Chicago Weekend Citizen 6-19-2024

Art Teacher Kayla Lashley created an art project with By The Hand in Moving Everest that depicts the students and beautifies the community. PHOTO PROVIDED BY BY THE HAND CLUB FOR KIDS.

Kayla Lashley and students from By The Hand in Moving Everest created seven trash bins along Laramie that have paintings of students faces on them. PHOTO

‘CRAFT YOUR PATH’ PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS RECEIVED $50,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS FROM 1-800-TRUCKWRECK

The scholarships will fund certification programs with North Lawndale Employment Network

1-800-TruckWreck is investing in the futures of 35 individuals participating in the “Craft Your Path” program through North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN). The scholarships were awarded to career-driven recent high school graduates and young adults working towards job certifications across a variety of industries and trades. The NLEN Signing Day Event took place on Thursday, June 6, at North Lawndale Employment Network (1111 S. Homan Avenue, Chicago 60624). A total of $50,000 was awarded to 35 participants who were strategically chosen and represented a variety of industries and skills ranging from accounting to cosmetics. The event was free and open to the public.

Maya Hightower, Director of Community Relations for Witherite Law Group, and Michelle Parker, Director of Workforce Programs for NLEN, presented the scholarship awards. The event also included a special signing ceremony, dinner, and a keynote speaker.

The scholarships will fund job certification programs through NLEN’s “Craft Your Path” program. NLEN is a place-based, non-profit workforce development organization whose mission is to increase the earnings potential of the North Lawndale community of Chicago through innovative employment initiatives that lead to economic advancement and an improved quality of life.

1-800-TruckWreck has been dedicated to giving back to the local Chicago community since coming to the city over a year ago. Since Fall 2022, the organization has given away more than $504,109.94 in food, essential items, scholarships, school supplies, groceries, and more by partnering with local organizations in the Chicago community.

CONGRESSMAN JONATHAN L. JACKSON ON JUNETEENTH

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The office of Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson is proud to announce a special Juneteenth event happening on June 22nd at 3800 S. King Drive in Chicago.

This special event taking place on June 22nd is to honor and celebrate the life of Marshall “Major” Taylor, the first sports superstar who hailed from Chicago.

The observance of Juneteenth is about the journey and achievement of African-Americans from sanctioned enslavement to the pinnacle of human endeavors. Marshall “Major” Taylor’s story is one of pride, resilience and determination that will always be of historical importance.

You’ll also have the opportunity to meet with Congressman Jackson and his Congressional team about specific needs in the community and learn more about the work being done to make our community stronger. https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/

ADVOCATE HEALTH CARE CELEBRATES SOUTHLAND CANCER SURVIVORS

Despite the dark and rainy weather, South Side and south suburban cancer survivors were all smiles June 1 when they kicked-off National Cancer Survivors Month with a cancer survivorship event and indoor parade at Advocate Christ Medical Center.

Nearly 90 women and men who are at various stages of beating cancer — including breast, ovarian, colon, head, neck and others — attended the day-long event with their supporters. Over 160 survivors, supporters, medical staff and teammates participated.

Ovarian cancer survivor Michelle Y. Blakely, president of Advocate South Suburban & Advocate Trinity Hospitals, delivered the inspirational keynote address, highlighting how genetic testing helped uncover her nearly invisible illness, her journey back from stage 4B cancer, and what cancer patients and medical providers can learn from her personal battle against cancer.

The inspirational day concluded with a lively, indoor parade of more than 40 cancer survivors to the cheers of their supporters. Blakely led the procession that included Advocate patients with survival anniversaries ranging from months to 36 years.

Art Project Features Portraits Of Students On Trash Bins

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

She, along with students from By The Hand Club For Kids in Moving Everest painted trash bins located down Laramie Avenue. The bins feature portraits of local students.

By The Hand Club For Kids began in 2001 in Cabrini-Green, serving 16 students. The goal of the program is to help children who live in under-resourced communities live abundantly by supporting them from kindergarten through college. The program currently serves more than 1,700 students on the South and West sides of Chicago in communities that include Austin, Altgeld-Murray, Cabrini-Green, Englewood and North Austin.

Lashley has been working as an art teacher at Moving Everest for two and a half years. For her, the project was all about representation and including the students in the project, not just having them work on the project, but having their faces on the trash bins. When she told them about her idea, the students were really excited about it.

saic part of the project. It took them about a week and a half to complete the project. The students worked on the project during their break times. She wasn’t surprised the students wanted to work on the project outside of class. She said the students are always looking for ways to feel involved and be a part of the school. The best way to get them involved, Lashley has found, is through art.

Lashley is proud of the finished project and the fact that she and the students were able to work on it together. She said she loves the way the trash bins look outside the school and the fact that the project is beautifying the community. Lashley teaches 500 students and she said they were so excited and proud of the project that each of them wanted to be on a trash bin.

“Just to see them being involved in their community and their school is a wonderful thing for me,” she said. She added that she would love to expand the project as much as they can.

“Me doing that automatically gave them a sense of dignity and they were proud of working on it,” she said.

Lashley painted the portraits of the students on the seven trash bins and the students worked on the mo -

Lashley said the students she works with are amazing in every way. To see the students come in with a sense of pride and pushing themselves in the face of obstacles, with involvement and joy is amazing. She said they are so ambitious and she enjoys working with them.

For more information about By The Hand Club For Kids, visit www.bythehand.org.

CHICAGO TREASURER CONYEARS-ERVIN

LAUNCHES THE CHICAGO

Chicago -- City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin announced the Chicago Treasurer’s Office’s (CTO) launch of the Chicago Star Award, an initiative dedicated to recognizing and uplifting small businesses that play such a pivotal role in shaping the economic and cultural landscape of Chicago.

The Chicago Star Award aims to highlight the remarkable contributions of small businesses in Chicago and foster community involvement by inviting members of the public to nominate local establishments that contribute to the vibrancy of their communities.

“As the City Treasurer, I am proud to introduce the Chicago Star Award, which celebrates the resilience, innovation, and dedication of our city’s small businesses,” said Conyears-Ervin. “Small businesses are the backbone of our city’s economy, providing nearly half of all jobs and contributing significantly to the well-being and vitality of our diverse communities. This award is more than just an accolade—it represents a commitment to nurture our local economy and celebrate the ways that entrepreneurship can lead to a more prosperous future.”

The CTO will provide resources to the winners to

STAR AWARD

help enhance their visibility, marketing, and overall success. Additionally, awardees will gain access to exclusive business workshops facilitated by the CTO’s community partners, covering essential topics like financial management, digital marketing, and growth strategies. Recipients will also receive a special invitation to the fourth annual Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow Financial Education and Empowerment Summit at the UIC Forum on October 12, where they will find networking opportunities and further professional development.

To be eligible, businesses must operate within the City of Chicago, be registered with the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), and have no outstanding delinquent debt or felonies. Additionally, nominated businesses must not currently be engaged in business with the Chicago Treasurer’s Office in any capacity, nor be a franchise or a large business with more than 500 employees.

Nominations for the Chicago Star Award will remain open until 11:59 p.m. Central on September 2. To submit a nomination or learn more, visit. www.chicagocitytreasurer.com/chicagostars.

Moving Everest Charter School Art Teacher Kayla Lashley and students from By The Hand in Moving Everest worked on trash bins that are meant to beautify the community.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BY THE HAND CLUB FOR KIDS.

FRIEND HEALTH AND HRDI CELEBRATE MILESTONES OF 25 AND 50 YEARS IN

PROVIDING HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

CHICAGO – Friend Health and the Human Resources Development Institute (HRDI) hosted a gala to celebrate their respective anniversaries of 25 and 50 years of delivering vital healthcare services to vulnerable and underserved populations in Chicago. The evening included an awards ceremony and the symbolic “passing of the torch” from Friend Health’s current CEO, Verneda Bachus, to the incoming President and COO, Wendy Thompson.

“As we celebrate 25 years of Friend Health, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible

team that has made our success possible,” said Verneda Bachus, CEO of Friend Health. “Our commitment to providing quality healthcare to Chicago’s underserved populations has never wavered, and I am confident that under Wendy Thompson’s leadership, Friend Health will continue to thrive and expand its impact.”

