Chicago Weekend Citizen 8-12-2020

Y O U R S O U R C E F O R C O R O N AV I R U S N E W S

Citizen The Citizen: Serving The Black Community For 55 Years Week of Aug. 12, 2020

| Vol. 51 | No. 33 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CHICAGO WEEKEND

Initiative Helps Black Small Business Owners Hardest Hit By COVID-19 Page 4

PSK Collective has inclusive sizes that range from extra small to 3X. Photo courtesy of Phaidra Knight/PSK Collective

Back-to-School Season Essentials for College Students Page 5

Aja Evans, South side native, is a US Olympic Bobsledder who is an ambassador for PSK Collective, which was created by Phaidra Knight. Photo courtesy of Aja Evans

ATHLETE CREATES ACTIVEWEAR LINE FOR ATHLETIC-BODIES WOMEN AND GIRLS

It’s Still Time To Hit The Road For A Summer Vacation Page 7

As long as Phaidra Knight can remember, she has been into sports.

As she grew older, she started to run into challenges because she had a less traditional build physically, and she developed a more muscular build, which meant having clothes custom-made to ďŹ t her look. This all led to Knight creating PSK Collective, a street and activewear line for athletically built women, girls and individuals alike, catered to all shapes and sizes. PAGE 2

|

|

|

PSK Collective includes crop tops, leggings, rugby shirts, parkas, sweatpants and hoodies.

Photo courtesy of Phaidra Knight/PSK Collective

advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com thechicagocitizen@thechicagocitiz www.facebook.com/durrell.garth.9 www.citizennewspapergroup.com

2 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Aug. 12, 2020

NEWS briefly EDUCATION STUDENT WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR 9TH ANNUAL “PROJECT YELLOW LIGHT” SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST The Ad Council and Project Yellow Light recently announced the winners of the ninth annual Project Yellow Light scholarship competition. The contest involves students creating a TV, radio or billboard PSA to educate their peers about the dangers of distracted driving, specifically the dangers of using a phone while driving. The winning PSAs were recently revealed on a digital billboard in New York City’s Times Square, in space donated by Clear Channel Outdoor.

Project Yellow Light was established in 2007 by the family of Hunter Garner to honor his memory after his death in a car crash at age 16. Since 2011, Project Yellow Light has partnered with the Ad Council to turn the winning submissions into PSAs that receive national exposure through 1,600 TV stations nationwide, iHeartMedia radio stations, and Clear Channel Outdoor’s nearly 2,000 digital displays. The contest received 2,163 submissions this year. Entries were received from students representing all fifty states and Washington, D.C.

HEALTH

EPA APPROVES LYSOL DISINFECTANT SPRAY FOR USE AGAINST COVID-19 The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the approval of using Lysol Disinfectant Spray to protect against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Manufactured by RB (Reckitt Benckiser), Lysol Disinfectant Spray was also reviewed in a peer-reviewed study of its effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2, which was published in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC).

Lysol Disinfectant Spray (EPA Reg No. 777-99) and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist (EPA Reg No. 777-127) are the first disinfectant products approved by the EPA to be effective against SARS-CoV-2. Before products can legally make claims that they can kill a particular pathogen such as SARS-CoV-2, the claim must be authorized by the EPA based on a review of data. Lysol Disinfectant Spray was tested per EPA testing guidelines and was found to kill the virus at 2 minutes of use.

To learn more, visit https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S01966553(20)30313-8/pdf

LAW & POLITICS

DEPAUL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW RECEIVES $1 MILLION GIFT TO ESTABLISH KOPPLE SCHOLARS ENDOWMENT The DePaul University College of Law recently announced the Kopple Scholars Endowment, made possible through a $1 million gift from alumnus Robert C. Kopple. Beginning in 2022, the endowment will provide recognition and financial support for two full-time law students who demonstrate outstanding academic credentials.

“We are so grateful to Bob and Carole Kopple for their strong belief in DePaul’s mission and for their commitment to academic excellence,” said Jennifer Rosato Perea, dean of the college. “The Kopple Scholars Endowment will enable us to attract and retain some of the most academically stellar students and continue to build our law school’s strong national reputation in a competitive environment.

We hope this generous gift will also inspire others to give back and make a difference in the lives of future DePaul law students.”

Kopple earned two degrees from DePaul: a Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 1967 and a bachelor’s degree in 1965. While at DePaul, Kopple served as associate editor of the Law Review. He later received an LLM in taxation in 1968 from New York University. Co-founder of the Los Angeles-based firm Kopple and Klinger (now Kopple, Klinger & Elbaz LLP) in 1992, he has spent his entire career in estate planning, taxation and business law. Among other notable skills, Kopple is respected for assisting clients with complex estate and gift tax issues, including noncitizens and nonresidents of the United States.

DePaul College of Law boasts a diverse network of alumni who have gone on to become successful lawyers and leaders in their fields. For more information, visit http://law.depaul.edu.

Athlete creates activewear line for athletic-bodies women and girls Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

As long as Phaidra Knight can remember, she has been into sports.

As she grew older, she started to run into challenges because she had a less traditional build physically, and she developed a more muscular build, which meant having clothes custom-made to fit her look. This all led to Knight creating PSK Collective, a street and activewear line for athletically built women, girls and individuals alike, catered to all shapes and sizes.

“As I got older, I started to have these conversations with other women and girls who faced the same problems and it seemed it was a pretty common theme among athletes,” said Knight, a World Rugby Hall of Fame player, who is also a mixed martial artist. “I wanted to combine my love for clothing with my passion for women’s rights and equity and this is how the PSK Collective was born.”

Knight said the mission of the brand is to inspire young women and girls to be active and confident, body positive and inspired.

