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WEEKEND
WEEKLY
Diversity Action Alliance Hosts Second Annual Diversity Gala Sponsored by Omnicom Public Relations Group
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P4 FREE | VOL 53 | ISSUE 26
POETRY FOUNDATION
WELCOMES PEOPLE BACKTO THEIR BUILDING
Adrian Matejka is the Editor of Poetry Magazine and the first Black leader of the publication in its 110-year history. PHOTO PROVIDED BY FLOWERS COMMUNICATIONS GROUP.
The Poetry Foundation, located at 61 W. Superior, opened it doors to the public for the first time since the pandemic on Tuesday, June 14th. It was an opportunity for people to meet Adrian Matejka, the new editor of Poetry Magazine. P2
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2 NEWS briefly MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY ENCOURAGES FAMILIES TO CELEBRATE SCIENCE ALL SUMMER LONG
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) is continuing its long-standing tradition of supporting summer learning and encouraging excitement in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) outside of classroom with the distribution of 5,000 curiosity kits at 150 locations. Each Curiosity Kit will include four or five curated hands-on activities for children ages 8 to 13, with instructions in English and Spanish, that will encourage them to engage with and explore STEAM content. The first set of kits, “MSI Curiosity Kits: Observation” are designed to encourage scientific observation with observation journals and mindfulness activities. The kits will be available in late June at roughly 150 locations, primarily in the city of Chicago within geographic areas that have been underserved. These locations include all 81 branches of the Chicago Public Library and select Chicago Park District locations. The Park District will also be using these kits in their summer programming. “The Curiosity Kits are a great way spark interest and excitement in STEAM subjects outside of the classroom during summer break, said Rex Babiera, ITW Director of Professional Learning. “Our goal is to find ways, like the curiosity kits, to bring science to kids, wherever they are, and help them hit the ground running once school is back in session.” To help build bridges between youth and science inside and outside of the classroom each summer, MSI’s team of science educators design fun, hands-on experiments for kids of all ages using items commonly found at home to encourage curiosity along with the kits. Last year, MSI was able to distribute a total of 3,400 Summer Brain Games kits at 120 locations throughout the city, with 87% of pick-up sites being on Chicago’s South, Southwest and West Sides. For more information on the kits, including pickup locations, and ideas for hands-on learning at home, families can contact Rex Babiera at scienceclubs@ msichicago.org.
BEAUTY FOR ASHES: THE BEAUTY OF BRONZEVILLE RISES
QCDC has been building commerce and a stronger community in the Bronzeville neighborhood for 19 years As headline news focuses on gun violence in Chicago, Illinois, and across the United States, Chicago’s Bronzeville community recently witnessed beauty for ashes with the grand openings of CBQ Facial Beauty Bar, the Sarah Kuenyefu Collection and Fourtune House Art Center, as they joined the newly opened Bronzeville Winery. This beauty was experienced with the tantalization of all five senses - sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch - as one approached the 4400 Block of South Cottage Grove, beautiful aromas permeated the atmosphere with the added bonus of the one-year anniversary celebration of the Haji Healing Salon. QCDC Executive Director, Rhonda McFarland declared, “QCDC is proud to have successfully recruited and curated a set of strong community-based African and African American business owners for the 4400 Retail Collective, which is now a national model for mixed-use development.” The intergenerational business owners are visible examples of Chicago’s Black Excellence and not just community development, but a village steeped in cultural pride and community sustainability. The soft openings of CBQ Facial Beauty Bar and Sarah Kuenyefu Collection, and the millennial and GenZ program and panel on Arts and Culture hosted by Fourtune House Art Center were nothing short of phenomenal! For more information on Bronzeville area businesses visit www.Shoplocalbronzeville.com. Join the QCDC mailing list by emailing us at contactus@ qcdc.org.
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Poetry Foundation welcomes people back to their building
Continued from page 1
The Poetry Magazine was without a formal editor for nearly two years. During that time, it Michelle Boone, presiwas edited by interim co-editors dent of Poetry Foundation, and guest editors, including, said the organization has been Esther Berlin, Su Cho, Suzi F. thinking about the role of the Garcia, Ashley M. Jones and foundation and how it can be Srikenth “Chicu” Reddy. more of a resource. It is a Matejka was chosen after a partner, and collaborator with nine-month search for editor of the cultural and poetry comPoetry Magazine. He is a poet, munity, in Chicago and across author and educator. the country. The foundation Boone said she believed also has been thinking about Matejka has traits that will make Poetry Magazine and makhim a new voice for Poetry ing sure it is reflective of the Magazine and its future moving broad range of poetic forms forward. He was a professor at and style that exist. Beyond Indiana University for 10 years the magazine, the foundation and at Southern Illinois Univerhas lots of points of entry into sity Edwardsville for six years. poetry, whether it is through He served as the Poet laureate of its virtual or in-person prothe State of Indiana from 2018 to grams, or the comprehensive 2019. website, which is a resource Matejka has written “The to access poets and poetry, Devil’s Garden,” “Mixology,” as well as the on-site library, “The Big Smoke,” “Map to the which has a large collection Stars,” “Standing on the Verge & of poetry books. Adrian Matejka, Editor of Poetry Magazine, and Michelle Boone, Boone wants people also President of the Poetry Foundation at the Poetry Foundation’s Maggot Brain” and “Somebody to come to the location, which Open House. Photo provided by Flowers Communications Else Sold the World.” A graphic novel “Last on His Feet” is set to Group. she describes as an architecbe published in 2023. tural gem, to participate in “I am grateful to be here. I am the programs the foundation presents and hosts. Boone has grateful for Michelle’s vision and the vision of the editorial served as president of The Poetry Foundation since May staff and staff of the library. There’s so many people here 2021. She said it has really been a gift to have the luxury to doing work that honors poetry. I can’t imagine a better space read poetry every day. Boone as president of the Poetry Foundation and Mate- to be in or a better team to do this work with,” Matejka said. Matejka’s first issue of Poetry Magazine will be the jka as editor of Poetry Magazine represent Black leadership 110th Anniversary issue. within the organization. Matejka is the first Black editor to For more information about The Poetry Foundation and lead Poetry Magazine in the publications more than 100Poetry Magazine, visit www.poetryfoundation.org. year history. BY TIA CAROL JONES
“CHICAGO MOVES” PROVIDES RELIEF TO NEARLY 45,000 RESIDENTS IN FIRST TWO WAVES OF LOTTERY SELECTIONS CHICAGO — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot has announced that approximately 10,000 gas cards have been distributed or are awaiting pickup at City Hall. An additional 25,000 transit cards and 10,000 gas cards will soon be in the hands of qualified applicants in the coming weeks. The cards are distributed through Chicago Moves, a financial assistance program aimed at providing financial relief for Chicago residents struggling with transportation expenses. “The robust response to our Chicago Moves program demonstrates the vast need for this kind of assistance,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “People are experiencing economic hardship due to the skyrocketing inflation and the cost of gas, but the City is committed to providing continued financial relief to combat these challenging times. I’m grateful for all of the work that went into Chicago Moves helping our residents to make a living, enjoy our summer, and keep Chicago moving.” Just over a month after Mayor Lightfoot launched Chicago Moves, the City’s $12.5M transit relief response to spiking gas costs and rising inflation, 90,000 Chicagoans have already submitted applications to receive a gas or transit card. Selected participants have the choice to receive their card through the mail or to pick it up from a designated
location. William Bullion, a director for a local theatre company, received the first Chicago Moves gas card, valued at $150, during a visit to the 39th ward by Mayor Lightfoot and Jennie Huang Bennett, Chief Financial Officer at the City of Chicago. The next round of recipients will be selected during a lottery scheduled in the first week of July. Previous lottery recipients were selected the first week of May and June. To be eligible Chicagoans must be at least 18 years old, meet average or below average income criteria, have a valid email and live in the City of Chicago. Gas card applicants must also have a valid and current city sticker. If an eligible applicant is not selected, their entry is carried over and included in each subsequent gas or transit card lottery. Applications will be accepted through September 1st and Chicago residents can apply online at chicago.gov/ChicagoMoves, or fill out a paper application at any Chicago Public Library, although online application will allow for faster processing. Applicants can only apply for one of the prepaid gas cards or prepaid transit cards, and applications are limited to one per household. Residents can select whether they would like their card mailed or made available for pick-up at City Hall.
