Chicago Weekend Citizen 9-28-2022

brieflyFEMA PROVIDES $22M TO THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOR COVID-19 RESPONSE

CHICAGO – FEMA and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency announced that $22,046,100 in federal funding has been made available to the city of Chicago for costs related to the response to COVID-19 under the federal disaster declaration of March 26, 2020.

This funding will be used to reimburse the city of Chicago for costs to distribute and admin ister COVID-19 vaccines at 22 vaccination sites in the city. The funding also covers costs incurred to conduct home visits offering the vaccine to elderly individuals or people with disabilities, conduct outreach activities informing the community about the COVID-19 vaccine, and provide security services at the vaccination sites.

“FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an important resource for state and local govern ments, jurisdictions, and eligible private non-prof its to cover COVID-19 expenses,” said Tom Sivak, regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. ““We’re proud to support Chicago’s efforts to make the vaccine as accessible as possible to all residents and combat this pandemic together.”

“The continued partnerships with FEMA throughout the COVID response has been outstanding as we work together to keep every one safe,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “Funding this program has directly supported many vacci nation centers, served vulnerable populations, and addressed those with access and functional needs with safe and effective way to get a vaccine in the City of Chicago.”

FEMA provides a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides fund ing to state and local governments, jurisdictions, and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emer gency actions taken to protect lives or property. To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www. fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-andnon-profit.

REP. DANNY K. DAVIS APPLAUDS PRES IDENT AND CONGRESS FOR PASSING LEGISLATIVE TO REDUCE INFLATION AND UPLIFT COMMUNITIES

Washington, D.C. -- U. S. Representative Danny K. Davis joined his colleagues in salut ing the Biden Administration for supporting and signing legislation that will reduce inflation, lower health care costs, combat climate change, create opportunities and jobs, protect public health, lower health insurance premiums and expand coverage, lower costs for small businesses and other monu mental changes.

Davis said, “I am so proud to be a part of history in the making. The history that is made will reduce poverty and strengthen families for decades to come. The Inflation Reduction Act will help seniors and provide jobs for all, especially Afri can-Americans, while at the same time reducing reliance on natural gas. We are on a roll, and the people will benefit.”

In addition, the Inflation Reduction Act will reduce the defict by hundreds of billions and create a space that will ensure that the wealthiest and largest corporations will pay their fair share while ensuring that no one making under $400,000 per year will pay a penny more in taxes.

Holistic living and wellness retreat back after pandemic hiatus

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Jenkins life was good, she was just wondering what her ‘next’ was. Jenkins was a corporate meeting planner. When she was set to turn 43, she started to think about where her life was. She was looking for something different.

“I was in a season of quandary on where my life was and its purpose and its mission and what I was doing,” Jenkins said.

Prior to I Am That Woman, Jenkins hosted a 43rd Birthday Celebration and she invited 43 women who inspired and influenced her life. The purpose of the dinner was for mentors and relatives to pour into Jenkins as well as other girlfriends in attendance. Jenkins wanted the conversations to be about life and she would be able to glean insight from what the women said.

That dinner propelled Jenkins to start I Am That Woman Movement. During the dinner, she witnessed the power that happens when women are in a room, and they start talking to each other. Jenkins wanted to take that experience, learning about health, wellness and about herself and do it on a larger scale.

The first I Am That Woman Retreat took place in 2018 in Rivera Maya, in Mexico. And, in 2019 it was at the same location. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I Am That Woman hosted a virtual retreat. This year is the first year since 2019 an in-person retreat will take place. It will happen person from Wednesday-Sunday, Oct. 26th-30th, at Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa in Marco Island, Fla.

The retreat is meant for high achieving African-American wom en. Jenkins described that as women who are doing high-achieving things in their own right -- not by title, not by how much money a woman makes, where they live or anything else that is materialistic.

“We just want you to own that you are that woman that’s achieving the things you want to achieve in life. Our goal is to pour into you, for your total wellness,” Jenkins said. “We don’t leave anything out. We talk about both the personal and professional you. We address your mental, emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual well-being.”