PSK Collective, which launched on Wednesday, includes crop tops, dresses, leggings, rugby shirts, parkas and sweatpants, sports bras, tank tops, and shorts as well as sneakers, hats, water bottles and masks. Sizes range from extra small (xs) to three x (3X).

One of the leading pieces in the line is the authentic, equal pay rugby shirt.

It is a traditional rugby shirt with Equal Pay on it instead of a number, the PSK logo and the Women’s Sports Foundation logo. A portion of the proceeds from the line goes toward the Women’s Sports Foundation.

The pieces are named for the 10 brand ambassadors. Aja Evans, US Olympic Bronze Medal Bobsledder, is one of the brand ambassadors. Evans, who is from the South side of Chicago, said she is excited to partner with PSK Collective.

Evans said what she loves about the line is the size and the fit. “Being athletic women, you tend to have more broader shoulders,” she said. “When your performance goes up, you start getting muscles, and all these things that don’t feel like what you used to feel like, it began to become hard to shop.”

Evans said she appreciates the quality of the fabric and the fit. She said the fabric is breathable. “I don’t feel like I have to get a really big size to fit my shoulders or an extra-long size in order to fit my legs. You know my waist, my hips are a little more narrow and so for them to have the inclusivity PSK Collective has, it’s really cool to be an ambassador for this brand.”

Phaidra Knight is the only African American woman to be named a World Rugby Hall of Fame player. Knight created PSK Collective to be an inclusive activewear line for athletically built women, girls and individuals alike. Photo courtesy of Phaidra Knight/PSK Collective

Evans said the clothing feels great and it’s movable without having to go up a size. She said she loves the crop tops in the line.

Knight said the rugby shirts are her favorite. “It’s great to wear the shirts with the PSK logo on it just because of what the brand stands for,” Knight said.

Being a mixed martial artist, Knight added she’s able to slide into some of the leggings and wear them in training.

Both Knight and Evans said they are looking forward to wearing the parkas and hoodies from the collection in the fall. “To have clothes in this line that every single woman, girl and individual alike [can wear]… there’s something here for everyone,” Knight said.

Knight added she chose Evans as one of the brand ambassadors because of her poise and athleticism.

Evans has the “total package,” Knight

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

said, adding some of the things that stand out about Evans include her work ethic and devotion to her sport.

Another positive aspect Knight sees in Evans is her willingness to get involved with some of the social justice issues. She wants to make herself “better and better,” Knight continued.

Knight said the ambassadors for the brand are pushing through barriers and are path makers. She said they are inspiring both young people and older people, adding the line is about giving back, diversity and inclusivity. “We think the power of many is far more than the power of one, which is why we have a collective,” Knight said. “Collective seems to be the way forward, especially for women.”

For more information about PSK Collective, visit https://psk-collective. com.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Aug. 12, 2020

|

3

NEWS

UIC Library announces the Richard M. Daley Oral History Project A two-year effort by the University of Illinois at Chicago Library to chronicle the tenure of Chicago’s longest-serving mayor through videotaped interviews with former presidents, city officials and others has been completed.

The Richard M. Daley Oral History Project consists of 45 interviews, including candid discussions with former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, chiefs of staff, political advisors, administration officials and family.

The interviews took place from 2017 to 2019 following the former mayor’s decision to make UIC the repository for his extensive collection of papers and artifacts amassed during his 22 years as mayor.

Daley’s donated papers have been available since 2018 to researchers and students in the Special Collections and University Archives of the Richard J. Daley Library, named after his father, who served 21 years as mayor.

Due to logistical issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the library is not currently open to researchers, but a website dedicated to the Daley papers is expected to be up and running this fall. The interviews and associated transcripts are available online here at http://collections.carli.illinois.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/uic_rmdoh The videotaped interviews and documents will be part of a class offered this fall for Honors College students. The class, “The Daley’s Chicago: From Midcentury to Global City,” will be taught by David Greenstein, lecturer in Special Collections and University Archives.

“These oral histories will enable students to analyze first-hand accounts of Chicago’s political history,” Greenstein said. “Right now, it’s especially important for student researchers to have access to primary source evidence online, so this collection is a valuable resource that will enhance our coursework with the Library’s Daley papers.”

The class will explore the development of the city from the mid-20th century until 2011,

when Richard M. Daley chose not to run again.

The papers of his father, Richard J. Daley, who served in office from 1955 until his death in 1976 and who helped create UIC, previously were donated to UIC by his family.

Before Richard M. Daley was elected to his first term as mayor in 1989 he had served as a delegate to the Illinois Constitutional Convention in 1970, Illinois state senator from 1973 to 1980 and Cook County State’s Attorney from 1981 to 1988. In 1983, he lost his first bid for mayor to Harold Washington, Chicago’s first African American mayor.

The interviews contain discussions related to the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy, or CAPS, education reform and the privatization of city assets such as the Chicago Skyway and parking meters. In addition, among the interviews are discussions about Daley’s plan to transform Chicago into an international city by building public housing projects as mixed-use developments, eliminating Meigs Field and developing Millennium Park.

During an interview with Obama, the former president said that among Daley’s strengths was his ability to pay the same attention to detail and maintain the same leadership qualities as his father while striving for greater equity and continuing the reforms that Washington had started.

“So, he wins over a big chunk of the African American community, is able to hang onto his traditional base, and that proves to be a pretty formidable organization. And I think that his willingness to adapt to new times is one of the reasons he ended up being so successful as a mayor during his tenure,” Obama said in the interview conducted by Peter Cunningham, Daley’s former speechwriter and senior advisor.

Obama notes that among Daley’s failures was the price he had to pay for a legacy of segregation and racism in the city.