HOW WILL YOU MAKE THE FIGHT TO END ALZHEIMER’S YOUR OWN?

Friend Health has been a pillar of the community for 25 years, steadfastly dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services to those most in need. The organization’s efforts have been pivotal in ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. Friend Health Services’ range from adult, dental and pediatric care. Since the organization merged with HRDI in 2017, it expanded to provide behavioral, mental health and substance use treatment as well, addressing the diverse needs of the community, promoting wellness and improving lives.

behavioral health services. From its inception, HRDI has tackled the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders, particularly in Black communities on Chicago’s South Side. The organization’s comprehensive approach and unwavering dedication have made it a trusted provider. It now offers services in multiple states and continually adapts to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

“Reflecting on 50 years of HRDI’s service, I am inspired by the resilience and dedication of our community and staff,” said Eugene Humphrey, Executive Director of HRDI. “From our humble beginnings to becoming a multi-state provider, our journey has been marked by innovation and a steadfast commitment to mental and behavioral health. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor our past, embrace our present, and look forward to a future filled with promise.”

“Reflecting on 50 years of HRDI’s service, I am inspired by the resilience and dedication of our community and staff,” said Eugene Humphrey, Executive Director of HRDI.

The Longest Day (June 20th) is a special event dedicated to love for our family members, friends, and neighbors living with Alzheimer’s disease, and for their heroic caregivers, whose days are truly never-ending. This event brings together people from all walks of life to support the fight against Alzheimer’s in a unique and personal way.

The Longest Day is an annual event organized by the Alzheimer’s Association, symbolizing the challenging journey of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. It takes place on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year (June 20), to honor the endurance and strength of those facing Alzheimer’s every day.

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Washington Heights,Roseland,Rosemoor, Englewood,West Englewood, Auburn-Gresham, Morgan Park, Maple Park, Mt. Vernon, Fernwood, Bellevue, Beverly, Pullman, West Pullman, West Pullman,Riverdale, Jeffrey Manor and Hegewisch.

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Lake Meadows, Oakland, Prairie Shores,Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Kenwood, Woodland,South Shore and Hyde Park.

CHICAGO WEEKEND

Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park

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“It is an honor to be entrusted with the leadership of Friend Health,” said Wendy Thompson, President/COO of Friend Health. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation established by Verneda Bachus and continuing our mission to deliver comprehensive, compassionate care to those who need it most. Together, we will forge a future where quality healthcare is accessible to all.”

As Friend Health transitions to new leadership, the organization remains committed to its mission of delivering compassionate, patient-centered care. Wendy Thompson, the incoming President and COO, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the community’s healthcare needs. Under her leadership, Friend Health aims to expand its services and outreach, ensuring that every individual has access to the care they deserve.

HRDI, now a subsidiary of Friend Health, has spent the last 50 years transforming lives through innovative and culturally competent

The event also honored Congressman Danny K. Davis for his unwavering support of community health centers in disinvested communities. For over five decades, Congressman Davis has been a staunch advocate for ensuring that health centers have the necessary resources to meet evolving community health needs and has championed legislation to support these essential services.

Friend Health (formerly Friend Family Health Center) brings more than 65 years of healthcare experience to the community. Its trusted healthcare professionals are here to serve everyone, providing adult medicine, women’s health, children’s health, mental health (including psychiatry), substance use disorder, and dental services.

Since 1974, HRDI has expanded its service matrix to address some of life’s most challenging behavioral health and human service issues. By calling HRDI at 773-291-2500 you will undoubtedly find a service to address you or a loved one’s need in the areas of prevention, intervention, treatment services, mental health, substance use, and community health concerns.

Participation in The Longest Day is simple and flexible. Here’s how you can make the fight to end Alzheimer’s your own: Team up with the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter by registering (www. alzheimers-illinois.org/longestday) and join the global movement to fight Alzheimer’s. Select an activity you love whether it’s hiking, baking, playing a musical instrument, or hosting a virtual event, choose an activity that brings you joy and can be shared with others. Plan your event, organize your chosen activity on or around The Longest Day. It’s a great way to bring your community together for a cause.

The Longest Day is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a powerful way to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s and to show solidarity with caregivers who work tirelessly every day. Your participation helps raise awareness and funds for crucial support services, research, and ultimately, finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

The possibilities for The Longest Day are endless. Whether you’re participating as an individual, a family, or a group, remember that every action counts. It’s all about love and making a difference in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s.

Join us today and turn your passion into purpose. Together, we can make The Longest Day a beacon of hope and love in the fight against Alzheimer’s

Contact: Lionell Martin, Public Relations Manager, Alzheimer’s Association, lrmartin@ alz.org, 773.593. 4211

About the Alzheimer’s Association®: The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272-3900.

Piston Group Selects Former Honda Executive Mamadou Diallo as Chief Executive Officer

DETROIT, PRNewswire -- Mamadou Diallo, formerly the senior vice president of Auto Sales of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. has been named chief executive officer for the Piston Group. He will report to Founder and Chairman Vinnie Johnson.

Diallo will be involved in management of issues including the group’s overall operational performance, financial management, planning and reporting, as well as financial controls and performance for the Piston Group companies: Piston Automotive, Piston Interiors, A Lava and Detroit Thermal Systems.

“Mamadou is a proven market leader with deep knowledge of the automotive industry and OEM internal processes and procedures,” said Johnson. “His 23 years of experience at American Honda Motor Co., where he held the top commercial role for the company within the United States, and oversaw sales, logistics, strategy and product communications will prove to be a significant addition as I continue to grow my team and our overall approach to strategy and customer satisfaction.”

Diallo joined Honda in 2001 through the company’s National Trainee program. During his 23-year tenure at the OEM, Diallo held numerous leadership roles including vice president of Auto Sales, responsible for Honda and Acura sales in the U.S., Caribbean, and Central America, including Market Representation, Vehicle Distribution and Logistics, public relations, dealer communications, and sales training; vice president, Auto Operations, overseeing Product

Planning, Sales & Production Planning and Logistics; and assistant vice president of Acura National Sales, Incentive and Strategy among other positions.

At Honda, Mamadou served on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, an industry trade association based in Washington DC, along with most major OEMs, Teir 1, battery, semiconductor, and technology leaders around the globe. He also was a member of the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) board, which leads all the Honda and Acura high-performance racing programs in North America.

Diallo holds a degree in business administration and post-graduate studies from the University of the District of Columbia and the IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Piston Group, comprised of Piston Automotive, LLC, Piston Interiors, LLC, Detroit Thermal Systems, LLC, and newly acquired A. Lava & Son, LLC, is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan. It designs, engineers, assembles and manufactures a wide variety of automotive parts and systems. Piston Group was founded in 1995 by industry magnate and former NBA champion Vinnie Johnson, and is one of the largest private, minority-owned automotive suppliers in North America.

Today, Piston Group employs nearly 10,000 people at more than 20 locations across North America. Last year, the firm posted revenues of $3.2 billion. Visit www.pistongroup.com for more information.

Survey of Top Black Executives in Corporate America Reveals Current State of DEI

WASHINGTON, PRNewswire -- Amid the rising tension and legal challenges against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, a new survey by The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) reveals a resilient commitment to business enhancing DEI among top Black executives. This survey exclusively engaged top Black executives, providing invaluable insights into the priorities and strategies that should guide DEI efforts.

The survey, released during The ELC’s annual Summer Member Meeting, identified the best ways to improve DEI across Corporate America. In addition to maintaining or increasing ethnic diversity at all levels of leadership and management, three main themes emerged as the most effective approaches for companies moving forward:

between those who report both strong DEI initiatives and high rates of job satisfaction, with more than a third having been at their companies for more than 10 years.

“Through our members’ own experiences, we are learning that unequivocally, companies that double down on the most effective and proven DEI programs are creating a workforce that is more engaged and motivated, which naturally leads to enhanced business performance,” said The ELC President and CEO, Michael C Hyter.

Treat DEI like other known business drivers in companies.

Instill clear measurement mechanisms to determine and reinforce which DEI strategies work best to drive business outcomes.

Remain steadfast in support of DEI to grow the business even as anti-DEI fervor increases.