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Weekend | Week of June 22, 2022
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WEEKEND
Chicago Riverwalk 2022 Summer Season Announced Chicago’s second waterfront invites locals and visitors to enjoy world-class arts, dance and music programming, restaurants, tours and more with a beautiful city backdrop
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ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR
CHICAGO — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) spotlight a slate of engaging summer arts and recreational programming taking place on the Chicago Riverwalk, a magnificent urban space located on the south bank of the Chicago River. The award-winning, pedestrian-friendly Chicago Riverwalk stretches 1.25 miles from Lake Michigan to Lake Street offering restaurants, wineries and bars, live music and performances, public art, urban recreation and more. Programming on the Chicago Riverwalk is presented by the City of Chicago and produced by DCASE in collaboration with the Department of Assets and Information (AIS), the Chicago Park District and cultural partners from around the city. Art on theMART, the largest digital art projection in the world, covering over 2.5 acres of theMART’s river-facing façade, announced new installations inspired by the city’s Year of Chicago Dance to be showcased throughout the summer. Also celebrating the Year of Chicago Dance, Links Hall presents Dance on the Walk showcasing the city’s dynamic dance scene with free performances plus pre-show classes for all skill levels. Details below and at ChicagoRiverwalk.us. “The Chicago Riverwalk is an urban oasis in the heart of our city,” shares DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey. “We’re thrilled to bring some of our best Chicago-based artists from the Chicago Blues Festival and the Chicago Band Roster to perform live with our beautiful city as the backdrop. The array of fantastic arts and recreational programming scheduled this summer further enriches the waterfront experience for everyone.” Vendors in the Riverwalk concession program are now open including: Island Party Hut Beat Kitchen on the River Northman Beer & Cider Garden Chicago Brewhouse Mercury Cruise lines & Chicago’s First Lady Cruises City Winery O’Brien’s Riverwalk Café Urban Kayaks Downtown Docks Chicago Electric Boats Chicago Cycle Boats Sweet Home Gelato Tiny Tapp & Café Community Marketplace will reopen later this summer with a new selection of vendors. Building on the Riverwalk’s successful concession program, the Community Marketplace was constructed in 2019 to expand the program to minority and women-owned businesses representing the cultural diversity of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Construction of a new Chicago Riverwalk elevator will delay the opening of the Community Marketplace. Sounds of the Riverwalk is returning for its second year and will expand to a 12-week music series featuring musicians from the Chicago Band Roster. The free, public performances will start June 19 and run through early October. Concerts take place on Sundays at 1pm at the Confluence, located between Franklin and
Lake Streets on the Chicago Riverwalk. A full schedule of events can be found at ChicagoRiverwalk.us. Jun. 26 Fumee Jazz Jul. 10 David Chiriboga World/Traditional/Indigenous Jul. 17 Wright Gatewood Country/Americana/Folk Jul. 24 Shi An Costello Classical Aug. 7 La Tosca Jazz Aug. 14 Lapis Trio Jazz Aug. 21 Luna Blues Machine World/Traditional/Indigenous Sep. 11 Freedom Song Leaders Gospel/Spiritual Sep. 25 Friends of the Gamelan World/Traditional/Indigenous Oct. 2 5th Wave Collective Classical Art on theMART (AOTM) On view twice nightly at 9pm and 9:30pm Dance the Walk with Links Hall August & September Multiple locations, including The Confluence (between Franklin and Lake Streets) & Columbus Plaza Links Hall celebrates the Year of Chicago Dance with free performances and community workshops on the Riverwalk. Movers, makers, musicians (and perhaps a flash mob or two!) showcase the city’s dynamic dance scene. Chicagoans are invited to take their turn on the “dance floor” at pre-show classes for all ages and abilities. Full schedule and artists to be announced in July. Details at linkshall.org. A home for performers across disciplines, Links Hall is an artistic incubator and venue dedicated to supporting local artists. For 43 years, Links has hosted residency and sponsorship programs, artist-curated festivals, low-cost studio rentals, and more. InstaGreeter Tours Now through September 4, 11:30am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday Columbus Street Plaza Enjoy the Riverwalk with a Chicago Greeter, a program of Choose Chicago celebrating 20 years of hosting visitors to Chicago. Locals and visitors alike can experience free one-hour walks leaving at 11:30am Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Columbus Plaza. Greeters can highlight the architecture, history and places to eat and drink on the Chicago Riverwalk and more. choosechicago.com/chicago-greeter. To view the full reopening schedule and list of participating vendors, please visit ChicagoRiverwalk.us.
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NEWS
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POLITICAL AFFAIRS
FOSTER INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO REDUCE STUDENT LOAN FINANCIAL BURDEN ON PARENTS
Recently, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Parents PLUS Loan Fairness and Responsibility Act. This legislation would allow students to take over the student debt that was incurred on their behalf, providing a sensible solution for parents facing multiple financial burdens. Specifically, the legislation would allow parents to transfer Parents PLUS loans to the student with the consent of the parent, student and lender, provided the student meets the credit requirements for the PLUS loan program and is at least six months removed from leaving school. After transfer, the loan would be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. “As college costs and economic burdens continue to rise, federal law should allow families to determine financial liability for PLUS loans in a way that accommodates their financial situation,” said Foster. “This legislation would provide a common-sense solution by allowing a child, if they’re willing, to take financial responsibility for the loans that allowed them to go to college.” The Parents PLUS Loan Fairness and Responsibility Act is endorsed by the National Education Association.
NEW BELT LAW BANS BURNING TOXIC CHEMICALS IN ILLINOIS
Burning toxic synthetic chemicals will be banned thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt that was signed into law Wednesday. “PFAS can harm people and the environment,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This initiative stems from concerns that our neighbors have surrounding the waste incinerator in Sauget, which puts Metro East residents at risk of exposure to these harmful substances.” The new law bans incinerating materials covered under the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Toxic Release Inventory that contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS. Thermal oxidation for the purposes of pollution control, combustion of gases at landfills, medical waste incinerators and byproducts generated by municipal wastewater treatment facilities are exempted.
