress is a corseted gown that accentuates the waist, creating the hourglass figure that was representative of the era.

The top of the gown is a boned corset-style bodice, attached to a cartridge pleated skirt with a vintage petticoat underneath which adds volume and creates the silhouette symbolic of the era.

Designer, Victor Glemaud’s ensemble is a tribute to the late fashion icon André Leon Talley, Victor Glemaud. H&M/PRNewsfoto paying homage to his signature look with a dramatic opera coat. The opera coat includes details inspired by the American couture designer, Charles James, and is dramatically worn over a classic tuxedo. The entire look in white and ivory, creates an angelic and powerful expression. Victor’s look is a reinterpretation of white tie, classic and refined, yet includes contemporary details in monochromatic colors.

“I have a long history of working with H&M on the Met Gala and have been honored to escort some of their guests. I have been lucky enough to enjoy the process of seeing my look conceived, fitted and brought to life by the stellar H&M design teams. This has been an amazing moment for me,” says Victor Glemaud.

FRANKIES BIKINIS DIVES INTO EFFICIENCY WITH CENTRIC PLM™ for high-end fabrics, fashion forward shapes, and CAMPBELL, Calif., PRNewswire -- Centric cheeky bottoms, the bikinis look great on everybody.

Software® is delighted to announce the release of a Since the company’s inception, Francesca Aiello success story about its customer, Frankies Bikinis. has evolved the brand into a beach lifestyle brand, Frankies Bikinis, the beachwear lifestyle brand expanding product offerings to include ready-to-wear is based in Venice, California. Founded by Francesca clothing and beauty. Frankies Bikinis’ designs can be Aiello in 2012, she went from creating bikinis for found in better retail boutiques nationwide including friends, to debuting at Miami Swim Week in 2014 as Revolve, Intermix, Free People, Kith, and Browns. the youngest designer ever to do so. Frankies designs The largest selection of Frankies Bikinis can be are sported by supermodels and celebrities like Gigi found at frankiesbikinis.com. and Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Kylie and Kendall From its headquarters in Silicon Valley, Centric Jenner, and JLo. Software® provides a Product Concept to Consumer Kalin Mowry, Director of Production and Digital Transformation Platform for fashion, retail, Development brought big changes to the product PRNewsfoto/Centric Software footwear, luxury, outdoor, consumer electronics and development process. Recognizing the need to move consumer goods including cosmetics and personal care and food and away from spreadsheets and email, she also aimed to move the design and development from third-party contractors to in-house. Mowry built beverage. Centric’s flagship Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform, Centric PLM™, delivers enterprise-class merchandise a case for PLM as well as an in-house team. “Not only did we need a planning, product development, sourcing, quality and product portfolio great design and development group, we needed a system to track and optimization innovations specifically for fast-moving consumer accelerate it. The spreadsheets and basically all of the archaic ways of industries. Centric Visual Innovation Platform (CVIP) offers highly tracking weren’t really suitable for how quickly we were growing.” visual digital board experiences for collaboration and decision-making.

Now, they have all their product data in a central, digital hub and communication among team members is efficient. Every department is Centric Retail Planning is an innovative, cloud-native solution powered

by Armonica Retail S.R.L., that delivers an end-to-end retail planning using Centric PLM to execute tasks from concepting, design, developprocess designed to maximize retail business performance. Centric ment and SKU creation to CAD, costing and setting pricing for both Software is majority-owned by Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: retail and wholesale. #13065, DSY.PA), the world leader in 3D design software, 3D digital In 2012 founder Francesca Aiello began her mission to create mock-up and PLM solutions. the perfect bikini, gaining momentum when she began to showcase her swimsuit designs on Instagram. After creating two collections, Centric Software has received multiple industry awards and recFrancesca became the youngest designer to ever debut at Miami Swim ognition, including being named by Red Herring to its Top 100 Global list in 2013, 2015 and 2016. Centric also received various excellence Week in 2014. Her designs are worn by supermodels and celebrities awards from Frost & Sullivan in 2012, 2016, 2018 and 2021. including Gigi and Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and Kylie and Kendall Centric Software is a registered trademark of Centric Software Jenner.