Understanding today’s environment, nearly three-quarters (72%) of ELC member respondents felt their companies’ commitment to DEI was very or moderately strong with the remaining 28% rating their companies’ commitment as either average or basic. Additionally, 36% reported a reduction in vocal support for DEI at their organizations.

Notably, the survey reveals a direct correlation

Key Findings:

CEO Leadership Crucial for DEI Success: 73% of respondents who rate their companies as strong DEI performers credit their CEOs with driving DEI strategy. Middle management and below benefit from regular communication from the CEO reinforcing the link between DEI initiatives and achievement of corporate business goals.

Impact on Job Satisfaction: Those who reported strong DEI practices also noted job satisfaction, a strong corporate reputation, clearly defined role responsibilities, alignment to company mission and values, opportunities for growth, and equitable compensation in their responses.

Primary Drivers for DEI Goals: Respondents felt that enabling superior business performance, providing equivalent access and opportunity for everyone – being mindful of diverse talent, and strengthening corporate culture through an environment that enhances engagement should lead a company’s DEI efforts.

“We trust that leaders across Corporate America

will leverage the insights presented in this report and incorporate them into their decision-making,” said Gale V. King, Chair of the Board at The Executive Leadership Council. “The ELC stands ready to support companies and CEOs who remain committed to DEI as a strategic business imperative.”

Survey Demographics

The survey gathered responses from 180 top Black executives spanning various industries and sectors. Among them, 61% identify as C-Suite executives and 12% as Board members. The respondents have a varied tenure, with 55% having been at their companies for between one to nine years and 37% for ten years or more.

Approximately two out of three (67%) work at companies with over 10,000 employees.

Read more information on The ELC Special Report: Insights and Advice on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Top Black Executives in Corporate America at https://www.elcinfo.com.

The Executive Leadership Council opens channels of opportunity for the development of Black executives to positively impact business and our communities. An independent non-profit 501(c)(3) founded in 1986, The ELC is the pre-eminent membership organization committed to increasing the number of global Black executives in C-Suites, on corporate boards, and in global enterprises. Comprising nearly 800 current and former Black CEOs, senior executives, and board directors at Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies, and entrepreneurs at top-tier firms, its members work to build an inclusive business leadership pipeline that empowers global Black leaders to make impactful contributions to the marketplace and the global communities they serve.

Piston Group CEO Mamadou Diallo. Piston Group

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CHARGES COOK COUNTY WOMAN OVER FRAUDULENT PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE CLAIMS, PPP LOANS

“Unemployment assistance and Paycheck Protection Program Loans were a lifeline for many Illinois residents and small businesses, which sustained so many of our communities when we needed them the most during the pandemic,” Raoul said.

Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today charged a Cook County woman who allegedly received thousands of dollars from multiple fraudulent COVID-19 unemployment assistance claims and a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application for a business that did not exist.

The Attorney General’s office charged Tina Tzoumas, 38 of Chicago, in Cook County Circuit Court with one count of theft of government property more than $10,000 but less than $100,000, a Class 1 felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison; one count of identity theft more than $10,000 but less than $100,000, a Class 1 felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison; one count of identity theft, a Class 2 felony punishable by up to seven years in prison; one count of financial institution fraud more than $10,000 but less than $100,000, a Class 2 felony punishable by up to seven years in prison; one count of loan fraud more than $10,000 but less than $100,000, a Class 2 felony punishable by up to seven years in prison; one count of state benefits fraud, a Class 3 felony punishable by up to five years in prison; two counts of

forgery, both Class 3 felonies punishable by up to five years in prison; one count of wire fraud, a Class 3 felony punishable by up to five years in prison; one count of possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony punishable by up to five years in prison; and one count of possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony punishable by up to three years in prison.

Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Tzoumas’ next court date is July 24.

“Unemployment assistance and Paycheck Protection Program Loans were a lifeline for many Illinois residents and small businesses, which sustained so many of our communities when we needed them the most during the pandemic,” Raoul said. “I am committed to holding accountable those who used the pandemic to steal from their communities and the state of Illinois.”

Raoul’s office alleges that between June 2020 and June 2021, Tzoumas submitted multiple COVID-19 unemployment assistance claims that were determined to be fraudulent. Tzoumas allegedly submitted these claims using other individuals’ personal identifying information and

received thousands of dollars in Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) funds.

“The lengths to which individuals will go to take advantage of a crisis situation, exploit critical assistance, and cheat vital resources from individuals who legitimately need them during their toughest days is nothing short of contemptible,” said Illinois Department of Employment Security Director Ray Marchiori. “The integrity of the unemployment insurance program and the safeguarding of benefits is of the utmost importance. IDES is proud of the continued partnership with the Attorney General’s office and the tireless work they’ve done to bring charges against these individuals.”

Tzoumas also allegedly used her own information to submit a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application and received thousands of dollars for a business that did not exist.

The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Assistant Attorney General Samantha Cain will prosecute the case for Raoul’s Special Prosecutions Bureau.

Innovative Eyewear, Inc. Launches Eddie Bauer® Smart Eyewear with ChatGPT

MIAMI, PRNewswire -- Innovative Eyewear, Inc. (“Innovative Eyewear” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: LUCY; LUCYW), the developer of smart eyewear under the Lucyd®, Nautica®, Eddie Bauer® and Reebok® brands, is thrilled to announce the launch of its the Eddie Bauer Smart Eyewear collection. This new line includes voice access to ChatGPT and introduces the world’s first rimless smart eyewear design.

The Eddie Bauer Smart Eyewear collection will debut with four distinct styles, all featuring polarized sunglass lenses for optimal outdoor performance. The line showcases the first rimless smart eyewear design, seamlessly integrating the Company’s cutting-edge technology into a lightweight and minimalist aesthetic. Powered with 100ft range Bluetooth, ultra-clear microphones and quadrasonic speakers for music and call capabilities, each pair comes equipped with the Company’s patent-pending charging dock, ensuring effortless and convenient recharging of the glasses and up to three other USB-charged devices for all day adventure.

Harrison Gross, CEO of Innovative Eyewear, stated:

“We believe the launch of our Eddie Bauer Smart Eyewear line marks a significant milestone in our mission to push the boundaries of eyewear innovation. By introducing the first-ever rimless smart eyewear, we believe we are not only elevating style but also redefining the possibilities of wearable technology. This collection exemplifies our commitment to merging fashion and function, catering to the modern, adventurous lifestyle that Eddie Bauer embodies. We believe this is our most premium product to-date, with a combination of high-end finishes, tried and true frame contours and powerful tech accessories to deliver a smartglass experience like no other.”

Sierra McPhillips, Vice President of Brand at Authentic, stated:

“We are pleased to introduce Eddie Bauer’s next adventure in innovation to its audience of brand fans. Innovation is at the core of Eddie Bauer’s brand values, and we are thrilled to continue that mission through the Smart Eyewear launch, in partnership with Innovative Eyewear.”

With a focus on accessibility and convenience, the collection will soon be available through various retail channels, including department stores, sports retailers, brick-and-mortar locations, and local optical stores.

You can order Eddie Bauer Smart Eyewear now at https://Lucyd.co with a variety of prescription and custom lens options.

Innovative Eyewear is a developer and retailer of cutting-edge, ChatGPT enabled smart eyewear, under the Lucyd®, Nautica®, Eddie Bauer® & Reebok® brands. True to our mission to Upgrade Your Eyewear®, our Bluetooth audio glasses allow users to stay safely and ergonomically connected to their digital lives, and are offered in hundreds of frame and lens combina tions to meet the needs of the optical mar ket. To learn more about the Eddie Bauer Powered by Lucyd Smart Eyewear collection and explore the future of eyewear technology, please visit www. Lucyd.co.

For more than 100 years, outdoor brand Eddie Bauer has been inspiring, enabling, and empowering people to live their adventure with products that are built to last. Their performance outerwear, apparel, footwear, accessories, and gear are available at eddiebauer.com and more than 260 stores in the U.S., Canada, Germany, and other internation al markets.

Follow Eddie Bauer on Instagram, Face book and Twitter.