Jenkins believes all those pieces -- mental, emotional, physical, financial and spiritual -- have to be aligned in order for people to be in harmony. The retreat is meant to have the attendees do a deep dive into who they are, personally, so they can be their best professional self.

Jenkins didn’t want women to leave the retreat and forget the feelings they had during the event. The movement is to keep the women connected, through creating a sisterhood that women can access for resources, information and ongoing events.

I Am That Woman has grown since 2018 and includes a confer ence call line in the morning. Women can get their spiritual, emotion al and mental well being fed through meditation and prayer requests. This creates a further sense of sisterhood and community. There also is a weekly conversation series each Friday.

“Our goal is to really create this strong sisterhood and network of women, who are willing to be receptive and pour into each other,” Jenkins said.

For more information about I Am That Woman Movement, visit iamthatwomanmovement.org.

PBC Establish Partnership to Mentor and Grow Minority and Women Business Enterprises

The Public Building Commission of Chicago (PBC) an d HIRE360 have partnered to increase minority and women job seekers participation on PBC’s construction or renovation projects

“HIRE360 was founded on the premise of increasing opportunity for communities that are rich in talent, but often lack the resources necessary to grow and thrive,” said Jay Rowell, Executive Director of HIRE360. “Our partnership with Government Agencies like the Chica go Transit Authority, Chicago Housing Authority, and now the PBC will allow us to further reach into those communities and provide underrepresented populations with an expansion of employment opportunities that will ultimately strengthen the communities as a whole.”

The PBC and HIRE360 will have targeted informa tion on their respective websites where contractors can enter position details and be connected directly with pre-screened qualified candidates. In addition, HIRE360 will assist career seekers with placement into trade unions and the necessary vocational training/resources to connect construction employers to a skilled talent

pipeline.

“Our partnership with HIRE360 will strengthen the participation of underrepresented populations in the Chicago area,” Carina E. Sanchez, PBC Executive Director said. “HIRE360 will help to provide ongoing support for community residents in the construction industries through recruitment, training and placement assistance.”

PBC contracts include goals and requirements in tended to promote a diverse local workforce ad business participation on projects. These provisions encourage competitive business opportunities for minority and women business enterprises in its delivery of construc tion and professional services, while supporting the use of minority and female journeyworkers, apprentices and laborers. HIRE360 will assist in bolstering participation for minorities and women job seekers.

“The PBC focuses on economic sustainability in project and program development,” Sanchez said. “This partnership is crucial step in an important chain of events that ultimately strengthens communities.”

Twyler Jenkins founded I Am That Woman Movement to pour into the total wellness of a women. PHOTO PROVIDED BY BROWN FARMER MEDIA.

Community Safety Coordination Center Announces Expanded Home and Business Protection Program

CHICAGO - The City’s Community Safety Coordination Center (CSCC) an nounced the launch of a new Income-Based Application that allows Chicagoans to obtain outdoor security devices based on income. This expansion builds on the success of the Home and Business Protection Rebate Application, which helps Chicago residents and business receive rebates up to certain limits for security devices obtained on or after June 6.

“The expansion of the Home and Business Protection Program demonstrates our commitment to ensure equitable access to outdoor security devices,” said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “We’re excited to expand this program so that every Chicagoan has access to the resources to protect their property and feel safe.”

Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria below may apply for security devices through the HBPP Income-Based Application:

The applicant must show documenta tion proving that they reside in the City of Chicago.

The applicant must provide Social Security Number (SSN), Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or other form of identification.

The applicant must meet the income qualification, which is 300 percent of the federal poverty level, and provide supporting documentation.

Once applications are approved, resi dents will be able to pick up their security devices at a designated community distri bution site. The package will include two wireless outdoor security cameras and one outdoor solar powered security floodlight. The program is first-come, first-serve. It will run through December 31, 2024, or until funds are depleted.

The expansion comes after the program’s initial launch on June 6, 2022. Through the HBPP Rebate Application, Chicago residents, as well as business, religious, and non-profit organizations can receive rebates up to certain limits for security devices obtained on or after June 6. To date, the City has received 3,800 reimbursement applications and has approved

over $350,000 in reimbursement payments to community members and businesses.