“When you think about Mayor Daley’s failures, then it has to do with the fact that he

Former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley in front of a desk that he and his father used in City Hall. The Richard M. Daley Oral History Project will be available to researchers and students. Photo: Jenny Fontaine

was never able to tackle some of the legacies of segregation and disparities that existed in the city as much as he probably wanted to, and as much as I think we all wish had happened. It is something that continues to haunt the city,” Obama said.

Among the interviews available to the public is one with Arne Duncan whom Daley appointed to serve as chief executive officer of the Chicago Public Schools. Duncan, who later became U.S. Secretary of Education under Obama, said in the video that Daley’s mantra to him was always to “do the right thing by children.”

Also included is an audio interview with former President George W. Bush who, while a Republican, had a good working relationship with the Democratic mayor and admired him for his dedication to Chicago. What drew the two men closer was the interest both shared in education reform.

“He reminded me of the kind of person that you could find common interests with and work for the common good,” Bush said. “My relationship with him was very genuine, more so than with any other big city mayor.”

The Richard M. Daley Oral History Project is a significant addition to the extensive Daley family holdings preserved and available for research by the University of Illinois at Chicago’s

Special Collections and University Archives.

These holdings include the Richard M. Daley papers, the Richard J. Daley collection, the Richard J. Daley oral history collection and the William M. Daley papers.

“The Richard M. Daley Oral History Project offers researchers rare insight into the inner workings of the City of Chicago and reveals much about the character of Richard M. Daley and the decision-making process he brought to the Office of the Mayor. We are grateful to the Daley family for the opportunity to share the unique perspectives and stories of those who worked closely with the former mayor through his more than 20 years in the office,” said Mary Case, university librarian and dean of libraries.

Along with the Daley collections, the Special Collections and University Archives department houses rare books, printed materials, manuscript collections and papers from other elected officials and political organizations.

These include papers from Chicago Mayors Martin Kennelly (1947-1955) and Michael Bilandic (1976-1979), as well as former Illinois State Senate President Emil Jones, Jr., and State Rep. and Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka.

For more information, visit the Library’s Special Collections website at https://library. uic.edu/special-collections-university-archives

The Goddard School in Chicago’s South Loop Neighborhood is Now Open With major cityscapes typically lackluster in outdoor space for children to both learn and play, there’s a new early childhood education center now open in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago.

The Goddard School®, a nationally acclaimed early childhood education franchise, is expanding in Chicago, opening a newly constructed, three-story building on Cullerton Street, complete with a rooftop playground and a

covered multipurpose room.

The new location is not only providing children living in the South Loop area a chance to learn, grow and play – both indoors and outdoors – but is also using the latest cleaning and sanitizing technologies to maintain a healthy environment for children, according to a press release.

The location officially opened on July 20 and its owners, Soumya Terala and Swapna Lagisetty, are excited

to welcome children to their newest location.

“Education is power and it’s The Goddard School’s mission to provide children with a well-rounded learning experience,” Soumya said. “I’m delighted and excited to empower the future generations with the right tools and skillsets they need to be successful.”

“There is a need for a professional approach to teach the child how to be independent and provide them with a ho-

listic educational experience,” Swapna said. “This need and my desire to help area families was instrumental in opening The Goddard School.”

As faculty and students return to a “new normal,” newly created drop-off and pick-up procedures are being used. Based on the new process, parents are met at the door by a faculty member during designated times, and temperatures of all faculty and children entering the building

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

are checked. Heightened cleanliness practices have also been established.

The Goddard School’s F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) helps children explore and discover their interests and The Goddard School’s Educational Advisory Board, a team of acknowledged experts in various fields of early childhood education, guides the course of study.

Additionally, this program has earned AdvancED Corpora-

tion Accreditation and Middle States Corporate Accreditation for creating policies, programs and standards.

The Goddard School serves more than 70,000 students from six weeks to six years old in more than 530 Goddard Schools in 38 states.

To learn more about The Goddard School located in Chicago (South Loop), visit www.goddardschool.com/ chicago/chicago-cullerton-street-il.

4 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Aug. 12, 2020

BUSINESS

This page is sponsored by

Ford and National Urban League Launch $600,000 Initiative to Help Black Small Business Owners Hardest Hit By COVID-19 The New York Urban League is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from Ford and The National Urban League to continue its work in support of small businesses in the wake of COVID-19.

Ford Motor Company and its philanthropic arm, Ford Motor Company Fund, are joining with the National Urban League to provide $600,000 in grants to Black business owners negatively afflicted by COVID-19. The Emergency Capital Access Program (ECAP) will provide small grants, combined with technical assistance and advisory services, to Black business owners through National Urban League affiliates in Los Angeles, Detroit, New Orleans, Atlanta, Chicago and New York.

Each city will receive $100,000, enabling National Urban League affiliates to provide crucial economic support to businesses providing a stabilizing influence for

communities hard hit by the pandemic.

Arva Rice, president and CEO of the New York Urban League said, “With this extraordinarily generous grant, we will be able to serve even more people as the pandemic continues to disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities and business owners.”

“Small businesses are a cornerstone of the African American community and play a vital role in their economic success,” said Pamela Alexander, director of Community Development, Ford Motor Company Fund. “The impact of the COVID pandemic has created economic uncertainty that necessitates immediate action. Our long-term partnership with the National Urban League allows us to quickly mobilize an initiative such

as the Emergency Capital Access Program to get immediate assistance to those businesses in need.”

The ECAP initiative will be managed by local Urban League officials in each of the six cities.

Here’s how the program will work: l The Urban League Entrepreneurship Center, along with other partner agencies, will recruit qualified businesses as possible grant recipients; l Qualified applicants will be awarded grants of $2,000 - $5,000 for the remainder of 2020. l Qualified applicants must participate in pre-grant counseling services to access shortterm needs. l Funding priority will be given to “personto-person” businesses heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and those located

in Census tracts with greater than 25% Black residency.