MARTWICK KICKS OFF SUMMER READING PROGRAM TO KEEP STUDENTS ENGAGED
Chicago - To encourage young people to continue learning during the summer, State Senator Robert Martwick is launching a Summer Reading Club for students on Chicago’s Northwest side. “The love of reading when I was young helped me get to where I am today,” said Martwick (D- Chicago). “Even though the school year will soon be over, participating in this reading club will keep kids sharp and creative during their summer break.” Students should fill out the brochure with the books they’ve read throughout the summer that they’ve checked out from their local library. Students from the library with the most entries will win a pizza party. Senator Martwick’s office will also be dropping off brochures at local libraries. The deadline to mail or deliver completed brochures to Senator Martwick’s district office is August 11. “We are fortunate to have amazing public libraries in our communities,” Martwick said. “This summer reading club will encourage families to take their kids to visit our public libraries in Chicago and in the Northwest suburbs and take advantage of the wonderful books they have to offer.” Visit https://senatormartwick.com/ to download and print the form. Parents can also call Martwick’s district office at 773 286-1115 to pick up a print copy or learn more information. The Veolia Environmental Services waste incinerator in Sauget will now be prohibited from incinerating firefighting foams, a product that often contains PFAS chemicals. “I’d like to thank Leader Greenwood for championing this in the House,” Belt said. “We worked on this measure for over a year and I’m proud that we are able to prioritize Metro East residents.” The new law takes effect immediately.
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Weekend | Week of June 22, 2022
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Diversity Action Alliance Hosts Second Annual Diversity Gala Sponsored by Omnicom Public Relations Group NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- The industry reflect the diversity of the U.S. Diversity Action Alliance (DAA), a copopulation by 2025.” alition of public relations and communiThe following honors are presented in cations leaders, hosted its second annual partnership with Hold the PRess, Hispanic Diversity Gala, presented by Omnicom Public Relations Association (HPRA), the Public Relations Group on Wednesday, Indigenous Peoples Public Relations AsJune 15, at Gotham Hall, New York. sociation (IPPRA), National Black Public The event will be centered on the theme Relations Society (NBPRS) and VOICES of Activists, Advocates, and Accomfor AAPI: plices: Communicators Convening for Notable BIPOC-Owned Agencies Change. Distinguished Communicators of The Gala will showcase the notaColor ble work that the public relations and Chris Foster, CEO of Omnicom communications industry has enacted to Public Relations Group, stated, “Achieving advance diversity, equity and inclusion systemic equity requires each of us to do (DE&I) in the past year, through keyour part, working together with urgency note speeches from industry influencers, and intention to make progress. Omnicom featured presentations and honoree Public Relations Group is proud to partner spotlights. The evening’s program will with the DAA to put a necessary spotlight recognize the individual communicators on key issues, recognize our industry’s and organizations consistently driving change agents, and propel our field foraction in DE&I and who push for the ward.” recruitment, retention and representaThe event will be emceed by Laura tion in management of top talent within Nicole Cardoza, award-winning serial Coates, author, CNN anchor, senior legal the industry. analyst and SiriusXM talk show host, and social entrepreneur, investor and author. Diversity Action Alliance “Since its inception, the DAA chaired by Azurée Montoute-Lewis, Global has been focused on encouraging and Head of Talent Management and Diversifacilitating real change around DEI ty, Equity & Inclusion at Hill+Knowlton within the PR and communications industry, and this year, we Strategies. couldn’t be prouder to honor those who have been true to our DAA Board Chair and Principal at Charlene Wheeless, mission of action as activists, advocates and accomplices,” LLC & Senior Advisor Equity & Justice APCO Worldwide said Carmella Glover, President of the DAA. “We are grateful said, “The DAA has been a strong convener of professionals to all of our signatories, sponsors and supporters who know and companies in the communications industry and plays a that our collective work is not over as we aim to have the key role in building accountability. We strive to help indi-
viduals and organizations bring about meaningful shifts in organizational culture that result in equity and belonging for the long-term.” Sponsors include: Accenture, Acuity Brands, APCO Worldwide, BCW, Cision, Enbridge, Glen Echo Group, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Mars, Omnicom Group, Page, PepsiCo, Prosek Partners, Target, Voya Financial, and Zeno Group. The full list of sponsors is featured on the DAA website. Funds raised from the event will be used to support the DAA’s continued efforts for a diverse, equitable and inclusive PR and communications industry. To become a sponsor of the DAA, visit https://www.diversityactionalliance.org/contact. The Diversity Action Alliance (DAA) is a coalition of public relations and communications leaders joining forces to accelerate progress in achieving meaningful and tangible results in diversity, equity, and inclusion across our profession. The DAA’s goal is to achieve continuous improvement for professionals of color as measured by recruitment, retention and representation at all levels. For more information about the Diversity Action Alliance, visit the website and follow the DAA on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Omnicom Public Relations Group is a global collective of three of the top global public relations agencies worldwide and specialist agencies in areas including public affairs, language strategy, global health strategy and change management. As the largest group of communications professionals in the world, our employees provide expertise to companies, government agencies, NGOs and nonprofits across a wide range of industries. Omnicom Public Relations Group delivers for clients through a relentless focus on talent, continuous pursuit of innovation and a culture steeped in collaboration. Omnicom Public Relations Group is part of the Communications Consultancy Network, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC).
Urban One’s iOne Digital Division Promotes Tiffany Nasralla to Chief Revenue Officer SILVER SPRING, Md., PRNewswire -- Sam Stiers, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Urban One’s iOne Digital division announced the promotion of Tiffany Nasralla to Chief Revenue Officer, iOne Digital. This marks the first position of its kind at Urban One’s digital division. Urban One is the largest African American minority-controlled and operated, fully integrated media company that reaches, connects, and engages with the Black and Urban consumer at scale across audio, digital, linear, and experiential. In 2017, Tiffany Nasralla joined iOne Digital as the Vice President of Business Development. The following year, Nasralla was promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales & Revenue Operations where she oversaw sales, revenue operations, and business development. By 2019, Nasralla was responsible for iOne Digital’s entire sales force, where she led the division to profitability, averaging year-over-year double-digit revenue growth and EBITDA growth to the tune of $17.5M in 2021. Nasralla has a wellearned reputation for exceeding revenue and gross profit goals while building, leading, and coaching high-performance sales teams. Sam Stiers, General Manager and Executive Vice President, iOne Digital remarked, “I’m excited to announce Tiffany
Nasralla’s promotion to Chief Revenue Officer of iOne Digital. Tiffany’s leadership, drive, and ability to collaborate with clients and internal stakeholders have powered Urban One’s surge in digital revenue. It’s no coincidence that as she’s expanded her responsibilities, the company has expanded its digital revenue. She’s built a best-in-class team that has propelled the business to new heights, and I’m excited to see how she’ll continue to grow revenue and the business in her new role.” “I am honored and grateful for this recognition and am truly proud of our entire iOne Digital team. I am excited to see brands and media agencies make good on their pledges and commitments to Blackowned media by showing up in a big way and giving the influential Black consumer their much-needed attention and due respect. While there is still much to be done, I am happy to see movement,” said Nasralla. “I look forward to continuing to build upon the positive momentum we’ve created, working with the best talent in the business, and collaborating with our brand and agency partners to accelerate their business efforts by driving value and impactful results. Thank you, Cathy Hughes, Alfred Liggins, and Sam Stiers, for your continued support and leadership.”
Greenwood welcomes 75 new college scholars in Chicago. Greenwood Project.