Frankies Bikinis is a global online destination for fashion-forward Inc. All other brands and product names may be trademarks of their beachwear inspired by Malibu and made in Los Angeles. Known respective owners.

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South Shores Works Presents Its 5th Annual Community Summit SHORE YOU’RE RIGHT! South Shore, Chicago, IL --- South Shore Works, a Planning & Preservation Coalition will hold its 5th Annual Community Summit, at Adam Clayton Powell School. The summit, as in previous years, is convening to strategize and plan tactics to address years of disinvestment and destructive public policy. South Shore residents are aggressively fighting to elevate and revitalize their community, while seeking development that will not result in the displacement of current residents.

‘SHORE YOU’RE RIGHT,’ is South Shore Works, leadership effort to close the gaping dichotomy between being a beautiful lakeside community; plagued by the highest number of evictions in the city, the largest percentSOUTH SHORE WORKS age of Section 8 housing and ranking among the top six most Presents SHORE YOU’RE RIGHT! crime-ridden neighborhoods in Chicago. That circumstance Saturday, May 21, 2022 stands in stark contrast to South 8:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Shore being a community that Adam Clayton Powell boasts three yacht clubs, two School golf courses three beaches and 7511 S. South Shore Drive proximity to the Obama PresiChicago, IL 60649 dential Center, currently under construction.

According to Dr. Carol Adams, Founder and Co-Chair of South Shore Works. “Residents and organizations in South Shore have been meeting and planning to implement a future, which transforms our beautiful lakefront community from one characterized by disinvestment and neglect into a revitalized and prosperous neighborhood, economically, socially and culturally.”

Mayor, Lori Lightfoot; Alderwoman, Leslie Hairston, 5th Ward; James Reynolds, Jr., Founder, Chairman; Chief Executive Officer of Loop Capital; Congresswoman, Robin Kelly (IL 02); Senator, Robert Peters, (13-D); Representative, Curtis J. Tarver II, (25-D); and Sherman Dilla Thomas, Urban Historian, are among the confirmed speakers at the summit.

A panel discussion, “Facing the Rising Sun,” moderated by Tonya Trice, CEO of the of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce; will include panelists Leon Walker, of DL Realty and developer of the THRIVE project at 75th Street and Exchange, Avenue; Alisa Starks, developer of the ICE cinema theaters at 71st and Jeffery Boulevard; and Tammi Davis, Manager of Supplier and Workforce Diversity for the Obama Presidential Center.

Local Market Foods, of South Shore, is providing pastries and food fruit trays; and Chicago Family Health Center as part of the Healthy Chicago Equity Zone: Near South Region is providing vaccinations on site.

RAGING WAVES OPENS FOR THE SUMMER ON JUNE 4 Yorkville, Ill. – Raging Waves, Illinois’ largest waterpark located at 4000 N. Bridge St. in Yorkville, will open to the public on Saturday, June 4. Celebrating 15 years of delivering family fun for all ages, guests will be able to experience various attractions including 32 water slides, a wave pool, three kiddie pool areas, relaxing lazy river, 43 private cabanas, and more. Thrill seekers will be able to experience the six-lane mat racing water slide, aptly named Aussie Mat Dash. The first Proslide RallyRACER™ in Illinois and one of three in the world, the Aussie Mat Dash can be found at the south end of the park, near The Boomerang, Cyclone and the Hungry Croc Restaurant.

“We are thrilled to kick off our 15th season and invite families back to Raging Waves this summer,” said Randy Witt, Co-Owner of Raging

Waves. “Offering guests the very best in family fun has always been at the forefront for our team at Raging Waves, and we cannot wait for guests to enjoy all that our waterpark has to offer!”

