Chicago Weekend Citizen 5-31-2023

Black Restaurant Week

Relaunches ‘More Than Just a Week’ 2023 Campaign to Restimulate Black-Owned Businesses with Equitable Events in Key Markets

ENTREPRENEUR OPENS

The Khoi Studio recently opened in the Bucktown neighborhood. This inviting space, with its whites and creams and golds, is the brainchild of Hayet Rida. While meant to showcase the jewelry collections designed by Hayet, it looks more like an art gallery.

Photo by Andres Ortiz.

Photo by Andres Ortiz.

HEALTHY SCHOOL MEALS FOR ALL LEGISLATION PASSES ILLINOIS HOUSE AND SENATE

Chicago, Ill. – Free, healthy school meals for all Illinois students may soon become a reality if the state legislature funds the program recently passed in the House and Senate. House Bill 2471, the Healthy School Meals for All legislation, passed the Illinois House and Senate and paves the way for Illinois students to be hunger-free and ready to grow, learn and thrive.

“We’re thrilled the legislation passed in the House and Senate by a bipartisan group of legislators showing their commitment to children’s health and well-being. To make it a reality, the legislature now needs to ensure the program is funded in the state Fiscal Year 2024 budget,” said Janna Simon, Director of Policy and Partnership Initiatives at the Illinois Public Health Institute, which has been convening a coalition of advocates in support of the proposal.

House Bill 2471 creates the Healthy School Meals for All program to provide state funding to Illinois schools to enable them to offer quality, free school meals to all children who need and want one, no matter their family’s income. The program would maximize use of an existing Federal program and expand access to free school meals, helping to reduce the stigma often associated with qualifying for free or reduced-price meals.

“I’m so happy all districts in Illinois will now have a chance to get the resources they need to offer this program to their families,” said Sheri Peacock, the Associate Superintendent of East Moline School District 37.

Illinois joins a list of other states working to fill the gaps left by Congress when the waivers that provided free meals to all kids during the COVID-19 pandemic expired. Minnesota, Colorado, New Mexico, Maine, and California have all passed and funded free school meals legislation in their states. The coalition of Illinois partners, including education leaders, public health groups, parents, and anti-hunger advocates have been supporting this proposal. It is estimated to cost around $115 million in the first year, and up to $194 million in future years, depending on how many schools and students opt-in. If signed into law and fully funded, families may not need to worry about paying for student meals this next school year.

HARMON MOVES TO BAN DECEPTIVE MARKETING OF FIREARMS

SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) passed legislation prohibiting firearms manufacturers and sellers from marketing weapons to children and from promoting illegal militia activity.

The measure also makes it illegal for any firearms dealer to knowingly create a condition that endangers public safety. Examples of such situations include failure to prevent the sale of a firearm to a straw purchaser and failure to ensure that business practices comply with all local, state and federal laws.

“At its core, this is to protect consumers and prevent firearms companies from marketing to children and promoting illegal militia activities,” Harmon said. “It also ensures that firearms manufacturers are not shielded from liability when their actions compromise public safety. These are reasonable, manageable steps we can take to help curb the scourge of gun violence in our state.”

Senate Bill 218 passed the Senate 34-22. It takes effect immediately.

Entrepreneur opens The Khoi Studio

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

On opening day, there were 300 people in line to shop. Hayet was amazed at the number of people. Items also sold out throughout the weekend. People were purchasing pieces off the mannequins. “I think the beauty is, it’s a great space, but it’s also very affordable,” she said, adding that pieces cost on average $30- $50. “You can be paying $20 for an earring, and I still want you to feel calm and happy, and have a luxury experience.”

Hayet studied photography in college and was always interested in sculpture. And, once she saw the body as a canvas and jewelry as sculpture and wearable art, she realized she didn’t need to be formally trained in jewelry design. She can see something and want to make it into a bangle or an earring.

Hayet is Ghanaian and is obsessed with masks and African sculptures. The launch collection is called Masked Identity.

In a nod to this, there is a wall of the KHOI Studio that has masks on it. “When you look at African chiefs, their jewelry is big and bold. It’s not cute and dainty. I sort of took inspiration from that, it has to be grand, it has to be bold,” she said.

All of the creatives for the collection were shot by Ghanaian talent in Ghana, with Ghanaian models. She believes you give back to home without moving back home. She is proud that Ghana is in the creative, the talent and in the pieces. She started to design the collection in November. There are a lot of elements of shields, like a bangle from the collection, as well as in the brand’s logo. Once Hayet picks a theme, then the ideas start to come. Another element is a gong, which is visible in a few of the pieces and is representative of the gong that is hit before the start of war. The themes for the KHOI collections reflect stories central to Hayet’s life. Masked Identity is her ode to imposter syndrome.

When she first started KHOI, she felt inhibited by the fact that she wasn’t a jewelry designer. She realized that sometimes imposter syndrome can be what makes you work harder and it doesn’t have to overtake you. She wanted to celebrate that.

Hayet took the time to study some of the great jewelry designers. The summer collection is called Nour. It is all about sunset. The theme comes from Hayet sunsetting the imposter syndrome and going deep into bold pieces.

“I’m stepping out of the mask, stepping into the sun and saying goodbye to a version of myself. People always say, ‘write a book.’ This is my book, when I look back, every collection is like a chapter,” she said. Hayet is calling the KHOI Studio her starting line. She has surrendered to it and whatever is coming, she is ready.

Hayet had the most fun creating the Zizi Necklace, which is made up of cubes. It symbolizes how Hayet always boxed herself in. She took it and created the necklace with lots of boxes. She’ll wear it with one or two and stack them. In the summer pieces, her favorite piece is the first one she designed for that collection, the Tamu Earring.

When it comes to the store, she wanted to replicate the calm and quiet of her home, which she removed all color from. She loves neutrals and warm tones. Adding to the luxurious feel of the space, there are mannequins wearing the pieces. In decorating the mirrors where people can try on the pieces, there are affirming words based on sticky notes Hayet used to place on her mirrors.

Hayet is looking to make the space a venue for events. She also wants to take the brand global, with a pop-up in Ghana. She sees taking the pieces to other locations as a travelling art exhibition. “I want women to put on the earrings and feel like ‘yes, I didn’t have to break the bank, but I still feel good,’” she said. KHOI Studio is located at 2128 N. Damen. For more information, visit www.shopkhoi.com.

CHICAGO NONPROFIT SHOWING YOUTH A WORLD OUTSIDE AUSTIN’S NEIGHBORHOOD

After gun violence in Chicago stole her grandson from her grip just days after his 18th birthday, Crystal Dyer knew she must do everything in her power to keep others from such unbearable grief. Soon after, she set her sights on Chicago’s Austin neighborhood just steps from where her grandson Devin was killed and set up shop. In 2015, Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures, Inc. (CAYTA), was born out of a grandmother’s grief. Today, the organization is thriving, reaching at-risk children, youth, and young adults through a variety of programs aimed at showing them a world outside their neighborhood, a world many have never seen.

“After I lost my grandson to gun violence in Chicago, I vowed to do everything within my power to ensure no other family experiences such a tragedy. Through CAYTA, we can get our youth off the streets and show them the world on an international stage,” says Crystal Dyer, Founder, and CEO of Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures, Inc.