PRNewsfoto/Innovative Eyewear

McDonald’s USA ® Joins Forces with Elaine Welteroth & Fashion Industry Experts to Elevate Emerging Black Designers

CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- McDonald’s USA is proud to introduce the Black & Positively Golden (B&PG) Change of Fashion, a game-changing program aimed at uplifting emerging Black fashion designers and equipping them with career-propelling mentorship, resources, and financial support that will accelerate their career trajectories.

Although Black designers have made a transformative impact in shaping fashion – from zoot suits in the 1930s to hip hop tracksuits of the 1980s, their representation in America stands at a mere 7.3%, hindered by systemic barriers and racial disparities.[1] This imbalance allows the fashion industry to profit from Black culture while neglecting to embrace Black talent. Recognizing this disparity, McDonald’s USA, a brand embraced by streetwear icons and renowned designers, has launched the B&PG Change of Fashion program to advocate for industry-wide change.

Building on the brand’s annual B&PG Change Leaders program, McDonald’s B&PG Change of Fashion program pairs five emerging Black designers with five Black industry experts to complete a year-long mentorship filled with access to valuable resources, education and national exposure to industry experts that will culminate with the launch of a capsule collection.

streetwear trends and upcycling to create unique custom designs.

Shareef Mosby, Richmond, VA, CEO of VICTIM15 |Motivated by personal adversities and a challenging upbringing, Mosby has molded his brand to transmute traditional, utilitarian fabrics and silhouettes into urban-chic, contemporary ensembles juxtaposed against traditional artistic backdrops.

Larissa Muehleder New York, NY, Founder of Muehleder | Muehleder isn’t just a brand—it’s a testament to the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to dream, to create, and to defy their insecurities and self-doubt. With each design, she continues to write her story and find a piece of herself in everyone.

“Having navigated the fashion industry as a Black woman, I understand first-hand the challenges around Black designers breaking through and sustaining a profitable business,” said media personality and television host Elaine Welteroth. “Partnering with a global brand like McDonald’s, I am honored to leverage my experiences as a fashion editor to mentor the next generation of designers and to ultimately help foster more inclusivity in an industry that thrives on Black culture.”

Through the B&PG Change of Fashion program, the Golden Arches and its Owner/ Operators will grant funds to each designer, totaling $200,000 overall, offer one-on-one mentorship sessions, provide access to expert-led masterclasses and more. Change of Fashion Designers are featured in a national television commercial alongside their mentors, which include author and television host Elaine Welteroth, Matte Collection CEO Justina McKee, retail executive Shawn Howell, Laquan Smith COO Jacqueline Cooper, and Founder of luxury concept retail stores, McMullen, and Founder & CEO, Sherri McMullen.

“For decades, McDonald’s has leveraged its size and scale to invest in and support the diverse communities we serve,” said Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s. “The Change of Fashion program builds on that legacy, pushing new boundaries in an effort to inspire real change, not only for our five designers, but for the fashion industry at large.”

MEET THE DESIGNERS

Durrell Dupard, New Orleans, LA, Founder of Freddie Estelle | Inspired by streetwear, Durrell began creating custom 1-of-1 designs for close friends at 15 years old. Freddie Estelle specializes in merging

Heart Roberts, Brooklyn, NY, Founder of HEARTHROB | Their passion for denim and leather knows no bounds, particularly in the art of manipulation and distressing. Enter the realm of HEARTHROB, where sustainability intertwines seamlessly with high fashion, forging a path toward a more conscious and stylish future.

Nia Thomas, New York, NY, Founder of Nia Thomas | Nia started a clothing line producing limited-edition garments and original jewelry inspired by inward discovery nourished by her worldly travels. Today, Nia is a luxe lifestyle brand with handcrafted pieces for people who own their power, sensuality, and capacity for love.

Change of Fashion designers were carefully chosen by a selection committee.

Since commencing in 2022 under the McDonald’s B&PG Futures 22 platform, the B&PG Change Leaders program has provided Black thought leaders nationwide with tools, resources, and more than $600K in funding. The McDonald’s B&PG Change of Fashion program is just one of the many ways the company is serving up bright futures in the communities it serves. For more than 65 years, McDonald’s and its Owner/Operators have fed and fostered the Black community by awarding scholarships to HBCU students, creating impactful partnerships with community organizations like the National Urban League, NAACP, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and more.

Fans can follow the designers’ journeys and explore the meaningful impact of Black fashion in an industry seeking greater diversity by visiting changeoffashion.com or @ wearegolden on Instagram.

McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s approximately 13,500 U.S. restaurants are owned and operated by independent business owners. For more information, visit www. mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and on Facebook at www. facebook.com/mcdonalds.

McDonald’s USA

SHEDD AQUARIUM TARGETS INEQUITY IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION THROUGH NEW INVESTMENTS AND PROGRAMS

CHICAGO – Shedd Aquarium is sharing new details on transformative investments to its historic home, new programs and community partnerships designed to shape a more equitable future for environmental education in Chicago. Fueled by the aquarium’s Centennial Commitment, Shedd will reach 1.8 million youth across all 77 community areas by 2030 with hands-on, high-quality science learning that will happen at the aquarium, in neighborhoods, in classrooms and out in nature. The aquarium will instill environmental literacy and agency in young people across the city, with programs that activate aquatic science and restore connections to nature through animals.

“Every young person in Chicago should experience the wonder of the aquatic world barrier-free – everything from planting native seedlings along the shores of Lake Michigan to kayaking the Chicago River or counting the suckers on an octopus right here at Shedd Aquarium,” said Lisa Junkin-Lopez, Vice President of Learning & Community at Shedd Aquarium. “By expanding access to environmental education, we can empower Chicago’s next generation to be the changemakers for tomorrow’s blue futures.”

Anchoring On-site Learning

Shedd Aquarium already serves as a vital access point to nature and the aquatic world for millions of guests a year, but current capacity and spaces have limited the delivery of facilitated learning experiences for many of those guests – including school groups. Now, the aquarium is substantially evolving and expanding its learning spaces and galleries, and launching a suite of new programs to provide more of those valuable and formative environmental education opportunities to every learner and curious guest who visits the aquari-

um.

The aquarium will soon break ground on a new home for learning just steps away from Shedd’s galleries. The newly designated Morgridge Family Lakeside Learning Studios, opening in 2026, will feature flexible, buzzing classrooms that will be home to animal encounters and aquatic investigations. On any given day, students could be getting eye to eye with a yellow-footed tortoise, chatting virtually with Shedd researchers from the Caribbean, Great Lakes or Latin America, building native bug hotels to house native bees and monarch butterflies, and more.

Made possible in part by a $10 million donation from the Morgridge Family Foundation, the Morgridge Family Lakeside Learning Studios will help the aquarium say yes to more school groups and reach up to 50,000 more students annually with deeper science learning programs.

“As an organization focused on transforming communities, acting on conservation and empowering youth, when we saw the opportunity and the impact that Shedd Aquarium stood to make for so many young people here in Chicago and our global conservationists, we were inspired to act,” said Carrie Morgridge, co-founder of the Morgridge Family Foundation. “We are immensely proud of this gift to Shedd, which will be felt for generations to come.”

At the same time, the aquarium is reimagining new, immersive, bilingual and science-forward galleries that will offer novel ways to explore and commune with aquatic biodiversity. All parts of Shedd’s Experience Evolution, two of those new exhibits – Wonder of Water and Amazon Rising – are expected to open later this year.

“Shedd Aquarium is one of our District’s amazing and longstanding community partners,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “We are thrilled by the aquarium’s dedication to welcoming more CPS students each year for hands-on learning and awe-inspiring exhibits and events. These new investments and this important focus on environmental education will only continue to enhance opportunities and education for our students.”

Activating an Off-site Learning Ecosystem

Mirroring its on-site learning evolution, Shedd Aquarium is partnering with schools and community groups to reimagine programming that bridges the growing nature gap and brings high-quality environmental education to Chicago youth, teachers, families and community leaders.

More than 25 programs for K-12th grade students, taking place in and out of school, pair nature-based experiences with hands-on science learning to increase compassion for wildlife develop important skills like collaboration and communication, and build self-efficacy to use their voices and hands as changemakers. Youth will test water in local lagoons and compare them to habitats at Shedd, practice field survey techniques to identify insects and plant native seedlings to support restoration efforts or campaign local restaurants to reduce their plastic waste.