Sitting on 58 spacious acres just 45 minutes southwest of Chicago, Raging Waves is the perfect place for a day trip, weekend getaway, birthday party, youth group outing, scout gathering, family reunion, and more. Nominated as one of the cleanest waterparks in the United States, Raging Waves takes pride in maintaining a clean facility for all to enjoy.

For more information, daily operating hours, or to purchase Raging Waves tickets, visit www.

RagingWaves.com or call 630.882.6575. Follow Raging Waves on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates.

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER CONTINUES THE 2022 FOUR PLAY SEASON OF EXCELLENCE Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor continues the 2022 Season of Excellence: The Season of Healing and Joy with the world premiere of Grandma’s Jukebox, written and directed by Michelle Reneé Bester. The production runs May 21-June 26, 2022. The opening is Sunday, May 29 at 3:00pm.

The spirit of Grandma B. lives on! Without her the family feels lost until they start hearing the music from her old juke box. It is through the music that the family comes to understand and accept the power of healing.

The production features songs made popular

by Mary Mary, Boyz II Men, Michael Jackson, Nina Simone, Tina Turner, Jazmine Sullivan and Sly and the Family Stone, among others.

Grandma’s Jukebox features Jessica Seals, Aeriel Williams, Vincent Jordan, Jeff Wright, and Blake Reasoner. Kayla Gilmore is the understudy.

Due to the challenges and uncertainties that have been brought about by the pandemic, Black Ensemble Theater is proceeding slowly,

cautiously, and carefully. Mainstage shows will run 90 minutes and will be performed without an intermission. There will not be any food or drinks served. Masks are mandatory and must be worn at all times in the theater. Valet parking is available.

The 2022 Season includes four World Premiere musicals showcasing the power of healing, each featuring different journeys and a variety of musical genres including gospel, spiritual, soul, jazz, hip-hop, blues, the sounds of the Harlem Renaissance, and more. All performances will be held at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago.

Tickets are available at www.blackensemble. org, (773) 769-4451 and at the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago.

Performances are Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets for previews (May 21 at 7pm, May 22 at 3pm, May 27 at 7pm and May 28 at 7pm) are $50 and tickets for the regular run, May 29-June 26, are $55.

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‘Finding Happy’ highlights Bounce’s upcoming originals slate Bounce/PRNewsFoto

ATLANTA PRNewswire -- Bounce, the popular broadcast and multi-platform entertainment network serving African Americans, today unveiled its upcoming original programming schedule. The lineup features an all-new original series about Black women that is written, produced, directed by and starring Black women, “Finding Happy.”

Overview: New original scripted series: “Finding Happy” (Fall 2022) Returning series “Johnson” (July 10) New original movies: “Faith Heist 2” (Holidays 2022) Special events “Scripps National Spelling Bee” (June 1-2) “Bounce Trumpet Awards” (Juneteenth, June 19) Original series “Finding Happy” is a dramedy following the Black female experience through the unfulfilled life of Yaz Carter, beginning with her unhappy 36th birthday. The 10-episode debut season features Yaz’s loving-but-complicated family, her stagnant career in the evolving landscape of radio and a merry-go-round of unrequited love while dating in the love desert of Atlanta. “Finding Happy” reveals over time that true happiness can only be found within.

B. Simone (MTV’s “Wild ‘n Out”) stars as Yaz along with Kim Coles (“Living Single”), Marketta Patrice (“Black Jesus”), Angela Gibbs (“Hacks”), Stevie Baggs (“Ruthless”) and Mike Merrill (“A La Carte”). Kendra Jo serves as the showrunner/writer and co-creator along with Yasmine Coleman and Angela Wells. Eric C. Rhone, Cedric The Entertainer, Yasmine Coleman, Angela Wells, Kendra Jo and Reesha L. Archibald are the show’s executive producers.

“Finding Happy” is being developed as a companion show to Bounce’s male-centric breakout hit “Johnson.” The Deji LaRay-created dramedy returns for season two July 10, and Terri J. Vaughn has joined the ensemble cast alongside LaRay, Thomas Q. Jones, D.L. Hughley, Derrex Brady and Philip A. Smithey.