Why travel? That was an easy decision for Dyer. An accredited and Certified Travel Advisor (CTA), she opened the first African American-owned travel agency in Chicago Austin’s community where she also resides. Every year, she takes youth and young adults aged 14-23 on a genealogy journey through their family’s roots at the city’s 15th police district. The big payoff, a

chance to travel to Ghana, Africa, where their ancestors once lived. This year’s trip is set for July 30th through August 11th.

In addition to CAYTA’s popular genealogy program, the nonprofit also runs a Teen Reach Afterschool Program. The program is offered six days a week and allows youth aged 11-17 to receive help with their studies in a safe environment at Dyer’s travel agency, Gone Again Travel & Tours.

For those looking for job training, CAYTA along with Choose Chicago offers workforce training for youth interested in its’ tour guide program which will also be teaming up with the Obama Presidential Library once it’s complete. In addition, a community clean campaign offers stipends to youth who embody pride and teamwork while working to reduce crime in their neighborhood.

“Our goal through the workforce training program is to show kids that there are other ways of making money instead of selling drugs,” adds Dyer. “The payoff for me? The success stories. One young man came to me and said, ‘Ms. Crystal, my whole family was selling drives but now I am driving a bus for the city, thanks to you.’ If I can change just even one life, that is what gets me up in the morning.”

For more information about CAYTA, visit https://www. caytaworld.org.

Photos by Andres Ortiz.

HARPER LEE’S TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD RETURNS BY POPULAR DEMAND STARRING EMMY AWARD® WINNER RICHARD THOMAS

CHICAGO – Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that individual tickets for the history-making production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD are on sale on Tuesday, May 23. Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin’s new play, directed by Tony Award® winner Bartlett Sher and based on Harper Lee’s classic novel will come back to Chicago as part of a multi-year national tour across North America. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD will play Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.) for a limited engagement August 8-13.

Starring in the critically acclaimed production are Emmy Award®-winning actor Richard Thomas as Atticus Finch, Melanie Moore as Scout Finch, Chicago’s own Jacqueline Williams as Calpurnia, Justin Mark as Jem Finch, Yaegel T. Welch as Tom Robinson, Steven Lee Johnson as Dill Harris, and Mary Badham (Oscar®-nominated for the role of “Scout” in the feature film) as Mrs. Dubose. Additional principal and complete ensemble casting will be announced later.

are Bob Ewell, Tom Robinson, prosecutor Horace Gilmer, Judge Taylor, and Mayella Ewell.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is designed by Miriam Buether, with costumes by Ann Roth, lighting by Jennifer Tipton, sound by Scott Lehrer, and an original score by Adam Guettel. Casting by Telsey and Co. The national tour is produced by Barry Diller.

For more information, please visit www.tokillamockingbirdbroadway.com

Follow TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tokillamockingbirdbway/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mockingbirdbway/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ mockingbirdbway

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday, August 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 9 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, August 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 12 at 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 13 at 2:00 p.m.

HELP IS ON THE WAY FOR STRUGGLING HOMEOWNERS AS PAPPAS INITIATIVE LEADS TO HISTORIC REFORM OF ILLINOIS’ PROPERTY TAX LAW

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas spearheaded the passage of the most significant property tax reform legislation to be approved by the General Assembly in decades.

The interest rate homeowners and businesses in Cook County are charged for late property tax payments will drop from 18% a year to 9% a year.

The interest rate reduction will save struggling property owners between $25 million and $35 million a year, with most of those savings benefiting Black and Latino communities.

“The vast majority of property owners who fall behind on their property taxes are in predominantly Black and Latino communities,” Pappas said. “These changes will prevent millions of dollars of generational wealth from being stripped from these households. This is a key step toward greater equity in Illinois’ property tax system and long overdue.”

The Illinois General Assembly passed Pappas’ Property Tax Equity Legislation — now a collaborative effort with The Chicago Community Trust philanthropic organization — on Wednesday, May 24. Governor JB Pritzker is expected to sign it into law.

The legislation was drafted by Pappas’ office following the release of studies by her research team last year. Pappas put the team together nearly two years ago to investigate flaws and inequities in the sprawling and complex property tax system. The Pappas studies can be found at cookcountytreasurer.com.

CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

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

Serves

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD holds the record as the highest-grossing American play in Broadway history. It began performances on November 1, 2018, at the Shubert Theatre and played to sold-out houses until the Broadway shutdown in March 2020. On February 26, 2020, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD became the first-ever Broadway play to perform at New York’s Madison Square Garden, in front of approximately 18,000 New York City public school students, also marking the largest attendance at a single performance of a play ever in world theater. The production resumed performances on October 5, 2021, and concluded its run at the Shubert Theatre on January 16, 2022.

Set in Alabama in 1934, Harper Lee’s enduring story of racial injustice and childhood innocence centers on one of the most venerated characters in American literature, small-town lawyer Atticus Finch. The cast of characters includes Atticus’s daughter Scout, her brother Jem, their housekeeper and caretaker, Calpurnia, their visiting friend Dill, and a mysterious neighbor, the reclusive Arthur “Boo” Radley. The other indelible residents of Maycomb, Alabama,

Individual tickets for TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD will go on-sale to the public on Tuesday, May 23 and range from $35.00 - $114.00 with a select number of premium tickets available. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago. com. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 23 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway

In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, Auditorium Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place. Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● TikTok @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

ASSESSOR KAEGI RECEIVES OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PARTNER AWARD

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi and team received the Outstanding Community Partner Award from the Community Investment Corporation (CIC) and the Preservation Compact during their annual Neighborhood Forum event hosted on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. This award is a special acknowledgment to honor the work done by the Cook County Assessor’s office and the partners that helped implement the Affordable Housing legislation (HB2621).

“Affordable housing is a human right. I am committed to advocating and building on the partnerships we’ve made to expand affordable housing in Cook County so that it continues to be a place where all communities can thrive,” said Assessor Fritz Kaegi. Partners such as Stacie Young from the Community Investment Corporation, Allison Clements from the Illinois Housing Council, Dunni Cosey Gay from the Preservation Compact, and Bob Palmer from the Housing Action Illinois were pivotal in passing this legislation and taking step towards preserving and developing affordable housing in Cook County.

From this law, the Assessor’s Office created the Affordable Housing Special Assessment Program, a property tax relief incentive for housing providers who create and maintain this valuable housing category and expand the availability of rental units for low-income households. The program offers significant assessment relief to multi-family buildings that meet certain criteria with maximum rents at 60% of area medium income (AMI).

After a little over one year, 562 applications have been accepted and are currently eligible to receive the special assessment. The true impact and savings will be reflected on the second installment property tax bills that are mailed out later this year.

For more information about this program, visit www.cookcountyassessor.com/affordable-housing or email the Assessor’s Office at assessor.ahsap@ cookcountyil.gov.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD holds the record as the highest-grossing American play in Broadway history.

Black Restaurant Week Relaunches ‘More Than Just a Week’ 2023 Campaign to Restimulate Black-Owned Businesses with Equitable Events in Key Markets

HOUSTON, PRNewswire -- Black Restaurant Week LLC celebrates the flavors of African American, African and Caribbean cuisine with a series of regional cultural events and aims to support Black-owned culinary businesses with substantial programming outside of their 10 or 14-day, multi-city tour across the United States.