NYUL will manage the grant process for New York City. For additional program details, contact New York Urban League at info@nyul. org or https://www.nyul.org/ “Access to capital is one of the biggest hurdles Black-owned businesses face, and the pandemic has only widened the racial disparity,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “Far-sighted and enlightened partners like Ford are essential to rebuilding an economy that is both fair and thriving. We’re extremely grateful for Ford’s support.”

The Ford Motor Company Fund continues to support communities during this challenging time. For more information on programs that support the African American community, go to http://fgb.life.

Retail and Its Future Through the 2020 Back-to-School Prism Back-to-school shopping is the second-busiest season of the year, in terms of overall spending, according to the National Retail Federation. Consumers spent an average of $976 on back-to-school shopping in 2019, compared to $1,047 in the November-December holiday season.

Across the board, retailers with strong e-commerce positions are likely to perform better this season, says Jie Zhang the Harvey Sanders Fellow of Retail Management at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.

Early indicators show retailers seeing a significant bump in demand for technology products, she says, as parents look to equip their kids at much younger grade levels with electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, headphones, and webcams, because of the shift to online learning.

Meanwhile, other traditional back-to-school items, such as clothing, footwear, home furnishings and small appliances for dorm living, are likely to languish on shelves. With many colleges and universities offering hybrid learning or all-remote options, fewer young adults are heading off to live on campuses.

“It’s not surprising to see who

the biggest winners are,” Zhang says. “Companies like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Apple, all have these capabilities.

For Best Buy and Apple, in particular, selling technology products online is a major advantage due to the heightened demand for those products.”

By contrast, department stores like JCPenney, Macy’s and Kohl’s, and apparel stores such as Gap are likely to struggle, dragged down by the lackluster demand for their merchandise and less-thanrobust e-commerce operations, Zhang says. Brick-and-mortar shopping these days is less of a draw, as states around the country report an upsurge in COVID-19 infections.

“People are very reluctant to go back into stores in large enclosed spaces, even as lockdown restrictions are lifted,” Zhang says. “Department stores and mall-based apparel retailers had been struggling long before the pandemic, and COVID has served as a catalyst to propel the failure of some of them.”

The pandemic underscores the long-standing trend among the retail world’s strongest players toward the importance of maintaining an omnichannel presence – a mix of online, mobile

Early indicators show retailers seeing a significant bump in demand for technology products as parents look to equip their kids at much younger grade levels with electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, headphones, and webcams, because of the shift to online learning.

app and brick-and-mortar. In the past four months, consumers have turned to e-commerce, even for things they were used to purchasing in-person – for example, fresh groceries and household goods.

“Even when things come back to a reasonable level of normalcy, many consumers who have enjoyed the benefits of online shopping may not want to switch back to brick-and-mortar stores, and retailers will have to adapt to the new norm of consumer preferences for the long term,” Zhang says. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

In the past four months, consumers have turned to e-commerce, even for things they were used to purchasing in-person – for example, fresh groceries and household goods.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Aug. 12, 2020

NEWS

Back-to-School Season Essentials for College Students StatePoint - The back-toschool season may look and feel different this year, but there are some essentials which can aid college students no matter how and where their learning takes place in the fall.

• Caffeine fix: Late to bed, early to rise -- most college students rely on coffee to fuel this grueling schedule. Seek out an easy to use, low-maintenance coffee maker that doesn’t require a ton of space.

When paired with an insulated to-go cup, quick caffeine fixes can help students not only when they’re burning the midnight oil or getting out of bed, but also when they’re heading out the door.

• Musical tools: Studies suggest that learning to play music has the power to foster the personal growth needed for achieving self-fulfillment later in adulthood, making a Casio keyboard one great addition to any students’ dorm room or bedroom. Portable

and compact, they offer a range of features for musicians to learn, practice, record and perform.

• Lighten the load: With so many electronic versions of textbooks available these days, an e-reader can be a useful tool for students looking to lighten their load, as well as organize all their reading material in one place. Not only that, e-versions of books tend to be less expensive than their traditional counterparts, which can over time, represent significant cost-savings.

• Wearable tech: With multiple alarms that can help students keep track of class schedules, a Casio Pro Trek Watch is not only helpful on-campus or when learning remotely, but is also a great outdoor companion. With GPS, location memory, water resistance and triple sensor technology, those looking to get outdoors after sitting in front of a computer for hours on end will find its features useful on the trail or lake.

With some preparation and the right tools, college students can look forward to a successful school year ahead.

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

|

5

6 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Aug. 12, 2020

NEWS

The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Chicago Hosts a Virtual Census 2020 “We Count Too!” Rally The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Chicago hosted a Virtual Census 2020 Rally themed “We Count Too!” on Saturday, August 1, 2020 from 1:00pm to 3:00 pm. This special event was taped live from the 7th Ward Alderman Office Greg Mitchell’s (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.) located at 2249 E. 95th Street in Chicago, IL 60617. This event featured Congresswoman Robin Kelly (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.), Alderwoman Stephanie Coleman (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.), Commissioner Dennis Deer (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.), Alderman Walter Burnett (Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.), 400 bags of Census promotional giveaways; music by DJ Sean Legend and the participants of the restaurant, school, business and church promo contest winners were announced!