Both “Johnson” and “Finding Happy” come from Eric C. Rhone’s & Cedric The Entertainer production company A Bird & A Bird Entertainment and the pair serve as executive producers.

Original movies “Faith Heist 2” – In time for the holidays comes “Faith Heist 2” as Bounce premieres a sequel to last year’s popular comedy hit movie “Faith Heist,” which was nominated for multiple Gemini Awards, Canada’s version of the Emmys. The original cast members, including Jonathan Langdon, Dalmar Abuzeid and Safine Semajuste, reprise their roles as Pastor Benjamin (Langdon) and his motley crew of congregants. This time, they find themselves locked in the local mall just as a fearsome team of armed thieves attempt a jewel robbery. Unable to flee or signal for help, the pastor & his friends realize it’s up to them to battle the crooks and save the mall – all before Christmas morning. “Faith Heist 2” is being produced

by JB Sugar and Ella Myers/No Equal Entertainment in association

with Ahmet Zappa and Erin Benjamin/Monsterfoot Productions.

Other Bounce original programming highlights include the iconic Scripps National Spelling Bee, which will be airing on sister network ION and several other Scripps networks June 1-2, and the prestigious Bounce Trumpet Awards, returning to television for a special 30th anniversary telecast on Juneteenth.

Special events Scripps National Spelling Bee The nation’s largest and longest-running educational program is coming home to Scripps Networks, where it will air on ION and Bounce, and other networks.

Accomplished actor, director, educator and lifelong children’s literacy advocate LeVar Burton will serve as host. The televised semifinals on June 1 and finals on June 2 are taking place at National Harbor, Maryland.

Bounce Trumpet Awards – The gala event celebrates the best in African American excellence and achievement. A beacon to inspire, enlighten and raise the human spirit to its highest potential, the program recognizes Black humanitarians who have succeeded against immense odds and augment the richness of society by striving for the justice and equality of all. The program will air on the Juneteenth holiday, June 19, a date that serves as the perfect fit for what this event stands for, and offers a significant way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the show. This year’s honorees include Courtney B. Vance, Stan Lathan, Zaila Avant-garde, Princess Sarah Culberson and Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff.

Bounce (@bouncetv) features a programming mix of original series and movies, theatrical motion pictures, off network series, specials and events designed for African American audiences. Bounce is available to 98% of U.S. television homes free and over the air with a digital antenna, on cable, on DISH channel 359, over the top on Roku, Pluto TV and Apple TV; on mobile devices via the Bounce app; and on the web via BounceTV.com. Bounce XL, Scripps Networks’ newest free ad-supported television (FAST) channel, is available on Samsung TV Plus, Pluto TV and Xumo. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

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Barry S. McLeod Continues to Make His Mark (Black PR Wire) Affectionately referred to as Florida’s Own, Barry S. McLeod is a talented writer, director, producer and musician with over four decades of experience in the industry. The Gainesville native had dreams of making his mark in the entertainment industry as a young boy where began playing drums in his uncle’s church. He went into the Navy right after high school and formed a band playing bass guitar. Upon leaving the Navy with an honorable discharge, he became a hairstylist. Although a hairstylist by profession for 34 years, McLeod was always a prolific writer who dreamed of success on Broadway or in Hollywood.

To expose himself to the entertainment industry, McLeod started writing, choreographing, directing and producing fashion shows for local organizations.

At the same time, he played in professional bands doing many gigs for various organizations and clubs. Later, he decided to write for film and although he got two close calls, nothing really worked out.

Determined not to give in or give up, McLeod started writing, directing and producing his own stage plays and presenting them for churches. A man of many talents, McLeod also acted in them and would go on to produce a stage play tour. Continuing to make his mark, McLeod was unceasing in writing for film and also wrote and self-published four books. He continued playing in bands and DJ’ing while filming a series of short films and sitcoms.