The organization revisited its “More Than Just a Week” campaign for their eighth year in service. The objective is to restimulate local economies within the Black community by promoting Black-owned culinary businesses and professionals who cannot afford to implement costly and independent advertising/ marketing efforts especially during the nation’s indeterminate financial status. Outside of heritage travel, residents do not visit local businesses as they are unaware of what is available in their neighborhood and nearby cities.

The odds are continuously stacked against Black-owned culinary businesses and their survival is still in jeopardy as they face constant economic downturns due to recovering from the pandemic while currently coping with inflation. According to the Independent Restaurant Coalition, 500,000 restaurants and bars are faced with an uncertain future due to lost revenue and increased debt over the past 2 years.

How do we help Black-owned culinary businesses survive? The campaign introduces a key component that aims to boost visibility. The organization has partnered with Stella Artois to host curated culinary events, pairing soulful dishes with the premium Belgian beer in markets including Atlanta, DC, Houston, Chicago, and New York.

“During the pandemic, we’ve partnered with several corporations to produce and provide DEI opportunities for Black-owned culinary businesses to build awareness within the community and potential expansion opportunities,” shares Warren Luckett, Black Restaurant Week, LLC’s founder. “Through our NOSH Culinary Competition program, we secured a permanent retail space for Dolo’s Pizza within State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Additionally, we partnered with NASCAR, who hosts Black-owned food trucks during events in Richmond throughout the summer in addition to a series of ‘Cars & Coffee’ Los Angeles-based events in August honoring Black Business Month and Feb-

ruary for Black History Month.”

“We’re in the trenches with the owners and operators, which is why we created our Feed the Soul Foundation Restaurant Business Development Fund,” states Falayn Ferrell, Black Restaurant Week, LLC’s Operations Managing Partner. “We understand they need ‘more than just a week’ of support to thrive in such a competitive industry. Through the support of our corporate partners, the foundation is able to provide funding and business development to create sustainability for minority-owned culinary businesses. We are witnessing so much growth from our 2021 and 2022 cohorts from expansion to brick-and-mortar locations to e-commerce opportunities to sell culinary products across the United States.”

Participating restaurants can join at no cost and benefit from the campaign by receiving marketing materials to place within its establishment, digital assets to share online and on their respective social media platforms along with an opportunity to be featured in local media outlets.

Black Restaurant Week was founded in 2016 by three friends who shared a unified voice for their community: founder Warren Luckett and managing partners Falayn Ferrell and Derek Robinson. It began as a one-city food experience in Houston where participants can dine in or order

from a litany of Black-owned restaurants in their city. The mission: provide complimentary marketing and PR services for the business under the BRW campaign, educate consumers on the abundance of cultural cuisines within their neighborhood and share the disparities faced by minority-owned businesses. Since 2016, the organization has supported more than 3,000 restauranteurs, bartenders, chefs, caterers, and food trucks.

Last year, the organization supported 1,700 Black-owned culinary businesses across the United States – including Toronto and Vancouver – through its restaurant weeks, culinary events and website directory. where participants generated an average of 15% sales increase.

2023 campaign initiatives and events include, but are not limited to:

Free entry-level business registration and inclusion in national culinary directory organization’s website

Small Business Grants and Business Development training from Black Restaurant Week’s non-profit Feed the Soul Foundation.

Curated Stella Artois activations in key markets to amplify community support to local chefs

Donation program with Stella Artois where a portion of proceeds from drafts and bottles sold are donated to Feed the Soul Foundation*.

For more information about Black Restaurant Week, its events, and participating restaurants, please visit: blackrestaurantweeks.com.

*$0.01 for every Stella Artois draft or bottle sold at participating locations from 4/2/2023 through 11/30/2023, maximum $100,000.

Black Restaurant Week LLC is an annual, multi-city culinary movement celebrating the flavors of African American, African, and Caribbean cuisine nationwide. Black Restaurant Week partners with Black-owned restaurants, chefs, caterers, and food trucks to host a selection of culinary experiences aimed to expand awareness and increase support for Black culinary professionals. The organization was founded in 2016 by Warren Luckett. Connect with Black Restaurant Week on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

McDonald Hopkins Cybersecurity Attorney Named to National Black Lawyers’ Top 40 Under 40

DETROIT, PRNewswire -- The National Black Lawyers organization has selected Sean Bowen to its Top 40 Under 40 list for the state of Michigan, recognizing the McDonald Hopkins attorney for his exemplary legal representation in the areas of data privacy and cybersecurity.

“Sean is a talented, dedicated member of our team whose legal and technical knowledge elevates the services we provide to clients,” said James Giszczak, Co-President of McDonald Hopkins and Co-Chair of the Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group. “His recognition by a professional, national organization is well deserved.”

The National Black Lawyers celebrates legal excellence and promotes attorneys as subject matter experts. Its 40 Under 40 lists recognize black attorneys from each state who are under the age of 40 and have an outstanding reputation among

their peers, the judiciary, and the public. Membership is by invitation only and is based on current member referrals and independent research.

A former attorney for the New York City law department and a U.S. Army veteran, Sean advises clients on how to prevent and respond to cybersecurity incidents. He is skilled at managing ransomware attacks and email compromises and regularly coordinates forensic investigations. Sean also handles media and third-party communications with regulators, represents clients in connection with government investigations, and counsels clients on state data protection and breach notification laws. He is accredited by the International Association of

Privacy Professionals as a Certified Information Privacy Professional for the U.S., which is the gold standard certification for information privacy professionals.

Founded in 1930, McDonald Hopkins is a business advisory and advocacy law firm with locations in Baltimore/Annapolis, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, and West Palm Beach. With more than 170 attorneys and 50 service and industry teams, the firm has the expertise and knowledge to meet the growing number of legal and business challenges our clients face. For more information about McDonald Hopkins, visit mcdonaldhopkins.com.

Derek Robinson, Falayn Ferrell (managing partners) and Warren Luckett (founder) of Black Restaurant Week. Black Restaurant Week LLC.

PRNewsFoto/McDonald Hopkins LLC

Introducing Beats Studio Buds +, the Next Generation of Beats’ Bestselling Wireless Earbuds

CULVER CITY, Calif. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Beats today announces Beats Studio Buds +, an incredible addition to the Studio Buds lineup delivering balanced sound and enhanced features for both iOS and Android users. Now available in a gorgeous transparent look, Studio Buds + boast major improvements to Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency, call performance and battery life to deliver an exceptional true wireless experience.

Beats Studio Buds + are available to order starting today in three stunning colors, Black / Gold, Ivory and Transparent, for $169.99 (US).

POTTERY BARN LAUNCHES

EXCLUSIVE HOME COLLECTION WITH SWEET JULY BY AYESHA CURRY

SAN FRANCISCO -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -Pottery Barn, a portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM), the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, announced the launch of a new collaboration with Sweet July, a lifestyle brand founded by renowned restaurateur, chef, two-time New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur, Ayesha Curry.

Anchored by natural textures, fresh patterns, and earthy tones, the Sweet July by Ayesha Curry collaboration for Pottery Barn features a well-crafted collection of beautiful items for the home.

The new Sweet July by Ayesha Curry x Pottery Barn collection is inspired by summer celebrations and embraces a range of neutral tones with pops of bold and rich terracotta for an elevated, modern look that mix and match seamlessly. From guest-ready bedding and bath accessories to modern barware, table linens, and Calacatta marble serveware and dinnerware debossed with a herringbone pattern, the collection’s thoughtful details celebrate Ayesha’s passion for design and love of al fresco dining.