While registration of the camera sys tem location is optional, over 1,920 cam era locations are now registered with the Chicago Police Department, with camera footage being requested and utilized in ongoing investigations.

For residents who decide to register their cameras, CPD will not have direct access to the camera system and cannot access camera footage without consent. By registering, residents simply allow CPD to request camera footage in the event of a crime. Residents reserve the right to refuse access to camera footage at all times. Those who are interested in aiding in criminal investigations have the option to register the location of their camera system at chicagopolice.org/cam eraregistration.

For more information on the Home and Business Protection Program and to find out which type of application is right for you, visit Chicago.gov/HBPP.

MAYOR LIGHTFOOT LAUNCHES COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING PILOT PROGRAM

CHICAGO – Mayor Lori E. Light foot, the Office of Equity and Racial Justice (OERJ), and the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) have launched the Community Wealth Build ing Pilot, a $15 million program to create opportunities for low-income residents to build wealth through shared asset ownership. The pilot program, supported by funding from the Chicago Recovery Plan, will address access to business ownership, home ownership, land stew ardship, and commercial real estate.

shares at below-market rates

Community Land Trusts (Land Stewardship) – Organization governed by community owns land in perpetuity while residential and commercial tenants own or rent the structures atop the land via a 99-year ground lease

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

SIMMONS APPLAUDS $99,000 GRANT FUNDING FOR ROGERS PARK RECOVERY EFFORTS

CHICAGO – Thanks to the advocacy of Senator Mike Simmons and the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) program, the Rogers Park Business Alliance will see $99,000 in grant funding to finance economic recovery efforts sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The RISE program reimburses the costs local governments and economic development organizations incur while expanding local eco nomic recovery efforts. These costs include salaries, research, outreach, and expenses related to administering recovery efforts.

“The efforts of Rogers Park Business Alliance to soften the economic impacts of the pandemic are a key part of the overall work being led by the community and small business owners to ensure existing businesses succeed, and new businesses are positioned for success,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “As the son of a long-time Rogers Park salon owner, I know firsthand how beautifully diverse Rogers Park businesses are and what they do for the block and larger community. I know this economic recovery grant will help ensure those businesses can thrive and hold on during this tough economic climate and do so in a way that pre serves the character of these commercial corridors without gentrification and displacement.”

RISE empowers local governments to create meaningful plans with a focus on specific initiatives and investments that support recovery from the pandemic. The grants funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will help improve the quality of life for community members by taking a comprehensive approach to economic development through supporting the local workforce, improving affordable housing options and more.

“We are grateful for the grant in the amount of $99K which will allow RPBA and the City of Evanston to work together to facilitate a highly inclusive planning process,” said Sandi Price, Executive Director of Rogers Park Business Alliance. “The outcome of the plan will show case an equitable shared vision that will chart a future course and assure the long-term resiliency of the Howard Street commercial corridor and communities on both sides of Howard Street.”

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SOUTH END

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The City of Chicago defines Com munity Wealth Building (CWB) as an approach to economic development that promotes the local, democratic, and shared ownership and control of com munity assets in order to transform our economy to be more sustainable and just.

Many of the City’s economic devel opment initiatives aim to grow individ ual or household wealth, often defined as what you own minus what you owe. For many low-income and low-wealth residents in disinvested communities, building wealth through traditional mod els of individual asset ownership is often inaccessible. Community wealth differs in that it refers to the shared wealth of a group of households (not the sum of wealth across households). It refers to the assets a group of community members own and control together.

The City’s $15 million pilot program will invest in four specific CWB models:

Worker Cooperative (Business Own ership) – Business owned & democrati cally controlled by its employees, rather than by one owner, several partners, or outside shareholders

Limited-Equity Housing Cooperative (Home Ownership) – Housing owned & managed by a cooperative made up of low-income members who each purchase

Community Investment Vehicle (Commercial Real Estate) – a legal investment mechanism that provides col lective community investment in neigh borhood assets based on shared devel opment goal(s). In its perfect form, it is majority-controlled, majority-owned and designed by residents or local members

The Community Wealth Ecosystem Building (Community WEB) Program will invest in the CWB ecosystem, the interconnected network of advisors and organizations that provide the education and technical assistance necessary to start, sustain, and scale CWB models. Grantees will provide services in one of six categories: Education & Outreach; Business Development; Legal & Gover nance; Financing & Fundraising; Assets & Operations; and Research & Advocacy.