By deepening engagement with Chicago youth through expanded touchpoints and unique school and community partnerships, Shedd will be a more constant, supportive presence in the lives of learners, centering equity in who these programs reach as well

Continue on Page 9

President Obama Joins Construction Workers to Mark Obama Presidential Center Milestone

CHICAGO – President Obama visited the Obama Presidential Center construction site on Chicago’s South Side to mark a significant milestone in the building of the Center. The Museum Building, the tallest building on the 19.3 acre campus, has reached its full height of 225 feet, known in the construction industry as “topping out.”

During the visit, he thanked the construction workers and architects who brought this inspiring vision to life, and alongside them, signed a piece of the building that will be

part of the Sky Room ceiling. The Sky Room, on the top floor of the Museum Building, will be a place to reflect and take in sweeping views of Lake Michigan to the East, the skyscrapers of downtown Chicago to the North, and the South Side of Chicago to the West and South.

Earlier in the day, he also met with young people from the community to discuss programming they’d like to see at the Museum and throughout the Obama Presidential Center campus.

Signs

elder abuse:

Decisions about an older person’s life are not in their best interest

Sudden changes in behavior

Unusual changes in spending or money management

Unexplained physical injuries

Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases

Unhealthy or unsafe living conditions

This milestone moment is part of President Obama’s hands-on approach, continuing his dedication and active involvement in shaping what will be a transformational experience at the Center. The campus will feature a fruit and vegetable garden; an athletic, programs, and events facility; a world-class museum; an auditorium; a branch of the Chicago Public Library; and more. Additional programming will also invite visitors—whether they’re coming from down the block or across the globe—to bring change home.

Celebrating Juneteenth: A Call for Freedom and Justice in Child Welfare

As we commemorate Juneteenth, we honor the resilience and perseverance of Black Americans in their fight for freedom and justice. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the importance of advocating for marginalized communities, including children in the foster care system.

The legacy of Juneteenth reminds us that the fight for liberation extends beyond the emancipation of enslaved people—it encompasses the pursuit of justice and equality for all. In today’s context, this includes addressing the systemic inequalities that impact children in foster care, particularly those from Black and marginalized communities.

Despite the abolition of slavery, systemic racism and discrimination persist in our child welfare system, disproportionately affecting Black children and families. From overrepresentation in foster care to disparities in educational attainment and access to resources, Black children face immense challenges on their journey to permanency and stability.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, let us recommit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and equity in child welfare. This means advocating for policies and practices that dismantle systemic barriers, promote family preservation, and prioritize the well-being of every child.

We must also recognize the resilience and strength of children and families impacted by the foster care system. Their stories are a testament to the power of perseverance and the resilience of the human spirit.

On this Juneteenth, let us stand together in solidarity, amplifying the voices of those who have been marginalized and advocating for a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can create a world where freedom and justice reign for all.

ILLUMINARIUM DEBUTING AT CHICAGO’S NAVY PIER THIS SUMMER

CHICAGO – Think VR without the glasses. Illuminarium, a breakthrough global experiential entertainment company created by worldwide leaders in cinematic immersion, theatrical design, and venue operations, is officially headed to Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier this summer. Set to open its doors on Friday, June 28, the immersive venue will debut with two breathtaking experiences: WILD: A Safari Experience and SPACE: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond. Known as “the place that can take you anyplace,” the awe-inspiring 32,000 square-foot entertainment venue will be located within the former Crystal Gardens venue, marking the company’s fifth Illuminarium location following Las Vegas, Atlanta, Toronto, and Macau, China.

“We are elated the time is officially here for us to introduce Chicago to what we hope will be an unforgettable adventure,” said Alan Greenberg, CEO of Illuminarium Experiences. “Illuminarium is a totally transportive experience with some of the most amazing, inspiring spectacles from around the world and beyond, and we hope audiences of all ages will come to Navy Pier to check us out and leave feeling inspired and wanting more.”

Using cutting-edge, innovative technologies, Illuminarium’s visually stunning venue will transport locals and visitors of all ages to places they previously could only dream of experiencing. By enabling audiences to see, hear, and even personally affect an experience, Illuminarium will place patrons “inside” the narrative using techniques from traditional motion picture production and virtual reality, and pair it with interactive features that mimic that of the real world, all without wearable hardware.

WILD: A Safari Experience will provide attendees with an idyllic journey through the vast beauty and splendor of Africa, fully immersing visitors in the authentic sounds and scenes of an extraordinary safari experience, allowing them to come face-to-face with some of the world’s most majestic animals in their natural habitats.

SPACE: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond will take patrons out of this world and onto a mind-blowing journey through space and time. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience firsthand what it is like to walk on the surface of the Moon, step inside a nebula, or see the remarkable James Webb Space Telescope unfurl in space, all while being completely enveloped in the beauty of our galaxies and Solar System.

The above spectacles are not seated showings, but instead, patrons are given the opportunity to walk through the space at their leisure. Designed to entertain ages 3 to 103, visitors will have the opportunity to choose their own adventure, as both experiences will be played each day. Illuminarium Experiences typically take about 45 to 60 minutes. Tickets to Illuminarium begin at $34.99 for adults and $24.99 for children, plus taxes and fees

For more information on Illuminarium @ Navy Pier or to plan ahead and purchase tickets today, please visit illuminarium.com/chicago. Once open, Illuminarium will also play host to show-stopping private events including birthdays, weddings and corporate functions, adding a stunning visual setting for special occasions of all types.

Visitors may join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

SHEDD AQUARIUM Continued From Page 7

as the content and engagement methods within the learning environment.

“Shedd Aquarium has been a fantastic partner in co-creating out-of-school environmental education programs that are relevant to the learners themselves and the communities they represent,” said Natasha Smith-Walker, executive director of Project Exploration. “The work of the aquarium fits in perfectly with our efforts to build youth-science pathways and skills for youth in Chicago’s westside neighborhoods.”

Centering Equity in Science Learning

Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, in the country’s third largest city, Shedd recognizes that longstanding inequities mean young people do not enjoy equal access to nature and its many benefits.

In response, Shedd’s investments and environmental education programs are intentionally focused on better serving communities in Chicago’s south and west side neighborhoods, where communities tend to live farther from nature and bear disproportionate environmental burdens.

“Historically, not all Chicagoans have benefitted from everything our city has to offer,” said Alderman Lamont Robinson. “I am proud to have institutions like Shedd Aquarium in the 4th Ward who are taking steps to correct those disparities and give all Chicago students meaningful opportunities to learn about and be inspired by the world around them.”

By rooting environmental education programs in the neighborhoods where youth live, learn and play, the aquarium can leverage existing community resources and assets to make science learning easier to access and more personally relevant. These community connections also help the aquarium adjust the content, location and instructions based on the specific needs of the individual learners and what they need to succeed – informed by those who know them best.

Alongside the generous donation by the Morgridge Family Foundation, transformational support for Shedd Aquarium’s environmental education spaces and programs has been provided by the Haerther Trust and the Pepper Family Foundation. Most recently, lead contributions have also been generously provided by Bank of America, Dana Waud, and The Montgomery Foundation.

Big O Holdings LLC and Sony Music Publishing Announce New Partnership To Administer Otis Redding Catalog

(Black PR Wire) Macon, GA – The heirs to the Estate of Otis Redding Jr., doing business as Big O Holdings LLC, has entered into an administration agreement with Sony Music Publishing covering Redding’s vast music catalog in the U.S.

Otis Redding, a prolific songwriter, and producer, is considered one of the most influential performers in the history of American popular music and a trailblazer in soul and rhythm & blues music due to his gospel-inspired, stylistic singing. Known as “The King of Soul,” he released his debut album, “Pain In My Heart” in 1964 which produced his first hit single, “These Arms of Mine.” The song reached No. 20 on the R&B charts, and was included on several soundtracks, and most prominently in the movie Dirty Dancing.

Redding is known for other chart-topping hits including, “Respect,” (also a top hit for Aretha Franklin), “Try A Little Tenderness” and “Hard To Handle,” covered by the Black Crowes.

Prior to his untimely death, Redding co-wrote, with Steve Cropper, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” which was released posthumously in 1968 following his death on December 10, 1967. The song

hit No.1 on the Pop and R&B charts and received two Grammy Awards in 1969.