“Our collaboration with Ayesha Curry has been so organic and inspiring because we share core values of bringing together good people and products through meaningful design,” said CEO of Pottery Barn Brands Marta Benson. “The new Sweet July collection showcases our shared passion for family and beautiful living in the home.”

“It’s been a dream working with the Pottery Barn design team to create a collection featuring products and designs that offer comfort and serenity throughout the home,” said Ayesha Curry, CEO & Founder of Sweet July. “I was inspired by neutral palettes, playing with clean lines and textures that can be mixed and matched in the spaces that mean most to you and your loved ones.”

The Sweet July by Ayesha Curry x Pottery Barn collection will debut for Summer 2023 on May 5 at potterybarn.com/sweetjuly and in select California Pottery Barn stores -- the Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, the Westfield Galleria in Roseville, and Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. Be the first to see the new collection by following @potterybarn and @sweetjuly on Instagram.

Ayesha Curry is a renowned restaurateur, chef, 2x New York Times bestselling author, producer, host, entrepreneur and was featured on the pres-

tigious Forbes “30 Under 30” list. Her accessible approach to cooking has made her one of the most sought-after experts in food and lifestyle. Ayesha is the Founder and CEO of Sweet July, her burgeoning lifestyle brand with a focus to uplift an inclusive and eclectic array of creators through the products sold and stories shared. In 2019 Ayesha launched Sweet July, a quarterly lifestyle magazine that covers a range of topics such as wellness, fashion, fitness, beauty, entrepreneurism and food. Following the launch of the magazine, Ayesha opened a brick-and-mortar Sweet July storefront and café in Oakland, CA and its accompanying website, featuring thoughtfully created products alongside other carefully selected items from Black-owned and female-founded companies. In 2020, Ayesha launched Sweet July Productions, which focuses on creating content centered around food, family, faith and female empowerment. Most recently, Ayesha served as host and executive producer of HBO Max’s ABOUT LAST NIGHT. In 2022, Ayesha announced Sweet July Books in partnership with Zando. Sweet July Books will acquire fiction and nonfiction work, with a focus on diverse authors and women’s stories. Ayesha, along with her husband Stephen, is the co-founder of Eat. Learn. Play., an organization dedicated to unleashing the potential of every child and making a positive impact for generations to come.

Sweet July is a Black, female-owned lifestyle brand founded by Ayesha Curry. Launched in 2019 with an eponymous lifestyle magazine, Sweet July aims to uplift an inclusive and eclectic array of creators through the products sold and the stories shared. Additionally, Sweet July creates products for the self and home, from pantry essentials to self-care staples. The company opened their flagship store and café in 2021 in the heart of Oakland, featuring products from Sweet July, in addition to Black-owned and women-owned brands, thoughtfully curated by Ayesha and the Sweet July editorial team. Sweet July has also expanded to include a production company, Sweet July Productions, a publishing imprint, Sweet July Books and an online digital platform in sweetjuly.com for quality journalism with profiles, features, recipes and more content from a diverse array of contributors.

“As our fastest-selling product ever since its launch, Beats Studio Buds are beloved earphones for so many people around the world and we’re thrilled to be taking them to the next level,” said Oliver Schusser, Vice President of Beats and Apple Music. “With beautiful new colors to choose from and vast improvements to Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, call performance and battery life, Beats Studio Buds + deliver an unmatched combination of fashion and function for both iOS and Android consumers.”

Premium Audio Design and Performance

With up to 36 hours of total battery life with the sleek, pocket-sized charging case, Beats Studio Buds + are ready to go whenever you are.

Three new acoustic vents improve audio precision and gently relieve pressure for a more comfortable all-day fit. And with four ear tip options (XS, S, M & L) to fit a wider range of ears, Studio Buds + create a comfortable acoustic seal for the best listening experience while also securing your earbuds in place.

Beats’ custom acoustic platform packs powerful, balanced sound in a sophisticated, pocketable design. Each bud is equipped with a proprietary two-layer transducer that flexes to deliver cleaner bass and ultra-low distortion. So whether you’re listening to music or taking calls, Studio Buds + deliver rich, immersive sound wherever you go.

For Apple Music users, Studio Buds + automatically play spatial audio for available tracks mixed in Dolby Atmos so you can enjoy true multidimensional sound and clarity. It’s like being surrounded by 64 speakers at once.

At the touch of a button, you can easily switch between Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency. With 3x larger microphones, new venting, and a powerful processor, Studio Buds + deliver up to 1.6x more powerful ANC and up to 2x better Transparency than its predecessor.

Upgraded microphones, an intelligent voice-targeting algorithm and an entirely new acoustic architecture enable high-quality call performance. The powerful microphones actively filter out background noise while enhancing the clarity of your voice.

Enhanced Apple and Android Compatibility

Beats Studio Buds + offer a robust set of native features for both Apple and Android users.

Pricing and Availability

Beats Studio Buds + is available to order starting today for $169.99 (US) from apple.com in the US, Canada and China, with shipping beginning tomorrow.

Sweet July by Ayesha Curry x Pottery Barn Collection (PHOTO: POTTERY BARN)

(PHOTO: BUSINESS WIRE)

Help coming for struggling homeowners as Pappas initiative leads to historic reform of Illinois’ property tax law

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, who issued two studies last year that found gross inequities in the state’s property tax code, spearheaded the passage of groundbreaking legislation that would help homeowners who fall behind on their property taxes and close loopholes tax investors have exploited at the expense of local governments.

Pappas’ Property Tax Equity Legislation — now a collaborative effort with the Chicago Community Trust philanthropic organization — was passed by the Illinois General Assembly today, Wednesday, May 24. Governor JB Pritzker is expected to sign it into law. State Sen. Ram Villivalam and state Rep. Kam Buckner, both Chicago Democrats, were original sponsors of the legislation.

The legislation would cut in half the onerous interest rate charged in Cook County for late property tax payments. That interest rate would drop from 18% a year to 9% a year. That change will save struggling property owners between $25 million and $35 million a year, with most of those savings benefiting Black and Latino communities.

Slashing the interest rate was a core recommendation from “Maps of Inequality: From Redlining to Urban Decay and the Black Exodus,” a July 2022 study by the Treasurer’s research team.

“The vast majority of property owners who fall behind on their property taxes are in predominantly Black and Latino communities,” Pappas said. “These changes will prevent millions of dollars of generational wealth from being stripped from these households. Property tax law must be made more fair and our legislation does that.”

Another significant piece of the bill would overhaul the state’s system for selling unpaid property taxes to private investors by closing a series of loopholes that they have exploited for years. These “tax buyers,” mostly hedge funds, private equity firms and real estate investors, have drained about $40 million each year from governments that serve predominantly Black and Latino communities.

Those recommendations stem from a study the Treasurer issued in October 2022, “How Wealthy Investors are Making Millions Exploiting Illinois’ Property Tax Law.”

Illinois law requires that unpaid property taxes be offered for sale to private investors. These tax buyers pay the taxes and receive a lien against the property. Most owners redeem the taxes, repaying the tax buyer with interest, plus court costs and fees. If they don’t pay up, the tax buyer can go to court to take ownership of their property.