McLeod admits that he was encouraged by the late Professor James Haskins (The Cotton Club). “He critiqued my first screenplay and told me that I had potential.” Somewhat of a mentor to me, I learned from him and I took off like a rocket in search of a destination. This turned into penning over 20 screenplays, 18 stage plays, and four books while directing, casting, producing, acting and touring my work.”

To watch Barry’s new online comedy, The Duvals, visit: https://www. youtube.com/channel/UC_UpHINhfwBXbJ7Rq0jzsbw

POWERHOUSE PERFORMERS TAPPED FOR THE 7TH ANNUAL BLACK MUSIC HONORS CHICAGO PRNewswire -- The 7th Multi-Award-Winning Music Veteran Annual Black Music Honors announces Carl Thomas; Three-Time GRAMits incredible roster of performers for a MY-Nominated, “The Love King,” star-studded celebration of influential Raheem DeVaughn; Compton-Bred music legends with a live studio audience Actress and Songbird Amber Riley; taping at the Cobb Energy Performing Multi-GRAMMY Award Winning Artist Arts Centre in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, PJ Morton; Multi-Hyphenate Crooner May 19 (tickets available at BlackMuPRNewsfoto/Central City Productions and Penman Eric Bellinger; Powerhouse sicHonors.com and Ticketmaster.com).

Songster and Serenader Avery Wilson; There will be a special Juneteenth highlight recognizing the Multifaceted Entertainer and Rising Artist Jade Novah; Viral national federal holiday.

Vocal Teen Prodigy Keedron Bryant; Gospel Sweethearts Performers gracing the stage at this year’s power-packed Ajah and Rhea Walls from Multi-GRAMMY-Nominated televised show includes popular late 80’s Hip-Hop Duo and Stellar Awards winners The Walls Group; Multi-TalKid N’ Play; GRAMMY-Award-Winning Supergroup 112; ented Vocalist and Sunday Best Season Six Winner Tasha

Page-Lockhart; Gospel Songstress and Sunday Best Season One Winner Crystal Aikin; NAACP-Image-Award-Nominated Singer and Actress Sheléa; Billboard-Chart-Topping Singer-Songwriter Kevin Ross; and Two-Decade-Spanning Independent Artist and GRAMMY Award-Nominee Eric Roberson.

National Broadcast Syndication airing June 4-July 3 and on Bounce TV June 25. For live-taping tickets go to www.blackmusichonors.com or you can purchase by clicking here.

For more information about Black Music Honors, visit www.blackmusichonors.com or connect on social media @ blackmusichonors on Facebook and Instagram or @blackmusichonor on Twitter.

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Cooking Swaps to Help Manage CHOLESTEROL

(Family Features) When cooking, keep in mind small changes that can make a big impact on heart health.

High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease and stroke, with about 38% of American adults diagnosed with high cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association. It can be managed by getting levels regularly tested and making lifestyle changes like eating a heart-healthy diet.

• Reduce saturated fat – Select lean cuts of meat or opt for plant protein, limit processed meats, broil or bake rather than pan-fry meats and remove skin from poultry before cooking.

• Eat more fish – Fish can be fatty or lean, but it’s still low in saturated fat.

Choose oily fish like salmon or trout, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

• Use liquid oils in place of solid fats – For roasting, sauteing and more, use non-tropical liquid vegetable oils like canola, safflower, soybean or olive instead of butter, lard or shortening.

• Lower dairy fats – Low-fat,

Air Fryer Crispy (Un) Fried Chicken Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association Servings: 4 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1/2-1 cup low-fat buttermilk 1/2 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (optional) 1/3 cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs 1/3 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 ounces each), visible fat discarded, flattened to 1/4-inch thickness, patted dry with paper towelsnonstick cooking spray

fat-free or non-dairy milk can be used in many recipes instead of whole milk or half-and-half.

• Increase fiber and whole grains – Add high-fiber vegetables to meals, serve fruit instead of juice and try brown rice instead of white.

These simple tips and better-for-you recipes like Chicken Tortilla Soup and Air Fryer Crispy (Un) Fried Chicken can help you eat healthy without sacrificing taste.