A native of Macon, Georgia, Redding’s music continues to influence pop-culture and musicians in all genres as evidenced by artists including The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Jay-Z and Willie Nelson. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll

Hall of Fame in 1989, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994 and honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999.

“For over 50 years I have been diligent to make sure Otis’ legacy remains relevant and recognizable around the world. I feel that the Sony Music Publishing team can assist my family in this never-ending effort”, stated Mrs. Zelma Redding.

“As one of the most significant songwriters of our lifetime, Otis Redding remains an American treasure,”

commented Sony Music Publishing Chairman/ CEO Jon Platt. “Otis’ songs have shaped the cultural landscape across genres and generations, and it is a privilege to partner with the Redding family as stateside custodians of this singular music catalog.”

“Otis Redding was a rare talent – his songs are unmistakably brilliant, and their enduring impact remains strong to this day. We are honored to join forces with the Redding family to represent his catalog and strengthen his legacy as one of the most iconic songwriters in American history,” stated Sony Music Publishing President, Global Chief Marketing Officer Brian Monaco.

The 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ Celebrates 30 Years of Loving Us

(Black PR Wire) NEW ORLEANS -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Legacy will take center stage as the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® will be like no other, when it makes its return to the festival’s forever home of New Orleans from July 4-7, 2024. This year’s festival will celebrate 30-years of loving us with a four-day event that has spanned generations, both in-person and virtually. To commemorate the three decades of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® the evening concert series at the Caesar’s Superdome will be rooted in legacy and evolution, to represent the festival’s journey throughout its rich history to today. The 30th birthday celebration includes a star-studded line-up with headlining performances from entertainers that have graced the stage over the years, including USHER in a special one-night only performance of the iconic album that turned 20 this year, Confessions, global icon Janet Jackson, 3-time Grammy-Award winner Victoria Monét, a milestone celebration with Birdman & Friends Presents 30 Years of Cash Money Millionaires and 8-time ESSENCE Festival vet, Charlie Wilson. The four-day event will close with the return of the all-white party and a Special Tribute to Frankie Beverly & Maze and passing of the torch moment, curated by Grammy-Award winning producer & songwriter, Bryan-Michael Cox. Attendees, fans and festival goers, are invited to join the festivities as we look at the past, present and future of the festival, originally birthed as a one-time-only event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of ESSENCE Magazine. The 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® Evening Concert Series will be hosted by Keke Palmer, Pretty Vee, Big Tigger, Punkie Johnson and Kenny Burns with special DJ sets from Raj Smoove, DJ Clark Kent and DJ Beverly Bond.

at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center! This year, fans can expect the return of festival-favorites such as the ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival™, BEAUTYCON™: @ESSENCEFEST Edition, AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA™, ESSENCE Film Festival® by ESSENCE STUDIOS™, ESSENCE Stage™, SOKO MRKT™ by ESSENCE®, ESSENCE Authors™, ESSENCE® GU® CREATORS HOUSE, GBEF® HQ and more. The Suede: Men’s Experience™ (formerly known as In His Zone), will be a place centered around the Black man to encourage fun, freedom and fellowship in a collegial atmosphere exploring topics such as money, fatherhood, creativity, health, travel, fashion and sports. For this monumental occasion, the festival will introduce new experiences such as the ESSENCE Hollywood House™, which will be a space for networking, mentoring, skills-building, and increasing the visibility of Black people in entertainment spaces.

As the festival has evolved and expanded from its origin as solely a music festival in 1994, so have the vast daytime experiences offered to attendees each year

Music legends will hit the evening stage at the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® to celebrate the annual festival that has spanned generations - with many of these artists gracing the stage over their careers. At age 19, USHER gave his first show-stopping performance on the ESSENCE Festival stage in 1998 and as he celebrates 20 years of the musical masterpiece that is Confessions, Mr. Raymond returns to give a one-night only, never-before-seen show. Across the festival’s 30-years, the incomparable Frankie Beverly & Maze has given a showstopping closing performance and as we commemorate this year’s festival, ESSENCE will give flowers to the entertainers who started the all-white Sunday-night tradition and a special passing of the torch presentation by Mr. Beverly. Global icon Janet Jackson returns to the festival stage, following her 2022 performance, which remains one of the highest-grossing nights in the festival’s history. R&B icon Charlie Wilson will take the stage to perform his undeniable melodies and generation-defining songs, alongside some special friends.

For 30 years, New Orleans has and will continue to be the cultural backdrop of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® and like the 30-years since the festival’s inception, 2024 also marks the three-decade milestone of New Orleans-own Cash Money. Birdman & Friends Presents 30 Years of Cash Money Millionaires will bring a special performance to our shared, forever home of the Crescent City, alongside some of our favorite hometown artists and more. Grammy-nominated musical group, Tank and The Bangas, continues the New Orleans takeover with a curated performance alongside special guests & New Orleans natives, Teedra Moses, HaSizzle and Dawn Richard. Victoria Monét joins the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® line-up for a co-headlining and inaugural performance on the legacy stage that will for sure be a showstopper! ESSENCE couldn’t celebrate a milestone birthday party without one of the best DJs of the culture, D-Nice, who will return to the Superdome stage for a special presentation of his global sensation, Club Quarantine Live. The performance will feature icons of hip hop, latin jazz funk, R&B and soca including Method Man, Sheila E., Big Boi, Donell Jones, Tweet, Machel Montano and Lloyd. Special curated performances each night include Grammy-winning band members, The Roots & Friends featuring Ari Lennox, Mickey Guyton and special guest, T. Pain; and the reunion of R&B supergroup, TGT (Tyrese, Ginuwine & Tank). Additional evening performers include Nigerian singer & songwriter Ayra Starr, R&B songstresses SWV, award-winning hip-hop artist Busta Rhymes, R&B singer Jacquees and more to be announced!

The 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ is presented by Coca-Cola® and major partners, AT&T, L’Oréal Groupe, McDonald’s USA, and Target Corporation. Stay tuned for all official updates for this year’s festival at ESSENCEFestival.com and join the conversation on social at @ESSENCEFest on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Tickets are now available on the festival’s website and for those who are not able to attend in-person, please tune-in to ESSENCE.com and ESSENCEFestival.com for a virtual viewing experience.

Arron Saxe, Walter Jones, Derek Crownover, Jarred Andrews, Dexter Redding (rear center) Justin Andrews, Zelma Redding, Karla Redding-Andrews, Brian Monaco, Liz Lewis, Jon Platt. Sony Music Publishing

Off The Hill

Peters commemorates historic milestone with first-ever Tradeswomen Take Over Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters joined forces with labor unions on Thursday to celebrate a groundbreaking moment in the state’s capital— the first-ever Tradeswomen Take Over Springfield event.

“It’s often forgotten that our country has a long history of women in trades, particularly as it relates to the labor movement during World War II,” said Peters (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Labor Committee. “Tradeswomen Take Over Springfield honors that history and connects it to the labor movement today. Women have made invaluable contributions to the labor movement, building a workforce where every individual –regardless of gender, race or background – has the opportunity to pursue a career in trades.”

Organized by the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Tradeswomen Take Over Springfield was established to highlight the achievements and strength of tradeswomen who play a significant role in the labor force while promoting trade opportunities. Peters, alongside IUPAT leaders, launched the day with a press conference featuring tradeswomen, labor union leaders and other lawmakers advocating for comprehensive legislation, workforce investments and networking opportunities to expand access to trade careers for women and minorities.

“I graduated at a time where I was expected to get married or go to college,” said Missouri State Senator Gina Walsh, a retired member of the Heat and Frost Insulators, who spoke at the event. “Someone introduced me to the trades, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Organizations, including Climate Jobs Illinois, are adapting their programs to support women in trades by providing tailored assistance such as child care, rental support, mental health services and stipends for tools and application fees to ensure their success in the field.

“It’s important to me and for generations to come to see more women as electricians, operating engineers, laborers and plumbers,” said Chynna Hampton, equity director at Climate Jobs Illinois. “For the last two years, we have been working to ensure that we alleviate barriers for individuals getting into the trades.”