Bridging the Opportunity Gap: Connecting Black and Latinx Students to Careers in Finance CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- This summer, the Greenwood Project will teach financial literacy, coding, career skills, and investment strategies to over 200 Black and Latinx youth, primarily from Chicago’s South and West Sides. Their goal is to empower Black and Latinx communities to overcome generational cycles of poverty by introducing students to wealth-building career pathways through the intensive study of finance. Greenwood Project is proud to announce partnerships with over 40 companies, universities, and non-profits for its 2022 program year. Its flagship partners include Citadel, DePaul University, Janus Henderson, Piper Sandler, Cboe, and William Blair. Greenwood Project’s focus on generational wealth through careers in
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finance traces back to its namesake. The Greenwood District of Tulsa, OK was once known as “Black Wall Street”: A neighborhood where the Black community thrived amidst generations of racial animus. Black Wall Street was completely destroyed by white mobs during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Greenwood Project honors this legacy of Black Wall Street and has helped students move from the South Side of Chicago to Wall Street in New York. Citadel is underwriting the Greenwood Project’s High School FinTech Institute in 2022. 60 high school students from Chicago will learn basic financial literacy concepts through a Python coding project. The goal of the program is to show students that coding and finance skills can lead to well-paying, in-demand jobs in the finance industry.
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Weekend | Week of June 22, 2022
FASHION
WEEKEND
Kua Designs Pops-Up Across America
ACCRA, Ghana, PRNewswire -- Kua Designs will host a pop-up tour across the United States in five major cities including Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C., bringing their culture meets cosmopolitan handbags and jewelry from the vibrant African city of Accra, Ghana this summer. Kua Designs is the brainchild of Creative Director Ruby Buah, formerly a Financial Analyst for Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia, who began seeking a creative outlet and started exploring different forms of art in her spare time. She explored jewelry-making, and within three years it went from being a hobby to a part-time jewelry making business. Ruby made the leap and moved to New York, earning a degree in Jewelry Design at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology. To no surprise, she built on her jewelry line by adding an equally exciting handbag line. A few years later she returned to the city of Accra to open and operate her own chic boutique and start a family. Kua Designs is named fondly after Ruby’s mother and represents the acronym “Keeping Us Authentic.” “I am excited to take Kua on the road in the US this summer! I can’t wait to engage with the amazing people who have patronized my brand for years and I look forward Kua Designs/PRNewsFoto to meeting new ones. It is my pleasure to share a bit of my culture with you through my designs” Ruby Buah adds about bringing her Atlanta limited collection to the U.S. Saturday, June 25th | 2 PM - 5 PM Kua Designs will present a limited collection The Bakery CoWork, 1500 Southland Circle NW, featuring beaded jewelry, handbags, clothing, and other Suite H, Atlanta GA, 30318 coveted products for women during their shopping Los Angeles pop-up tour. Most anticipated are the unique clutch Saturday, July 9th | 2 PM - 5 PM bags that were born out of the joy of being able to The Dollhouse Boutique, 315 E 8th Street, Los Angere-purpose and create something beautiful out of every- les, CA 90014 day African print fabrics. For years these fabrics were Washington, D.C. principally used to make traditional clothing worn by Saturday, July 23rd | 1 PM - 4 PM Ghanaian mothers and grandmothers. Ruby also looks Ipade, 1700 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 400, forward to showcasing and selling her jewelry collecWashington, D.C., 20009 tion created to support her philanthropic division Kua New York City Cares, an initiative that trains and employs visually Surprise Announcement impaired women in jewelry-making. Miami Kua Designs U.S. Pop-Up Shop Tour Schedule: Surprise Announcement
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LĀ SOL Collective Launches a Bold New CLEAR Zinc Sunscreen NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., PRNewswire -- Are you worried about toxic chemicals in the sunscreen you use for your yourself and your family? Did you know that sunscreens can be harmful to your health and also to the environment? Two moms from Orange County, CA are looking to change all that with a product they’ve designed that is clearly a step above other mineral-based sunscreens. LĀ SOL Collective is now accepting orders. “It took me two years to find the right lab and formula that had all the attributes: made in the USA, non-toxic, clean ingredients, non-greasy, minimal white cast, all while also being paraben-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free,” said Staci Barrett, co-founder of LĀ SOL. “For too long, I’ve worried about the sunscreen available to my family – and became very frustrated when my kids refused to use traditional mineral-based sunscreens that left a heavy white cast.” So, why mineral sunscreen? Simple. It’s better for you! Unlike toxic chemical sunscreens, which absorb into your skin and then absorb the sun’s rays, mineral sunscreens sit on the surface of your skin, deflecting the sun’s rays like a shield. Also, did you know… 14 tons of sunscreen ends up in the ocean each year? Mineral-based sunscreen excludes toxic chemicals like Oxybenzone, which has been LĀ SOL Collective known to absorb into coral reefs causing bleaching and harming marine life. Various US states and foreign countries have, or are considering, banning sunscreens with harsh chemicals. LĀ SOL sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays in a healthy way for you AND the environment. Why LĀ SOL? The main drawback of zinc sunscreens has always been in the application and texture of the product – typical mineral-zinc sunscreens leave a heavy white cast on your skin. LĀ SOL CLEAR sunscreen works for all skin tones, gives your body the protection it needs, plus goes on like a smooth cream, leaving your skin feeling natural, not greasy. LĀ SOL Collective is committed to clean, good-for-you ingredients – that are equally good for the environment… it’s a win-win. “My boys would run away from me when I pulled out the sunscreen before their soccer games,” said Angela Dunning, co-founder of LĀ SOL. “No one wants to have a sticky, white film that drips down their faces during sports games and other activities. I needed a sunscreen that they would put on themselves without parental supervision.” For additional information and full ingredient list, visit our website: www.lasolcollective.com.
H&M ANNOUNCES TRACEE ELLIS ROSS AS AMBASSADOR FOR ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH BUY FROM A BLACK WOMAN NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Now in their second year of partnership, H&M USA and Buy From A Black Woman (BFABW) have announced Actress, Producer and CEO Tracee Ellis Ross as the non-profit’s new ambassador for 2022. Having launched her own hair care company, PATTERN, in 2018, Ross will amplify the non-profit’s mission of helping other Black Woman owned businesses flourish through a community of support and resources. On Friday, June 10, Ross and BFABW Founder Nikki Porcher sat down together at H&M’s Los Angeles showroom to have a candid discussion about the challenges and successes Black Woman encounter as business owners. Joined by members of the Buy From a Black Woman (BFABW) community and surrounded by a display of products from member businesses, Ross
and Porcher delved into topics such as starting your own business, strengthening a network of Black women business owners, and how Black women are often called to create their own path to fill a need that is often unrecognized by corporations. Ross, herself a talented multihyphenate with years of experience in entertainment and business, gave words of wisdom and advice to young Black women seeking to achieve their own goals in a world where they may not always be seen. “I am proud to help support Buy From a Black Woman and the incredible network of business owners they’ve brought together,” says Ross. “Black women and their contributions are often overlooked, which is why it’s crucial for us to come together to build, strengthen and create our own opportunities for success.” Buy From a Black Woman is a non-profit organi-
zation founded in 2016 by Nikki Porcher that connects hundreds of Black Woman-owned businesses across the United States and provides a community of support with the goal of helping their businesses flourish. Throughout 2021, H&M sponsored events like the Buy From A Black Woman Inspire Tour and the BFABW Holiday Market which ran November through December 2021 at H&M’s Times Square location. These events, which saw products from over 50 Black Woman owned businesses sold at H&M locations across the country, exposed new customers to these Buy From a Black Woman member businesses and business owners. “It’s hard to describe in words what it means to have Tracee Ellis Ross as an ambassador for Buy From A Black Woman. This year we are celebrating and showing the world that Black Women are living examples.