Thank you to The Promo Raffle Entries:

•

Churches (8) – Great Pleasant

Baptist Church, Messiah St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, Trinity UCC, Faith Movers Church, Sure-way MB Church, Bryn Mawr Community Church, Martin Temple AMEZ Church, Lifeline Church •

School (3) – John Drake

Elementary School, Matteson School District 159, J&L Learning Center •

Business (4) – Custom

Wheels, Bell Tax Services, Bell State Farm, JLJ Concierge Services • Restaurant (3) – Batter & Berries, Shawn Michelle's Old Fashioned Homemade Ice Cream, Popper-Razzi Gourmet Popcorn Winners of $50 Amex Gift Card: Faith Movers Church, John Drake School, Bell State Farm, Batter & Berries The NPHC of Chicago answered the call and assembled a 2020 Census Committee to support local census efforts to ensure that our undercounted communities across Cook County are counted. In furtherance of our goals, we secured a partnership with Cook County, the largest county in the State of Illinois, under which the Council served as Cook County Census Champions. Specifically, we partnered with the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development in partnership with the Cook County Complete Count Census Commission to further those efforts. In turn, the County supported our efforts in education and filling the gap for the Census count.

Our theme for this year has been: NPHC of Chicago: WE COUNT TOO! We have been promoting our Census activities primarily via Social Media

and outdoor events due to COVID-19. We have been highly creative and successful with our efforts, and the Regional Census Bureau reported an uptick in census reporting in those areas where we focused our efforts on. This rally was our finale for the 2020 Census; to date we’ve reach over 250,000 Cook County residents with our billboard displays, community outreach efforts and the rally. The NPHC of Chicago is the Chicago chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, a collaborative organization of the nine historically Black Greek Lettered Fraternities & Sororities. It is a graduate council and is one of the largest with 50+ member chapters from the Chicagoland area.

NPHC Chicago promotes interaction through forums, meetings, and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions.

For more information on NPHC of Chicago, please visit our web site at www.nphcchicago.org.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Aug. 12, 2020

|

7

NEWS

It’s Still Time To Hit The Road For A Summer Vacation

Make your summer travel plans safe and successful with these tips from the experts. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Family Features - As stay-at-home orders ease, many families are eager to get out of the house and hit the road for a summer trip.

However, vacation will most likely look different this year as families looking to get away may stay closer to home and take extra precautions.

Make your summer travel plans safe and successful with these tips.

Destination: Taking a road trip allows you to avoid crowded airports or public transportation hubs and bring your own food and groceries. A drivable destination is still a getaway, and driving typically offers more flexibility and requires less planning. Even if it’s just a trip across the state instead of across the country, picking a destination within driving distance of your home is a chance to break away from everyday surroundings and routine.

Cleanliness: Clean accommodations are always important and may be even more so now. Many hotels and whole-home vacation rentals, which were pioneered by Vrbo nearly 25 years ago, have enhanced cleaning and

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

disinfection guidelines. When selecting a place to stay during your trip, consider whole-home vacation rentals so your family has the privacy of having the entire property to yourselves, and make sure to review the cleaning measures that have been implemented.

Measures to look for include cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, stocking antibacterial soap and sanitizers for guests, building in time between bookings to avoid back-to-back stays and offering minimal contact check-in and check-out options.

Activities: Although many amusement parks, tourist attractions and businesses have re-opened, their hours may be limited and there may be capacity restrictions, so be sure to research requirements for tickets and admission and plan your trip accordingly.

Consider accommodations for your trip that include built-in activities for your family, such as a private pool, or opt for less-crowded destinations like mountain cabins or lake houses to enjoy a change of scenery.

Find summer getaway options at vrbo.com.

SOURCE: Vrbo

8 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Aug. 12, 2020

FASHION

African Pride Joins the Voting Rights Movement with Tina Lawson With help from Mayvenn’s Save the Salon Campaign, stylist Alyson McKnight has tentatively reopened her services, taking all proper precautions to ensure her safety and the safety of her clientele.

Mayvenn Delivers $1.25 Million in COVID-19 Relief to 2,500 Hairstylists in #SavetheSalon Campaign Mayvenn, the largest and only Black-owned, venture backed tech company and empowerment network in the hair and beauty industry, has donated $1.25 million to 2,500 hairstylists across the country who struggled to make ends meet as their salons were shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company launched its #SavetheSalon in May with a ten-to-one match of every dollar donated by the community, backed by a slate of prestigious donors.

In June, Mayvenn paid $500 relief checks via its proprietary InstaPay system directly into the bank accounts of active stylists at a time when small business owners and entrepreneurs grappled with cumbersome unemployment insurance applications and experienced long delays in receiving state and federal aid.

Mayvenn also went a step further and donated masks and gloves to salons across the country to lessen operating expenses as salons re-opened with a fraction of their normal clientele and needed to keep everyone safe.

“I knew we had to do something,” said Mayvenn CEO and Hampton University Alum Diishan Imira. “It became clear that we couldn’t count on our government to support these black entrepreneurs. This wasn’t

“I KNEW WE HAD TO DO SOMETHING,” SAID MAYVENN CEO AND HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ALUM DIISHAN IMIRA. “IT BECAME CLEAR THAT WE COULDN’T COUNT ON OUR GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT THESE BLACK ENTREPRENEURS. THIS WASN’T JUST LOST CORPORATE REVENUE, IT WAS RENT, GROCERIES, UTILITY BILLS, BOOTH FEES, CAR PAYMENTS, HEALTH CARE, AND MUCH MORE.”

Mayvenn CEO and Hampton University Alum Diishan Imira

just lost corporate revenue, it was rent, groceries, utility bills, booth fees, car payments, health care, and much more. Although some companies offered the ability to delay payments, stylists and salon owners would fall behind and this would impact their businesses.

Thanks to our very generous donors and support from our own community, we were able to provide this assistance.”

The success and impact of #SavetheSalon campaign was bolstered by notable donors, including Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Serena Williams, Ben and Felicia Horowitz, The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, and the Libra/Pritzker Family, who

did not hesitate in supporting Diishan’s vision for delivering direct relief to hairstylists and salons, and multiplying community support.