Find tips for managing cholesterol and other risk factors at heart.org/cholesterol.

Preheat air fryer to 390 F. In shallow dish or pie pan, whisk flour, parsley, oregano, pepper and cayenne.

In separate shallow dish or pie pan, whisk buttermilk and hot sauce.

In third shallow dish or pie pan, stir panko and Parmesan.

Place dishes and large plate in row. Dip chicken in flour mixture then buttermilk mixture then panko mixture, turning to coat at each step and gently shaking off excess. Using fingertips, gently press panko mixture so it adheres. Place chicken on plate.

Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.

Lightly spray chicken with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange chicken in single layer in air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Cook 10-15 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in center and coating is golden brown, turning once halfway through and lightly spraying with nonstick cooking spray.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This recipe is reprinted with permission from “Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook, 2nd Edition.” Copyright 2018 by the American Heart Association. Published by Harmony Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC. Servings: 4 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, visible fat discarded, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 2 cups frozen whole-kernel corn, thawed 2 cups fat-free, no-salt-added chicken broth 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added, diced tomatoes, undrained 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon ancho powder 2 medium garlic cloves, minced 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 corn tortillas (6 inches each), cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips 1 corn tortilla (6 inches), torn into pieces 2-4 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup finely chopped avocado 1/4 medium red bell pepper, cut into matchstick-size strips In slow cooker, stir chicken, corn, broth, tomatoes, onion, sugar, ancho powder, garlic and salt. Cook, covered, on low, 6-8 hours, or on high, 3-4 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 F. On baking sheet, arrange tortilla strips in single layer. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until crisp. Transfer baking sheet to cooling rack. Let strips stand 15 minutes, or until cool.

Transfer to airtight container and set aside.

When soup is ready, transfer 1 cup to food processor or blender. Stir in tortilla pieces. Let mixture stand 1 minute. Process until smooth. Stir mixture into soup. Stir in cilantro.

Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with avocado, bell pepper and reserved tortilla strips.

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LEGAL NOTICE 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 Y22009039 on April 21, 2022. Under the Assumed Business Name of JAMMIN AT THE PARK with the business located at: 3751 S. LANGLEY AVE., APT. 102, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60653. The true and real full name and residence address of the owner(s) / partner (s) is: Owner/ Partner Full Name SANDRA FRANKLIN Complete Address 3751 S. LANGLEY AVE., APT. 102, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 6653. ________________________________________ 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 Y22008848 on MARCH 22, 2022. Under the Assumed Business Name of PROPERTY PRESERVATION BUFFS with the business located at: 7436 S EXCHANGE AVENUE UNIT 496597, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60649. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is Owner/Partner Full Name MIESHA ROBINSON Complete Address: 7436 S EXCHANGE AVENUE UNIT 496597, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60649, USA ________________________________________ 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: Y22009105. on MAY 5, 2022 Under the Assumed Business Name of BOW TIES & STILETTOS DRIVING SERVICES with the business located at:1448 E 72ND PL 2ND FL, CHICAGO, IL 60619. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name Complete Address DEBRA L HARRIS 1448 E 72ND PL 2ND FL CHICAGO, IL 60619, USA ________________________________________

DOGS PETS LIVESTOCK Use ItchNoMore® shampoo on dogs & cats to stop shedding, treat hot spots, & eliminate doggy odor. At Tractor Supply® (www.fleabeacon.com) _______________________________________