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Citizen’s 2022
Primary Endorsements The Primary Election in Illinois is next Tuesday, June 28, 2022, and it is a pivotal one in our history. Choosing proper representation is important in an environment where we face pandemics, drug epidemics, gun violence, car jackings, food shortages and health disparities. Now is the time for us to act and make the changes that we so desperately need. Over the past several weeks we have utilized our podcast and newspaper platforms to introduce some newcomers and for other candidates making an appears we simply wanted to remind you of their track records. Although some of the candidates featured were first timers in the political arena, their ideas of changing issues that plague our neighborhoods was enough to sit down and listen to what they had to say. During that same process we talked to candidates who have already served in some political compacity and have a track record that will not only qualify them for the seat they seek but it shows they will go to work on day one for their constituents. During this election process we must keep in mind the works and promises of those we elected and re-elect to represent us. If they don’t work replace them, and that is what an election season brings. We must hold them accountable. On Tuesday, get out to the polls and vote your choice and be the change that you want to see We encourage you to put in the work necessary to elect the best candidate who can and will go to work on day one. With that said we gladly present our 2022 Primary endorsements in several races.
Governors’ Choice for Illinois
JB PRITZKER
Pritzker has served as Governor of the State of Illinois since January of 2019. In his tenure as Governor, he made the largest investment in state history to upgrade Illinois infrastructure rebuilding and replacing roads, bridges, rail, broadband and schools. Each year Governor Pritzker has been able to pass a balanced budget and canceled out a billion-dollar bill paying backlog. He improved the states credit rating, created jobs, and made secondary education more affordable to anyone desiring to further their education. The governor signed into law in 2020 one of the country’s highly debated issues, “The Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act making Illinois the 11th State in the Union to legalize the sales of medical and recreational Marijuana. Also, in 2020 the country was hit by the largest healthcare crisis ever seen on American soil, COVID. The Governor shut down the state to keep the residents across the State of Illinois safe. Did all agree to the shutdown “No”, but fewer lives were lost because of those measures. We understand that setting a plan for what you will do if elected is just part of the race. But when an elected official takes office and executes and deliver on most of the plans promised then that is a clear sign
that they are willing to seriously work for all people and not a few select. We are happy to say that we are endorsing the incumbent in the race for Governor in the State of Illinois and believe that he will finish what he promised. If not he and anyone running must be held accountable.
Cook County Board President
TONI PRECKWINKLE Preckwinkle is no stranger to County government. Although, during her last term she faced much opposition from voters and even from County board members within her own administration about a bill she sponsored implementing a surge of taxes to be added on sugary drinks. Shortly after the customers started to see the increase at the checkout counter, the failed sugar tax became a thing of the past. In her power as President of Cook County Board Toni has worked to improve County government so it works for the people. Here’s what she’s done lately as the current Cook County Board President: Allocated resources to the community from the $1 billion CARES ACT that Cook County received from the Federal Government. The Guaranteed Income Pilot, which consists of a two-year investment in individuals and families and is believed to be the largest guaranteed income program in the country. The Cook County government is putting $12 million in helping people take care of medical debt. In addition to that there will be a $240 million investment in Provident Hospital. Funds will allow for upgrades of the existing facility, investing in a new emergency room and medical equipment. The Black and Brown communities across the County face many challenges and disparities and this investment speaks to the issue of change. Although there’s much work to be done, this gesture shows that the current administration is listening and willing to move the needle on improving the quality of life for the people in the County. Now we know that the County government is listening to our voices, and they are putting in the work that shows change. We think that Toni Preckwinkle deserves a 4th term as Cook County Board President.
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Walmart Presents Inaugural Spark Awards to Highlight Black Excellence Recipients Celebrated for Bringing Inclusion and Opportunity to the Black Community This year, Walmart is celebrating the Juneteenth holiday by honoring Black Excellence through the recognition of leaders in the Chicagoland area who work to bring inclusion and opportunity to the Black community. For the inaugural recipients, Walmart is recognizing four outstanding African Americans for excellence in their respective fields and contributions to their communities. This year’s recipients are Jason Coleman, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Project SYNCERE, Patrice Gibson, Director of the Walmart Community Academy, Chicago, Roderick Hawkins, Associate Dean of External Affairs at Northwestern University, and Dara Munson, President, and CEO of Family Focus. Walmart proudly honors their dedication because living better begins with supporting equity and opportunity in the communities where we work and live. The 2022 Spark Award recipients: Jason Coleman, Director of Project SYNCERE - Launched the educational non-profit as a pathway for minority students to pursue studies in STEM fields. Since its launch in 2008, Project SYNCERE has served over 22,000 Chicago area students, increasing their interest in STEM and engineering. Patrice Gibson, Director of the Walmart Community Academy, Chicago – Beginning as an overnight stocking associate, Patrice has held countless leadership roles in her 13 year career with Walmart, both in stores and in the community. As director of the first ever Walmart Community Academy, Patrice oversees programs that offer community members a wide range of educational opportunities from resume workshops to HVAC training and certification, and much more, The Community Academy provides easy access to classes or online learning at little to no cost for community members. Roderick Hawkins, Northwestern University - Roderick spent much of his career expanding civil liberties for marginalized communities. In 2017, on behalf of the Chicago mayor’s office, he partnered with the Department of Public Health to convene a panel of African-American and Latino LGBTQ advocates to advance issues from health to public safety.
Dara Munson, President and CEO of Family Focus - Leads the Chicago non-profit in their mission to achieve upward economic mobility for families in Chicago. Family Focus has created innovative programs and services, grounded in their focus on anti-racism and equity. “We are honored to highlight the efforts of these four outstanding leaders and their impact in making a more inclusive and
equitable community.,” adds John Bisio, Walmart Senior Director of Community Relations. “The recipients of our inaugural Spark Award provide great examples of leaders in Chicago that should inspire each of us to find meaningful ways to make a difference.” About Walmart in Illinois Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail
stores, online and through their mobile devices. Walmart helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online and through their mobile devices. In Illinois we serve customers at 184 retail units and online through Walmart.com. We are proud to employ 58,139 associates in Illinois. Walmart supports local businesses, spending $62.5 billion with
Illinois suppliers in fiscal year 2021 and supporting 567,000 supplier jobs. Walmart continues to be a leader in employment opportunity, sustainability, and corporate philanthropy. In fiscal year 2021, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation contributed more than $30.6 million in cash and in-kind donations to local nonprofits in Illinois. Learn more at corporate.walmart.com
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AUDACY REVAMPS WEEKDAY PROGRAMMING LINEUP FOR 670 THE SCORE IN CHICAGO CHICAGO, IL – Audacy announces an updated weekday programming lineup for 670 The Score (WSCR-AM) in Chicago. As part of the update, the station has paired two longtime station hosts, Laurence Holmes and Dan Bernstein, to form a new midday show. “Bernstein and Holmes” began airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST, on Monday, June 20. Additionally, the station’s morning show “Mully and Haugh” will extend an extra hour and be heard from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. CST. Leila Rahimi will continue in her role on “Leila Wednesdays” on “Bernstein and Holmes.” “Our all-star Chicago lineup improves with ‘Mully and Haugh’ extending later into the morning and two teammates who have worked together for 20-plus years finally sharing a microphone on a regular basis,” said Mitch Rosen, Operations Director and Brand Manager, 670 The Score. “We couldn’t be more excited for this updated lineup.” “I’ve been mostly a solo host for the last 15 years, and now I’m looking forward to working with Dan, said Holmes. “We’ve got a great opportunity to challenge each other and have a lot of fun.” “I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this show,” said Bernstein. “Laurence and I have worked closely together at The Score going back to our
days on Belmont Avenue, and this new partnership promises to bring out the very best of what we do.” Bernstein had previously hosted late mornings on the station. Holmes previously served as host from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. CST. Holmes is a 25-year media veteran, initially joining 670 The Score in 1998. Throughout his career, Holmes has also worked in television for NBC 5 Chicago, NBC Sports Chicago, Stadium Network and WGN. Holmes has created multimedia projects for the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, cov-
ered the Chicago Bears for 10 years and been the college basketball play-by-play voice for his alma mater, DePaul University. In 2021, The Chicago Sun-Times named him a top 10 influencer in Chicago sports. Bernstein joined 670 The Score as an anchor and reporter in 1995 and has been a full-time host since 1999. He has received multiple awards and industry recognitions as a host, reporter and play-by-play broadcaster and has been the station’s senior columnist since 2011. He has also been recognized for his charitable efforts on behalf of multiple organizations, and serves as a director of Children’s Oncology Services. Listeners can tune in to 670 The Score (WSCR-AM) in Chicago on air, as well as nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Audacy, Inc. (NYSE: AUD) is a leading multi-platform audio content and entertainment company with the country’s best collection of local music, news and sports brands, a premium podcast creator, major event producer, and digital innovator. Audacy engages 200 million consumers each month, bringing people together around content that matters to them. Learn more at www.audacyinc.com, Facebook (Audacy Corp) and Twitter (@ AudacyCorp).