Founded by Oakland native and Hampton University alum Diishan Imira in 2013, Mayvenn has become the largest and only Black-owned, venture-backed tech company and empowerment network that strengthens and rewards black entrepreneurship in the hair and beauty industry.

With 90 percent of Mayvenn’s network consisting of black women beauty professionals and customers, Mayvenn recognizes that supporting salons and independent hair care experts creates a rising tide for entire communities.

Mayvenn’s mission as the first all-inclusive virtual hair salon offering end-to-end service for buying hair products and booking local salon services is to help grow black businesses while providing quality, affordable hair care and styling for a fraction of the normal cost.

To date, according to a press release, Mayvenn has generated over $120 million in revenue and has paid out over $25 million to professionals nationwide, and an additional $1.25 million in relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company leverages its proprietary InstaPay system to deliver payments directly into the accounts of beauty professionals in its network.

CEO Diishan Imira has raised $41 million in venture funding from Andreesen Horowitz, Essence Ventures, Serena Williams, Jimmy Lovine, Andre Iguodala, and other notable investors, family, and friends.

Mayvenn has a diverse team of 64 corporate employees located in the Bay Area, and a continuously growing network of thousands of beauty professionals nationwide who have cultivated a virtual community where they market their services, share their expertise, and showcase their entrepreneurial successes.

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

African Pride recently unveiled a new #TakePrideAndVote campaign in partnership with Tina Lawson, businesswoman, cosmetologist and ambassador for And Still I Vote, a national call to action spearheaded

by The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, to empower Black and Brown communities across the country to take back the vote this November 2020.

Tina Lawson has been an advocate for the HEROES Act, helping provide economic relief and protecting the rights of all registered voters and families in Black and Brown communities during these difficult times.

“We understand that 2020 is a critical election year,” said Kendria Strong, EVP of Marketing & Innovation at African Pride. “It’s now time to empower our communities to take action and impact change by increasing voter registration and elevating voices.

Together with Ms. Tina Lawson, ambassador for And Still I Vote, African Pride is committed to creating a platform that inspires and motivates generations.”

The 5-month-long campaign was recently kicked off and leading up to Election Day this November 3, 2020, the brand will host celebrity Instagram Lives with Lawson titled, “Talks with Mama Tina,” to empower Black communities by arming them with the knowledge, tools and influence to make every Black and Brown vote count. The educational series will also share key voting statistics from And Still I Vote, along with important dates to know such as the 55th Anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and National Voter Registration Day, and much more.

“I’m happy to be in partnership with African Pride,” said Lawson. “They are helping to change the narrative and elevate Black voices, reminding us that our vote and our voice matters. We have to connect these dots for our community.”

African Pride’s #TakePrideAndVote campaign is a call to action to encourage people from across the country to join the voting rights movement and impact real change.

For additional information on the #TakePrideAndVote campaign, upcoming “Talks with Mama Tina Presented by African Pride,” the African Pride brand or products visit AfricanPrideHair.com and follow #TakePrideAndVote and @ MyAfricanPride on Instagram and Twitter and @MyAfricanPrideHair on Facebook.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Aug. 12, 2020

|

9

ENTERTAINMENT

Illinois Gaming Board Approves Hawthorne Race Course To Move Forward With Casino Development Thirty years after Illinois passed legislation legalizing ten casinos to operate throughout the state, Hawthorne Race Course has been preliminarily approved to become its next casino. The Illinois Gaming Board recently voted unanimously that Hawthorne’s ownership and key personnel are “suitable” for eventual casino licensure.

Founded in 1891, Hawthorne is the longest running legal gambling business in the state and is Illinois’ oldest sporting venue.

In becoming a fully operational casino featuring slot machines, table games and sports betting, Hawthorne will transform Illinois horseracing.

“It’s really hard to put into context what this means for the very hardworking people of the Illinois racing industry,” said Tim Carey, president and CEO of the 4th generation family-owned business.

PRNewsfoto/Hawthorne Race Course

“It means horsemen will be able to keep their businesses and families in Illinois. It means showcasing this historic sport to a new generation of fans. It means creating a truly unique, first-of-its-kind entertainment experience that won’t exist anywhere else in Illinois.”

In addition to slot machines and table games, Hawthorne’s casino plans include a state-of-the-art sportsbook to be developed in partnership with PointsBet; dining amenities showcasing well-known Chicago culinary experiences; a multi-level parking garage; and a new racing

operation with upgraded wagering facilities. Major construction and renovation is expected to begin in September with plans for the casino to open in late 2021.

“I think a lot of people may have expected us to simply put some slot machines and tables into our

existing facility, but we’re going to substantially raise the bar on the Chicagoland casino experience,” said Kevin Kline, Hawthorne’s CEO of Gaming. “As an independent operator, Hawthorne is like a 130 year old start-up business, and we are going to lead with innovation, excitement and a culture that celebrates our customers and empowers our team members every day. We’re going to break the mold on what a regional integrated casino, racing, and entertainment destination can be.”

Kline, a 25-year veteran of the gaming industry has significant experience in the development and management of ground-up, multi-faceted casino projects and operations across several markets including Chicagoland. He has been leading Hawthorne’s development since September 2019.

Legendary Music Executives Announce the Black American Music Association (BAM) An esteemed group of music and entertainment industry leaders, led by Michael Mauldin, Demmette Guidry and Judy Klein, recently announced the Black American Music Association (BAM). BAM is a non-profit 501(c) (6) professional trade association introduced in June of 2018. The organization was created to “Preserve, Protect, and Promote the Legacy and Future of Authentic Black American Music as a global art form.”