However, most tax buyers do not want to own the property, so they use loopholes they helped write into a section of the property tax code known as “sales in error” to overturn the sale, often citing frivolous or insignificant reasons. If the sale is overturned, tax buyers get all of their money back from local governments, typically with interest. The property is returned to the delinquent property tax roll.

Using sales in error, tax buyers in Cook County have received refunds totaling about $277.6 million, including at least $27.7 million in interest, during a seven-year period from 2015 to 2022. Of that money refunded, about 87% was siphoned from local governments serving predominantly Black and Latino residents, impacting schools and public safety.

A third piece of the bill would make it easier to move abandoned residential properties back onto the tax rolls and into productive use more quickly by making changes to the biennial Scavenger Sale, which began in 1943 and is used only in Cook County.

The Scavenger Sale, a last-ditch auction of chronically delinquent properties, is a failure, Pappas said. The new law would allow local governments to take control of properties if they are not purchased in the Annual Tax Sale. Government could clear liens more quickly and put the properties into the hands of people and organizations to develop them.

“This is without a doubt, the biggest property tax reform legislation Illinois has had in decades,” Pappas said. “We thank Senator Villivalam and Representative Buckner for sponsoring and guiding legislation that will help to ease the financial burden on property owners and restore our neighborhoods.”

The property tax reform legislation was drafted by Pappas’ office following the release of the two studies by her research team last year. Pappas put the team together nearly two years ago to investigate flaws and inequities in the sprawling and complex property tax system. The Pappas studies can be found at cookcountytreasurer.com.

When entrepreneurs succeed, our communities do too

Sola Cook President, Bank of America Chicago

Chicago’s Entertainment Industry Gets a Major Boost with Construction of The First and Only Purpose-Built Film Studios in Illinois – The Fields Studios

CHICAGO -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Knickpoint Ventures today welcomed civic, community and business leaders to the topping-off ceremony at The Fields Studios, Chicago’s first purpose-built film studio that is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024. It boasts nine sound stages on two lots totaling 132,000 square feet of sound stages and over 350,000 square feet of creative and production offices, plus mill and support space. The Fields Studios offers the largest sound stage in Chicago and is the latest addition to the mixed-use redevelopment of the 20+acre, 1.5 million-square-foot former Marshall Fields warehouse property on Chicago’s Northwest Side.

The new studio development will be the focus of the iconic adaptive reuse of the former Marshall Fields warehouse, which also includes a mix of retail, residences, office and now studio space. The redevelopment of the project into a film studio will bring the property back to its original manufacturing roots with jobs for those in the surrounding neighborhoods, with a modern twist. The campus will offer an engaging and efficient onsite environment that is integrated into a vibrant northwest corridor with its mix of shops, dining, arts and entertainment in a historic, architecturally distinctive and walkable neighborhood. The Fields is located at the nexus of several important neighborhoods, including Avondale, Logan Square, Hermosa and Belmont Cragin, which all share a unique cultural backdrop and a diverse, highly qualified workforce.

For Producers, By Producers

As experienced entertainment industry producers, Knickpoint Ventures conceptualized The Fields Studios to ensure an optimal environment to meet the creative, logistical and functional demands of modern content manufacturing. Nine sound stages, eight NC-30 rated sound stages, ranging from 12,000 to 18,000 square feet, plus a 5,000-square-foot stage ideal for commercial shoots, music videos, and other smaller productions, will offer varying flexible stage configurations designed with fully collapsible interior stage doors that can create a 36,000-square-foot stage with ceiling heights up to 35 feet to the grids. This marks the largest combined sound stage in Chicago. The sound stages will have silent air and heat, ample stage power, major bandwidth and more. The studio campus will

have approximately 150,000 square feet of support and mill space for surface-level base camp areas for production vehicles, multiple mills, support space for all production departments, dressing rooms and surrounding land for future back lot construction. There also will be acres of parking for base camp and personnel.

Chicago has a history in the entertainment industry dating back to the early days of movie making and, in recent years, has been attracting film and television production back to the city due to its recently amended film tax credits for production companies, which include incentives for both above-the-line and below-the-line costs spent locally.

Catalyst for Jobs and Economic Growth in Chicago

According to the Chicago Film Office, the city has identified the entertainment industry as a growth opportunity, as it brings quality jobs for residents, opportunities for local

businesses and tax dollars to aid Chicago’s post-COVID economic recovery. Government leaders support the growth of content creation as a form of modern-day intellectual property manufacturing to position the city and the state as being competitive as a global hub for the entertainment business.

Each production stage at The Fields Studios will create hundreds of quality union jobs. At capacity, The Fields Studios is expected to impact the local economy by driving nearly 12,000 production-related jobs with approximately $1.3 billion of economic impact in its first five years. In addition, The Fields Studios-based productions will generate an estimated $1.5 million annually to support the workforce development fund’s training initiatives, creating new career paths for residents and promoting a more diverse and inclusive industry workforce.

Captivating Mixed-Use Environment

Originally built in 1928, The Fields Studios provides a perfect platform for a mix of approximately 200,000 square feet of creative and production offices on the upper floors and a vast collaborative lobby with approximately 50,000 square feet of adjoining complementary retail space. Knickpoint Ventures is populating the retail space with local businesses that have both a retail presence and onsite manufacturing. Current occupants include:

Knickpoint has identified a retail mix that will include a variety of food and beverage operators that will provide onsite options for a growing workforce at the property.

Cermak Fresh Market, a high-end local grocer, is already operating onsite as well as 123 new rental apartments that also are onsite, creating live-work opportunities for studio and studio-related employees.

The Fields Studios building also offers office tenants expansive amenities, including rooftop decks, a fitness center, and onsite retail.

Located at the intersection of Diversey Avenue and Pulaski Road, The Fields Studios provides easy access for businesses and trades to service the studio and is convenient to the area’s public transportation network.

Construction of the new sound stages and support space is anticipated to be completed in the first quarter of 2024. For more information, please visit: www.TheFieldsStudios.com.

REVOLT Announces New Spring 2023 Podcast Class

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- REVOLT, the leading Black-owned independent multimedia empire, today is excited to announce its spring 2023 class of new podcasts. The lineup features eight diverse and dynamic shows, including a range of women-led podcasts that cover everything from sports, mental wellness, entrepreneurship, music, and more. The new shows mark an impressive expansion of the REVOLT Podcast Network, actively amplifying the voices of today’s boldest Black creators. With a strong emphasis on empowering and showcasing talented women hosts, the network now offers a variety of fan-favorite series hosted by some of today’s leading voices.

REVOLT’s spring 2023 podcast class aims to provide unique perspectives and valuable insights for REVOLT’s modern audience, while representing the company’s commitment to expand globally and throughout the entire Black diaspora. Spearheaded by a diverse group of Black cultural changemakers, each show aims to empower viewers to succeed in all aspects of their lives. Thoughtfully curated to feature a wide range of trending topics and important subjects, there’s truly something for everyone in this lineup, including new shows hosted by well-known creators in South Africa and The Caribbean.

“REVOLT is committed to providing a platform for the most impactful voices in the world to have the important conversations that matter to our audience and these shows are a strong testament to that,” said Detavio Samuels, CEO of REVOLT. “We’re introducing a slate of new podcasts anchored by dynamic and powerful Black women, including international shows that reflect our culture across the diaspora,

so we’re excited for listeners to tune in and be inspired.”