JB PRITZKER:
FIGHTING FOR ILLINOIS Putting working families first by creating jobs and raising wages in every community Expanding health care access to more than 500,000 Illinoisans across the state Providing unprecedented funding for violence prevention and addressing root causes of crime PAID FOR BY JB FOR GOVERNOR
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ComEd Off-Grid Solar- and Wind-Powered Streetlighting to Help Provide Safe Passage to Chicago Public School Students Streetlights will be part of solar energy curriculum at Dyett and Perspectives schools To help enhance public safety on just outside the schools. “It has been gratifying to support this project. school campuses, ComEd is working “It has been gratifying to support Public safety around Dyett High School will with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to this project. Public safety around Dyett install renewable, off-grid streetlighting be improved by this project while providing a High School will be improved by this at two schools on Chicago’s South Side. template for how we should use opportunities project while providing a template for Off-grid streetlights feature miniature how we should use opportunities to to increase environmental sustainability of our increase environmental sustainability of power plants – called Remote Power Units or RPUs – that are not connected our local communities,” said Chicago local communities.” to the electric grid but draw energy from Fourth Ward Alderman Sophia King. wind turbines, solar panels and battery “This public/private partnership also in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and storage. provides an opportunity to enhance exposure of Math). Installation work began this week on five STEM-based learning opportunities to our local “In the spirit of our Community of the Future, streetlights at Walter H. Dyett High School for the students. In essence, the project is lighting the way this project is a true collaboration with ComEd, Arts in the Washington Park neighborhood, and to future career opportunities for our children and CPS and members of the communities that ComEd two streetlights at Perspectives Academy Project in providing sustainable infrastructure for our local is privileged to serve,” said Michelle Blaise, senior the Bronzeville neighborhood. community.” vice president of technical services, ComEd. “Our The streetlights, manufactured by ARIS In 2019, ComEd partnered with CPS to pilot goal is to leverage the strengths of these partRenewable Energy, feature auxiliary power sourcsolar, wind and battery-powered lighting units at nerships to bolster sustainability, resiliency and es that combine wind and solar energy, battery Beethoven Elementary School and Dunbar Vocational High School as part of its Bronzeville Comstorage and a self-powered internet connection that connectedness in our neighborhoods.” ComEd will work with the administrations at munity of the Future. Similar to the streetlights enables them to be operated and monitored remoteDyett and Perspectives schools to develop a STEM being installed at Dyett and Perspectives, these ly. Because the streetlights use more reliable and curriculum based on the technology and operations lighting units influence and inform STEM cursustainable power, they help provide safe passage of the streetlights. This will help teachers engage ricula at both schools, keep students and families to students and local residents. The streetlights students on the subject of solar energy generasafer, and contribute to the neighborhood’s reneware part of ComEd’s Bronzeville Community of tion and demonstrate how off-grid solar and wind able energy goals. In April, ComEd announced the Future, which uses smart grid technology to the launch a second Community of the Future in address the community needs of Bronzeville, while energy and battery systems can be used to power streetlights – with real-world examples accessible Rockford. developing interests and skills among students
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HOUSE OF FIRST PARTNERS WITH THE PAINTED HOUSE ON NEW NFT PROJECT “BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL” NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- The NFT launchpad platform, House of First, has announced a new partnership with The Painted House, co-founded by Ja Rule (Rapper, Actor & Entrepreneur) and business partner Herb Rice. The platform was launched alongside an impressive group of Founding Collaborators with the mission of supporting and uplifting artists and creators of color, while encouraging dialogue and empowerment across the Web3 community at large. This unique partnership, which was announced during the Social Innovation Summit in Washington, DC this week, will be releasing its debut collection of 1000, one-of-one collectible NFTs entitled, Black is Beautiful. Showcasing the incredible work of illustrator Nick Davis, Black is Beautiful is a stunning depiction of the raw emotions of Black Americans navigating both the joys and struggles of everyday life in America. Collectors will benefit from one-of-a-kind art, community, education, access, events, and special experiences. Founding Collaborators behind the project include; Ja Rule (Rapper, Actor & Entrepreneur), Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat Center, NBA All-Star, and Philanthropist); Ashanti (Grammy Award Winning Singer / Songwriter); Baron Davis (Two-time NBA All-Star, Serial-Entrepreneur, and Investor); Shira Lazar (Emmy Nominated Host, Actress, Writer & Blogger); Macy Gray (Grammy Award Winning
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Singer / Songwriter); Manouschka Gurrier (Celebrity Chef); Nely Galan (Latina Media Dynamo, Best-Selling Author & Women’s Empowerment Advocate) and more.
Former Super Bowl Champion Invests in at Home Connected Fitness Brand, Jaxjox SEATTLE, PRNewswire -- JAXJOX, “JAXJOX’s connected workouts proa leader in connected fitness technology, vide everything I love about weight training, announced former NFL tight-end and Super with the added bonus of smart technology Bowl Champion, Vernon Davis as an investor that measures my performance in real-time,” and brand partner. said Davis. “The Davis, a 14-year progress tracking NFL veteran turned provides insights entrepreneur, was into my strength one of the first users progression and of JAXJOX’s conpower exertion. nected home gym, I look forward to InteractiveStudio, assisting JAXJOX and found that the in establishing digital free weight a pivotal role in equipment and AI personalized fitness technology provide programming and the most versatile optimization.” training experience. Davis’s addi“I am investing tion to the JAXJOX my talents and reteam comes on the sources in JAXJOX heels of its partnerVernon Davis works out with JAXJOX. PRNewsFoto. because I believe ship announcement free-weight training is one of the most with four-time Olympic gold medal winner versatile and effective ways to work out,” Michael Duane Johnson, who accepted a role said Davis. “JAXJOX reimagined traditional on its advisory board last month. weights to maximize at-home workouts.” “JAXJOX saw a 130% increase in sales JAXJOX InteractiveStudio is an all-inlast year and continues to see growth this one smart home gym that incorporates 142 year. The addition of Vernon Davis further lbs of connected free-weight equipment, strengthens our expansion plans,” said AI-enabled performance tracking, and Stephen Owusu, JAXJOX CEO. “We are interactive live and on-demand coaching to honored to have him join our team and look facilitate personalized workouts. Davis will forward to his support in raising our visibility partner with the JAXJOX team to create while helping us bring the best connected exclusive workouts, participate in live Q&As, fitness experience to homes.” and share his fitness journey alongside the For more information visit JAXJOX. JAXJOX community. com.