Peters, known for his advocacy in support of labor-friendly initiatives, has been a champion for several measures that promote diversity and inclusion and protect workers from retaliation, such as Senate Bill 3649, aimed at banning employers from mandating meetings on political or religious matters. Additionally, he championed House Bill 2862 to enhance safety for temporary workers and has advocated for the Work Without Fear Act – Senate Bill 3464 – to extend protections against immigration-related retaliation to individuals, their families and household members.

“I am proud to be in Illinois, a pro-labor state,” said State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Aurora), who is a cosponsor of Peters’ Senate Bill 3649. “I think that we are doing it right.”

Peters looks forward to building on the momentum created by Tradeswomen Take Over Springfield.

Collins birth equity initiative aims to reduce maternal mortality SPRINGFIELD—As disparities in maternal mortality rates continue to alarm health care professionals and soon-to-be mothers across the state, State Senator Lakesia Collins passed a measure to expand coverage for pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by doulas and midwives.

“Why should mothers have to make the decision between paying their rent, mortgage or car loan, and making sure they and their baby are healthy?” said

Collins (D-Chicago). “Women should not have their health decisions limited by whether or not they can afford care. This initiative will impact many women in the state by eliminating the cost-sharing requirements for this care, and end up saving lives.”

Under Collins’ legislation, private insurers would be required to cover all pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by perinatal doulas or licensed certified professional midwives, including home births, home visits and support during labor. Insurance companies would need to cover home visits

“…It was therapeutic to empathize with everyone and get to meet people in the same situation

by board-certified lactation consultants, including the cost of recommended breast pumps, breastfeeding supplies and feeding aids.

The measure would also provide coverage for abortion care without cost-sharing limitations like waiting periods or deductibles, and aims to add coverage for certified professional midwife services for residents with Medicaid starting Jan. 1, 2025. To keep consumer costs from inflating, the legislation allows policy limits to cover up to $8,000 for home visits by a perinatal doula.

“From urban Chicago to rural

Southern Illinois, women across every community face unexpected complications during pregnancy, and without the coverage of insurance, are faced with life-threatening situations,” said Collins. “This initiative also addresses disparate health outcomes Black women experience when pregnant, as we are three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related medical conditions as white women. This is a life-or-death issue, and making these health care options more accessible is long overdue.”

House Bill 5142 passed the Senate on Thursday.

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Adding Nurse Case Managers to Telehealth Significantly Lowers Blood Pressure in Black and Hispanic Stroke Survivors

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Low-income Black and Hispanic stroke survivors with uncontrolled hypertension had a more than two-fold reduction in blood pressure when they tracked it at home and sent their readings to a nurse case manager. The gains were in systolic blood pressure specifically at one year into the study and when compared to a similar group of patients who did not have access to a nurse.

Led by researchers at NYU Langone, the study is the first to examine differences in home blood pressure monitoring with or without nurse case management. Further, the findings, published online June 6 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), addressed controlling hypertension in low-income Black and Hispanic patients with stroke across multiple hospital systems.

“We found that low-income Black and Hispanic patients with stroke and significant comorbidity benefit greatly from telemedicine in general, which we know ramped up during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said study lead author Gbenga Ogedegbe, MD, MPH, director of the Institute for Excellence in Health Equity and professor in the Departments of Population Health and Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “The benefit of home blood pressure telemonitoring was even more profound with the addition of nurse case management.”

While stroke mortality has fallen as a whole over the past ten years, Black and Hispanic patients continue to have higher rates of recurrent stroke compared to White patients. Black adults are 50 percent more likely to suffer a stroke and Black men are 70 percent more likely to die from a stroke compared to their White counterparts. Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, with the disparities stemming from factors such as unequal access to healthcare and effective treatments, and poorer adherence to medications.

“Our goal is for enhanced telehealth programs to be implemented as standard practice for management of hypertension in this vulnerable population that is underserved and suffers adverse social determinants of health that result in unjust health disparities,” said Ogedegbe.

How the Study Was Conducted

The research team enrolled a total of 450 low-income Black and Hispanic stroke survivors with uncontrolled hypertension and other chronic conditions from eight stroke centers across four New York City health systems (NYC Health + Hospitals, NYU Langone Health, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, and Columbia University Medical Center). Study participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group receiving home blood pressure telemonitoring with nurse case management (enhanced telemedicine) or a control group receiving only home blood pressure telemonitoring. Seventy-two percent of all enrolled study participants had an annual household income of under $25,000.

baseline (with two and half times greater decline among patients in the intervention group), there was no difference in rate of recurrent stroke between the two groups at two years.

Only four percent of total patients enrolled in the study had another stroke within two years (nine patients in the intervention group and nine in the control group). Ogedegbe maintains that additional studies are needed to better understand long-term clinical outcomes, cost effectiveness, and generalizability of nurse case management enhanced telehealth programs.

Patients in both groups received home blood pressure monitors and were instructed to take their blood pressure 12 times per week for one year. Readings were wirelessly transmitted to a web-based portal and monthly reports were sent to providers. Any reading that fell outside of an acceptable range triggered a phone call to the patient from a clinician.

In addition to home blood pressure telemonitoring, patients in the intervention group also received 20 telephone counselling calls from trained nurse case managers over the course of the year. During the calls, the nurses educated patients about blood pressure, stroke symptoms and lifestyle changes (including physical activity, weight loss, nutrition and the importance of adhering to prescribed medications) that could lower blood pressure. Nurses also checked that patients were keeping up with home blood pressure monitoring, and addressed any challenges expressed by patients.

The two main outcomes were patients’ blood pressure after one year, and rate of recurrent stroke within two years. While both groups had a significant decline in systolic blood pressure after one year compared to

“Our ongoing work shows the urgent need to reduce racial disparities in hypertension-related outcomes between communities of color and White patients,” said Tanya M. Spruill, PhD, associate professor in the Departments of Population Health and Medicine, and the study’s senior author. “We believe that telehealth programs to manage uncontrolled hypertension could play an important role in addressing structural inequities in care and substantially improve outcomes in Black and Hispanic stroke survivors.”

In addition to Ogedegbe, study co-authors from NYU Langone include senior author Tanya M. Spruill, PhD, Stephen K. Williams, MD; Adebayo Ogunlade, MPH; Chigozirim Izeogu, MD, McGovern Medical School at UT Health Houston; Joseph P. Eimicke, MS, Jian Kong, MS, Stephanie A. Silver, MPH, Jeanne A. Teresi, EdD, PhD, Olajide Williams, MD, Columbia University; Helen Valsamis, MD, and Susan W. Law, DO, Steven R. Levine, MD, NYC Health + Hospitals; Salina P. Waddy, MD, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.

The research was supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), grant number U54 NS081765.

Vaniam Group™ and Women Leaders in Oncology® Announce 2024 Young Investigator Awards, Advancing Diversity and Equity in Cancer Research

CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- Conquer Cancer®, the ASCO Foundation, presented the 2024 Young Investigator Awards (YIAs) funded by Vaniam Group™ and Women Leaders in Oncology® (WLO) on May 31. Both annual awards recognize and promote greater diversity and equity across cancer research.

of liposarcoma (LPS). Her continued research in Boston, Massachusetts, will explore how the lack of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IFG-1) may serve this at-risk population

Vaniam Group LLC

Leou Ismael Banla, MD, PhD, of Massachusetts General Hospital and the Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, became the fourth recipient of the Conquer Cancer-Vaniam Group LLC YIA, which is dedicated to Black, African, or African American cancer researchers. Dr Banla, of Boston, Massachusetts, will use his funding for continued research on advancing imaging techniques to obtain a clearer picture of specific markers found on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells

Erica Pimenta, MD, PhD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, became the eighth recipient of the Conquer Cancer-Women Leaders in Oncology “Women Who Conquer Cancer” YIA for her innovative work investigating the key pathways in the de-differentiated subtype (DDLPS)

“The pursuit of an equitable future in oncology research and treatment inspires our work at Vaniam Group,” said Deanna B. van Gestel, Founder and CEO of Vaniam Group and WLO, and Board Member of Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation. “Championing young investigators, most especially women and people of color, will help pave the way to better health outcomes for patients living with cancer. It is our honor to support Dr. Banla and Dr. Pimenta in their important research.”

Both grants were presented by Conquer Cancer in conjunction with the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting held in Chicago on Friday, May 31.