The REVOLT Podcast Network has seen significant growth since it initially launched in 2022, with highly successful series such as Caresha Please, the disruptive talk show hosted by Yung Miami of the City Girls, consistently captivating viewers and going viral. The podcast network’s continued expansion showcases REVOLT’s success within this trending industry as well as its ongoing commitment to providing a platform for Black creators to share their stories.

“The REVOLT Podcast Network is an important part of our content strategy, and we’re excited to see it continue to grow,” said Aki Garrett, Vice President of Business Development of REVOLT and GM of REVOLT Podcast Network. “Our team has worked hard to curate a lineup that reflects our commitment to showcasing Black women and Black culture on a global scale. We’re excited to share these shows with our community and hope they educate, empower and entertain our audience.”

The eight exciting new podcasts within REVOLT’s spring 2023 class include:

The Double Dose Podcast: A show hosted by two dynamic Black women, Chanda & Chanelle Reynolds, who share their perspectives on pop culture, politics, and more.

The Success Playbook Podcast: Hosted by sports executive and bestselling author Chanelle S. Reynolds, this show offers helpful tips and insights on achieving success.

Paging Dr. Chanda: Hosted by licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Chanda, this show is a wellness conversation hub for rising generations, discussing topics such as mental health and faith.

The Hustlers Corner Podcast with DJ Sbu: Hosted by DJ Sbu, Farai Gundan, and Penuel, this show features interviews with entrepreneurs, innovators, and rising stars from across Africa and the diaspora.

Reasonings with Odessa: This series covers all things Jamaican, Caribbean and African Pop Culture through the eyes of taste maker and media personality Odessa Chambers. Known for being blunt, fun, and quirky, Odessa unveils a real insight into her guests by asking the questions audiences always wanted to know about.

Holdin’ Court Podcast: Sit down with film producer and music executive Big Court as he delivers a unique brand of unfiltered content joined by some of the hottest names in entertainment to discuss the rap game, the streets, music, TV, film, pop culture and so much more. Joined by industry executive Ken Schoech, or “Producer Ken,” they Hold Court over the current state of entertainment in the industry.

Women in Hip Hop: Join Jazzie Belle as she discusses the many influences of women in Hip Hop and sits down with industry insiders on the behind-the-scenes dealings on what it’s like being a boss queen in a male dominated industry.

Music is the Love Language: On this show, Comedian Clint Coley, known for his comedy and thoughts on relationships, taps into his number one love language – music.

The new spring 2023 shows are available to listen on the REVOLT Podcast Network now. For more information, please visit https://www.revolt.tv/ and visit www.revolt.tv/providers to find REVOLT in your area.

The Fields Studios offers the largest sound stage in Chicago and is the latest addition to the mixed-use redevelopment of the 20+acre, 1.5 million-square-foot former Marshall Fields warehouse property on Chicago’s Northwest Side. (PHOTO: BUSINESS WIRE)

Fresh Start Expands Services for Women of Color Through $1.3 million Investment from JPMorgan Chase

PHOENIX, PRNewswire -- Women experience depression twice as much as men, and Black women are only half as likely to seek care as White women. There are several barriers that account for the disparity in seeking support, including a lack of therapists from communities of color, cultural stigmas, and high costs. Through a $1.3-million commitment from JPMorgan Chase to Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, the nonprofit will provide expanded resources and support directly to women of color.

Fresh Start was selected as one of eight organizations nationwide to be awarded a grant from JPMorgan Chase’s Annual Challenge competition. The nonprofit plans to further integrate mental health support into programming and increase the number of trained mental health providers who are representative of women of color in Arizona. The investment will allow Fresh Start to expand access to its Impact Program, increasing the numbers of women supported on their journeys to economic independence.

During an event focused on mental health and financial well-being for women of color, Fresh Start featured local Black therapist and business owner Ashlea Taylor-Barber, and local JPMorgan Chase leaders announced the grant, discussing the importance of these themes towards long-term economic mobility, wealth building and success.

Ashlea Taylor-Barber, Therapist at Favor & Grace

Under Fire Therapy & Consulting: “Studies show women of color suffer disproportionately from the kinds of adverse life experiences that can lead to depression, anxiety disorders, and toxic levels of chronic stress. It is important to offer culturally competent resources, so women of color have a wider pathway to healing, well-being and success.”

Kim McWaters, President and CEO of Fresh Start: “Access to high-quality mental health services, so women can manage stress, build resilience and cope with everyday life challenges, is one key component of Fresh Start’s Impact Program, which holistically supports women on their journeys to personal empowerment. We couldn’t be more grateful to JPMorgan Chase for the support that will allow us to expand and scale services to women of color throughout Greater Phoenix.”

Fresh Start’s mission is to provide access and resources that help women achieve self-sufficiency. The organization has a three-decade history providing holistic support services to women and, with the launch of its Impact Program, an expanded strategic focus on education, training, and career placement.

Kathy Hu, Managing Director for J.P. Morgan Private Bank: “Fresh Start has a strong record of success in providing essential services to help women become self-sufficient. At JPMorgan Chase, we’re thrilled to help Fresh Start expand its skills training, financial coaching, wrap-around support, and access to culturally-competent mental health services for women of color.”

This announcement was part of JPMorgan Chase’s $30 billion racial equity commitment to drive economic inclusion and build on the firm’s $500 million, five-year initiative to invest in solutions to drive equitable growth and community-based strategies across the country.

For more information, visit www.freshstartwomen.org.

Princess Cruises Salutes Tuskegee Airman with Special 100th Birthday Celebration

SEATTLE, PRNewswire -- With a patriotic salute and special celebration, Princess Cruises welcomed one of the few surviving Tuskegee Airmen onboard Discovery Princess in Seattle as he arrived for his celebratory cruise to Alaska, marking an early commemoration for his 100th birthday. Lieutenant Colonel James H. Harvey III, retired United States Army Air Corps and Air Force officer (USAF), shattered racial barriers in the military as a part of a group of African American pilots who served their country with legendary distinction during World War II.

To honor Harvey, the McChord Field Honor Guard welcomed him and his family aboard Discovery Princess with a USAF traditional display of presenting colors. Topping out the festivities, the Discovery Princess crew presented Lt Col Harvey with a birthday cake while hundreds of the ship’s company joined in wishing him a happy birthday.

“It’s our sincere honor to celebrate the 100th birthday of Lieutenant Colonel Harvey III, a trailblazer, hero, and real ‘Top Gun,’” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “His life and legacy should remind everyone the power of courage, determination, resilience and the American spirit. From all of us at Princess Cruises, we salute Lt. Col. Harvey and wish him a very happy 100th birthday!”

Born in Montclair, New Jersey on July 13, 1923, Harvey is a former fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Groups 99th Squadron, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen, “Red Tails,” one of 1,007 documented pilots trained for aerial combat during World War II. He is best

known as the first African American USAF jet fighter combat pilot to fight in the Korean War and flew 140 missions from 1949 to 1950. Harvey, along with every member of the Tuskegee Airmen, received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2006.

After serving a combined 22 years (1943-1965) in the United States Army Air Corps and the United States Air Force, Harvey retired and joined Oscar Mayer as a corporate salesman and settled his family of four girls in Denver, where he still resides.

During the voyage Harvey will share insights from his storied service and remarkable life experiences with other guests as part of a scheduled onboard discussion. Discovery Princess is currently sailing on weeklong, roundtrip cruises from Seattle to Alaska, departing every Sunday through September.