BAM acknowledges the economic impact and cultural influence of Black American Music worldwide and will galvanize the industry to become the unified voice of culture and the governing body for the art form.

BAM will advocate for and support its membership, through programs, campaigns, and initiatives to heighten the visibility, viability, and values of leading genres, artists, producers, creatives, and music professionals.

“I’m so honored to be chairing the Black American Music Association and to help lead a movement involving so many dedicated, likeminded executives, creatives, and professional leaders in their own rights. Throughout my entire career, I have been driven and inspired

by Black American Music; an art form that we identify with, as the mother of all popular music genres,” states co-founder Michael Mauldin. “We also want to thank the late Andre Harrell for his support from day one. Furthermore we’d like to thank The Georgia Entertainment Caucus along with BMI for their partnership and support, and look forward to working with them on the Black American Music Walk of Fame, scheduled to break ground in Atlanta Georgia, this fall.”

“As an indigenous art form, Black American Music deserves to be protected, preserved and celebrated by those who profit from it and by those who have labored to advance it. With stewardship, innovation, narrative and economic positioning, we will transform our cultural relevance into community relevance empowering future generations,” expressed co-founder Demmette Guidry. “Black American Music has inspired over 50 different genres of music and has been one of the most powerful influences on culture,

trends, fashion, dance and humanity around the world. It is one of America’s greatest and most profitable exports,” continues Guidry.

Along with Mauldin and Guidry, some of the prestigious music industry executives already on board and serving as charter members, include co-founder Judy Klein (True 3 Media), Derrick Williams (DNA Media Group), Catherine Brewton (BMI), Steve McKeever (Hidden Beach Recordings), Dennis Ashley (ICM Partners), Nwaka Onwusa (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame), L.A. Reid (HITCO), Chaka Zulu (Spotify/Disturbing Tha Peace Records), Nicole Wyskoarko (Interscope Records), Frank Cooper (BlackRock Capital), Jaha Johnson (HITCO), Vivian Scott-Chew (TimeZone International), Damien Granderson (Granderson – Des Rochers), Kirkland Alexander Lynch (Kirkland Alexander Enterprises).

With a committed agenda spread out over the next three years, kicking off with

Play the summer line-up of Instant Tickets and see for yourself.

Learn more at www.IllinoisLottery.com

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

the Black American Music Walk of Fame, BAM will establish events and action items throughout 2021. BAM will commemorate the 100th year of Black American Music, the year of 2022, with the inaugural Black American Music Awards. BAM will also be announcing numerous educational initiatives including a Professional Certification program as well as partnerships with other non-profit organizations including The Otis Redding Foundation, Hope For Harvest, NXG Leaders, and Power2Inspire Foundation; through the associated Black American Music Foundation, a non-profit 501©(3).

Catherine Brewton adds, “In these challenging times, we need an organization that provides a platform for Black creators.

That organization is the Black American Music Association (BAM). Black Music has always been at the forefront of American culture but is often undervalued by the mainstream. It is our goal at BAM to honor, preserve and protect the rights of Black creators. I’m proud that BMI was one of the first companies to donate to BAM in support of the Black American Music Walk of Fame.”

10 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Aug. 12, 2020

HOME

Find Inspiration in Award-Winning Home Design

(Family Features) Award-winning renovation projects aren't just a way to identify top-notch contractors, they're a chance for homeowners to gather ideas and learn from other home improvement success stories.

One such source of inspiration is the National Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award Winners who are honored each year by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. A panel of industry experts anonymously selected winners based on the functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation and degree of difficulty of their projects.

Find inspiration in these 2020 residential project winners, and see the complete list at nari.org.

Residential Exterior Under $50,000 The clients wanted to move the side entrance of this home to its original location in the front. City approval was contingent on returning specific historic architectural details, including replacing the brick columns with historically accurate wood columns and installing doors and windows more in line with the 1910 era when the house was built.

"In New Orleans, we are very sensitive to preserving the historic character of our houses, so this was an important goal for both the homeowners and the city," said Chris Kornman of Entablature, LLC in New Orleans. "We learned that history often directs the design down a path the owner may not have been considering." your shopping habits could change, allowing you to become a bulk shopper or at least increase the time between shopping trips.

Residential Addition $100,000-$250,000 Ultimately, this two-story addition included a sunroom and a second-floor master bedroom and bathroom. However, due to problems with a previous contractor, structural issues with the existing framing needed correcting first. The result was an open living space and new 870-square-foot master suite upstairs.

"This project taught me that customers are looking not only for a skilled contractor, but one that will listen, understand and empathize with them," said Allen Deuschle with Kansas City Remodel & Handyman Allen LLC in Overland Park, Kansas. "I spent extra hours prior to a signed contract listening to their needs, ideas, offering suggestions and assessing unresolved issues."

Residential Addition Over $250,000 The goal of this project was to integrate a kitchen, dining and mudroom addition with an open floor plan to accommodate large gatherings while maintaining an intimate spatial feel. Varied ceiling treatments, including a coffered living room, a smooth kitchen ceiling and a custom vaulted dining room ceiling helped differentiate the spaces.

"We encountered some interesting structural challenges that involved a complex weaving and concealing of steel beams and columns," said Mike Fought with Nicholson Builders in Columbus, Ohio. "The new beams and columns took the place of load-bearing exterior walls, and this created visual connection through the home, specifically upon entry at the front door."

Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living Over $250,000 This narrow, sloping site was made functional with a multi-terrace design that added a pool, patio, deck and level natural turf yard in a compact space that was constrained by a steep hillside above and a marsh below. LED rope lighting on risers improved visibility and promoted stair safety while porcelain tile and plank decking cooled swimmers' bare feet.