“Black is Beautiful is more than just collectible art, each NFT tells its own story. We’re excited to launch this strategic partnership with House of First to shine a spotlight on Nick’s incredible work and help more creators and collectors of color enter the space,” shared Co-Founder, Ja Rule. With a mission of expanding representation, the collection will also be partnering with select HBCUs to further help communities of color with access, education, and insights to empower the next generation of creators and collectors. Black is Beautiful will be minting in June 2022 and is open to collaborating with new partners and collectors. For more information on the collection, and to join the mint list, visit: https://houseoffirst. com/collections/blackisbeautiful. House of First is home to the new, novel, and noteworthy in the world of NFTs. The ultimate partner to collectors and creators, it serves as a connection between art, blockchain, and culture. Whether it’s an artist’s debut NFT collection, or an established creator’s next brilliant masterpiece, House of First is a platform for cultivating and uplifting compelling art and extraordinary talent. The platform provides collections with exclusive, early access to remarkable art, unique metaverse experiences, strategic collaborations, real-world meetups, and an inclusive and vibrant global community.
The Second City announces new comedy series, ‘The Tam and Kevin Show’ CHICAGO, PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE -The Second City is proud to announce the world premiere of “The Tam and Kevin Show,” its first original web series, debuted on The Second City YouTube channel on Monday, June 13. Click here to view the trailer and series. Between navigating Ka- Kevin Douglas rens, trying to raise socially pragmatic kids and Black Lives Mattering, Tamberla Perry and Kevin Douglas have too much on their plates. It is a wonder these two artists get anything done. In four short, funny, sketch episodes, audiences will experience an endearing series that Tamberla Perry lampoons marriage, parenthood, Hollywood and the absurd situations for which this real-life married couple finds themselves. “Tam and Kevin are two of the most hilarious comedic actors I know,” said David Schwimmer, who worked with them as a director at Lookingglass Theatre Chicago. “Their timing is incredible, as is their chemistry – which is a good thing, since they happen to be married. Watch and learn.” Leaders at The Second City asked Tam and Kevin to produce the series after first seeing the couple’s homemade productions on their own YouTube Channel. For years,
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they would release sketches between acting jobs and having babies, to entertain themselves and hopefully build a following. When they got the call from Second City, the two graciously accepted the challenge. The new series touches on topics ranging from race to family life to breastfeeding and stuff you probably shouldn’t write in a press release. Just click here to watch the trailer, and you’ll see what we mean. The show premiered globally at YouTube.com/SecondCityNetwork Monday, June 13. Instagram: @tamandkevinshow, @tamberlaperry, @ hereiskevindouglas Tamberla Perry and Kevin Douglas are a married sketch comedy duo based in Los Angeles California. It was a Second City Chicago show that brought the two together. Tam and Kevin have two beautiful daughters Charlie Pearl and Frankie Jean. The Second City opened its doors in 1959 as a small comedy cabaret and has since grown to become the world’s most influential name in improvisation and comedy. The Second City’s stages, Touring Companies, and Training Centers across North America have proudly been the launch pad and artistic home for many of the funniest performers, writers, directors, and comedic minds on the planet.
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Citizen’s 2022 Primary Endorsements
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Secretary of the State of Illinois –
DAVID MOORE Moore has been an Alderman for the 17th Ward since 2015. Moore wants to do his part to fight crime after becoming the next Secretary of the State of Illinois if elected. He will add digital license plates, which could curb carjackings as the technology would record the car’s location and mark the car as stolen for other drivers to see. He also wants to create Secretary of State satellite offices at libraries to alleviate crowding at its current facilities. Moore wants to create 122 youth engagement offices at every Driver’s facility throughout the State of Illinois giving them access to jobs and other related resources. He believes whether as a private citizen or public official, that there is no job is too small or too large for him to tackle to improve the lives of neighbors and constituents—both locally and statewide.
Cook County Commissioner, 5th District –
VERNARD L. ALSBERRY, JR. Alsberry has been the President of the Village of Hazel Crest for almost nine years. Alsberry began his political career as an elected official in Hazel Crest serving as a trustee for eight years. In 2018, South Suburban Hospital built a $98 million surgical center in Hazel Crest. In 2019, Hazel Crest opened a new Village Hall. Alsberry credits those accomplishments to himself and for being a part of the community that works together and being able to build relationships. Alsberry has been able to build relationships with other municipalities, as well as leaders on the State and Federal level. Those relationships are important for growth as the Southland’s economic development opportunities continue to expand. Alsberry’s track record has earned him this endorsement. We endorse Vernard Alsberry as our choice for the 5th District Commissioner. Alsberry seeks to fill the vacant seat of retiring Commissioner Deborah Sims, who served for seven terms.
Other endorsements include: Commissioner 4th District Stanley S. Moore Punch#121 Commissioner- 6th District Donna Miller Punch # 121 Attorney General- Kwame Raoul Punch # 13 U.S. Senator Candidate Tammy Duckworth-incumbent Punch #1 U.S Representative 6th District – Robin Kelly Punch #31 7th District- Danny K. Davis Punch #32 Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs Punch #19 Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Punch #110 Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough Punch #104 Illinois State Senators- Punch 61 (All Candidates)
US Congress- 1st Congressional District –
PAT DOWELL Dowell has been an Alderman for the 3rd Ward since 2007. Dowell boasts on getting her start in City government under the late Mayor Harold Washington. She also has been a social worker, city planner, executive director of several not-for-profits, as well as worked in historic preservation and community development. Dowell has experience serving the needs of her constituents. Her ability to pass important legislation and secure money for the areas she represents are key things that translates into her readiness to work for the people in Congress. Dowell believes she is the only candidate in the race that has real direct results for people. She thinks of herself as an action-oriented, results-driven person, someone who wants to see movement forward from one place to another. That is something Dowell believes is necessary in a place like the 1st District, which has not seen its fair share of federal resources and has been marginalized in many cases. Dowell has put the prove in the pudding by bring necessary grocery to food desert areas, building parks and creating jobs to help family sustain a quality lifestyle. She has certainly had the ability to strengthen the economic structure in the 1st district. We are endorsing her for the 1st Congressional District seat.
14th District Emil Jones, III 15th District Napoleon B. Harris, III 17th District Elgie Sims, Jr. Illinois State Representatives Punch 71 (All Candidates) 28th District Robert “Bob” Rita 29th District Thaddeus Jones 30th District William “Will” Davis 33rd District Marcus Evans, Jr. 34th District Nicholas “Nick” Smith No Recommendation For Judges Are Available At Press Time. We Are Strongly Encourage you to Vote your choice: Being a sitting judge is a very tough career to have. One must listen to litigation without biasness. Although they didn’t write the law but have a civic duty to uphold it. Therefore, you must choose who you think will follow those mandates
and provide fairness in the judicial process and do what’s best for society. Appellate Court Justices The Appellate Court of Illinois consists of 54 judges. There are five districts. The seated body hear appeals from circuits courts from within those five Districts. Judges seated on the Appellate Court serve 10-year terms. Circuit Court Justices The Circuit Court of Illinois has 24 judicial circuits. Circuit Court judges serve six-year terms. It is the court of original jurisdiction and shares jurisdiction with the Supreme Court. To research judges who are running for their respective districts, visit American Bar Association, www.americanbar.org, or the Illinois State Bar Association, www.isba.org.