Conquer Cancer-Vaniam Group LLC YIA

Presented by Conquer Cancer and funded by Vaniam Group, the Conquer Cancer-Vaniam Group LLC YIA provides annual research grants to Black, African, or African American researchers who spe-

cialize in oncology. The YIA was established in 2021 to encourage more people of color to apply for Conquer Cancer grants. Dr Banla is the fourth recipient of this YIA. In 2021, Quaovi H. Sodji, MD, PhD, of University of Wisconsin-Madison, received the inaugural grant while completing residency at Stanford University for his research exploring a novel immunotherapy approach to combat pancreatic cancer.

Women Leaders in Oncology

Created in 2014 by Ms. van Gestel, WLO is focused on growing a community and fostering meaningful connections for women in oncology drug development, clinical research, and medical practice. WLO facilitates networking, mentorship, and research funding for women across oncology at all levels, along with sponsorship opportunities that enable corporations to exceed their diversity, equity, and inclusion goals in a measurable and impactful way.

In addition to raising funds to support the annual YIA, WLO community members also contribute toward the $1.35 million endowment that Ms. van Gestel has pledged to raise by 2026 to fund future Women Who Conquer Cancer YIAs. Anyone interested in supporting this cause can donate at CONQUER.ORG/WLO.

PRNewsfoto/NYU Langone Health

U.S. Department of Education Announces Jeremy Singer as FAFSA Executive Advisor in the Office of Federal Student Aid

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) announced today Jeremy Singer as FAFSA Executive Advisor in the office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) to lead the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) overall strategy and accelerate technology innovation to further enhance FSA’s technical and operational capabilities.

FAFSA Executive Advisor

The Department is committed to carrying out transformational changes at FSA, including continuing making improvements to the Better FAFSA, and to ensure a smooth launch and successful 2025-26 FAFSA season. The Department is bringing on Jeremy Singer, a technology solutions expert, to help FSA deliver the Better FAFSA and improved experience for students and families.

Singer is taking temporary leave from his role as President of College Board to join the Department. He will lead FSA’s overall strategy on the 2025-26 FAFSA form, working closely with the Department’s leadership and the FAFSA implementation team to strengthen internal systems and processes, bolster technical capabilities, and drive innovation to help ensure optimal performance leading to the launch of the 2025-26 FAFSA form.

“Jeremy brings deep experience having successfully led the development and introduction of major technology innovations in education, which will be integral to improving the FAFSA experience and ensuring millions of students and families can easily access the federal financial aid they are entitled to,” said U.S. Secretary

of Education Miguel Cardona. The Department remains committed to ensuring all students receive the federal aid they need to access higher education and is working to improve the application experience for the next FAFSA cycle. The Department has heard from students, families, institutions, states, and those that support them that it is most important for the 202526 FAFSA form to be available on October 1st, and the Department is working toward that goal. To minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth experience for students, families and institutions, the 2025-26 FAFSA will remain consistent with the 2024-25 form. The Department has made significant progress to address and resolve all major known issues with the 2024-25 form and will continue to make improvements to the form to enable a better user experience.

For the 2024-25 award year, which will begin July 1, 2024, the Department has already received and processed over 11.1 million FAFSA forms. The Department also released new data that show that it has made significant progress in closing the gap in FAFSA submissions to 8 percent compared to this time last year, down from nearly 40 percent in March. This FAFSA cycle was the culmination of extraordinary change:

Over 20 systems within FSA, some over 50 years old, had to be rebuilt from the ground up.

The changes have meant that students can complete the form faster – many in less than 15 minutes.

7.1 million students in total are expected to be eligible for Pell Grants, including 5.7 million students eligible for a maximum Pell Grant, making 1.7 million more students receiving the maximum Pell Grant. Overall, 665,000 more students will receive Pell grants.

The expansive scope and timeline of the changes for the 2024-25 FAFSA has been challenging for students, families, institutions, states, and organizations that support them. The Department will continue to work with partners and solicit specific feedback on ways to improve the help text on the form, student tip sheets, and other direct communication to students to ensure students can successfully complete the 2025-26 FAFSA. We will also conduct a series of listening

sessions over the coming weeks to inform how we can better support students, families, colleges, states, and other partners for a successful 2025-26 FAFSA season.

In addition, the Department will publish a Request for Information (RFI) this summer to solicit feedback from those not able to attend the sessions. The listening sessions and RFI will also lead to the development of a new Better FAFSA Better Future Roadmap, to be released in late summer, that will outline new tools the Department is making available such as additional trainings, webinars, counselor guides, and student tip sheets.

FAFSA Student Support Strategy

In May, the Department launched the FAFSA Student Support Strategy to increase the number of students completing

their FAFSAs and enrolling in college. This strategy has now provided over $30 million in funding and counting and has reached more than 180 organizations across the country.

The funding is supporting various projects and activities, including launching paid media campaigns to increase FAFSA completion, providing stipends to school counselors hosting FAFSA completion events, launching mobile FAFSA clinics, providing one-on-one support during FAFSA office hours, translation services, and other activities all organizations focused on ensuring that students and families are successful in submitting the 2024-25 FAFSA. This work will continue through the summer months.

A regularly updated list of awardees can be found at the ECMC website.

Photos By L.M. Warbington

(StatePoint) Whether you’re a novice jogger embarking on a couch-to-5K program or a marathoner serious about racking up finishers’ medals, it’s critical you take great care of your feet.

“Running is an amazing form of cardiovascular exercise, but because it’s a high-impact sport that involves repeated trauma to the feet, everyone from long-distance runners to casual joggers is at risk for developing painful and debilitating foot conditions,” says Bryce A. Paschold, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and a Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

To help you identify signs of some of the more common foot issues associated with running so you can get proper treatment before the condition keeps you from the activity you love, the foot and ankle surgeon members of ACFAS are offering the following insights:

• Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is perhaps the most common complaint

from runners. Presenting as heel pain, it’s caused by inflammation of the ligament that holds up the arch. At the first sign of heel pain, Dr. Paschold advises runners to stretch the calf, wear sturdier shoes and use arch supports. In some cases, icing and anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, are helpful. Should pain continue, visit a foot and ankle surgeon, who might recommend custom orthotics, injections and physical therapy.

• Neuromas: A neuroma is a pinched nerve between the toes that can cause pain, numbness and a burning sensation in the ball of the foot. Overly flexible shoes are often the cause, and padding, orthotics or injections are usually effective treatments.

• Tendonitis: Runners can be sidelined with tendonitis if they ignore the warning signs of this overuse condition. There are several forms of tendonitis that affect the Achilles and other areas, and all are treated with rest, icing, strengthening, stretching and anti-inflammatory medica-

tions, and sometimes with orthotics and physical therapy. Because overzealous training is usually the cause, especially among beginners, it’s important to ramp up mileage and speed gradually. A running coach can tailor your training plan to your current fitness level.

• Broken bones: Don’t assume that because you’re able to run, your foot is not fractured. Signs of a stress fracture can include pain, swelling, redness and possibly bruising. If a fracture is suspected, remember to practice RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation). You should also see a foot and ankle surgeon for an Xray and proper diagnosis. Remember that like with other overuse injuries, stress fractures are often brought on by trying to do too much too soon. A general rule of thumb is to increase mileage by no more than 10 percent week to week.

• Lisfranc injuries: One misstep can lead to a sprain, fracture or dislocation of the Lisfranc joint. Consider wearing a headlamp in low lighting for surer footing. It is also a good idea to incorporate exercises into your regimen that will keep ankles and feet mobile and strong.

“While completing a marathon or even longer distance race may seem like the ultimate goal, it’s wise for new runners to start with shorter races first. This conservative approach will keep your feet in good shape so you’re able to run pain-free for years to come,” says Dr. Paschold. “And of course, it’s vital to listen to your body and seek care from a foot and ankle surgeon whenever a foot problem is suspected.”

For more information on foot care or to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: G24000187 on JUNE 3, 2024 Under the Assumed Business Name of FELISHA HOWARD ESTATE with the business located at: 433 WEST HARRISON STREET P.O. BOX 6088, CHICAGO, IL 60680. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name FELISHA HOWARD Complete Address 9138 SOUTH CARPENTER