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All rights reserved. Common-law copyright of tradename/trade-marks APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS©, APRIL DENISE WILLIAMSON BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR.©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR, AKEEM HARIS BEY as well as any and all derivatives and variations in the spelling of any of said trade-names/trade-marks, not excluding "April Denise Spraggins," April Denise Williamson, "Bruce Spraggins Jr", "Bruce Spraggins III", "Bryan Andrew Spraggins", "Akilah Amirah Bey", "Ahmad Haris Bey", "Ahmad Haris Bey Jr.", "Akeem Haris Bey", respectively - Common Law Copyright © , 2000, 2001 , 2005, 2007 respectively, by Akilah Amirah Bey. Said common-law trade-name/trade-marks, i.e. APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS©, APRIL DENISE WILLIAMSON©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY©, may neither be used, nor reproduced, neither in whole nor part, nor in any manner whatsoever, without the prior, express, written consent and acknowledgment of Akilah Amirah Bey as signified by the red-ink signature of Akilah Amirah Bey, hereinafter "Secured Party," With the intent of being contractually bound, any juristic person, as well as the agent of said juristic person, consents and agrees by this Copyright Notice that neither said juristic person, nor the agent of said juristic person, shall display, nor otherwise use any manner, any of the common-law trade-name/trademarks APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS©, APRIL DENISE WILLIAMSON©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY©, nor the common-law copyright described herein, nor any derivative of, nor any variation in the spelling of, APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS©, APRIL DENISE WILLIAMSON©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY©, without the prior, express, written consent and acknowledgment of Secured Party, as signified by Secured Party's signature in red ink. Secured Party neither grants, nor implies, nor otherwise gives consent for any unauthorized use of any of APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS©, APRIL DENISE WILLIAMSON©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY©, and such unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Secured Party is not now, nor has Secured Party ever been, an accommodation party, nor a surety, for any of the purported debtors, i.e. "APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS " nor for any derivative of, nor for any variation in the spelling of, any of said names, nor for any other juristic person, and is so-indemnified and held harmless by APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS, Debtor in Hold-harmless and Indemnity Agreement, Security Agreement dated the Sixth Day of the Third Month in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Two against any and all claims, legal actions, orders, warrants, judgments, demands, liabilities, losses, depositions, summonses, lawsuits, costs, fines, liens, levies, penalties, damages, interests, and expenses whatsoever, both absolute and contingent, as are due and as might become due, now existing and as might hereafter arise, and as might be suffered by, imposed on, and incurred by Debtor APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS for any and every reason, purpose, and cause whatsoever. Self-executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use: By this Copyright Notice, both the juristic person and the agent of said juristic person, hereinafter jointly and severally "User," consent and agree that any use of any of APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS©, APRIL DENISE WILLIAMSON©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY© other than authorized use as set forth above constitutes unauthorized use, counterfeiting, of Secured Party's common-law copyrighted property, contractually binds User, renders this Copyright Notice a Security Agreement wherein User is debtor and Akilah Amirah Bey is Secured Party, and signifies that User: (1) grants Secured Party a security interest in all of User's assets, land, and personal property, and all of User's interest in assets, land, and personal property, in the sum certain amount of $500,000.00 per each occurrence of use of any of the common-law-copyrighted tradename/trade-marks APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS/WILLIAMSON©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR©, ollateral for securing User's contractual obligation BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY© as well as for each and every occurrence of use of any and all derivatives of, and variations in the spelling of, respectively, APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS/ WILLIAMSON, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY©, not excluding "Akilah Amirah Bey," "Ahmad Haris Bey", "Ahmad Haris Bey Jr," " Akeem Haris Bey respectively, plus costs, plus triple damages; (2) authenticates this Security Agreement wherein User is debtor and