"The work to create inspired spaces is highly collaborative and is driven by understanding, relationship and vision," said James Sweeney of Mom's Design Build in Shakopee, Minnesota. "If you can enjoy the journey, the end result will be even better."

Entire House $250,000-$500,000 In this project, an old, weathered beach cottage was transformed into a modern dream home with a complete overhaul of both the exterior and interior. Modern design elements were added throughout, including a kitchen with waterfall countertops, a fireplace with black brick and white stucco and a cable railing system surrounding the mahogany deck.

"During this remodel we were reminded that each new project brings an opportunity to learn or to improve a current process," said Fred Vazac with Vazac Contracting Corp. in Saint James, New York. "We opted to use a precast concrete diamond footing that was perfect in the sandy environment. We still use this type of footing on other projects." #15287 Source: National Association of the Remodeling Industry

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Aug. 12, 2020

|

11

CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

RESTORE YOUR CREDIT TODAY!

MISC. SERVICES

DONT’ ALLOW A BAD OR LOW CREDIT SCORE TO MASK YOUR CREDIT POTENTIAL. . .

Darrell Garth

NOW IS THE TIME TO REBUILD

President /Publisher

YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Janice Garth

Sales Manager General Manager

CALL US TODAY AT: CREDIT RESTORATION SERVICES

Editorial

(218) 833-3769

Send news tips, press releases, calendar listing etc to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com

Shaymar Media Productions LLC Promoting you using TV, Radio, Videos, Google Awards & Social Networking WE Make Great TV Shows!

Call Us Today!

773-416-7555 http://shaymarmedia.com shaymarmedia@gmail.com _________________________________

Advertising

Display Advertising advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com or jgarth@citizennewspapergroup.com

Classified Advertising call us at

(773) 783-1251

REAL ESTATE

Display Advertising call us at

HUD/BANK FORECLOSURES CITY & SUBURBS Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM _______________________________________ 3+ Bedroom HOMES FOR SALE SELLER FINANCING Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ______________________________________

RENTAL Newly Decorated 4 room, 2Br apt.

5200 block S Racine, $675/mo., stove and refrigerator Ask for Mr. Lambert 773-370-7744 _________________________________ STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: LABOR DAY ACROSS 1. Delivery org.

5. *U.N. workers’ grp.

8. Pressure unit 11. Prune, previously 12. Congregation’s echo 13. Lusitania’s destroyer 15. Samoan money 16. Enthusiastic review 17. Police informers 18. *More than 40 hours 20. First Nation nation 21. Not these 22. Paper or plastic?

23. Lads’ girlfriends 26. Meal 29. Morsel 30. *Labor Day, always 33. International Civil Aviation Org. 35. She turned to stone, Greek mythology 37. Quaker grain 38. Same as gnarls 39. Toothy wheel 40. Capital of Canada 42. Homer Simpson exclamation 43. Russia’s plain 45. Zoroastrian archives 47. Simon & Garfunkel member 48. Sheik’s bevy 50. Goes with sushi 52. *Part of labor force 56. Jewish folklore creature 57. European sea eagle 58. Millimeter of mercury 59. Impolite dinner sound 60. “Dark” movie 61. Armor chest plate 62. Cupid’s action 63. Type of evidence 64. “By ____ of” or “by means of” DOWN 1. “____ ____ no good” 2. Bohemian, e.g.

(773) 783-1251

Coverage Areas:

WANTED TO BUY FREON WANTED: We pay CA$H for cylinders and cans.

R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient.

Certified Professionals.

Call 312-598-1758 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com _______________________________________ _

3. Whimper 4. “That ____!” and hurts 5. Mosque officials 6. Don McLean: “Drove my chevy to the ____” 7. Comes before first Mississippi 8. Minute opening 9. “For Pete’s ____!”

10. Belonging to it 12. Not aria nor recitative 13. Open a beer bottle 14. *Union responsibility 19. *Labor Day is this puzzle’s ____ 22. Beyoncé, a.k.a. Queen ____ 23. *Like Labor Day weekend 24. Ovine sign of the zodiac 25. Type of weasel 26. “Pro” follower 27. Oodles 28. Fortune-teller’s card 31. Sol, or la, or ti 32. Digital audiotape, acr.

34. *Health and safety org.

36. *Strike____ 38. Courtroom silencer 40. Choose 41. One who bends out of shape 44. Groom one’s feathers 46. Used an emoji, technically 48. Long-necked wader 49. Embryo sacs 50. One-pilot flight, pl.

51. Reunion attendee 53. Jellystone Park denizen 54. Joanie of “Happy Days” 55. At a previous time, archaic 56. Geological Society of America 57. *Unofficial ____ of summer

CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

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

SOUTH END

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.

SOUTH SUBURBAN Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island, South Holland, and Dolton. Shopping- their favorite pastime!

HYDE PARK

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

CHICAGO WEEKEND

Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY Bloom Township, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest, Sauk Village, South Chicago and Steger

Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGI), Publisher of the Chatham-Southeast, South End, Chicago Weekend, South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually).

Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send information for the calendar at least three weeks prior to the event. Send to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 783-1251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

12 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Aug. 12, 2020

Stay Informed With The Lastest In Community News...

Listen To Our Weekly Podcast

''Conversations With The Citizen"

"A Place Where Real Community News Can Be Heard" We Cover Topics From Entrepreneurship to Education or Simply Honoring Our Unsung Community Heroes by Sharing Their Stories.

Down Load Our Podcast Today, Or Listen On ITune.

Are you Interested In Becoming A Featured Guest?... Give Us A Call Today To Be A In-House Guest.

"No Worries Our Office Is Following COVID Mandates We Practice Social Distancing , Wear Mask and Enjoy Using Hand Sanitizer"