In addition, Harvey won the USAF’s very first “Top Gun” competition in 1949, when he and his team lead a grueling 10-day event comprised on aerial gunnery at 20,000 and 12,000 feet, dive bombing, skip bombing, rocketing firing and panel strafing.

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/ New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/ LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Announcing a $1.3 million investment from JPMorgan Chase to Fresh Start in support of expanded services for women of color are (left to right): Kathy Hu, Managing Director for J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Phoenix therapist Ashlea Taylor-Barber, Adrianne Wright, Chair of Fresh Start’s Executive Board, and Fresh Start President and CEO Kim McWaters. Fresh Start Women’s Foundation.

Retired Lt. Colonel James H. Harvey III is greeted with an Honor Cordon by members of the McChord Field Honor Guard on Discovery Princess during a special 100th Birthday celebration for the Tuskegee airman. PRNEWSFOTO/PRINCESS CRUISES

WILL.I.AM AND GEORGE LOPEZ JOIN STAND UP TO CANCER AND PROVIDENCE IN PSA TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -Grammy®-winning musician will.i.am and stand-up comedian and actor George Lopez have joined Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C) and Providence for a new series of public service announcements (PSAs) that raise awareness about colorectal cancer screenings, early detection and prevention, and focus on reaching medically underserved communities.

Also appearing in the PSA campaign is former California State Sen. Isadore Hall III. The campaign launched today and is in both English and Spanish. The PSAs featuring will.i.am and George Lopez will be placed across print, broadcast, radio, digital and out-ofhome outlets. Hall will be featured in the out-of-home campaign. In the broadcast and radio PSAs, will.i.am and Lopez recite poetry written by two Los Angeles-based poets.

“So many of us have a personal connection to cancer, myself included,” said will.i.am. “The statistics don’t lie so I want to inspire others to spread the word, especially those in the Black community who need to increase participation in screening programs. Make good health, including getting screened, your top priority - do it for your husband or wife, your kids, your nieces and nephews, for everyone you love.”

“I’ve been a huge supporter of Stand Up To Cancer for many years, and I’m proud to be working with them and Providence on this important campaign,” Lopez said. “The more people who get screened, the more lives will be saved. To play even a small role in that is incredibly meaningful to me.”

The national PSA campaign supports a larger collaboration among SU2C, Providence Saint John’s Health Center and Exact Sciences to increase colorectal cancer screening rates to 80% within three Stand Up To Cancer Zones™: Greater Boston, Los Angeles and Great Plains Tribal Communities in South Dakota. These zones are regions of focus for the SU2C Colorectal Cancer Health Equity Dream Team as they include diverse and distinct communities that are medically underserved and have particularly low screening rates for colorectal cancer.

“In living our mission of outreach, we are driven to advocate in our communities of color to advance potentially life-saving colorectal cancer screenings, and help erase health inequalities,” said Michael Ricks, chief executive, Providence Saint John’s Health Center located in Santa Monica. “We are so thankful to Stand Up To Cancer’s celebrity ambassadors will.i.am and George Lopez, as well as Isadore Hall III, for helping to shed light on the importance of colorectal cancer screening, which can truly save lives.”

Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon or

American Lung Association Campaign Aims to Address Lack of Diversity in Clinical Trials, Improve Lung Cancer Care for Black Americans

CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- The lung cancer five-year survival rate has increased by nearly 40% in the past decade. Unfortunately, this progress has not been shared equally. Black Americans with lung cancer are less likely to be diagnosed at an early stage, less likely to receive surgical treatment, and less likely to receive any treatment at all compared to white Americans. That’s why the American Lung Association is expanding its work through the Awareness, Trust and Action program to increase awareness amongst Black Americans about clinical trials and encourage them to speak with their healthcare provider about their treatment options.

Lung cancer research is moving at a rapid pace, and clinical trials are critical to advancing promising lung cancer treatments. Clinical trials are highly monitored research studies that can test many things like how to prevent a disease, new ways to detect or diagnose a disease or new ways to treat a disease. Sometimes the most appropriate treatment option for a lung cancer patient is through a clinical trial.

“We are facing an issue in cancer care in this country. Black Americans are underrepresented in clinical research, so I am working with the American Lung Association to fix that,” said Danielle Mitchell, Founder and CEO of Black Women in Clinical Research. “I started my career as a clinical research coordinator because my grandmother had cancer. I saw the lack of diversity in clinical trials, and I have set out to change that because representation matters.”

This underrepresentation happens for many reasons, with one of them being the long-standing history of racial bias in healthcare, which impacts access to care and trust in providers. It is important to enroll a diverse group of people in clinical trials so researchers can understand the effects of potential treatment methods on the different patient populations.

rectum and is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Black Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups. Screening rates for Americans 50-75 years old are 59% for Hispanic people, 66% for Black people and 69% for white people. Yet, screening can help detect colorectal cancer early, making it one of the most preventable types of cancer. When caught early, colon cancer is beatable in 91% of cases and rectal cancer is beatable in 90% of cases.

“This collaboration is critical to addressing the disparities and challenges of this disease. We’re incredibly grateful for Providence’s support as we work to increase screening and fund cutting-edge research to help save lives and avoid more cases of colorectal cancer,” said Russell Chew, president and CEO of Stand Up To Cancer. “We’re thrilled to have will.i.am, George Lopez and Isadore Hall III bring attention to the importance of colorectal cancer prevention to further encourage the public to be proactive about their health.”

The broadcast PSA was directed by Monty Marsh and produced by Chris Pizzi. The print campaign was produced by Pentagram Design. The poem recited by George Lopez was written by Jessica Wilson; the poem recited by will.i.am was written by Aiyana Sha’niel.

To learn more about colorectal cancer screening options, visit StandUpToCancer. org/ColonCancer. To view the PSAs, visit providence.org/coloncancer.

The American Lung Association is expanding its Awareness, Trust and Action campaign, which initially launched in 2022, to: Raise awareness among Black Americans with lung cancer (as well as the larger Black community) about the availability and importance of clinical trials as a treatment option for lung cancer; Address misconceptions and mistrust around clinical trials and convey their value as a potential treatment option; and Empower Black Americans to take action by talking with their doctors about lung cancer clinical trials.

Learn more at Lung.org/trials-and-you.

Support for this project provided in part by Daiichi Sankyo, Genentech, Merk, Novartis and Novocure.

The Lung Association is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as core values. Our vision of a world free of lung disease includes all people, regardless of skin color, race, ethnicity, gender identity, creed, age, ability, sexual orientation, national origin, education, language or socio-economic status. Given the disproportionate impact of lung disease on historically underserved communities, the Lung Association embraces diversity as a moral and mission-driven imperative. This commitment governs all activities of the Lung Association, including policies and guidelines, procedures, programs, personnel practices and resource development to ensure that the diversity of the communities we serve—including but not limited to racial, ethnic and gender diversity—are reflected in our volunteers and staff.

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.

LEGAL NOTICE

A Public Declaration and Notice of Immediate Withdraw of Consent

I. Stevie Dwight Harris, conceived to a human mother and father on March 27,1956, domiciled in the Bolivar County. within the geographic boundaries of the twentieth State of the Union. Mississippi, hereby declare my.full and complete renunciation and withdraw of all possible forms of consent to the unlawjul creation of, operation of, and participation in, the current.fraudulent, de facto federal and state "corporate bodies politic"misunderstood to be the STATE of MISSISSIPPI/ STATE OF ILLINOIS and The UNITED STATES government.