11

Akilah Amirah Bey is Secured Party, and wherein User pledges all of User's property, i.e. all assets, land, consumer goods, farm products, inventory, equipment, money, investment property, commercial tort claims, letters of credit, letters-of-credit rights, chattel paper, instruments, deposit accounts, accounts, documents, and general intangibles, and all User's interest in all such foregoing property, now owned and hereinafter acquired, now existing and hereafter arising, and wherever located, as cin favor of Secured Party for User's unauthorized use of Secured Party's common-law copyrighted property; (3) consents and agrees with Secured Party's filing of a UCC Financing Statement in the UCC filing office, as well as in any county recorder's office, wherein User is debtor and Akilah Amirah Bey is Secured Party; (4) consents and agrees that said UCC Financing Statement described above in paragraph "(3)" is a continuing financing statement, and further consents and agrees with Secured party's filing of any continuation statement necessary for maintaining Secured Party's perfected security interest in all of User's property and interest property, pledged as collateral in this Security Agreement and described above in paragraph "(2)," until User's contractual obligation theretofore incurred has been fully satisfied; (5) consents and agrees with Secured Party's filing of any Security Agreement, as described above in paragraph(2)," in the UCC filing office, as well as in any county recorder's office; (6) consents and agrees that any and all such filings described in paragraphs "(4)" and "(5)" above are not, and may not be considered, bogus, and that User will not claim that any such filing is bogus; (7) waives all defenses; and (8) appoints Secured party as Authorized Representative for User, effective upon User's default re User's contractual obligations in favor of Secured Party as set forth below under "Payment Terms and "Default Terms granting Secured Party full authorization of a record on behalf of User, as Secured party in Secured Party's sole discretion, deems appropriate, and User further effective upon User's default, irrevocable and coupled with a security interest. User further consents and agrees with all of the following additional terms of Self executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use: Payment Terms; In accordance with fees for unauthorized use of any of APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS©, APRIL DENISE WILLIAMSON©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY, ©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY©, as set forth above, User hereby of the date User is sent Secured party's Invoice, hereinafter "Invoice," itemizing said fees. Default Terms: In event of non-payment in full of all unauthorized-use fees by User's property and interest in property pledged as collateral by User, as described above in paragraph (2)," immediately becomes, i.e. is, property of Secured Party; (b) Secured Party is appointed user's Authorized Representative as set forth above in paragraph (8)"; and (c) User consents and agrees that Secured Party, in Secured Party's sole discretion, deems appropriate, including, but not limited by, sale at auction, at any time following User's default, and without further notice, any and all of User's former properly and interest in property, as described above in paragraph "(2)," formerly pledged as collateral by User, now property of Secured Party, in respect of this "Self-executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use," that Secured party, again in Secured Party's sole discretion, deems appropriate. Terms for Curing Default: upon event of default, as set forth above under "Default Terms irrespective of any and all of User's former property and interest in property, in the possession of as well as disposed of by, Secured Party, as authorized above under "Default Terms User may cure User's default re only the remainder of User's former property and interest in property formerly pledged as collateral that is neither in the possession of nor, otherwise disposed of by, Secured Party within twenty (20) days of date of User's default only by payment in full. Term of Strict Foreclosure: user's nonpayment in full of all unauthorized-use fees itemized in Invoice said twenty -(20) day period for curing default as set forth above under "Terms for Curing Default" authorizes Secured party's immediate non-judicial strict foreclosure or any and all remaining property and interest in property formerly pledged as collateral of by, Secured Party upon expiration of said twenty- (20) day default-curing period. Ownership subject to common-law copyright and UCC Financing Statement and Security Agreement filed with the UCC filing office. Record Owner: Akilah Amirah Bey, Autograph Common Law Copyright.

Unauthorized-use fees of any of "Akilah Amirah Bey©," " Akilah Amirah Bey©, Ahmad Haris Bey©, Ahmad Haris Bey Jr©, Akeem Haris Bey© incurs same unauthorized use fees as those associated with APRIL DENISE SPRAGGINS©, APRIL DENISE WILLIAMSON©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS JR©, BRUCE SPRAGGINS III©, BRYAN ANDREW SPRAGGINS©, AKILAH AMIRAH BEY©, AHMAD HARIS BEY©, AHMAD HAIRS BEY JR©, AKEEM HARIS BEY©, respectively, as set forth above in paragraph "(1)" under "Self-executing Contact/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use." ______________________________________

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

773.543.1783 eelie@kalerealty.com elizabethelie.kalerealty.com 2447 N. Ashland Chicago, IL 60614 @SoldbyLizzieG

12 | Weekend | Week of May 18, 2022

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