The City anticipates releasing addi tional Community Wealth Building RFPs in early 2023. Future RFPs will likely provide pre-development and develop ment grants for specific CWB projects. To learn more about the Community Wealth Building initiative, visit chicago. gov/CommunityWealthBuilding. The deadline to respond to the Community WEB RFP is noon Nov. 1.

The CWB pilot is part of the Chicago Recovery Plan, the City’s plan to amplify once-in-a-generation fed eral funding to create an equity-based investment strategy to catalyze a sus tainable economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more visit chicago.gov/recoveryplan.

“Rogers Park is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Chicago, and Howard Street exemplifies that from Lake Michigan to Western Avenue in its storefronts,” said Simmons. “It will take intentionality in economic planning to ensure economic recovery efforts are done for existing businesses on the Howard Street corridor, many of whom are Black, African, Latinx, and Caribbean-owned.”

For more information about the RISE program or its allocation to Rogers Park Business Alliance, please visit the DCEO website.

REP. ROBIN KELLY LEADS 25 CBC MEMBERS IN CALLING FOR EXTENDED MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR POSTPARTUM CARE IN YEAR-END FUNDING BILL

Newly released CDC data shows 4 in 5 pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, 53% of deaths occur more than a week after delivery.

Recently, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, led 25 members of the Congressional Black Caucus in issuing the statement below calling for increased investments in affordable, accessible maternal health care, following the CDC’s release of new data showing that more than 80% of maternal deaths in the U.S. are preventable:

“Maternal Mortality Review Committee Data released by the CDC this week shows that more than 80% of pregnancy-released deaths are preventable. That is shameful. Cause of death varies by race and ethnicity and Black women are disproportionately dying. More than half of these deaths occur between one week and one year after giving birth and yet there are states that still do not provide 12 full months of postpartum coverage under Medicaid.

“We have known that maternal mortality is worsening. We have known that Black women experience certain complications more. We have known that Black women have diminished access to maternal health care, especially after delivery.

“The time for lip service is over. As a result of the Dobbs decision, more women and girls will be forced to give birth, and we will see more mothers dying.

“We must act now. We must extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 full months after delivery in every single state. Saving lives should not be optional. We urge our colleagues to include this vital coverage in the year-end spending bill to save the lives of women across the country.”

Greenwood

Joining Rep. Kelly in this effort are: CBC Chairwoman Joyce Beatty; Reps. Troy Carter; Terri Sewell; Shontel Brown; Al Green; Eddie Bernice Johnson; Anthony Brown; Kweisi Mfume; Bonnie Watson Cole man; Lauren Underwood; Marc Veasey; Alma Adams; G.K. Butterfield; Donald Payne; Lisa Blunt Rochester; Sheila Jackson Lee; Yvette Clarke; Barbara Lee; Gregory Meeks; Ritchie Torres; Lucy McBath; Donald McEachin; Nikema Williams; Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick; and Jahana Hayes.

Taking Steps Toward Homeownership

Buying a home may not be as out of reach as you think…even in this market

Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make in your lifetime, and the pressure is mounting for those looking to buy right now, with home prices fluctuating and mortgage rates at their highest levels in over a decade.

While existing home sales have fallen month-over-month since the beginning of the year, prices still hit a record high above $400,000 in May, according to the National Association of Realtors, as low levels of housing inventory and supply chain constraints have created an affordability squeeze for homebuyers. Mortgage rates have nearly doubled in the last six months – from 3% in 2021 to close to 6% in 2022 – making it increasingly challenging for many Americans to purchase a home, especially for those with limited income.

So, how do you know when you’re ready to buy a home? More importantly, how much home can you afford? We sat down with Miguel Alca cio, Community Home Lending Advi sor at Chase, to answer those questions and discuss what the current state of the market means for you and your family’s homebuying dreams.

Q: What are the main factors mortgage lenders look at when evaluating an application?