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MCA CHICAGO ANNOUNCES NEW EXHIBITION FEATURING CHICAGO-BASED ARTIST GREGORY BAE CHICAGO – The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is thrilled to announce the opening of Chicago Works: Gregory Bae. The exhibition will be on view from Tuesday, June 28, through Sunday, Jan. 29, in the Sternberg and Rabin galleries on the museum’s third floor. A public opening reception will take place at the museum from 1 to 3 p.m . Saturday, July 9. The exhibition is organized by Nolan Jimbo, Marjorie Susman Curatorial Fellow. Bae’s kinetic sculptures, drawings, and videos undertake the romantic yet futile project of pausing time, imagining the possibility of resisting the forces of aging, decay, and separation. Throughout the exhibition, everyday objects loop, stutter, or fail: a tire spins atop a treadmill, clocks tick in place, and acrylic frames preserve torn sheets of paper. Meticulously rendered landscapes also appear within Bae’s work, which attempts to overcome distances both physical and cultural. In particular, translation and travel between the United States and South Korea are recurrent themes throughout the show. “Chicago Works: Gregory Bae gathers a focused selection of Bae’s work, which melds the language of conceptual art with urgent discussions related to race and the limits of representation. While the artist’s work speaks in the broadest terms of time and space, it subtly alludes to his personal experience as a first-generation Korean American, moving seamlessly between the universal and the culturally specific,” says Nolan Jimbo, Marjorie Susman Curatorial Fellow. The first solo museum presentation of Bae’s work, the show is part of the MCA’s Chicago Works exhibition series, which spotlights Chicago-based artists who are shaping the local contemporary art scene. “Over the past decade, the Chicago Works series has served as a platform for the city’s most experimental artistic practices, reflecting the diversity of Chicago’s artist communities and the rigor of the work made here. Chicago Works: Gregory Bae spotlights Bae’s meticulously crafted conceptual projects, which contemplate the poetics of time and distance through
a diasporic lens. In light of the artist’s recent passing, we hope this exhibition will both acknowledge Bae’s lasting impact on artists in Chicago and build awareness of the poignant work he left behind,” says René Morales, James W. Alsdorf Chief Curator. Gregory Byungho Bae (b. 1986, Salt Lake City, UT; d. 2021, Chicago, IL) received a BFA in painting from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA in painting and drawing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he also served as a lecturer. In 2021, he founded Chicago API Artists United (CAAU) in response to anti-Asian sentiment in the United States. In 2018, he co-founded exhibition space Bill’s Auto, Chicago. Solo exhibitions of Bae’s work were presented at table, Chicago (2019); 4th Ward Project Space, Chicago (2018); Federico Luger Gallery, Milan (2017); The Mission Projects, Chicago (2017); Chicago Urban Art Society (2015); and Opsis Art, Seoul (2015). He received awards from the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, New York; Chicago Artists Coalition; and the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, New York. The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The museum is generously supported by its Board of Trustees; individual and corporate members; private and corporate foundations, including the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; and government agencies. Programming is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Museum capital improvements are supported by a Public Museum Capital Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The MCA is a proud member of Museums in the Park and receives major support from the Chicago Park District. The MCA is located at 220 E. Chicago Avenue, one block east of Michigan Avenue. The museum and sculpture garden are open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm and Tuesday from 10 am to 8 pm. The museum is closed on Monday. Tuesdays are Com-
munity Free Days with free admission for Illinois residents. Suggested general admission is $12 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. Children 12 years of age and
under, MCA members, and members of the military are admitted free. Tickets are available on the MCA website. Information about MCA
exhibitions, programs, and special events is available on the MCA website at mcachicago.org or by phone at 312.280.2660.
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FOOD
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Spicy Alaska Sablefish in Lettuce Cups
Recipe courtesy of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4 (2 lettuce cups each) 1/4 cup yellow or white miso 1 tablespoon Korean chili paste 1 tablespoon honey 1 pound Alaska sablefish (black cod), cut into 2-ounce portions nonstick cooking spray 1 small avocado, pitted, peeled and chopped 1-1 1/4 cups cooked sushi rice or quinoa 1/2 cup chopped English cucumber 1/4 cup thinly sliced halved radish 1/2 cup pickled ginger, chopped 1/2 cup bottled Asian-style salad dressing with wasabi and ginger 8 medium-large butter lettuce leaves 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
Put Sustainability on the
FAMILY MENU
Serve wild, sustainably produced seafood (Family Features) Cooking delicious family meals is surely the focus of many home chefs, from quick dishes on busy weeknights to homestyle favorites on the weekend. Equally important, however, is dishing up foods and ingredients you can feel good about serving to your loved ones. The next time seafood is on the menu, consider the source of your main course. Available fresh, frozen, smoked and canned year-round and nationwide, seafood from Alaska is sustainably harvested, and you can trust it comes from a responsibly managed fishery. Utilizing a science-based approach, the state sustains the long-term vitality of species and their natural habitats, as well as the fishing communities that rely on them. Fishermen and scientists work together to ensure they only harvest
Blackened Alaska Cod Tacos Recipe courtesy of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute and Sari Diskin Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 2-3 2 cups slaw mix 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 teaspoon hot sauce, plus addi-
what science tells them the ecosystem can support, so that fish stocks, communities and the marine environment can thrive for generations to come. Wild, sustainable and harvested in the USA, Alaska seafood is full of flavor and high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals and oils essential to good health, including omega-3s and vitamin D. You can feel good serving your loved ones these Blackened Alaska Cod Tacos as a classic way to spice up your dinner table, or give a sweet heat kick to Spicy Alaska Sablefish in Lettuce Cups with Korean chili paste, miso and honey. Visit alaskaseafood.org to find more information and family-friendly recipes.
tional for serving 1 lime, divided salt, to taste pepper, to taste nonstick cooking spray 1/2 pound Alaska cod olive oil blackening seasoning, to taste, plus additional, divided sea salt, to taste 4 small flour tortillas 1 avocado, sliced
Preheat oven to 400 F. In bowl, mix slaw with mayonnaise, hot sauce, juice from 1/2 lime and salt and pepper, to taste; set aside. Line baking dish with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place Alaska cod on top and coat lightly with olive oil. Generously season with blackening seasoning and sea salt, to taste. Bake 5 minutes, set oven to broil and broil 3-5 minutes. When fish
Preheat oven to 450 F. Blend miso, chili paste and honey; spread onto Alaska sablefish portions. Place portions on nonstick cooking spray-coated, foil-lined baking sheet. Roast 5-7 minutes, or until fish is opaque throughout and deep golden brown; cool slightly. In mixing bowl, combine avocado, rice or quinoa, cucumber, radishes and ginger; pour in dressing. Toss to coat. To serve, place about 1/3 cup vegetable-rice mixture in each lettuce leaf. Top with one sablefish portion. Sprinkle each lettuce cup with 1 tablespoon cilantro leaves.
is done (when it flakes easily with fork and is opaque throughout), remove from oven and break into small chunks with fork. In flour tortillas, add avocado and slaw. Top with chunks of cod and drizzle with additional hot sauce, squeeze of lime juice from remaining 1/2 lime and additional blackening seasoning. Photo courtesy of Sari Diskin (Blackened Alaska Cod Tacos)
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Weekend | Week of June 22, 2022
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