This complete withdraw of consent includes all known and unknown.fraudulent"unconscionable" agreements or contracts, past, present, or.future, relating to any artificial "person," corporate '”fiction," commercial entity, legal fiction, trust, status, standing, station, or any other possible creative combination of care.fully constructed "words o fart," CAPITIS DIMINUTIO .MAXIMA, or any other possible "color of law" misrepresentation of my existence and flesh and blood body, that aredesigned to replace my God given unalienable rights, Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness, with non- Article W privileges and immunities, civil rights, statutory code, and public policy, currently enforced by a "presumption of consent" to the 14th Amendment and fraudulent defacto corporate UNITED STATES and STATE OF ILLINOIS governments, Any and all past, present, or future participation in this fraudulent defacto corporate UNITED STATES and STATE OF MISSISSIPPI /STATE OF ILLINOIS governments and all related, subsidiary, or participatory corporate entities, shall be considered acts under duress, protest, and "Without Prejudice"until such a time as we, the People, return to the original and only lawful form of government instituted and created by our Founding Fathers - a Republic.

The Supremacy clause, Article VI of the Constitution for the united States, and this official. flesh and blood Withdraw of

Consent - strikes with NULL:

* The current.fraudulent corporate body politic operating as the de facto government "instituted" by the citizen's "registration" to vote and perpetuated by participation;

* All usage whatsoever of the concept of "CAPITIS DIMINUTIO MAXIMA;"

* The entire procedural system of Admiralty, Maritime and ''private" law administered by non -Article Ill Judiciary courts and used against the Federal "citizens"under the jurisdiction thereof;

* All fraudulent,unconscionable, or unlawful contracts. suretyships, licenses, registrations, certifications, or programs;

* All.fraudulent de facto corporate government bodies, agencies.franchises, subsidiaries, offices, or extensions;

* All fraudulent de facto corporate bodies politic or anti - Republic

"Presidential"Executive Orders;

* The entire Federal Reserve System and any un - Constitutional fiat currency;

* All public policy, legislation, and every act or treaty enacted by the.fraudulent, de facto corporate bodies politic;

* The entire fraudulent 14th Amendment and corporate ''person" status with federal "citizen" privileges and immunities subject to the jurisdiction thereof; Let it be known that with this complete, public, and formal Withdraw of Consent and Act of Expatriation, under the Expatriation Act of July, 27.1868, I. Stevie Dwight Harris.Sui juris Mississippian and Man of the Republic, expect an immediate and.full return of my God given unalienable rights, Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness full Constitutional protections and Bill of Rights access, And that from this day forward, all issues, including all jurisdictional issues, arising from, relating to. or in regards to, the

~

"presumption of consent" to the 14th Amendment corporate "person" of federal United States "citizen"status, shall be considered NULL, void. invalid and unlawjul - as they always have beenunder the original and only lawful form of government instituted and created by our Founding Fathers - a Republic.

Signed: Stevie,Dwight Harris , STEVIE-DWIGHT: HARRIS

Date: March 21, 2023

:C-S.-S-SP-S-G-P. Flag of this vessel. ** Reg mail# RE

For the Claimant_ Knowledge of this live-Life is with this claim by this claimant.

1 For the knowledge of these facts are with the claim of this Live-life-man born on~ twentyseven-day! March~ year~ 1956.

~2 For these witness-knowldge of this live-life-life are with these claims of this live-lfe-birth-nativity in the city~ Cleveland,-State~ mississippi,County~Boliva, is with witness by the mother-party-by the name: Luevada Harris, and by the father. ThelmaHarris,~ by their marriage- joinder.

~3 For the witness-knowledge of this live-life-claim are with the claim of this live-life-birthwith an authorization of these (2) two-witness-autographs, :Moshai- Tehuti: El Bey- one, :Ancqunette- Dorlene: Cunningham El.

~4 For the witness-knowledge of these facts are with this live-life-birth-claim with this Correct-Sentence-StructureCommunications-Parse-SyntaxGrammer-Performance of this

Communications-Claim with this livelife-party.: Image: (inserted on orginal document) Fingerprints (FP)- (on original documents) Salva or Hair (S/H):

(Not visual) Witness/: Moshai- Thuti: El Bey/Copyclaim ~ For the day: April 17, 2023 FP Witness/:

Ancqunette-Dorlene: Cunningham El/:

Copyclaim

~ For the day: April, 2023 FP

:[Stevie- Dwight: Harris] ~For the date: April- 17, 2023 FP: Autograph-Claimant- Life birth: Autograph/:Copy-claim-is with the verfication this~ seventeeth-Day,-

___________________ 2023 FP: (PRE-

SENT) Authograph-Claimant-Life birth Autograph/: Copyclaim- is with the verification this ~seventeeth-DAY,~ MONTH;April,~ 2023 by the now-time: On demand: claim

Disclaimer: The Citizen Newspaper Group,Inc. or any of it affiliates, publisher or empolyee’s are in no way responsible for the contents listed in the ad above. Citizen hereby declares that it/they are not responsible or liable for any of the claims listed in this advertrisement. Any questions or disagreement with the content herein must be addressed by the author (s) listed in this paid advertisement.

:C-S.-S-SP-S-G-P. Flag of this vessel.

** Reg mail# RE

For the Claimant_ Knowledge of this live-Life is with this claim by this claimant.

~ 1 For the knowledge of these facts are with the claim of this Live-life-man born on~ twenty-eight-day! June-~ year~ 1961.

~2 For these witness-knowldge of this live-life-life are with these claims of this live-lfe-birth-nativity in the city~ Evanston, State~ Illinois,County~Cook, is with witness by the mother-party-by the name: Oneida-Servate: Grant, and by the father. Joe-Wesley: Henry,,~ by their marriage-joinder.

~3 For the witness-knowledge of this live-life-claim are with the claim of this live-life-birthwith an authorization of these (2) two-witness-autographs, :Stevie-Dewight: Harris-one,: Ancqunette-Dorlene: Cunningham El.

~4 For the witness-knowledge of these facts are with this live-life-birth-claim with this Correct-Sentence-StructureCommunications-Parse-SyntaxGrammer-Performance of this Communications-Claim with this livelife-party.: Image: (inserted on orginal document) Fingerprints (FP)- (on original documents) Salva or Hair (S/H): (Not visual)

Witness/: Stevie-Dewight: Harris/:

Copy-clam ~ For the day: April 17, 2023

FP Witness/: Ancqunette-Dorlene: Cunningham El/: Copyclaim

~ For the day: April, 2023 FP

:[Tony-Christopher; Hernry Erx Rel Moshai-Tehuti: El Bey] ~For the date: April- 17, 2023 FP:

Autograph-Claimant- Life birth: Autograph/:Copy-claim-is with the verfication this~ seventeethDay,_ MONTH: April,~ 2023 by the nowtime; On-demand: claim.

___________________ 2023 FP:

(PRESENT) Autograph-Claimant-Life birth Autograph/: Copy-claimis with the verification this ~seventeeth-DAY,~ MONTH;April,~ 2023 by the now-time: On demand: claim

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