Miguel: When it comes to homeownership, your credit score and debt-to-income ratio are major factors in the application process.

Your credit score is set based upon how you’ve used credit, or not used credit, in the past. Using credit responsibly, such as paying bills on time and having a low utilization rate will result in a higher score. Higher credit scores can help you qualify for the lowest interest rates. A score at 700 or above is generally considered good.

Additionally, lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio. This is a simple equation of how much debt you have relative to how much money you make. Borrowers with a higher debt-to-income ratio are considered more risky while a lower debt-to-income ratio may allow you to qualify for the best rates on your home loan.

Q: What are some tips for improving your credit score?

Miguel: There are a number of things you can do to improve your credit score, starting with reviewing your credit reports to understand what might be working against you. You can also pay down your revolving credit and dispute any inaccuracies.

Additionally, there are services like Chase Credit Journey to help monitor and improve your credit score. Credit Journey monitors all of your accounts and alerts you to changes in your credit report that may impact your score. You’ll get an alert any time Chase sees new activity, including charges, account openings and credit inquiries. Chase will

also notify you if there are changes in your credit usage, credit limits or balances. You don’t have to be a Chase customer to take advantage of Credit Journey.

Q: What are some factors that can affect the cost of a mortgage?

Miguel: There are several factors to consider when reviewing mortgage options including loan term, interest rate, and loan type. Potential homebuyers should contact a home lending professional to understand and review the options available to them.

For example, there are two basic types of mortgage interest rates: fixed and adjustable. While adjustable rates are initially low, they can change over the course of a loan, so your mortgage payments may fluctuate. Loan term indicates how long you have to pay off the loan. Many homebuyers tend to opt for a 15year or 30-year mortgage, though other terms are available. A longer loan term generally means you’ll have lower monthly payments, but you’ll pay more in interest over the life of the loan. A shorter loan term may come with higher monthly payments, but you’ll likely pay much less in interest over time.

Q: What are the costs of homeownership beyond the monthly mortgage payment?

Miguel: People often think of the down payment and monthly mortgage, but buying and owning a home carries addi tional costs. Closing costs, for example, can amount to up to 3% or more of the final purchase price. Other factors that could add on to your monthly payments are property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and homeowner’s association (HOA) fees. To get an idea of what this may look like for you, use an affordability calculator.

While there is no way for a buyer to completely avoid pay ing these fees, there are ways to save on them. Some banks offer financial assistance for homebuyers. As an example, Chase’s Homebuyer Grant offers up to $5,000 that can be used toward a down payment or closing costs in eligible neighborhoods across the country. There may also be homeowners’ or down payment assistance offered in your city or state. Contact a Home Lending Advisor to learn about resources you may be eligible for.

For a deeper dive into this topic, our Beginner to Buyer pod cast (www.beginnertobuyer.com) – episode three, “How Much Can I Afford?” is a great resource for prospective homebuyers to get answers to all their homebuying questions.

Learn more about the homebuying process, visit, www. chase.com/personal/mortgage/home.

Sponsored content from JPMorgan Chase.

VC Include Announces 2022 Cohort for Fellowship of BIPOC First-Time Fund Managers

SAN FRANCISCO, PRNewswire

--VC Include (VCI), an organization committed to evolving the traditional in vestment industry by creating an inclusive ecosystem of LPs and GPs from diverse backgrounds, today announced this year’s BIPOC First-Time Fund Manager fellows.

Twelve venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) funds were selected for VCI’s 2022 fellowship cohort. These funds represent a total of fifteen emerging fund managers that joined the two-month education and mentoring program. The fellowship was designed for women and BIPOC fund managers based in the United States who are building their first fund. The VCI Fellowship is made possible with the generous support of Visa Foundation, Skoll Foundation, Blue Haven Initiative, the MacArthur Foundation, and the Nasdaq Foundation.

The 2022 VCI fellows are as follows:

Eunice Ajim, Ajim Capital

Carlos Torres, AMG Block Ventures

Group Black Expands Board with Industry Titans to Further the Mission to Dramatically Change the Face of Media Ownership and Investment

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Group Black, one of the largest collectives of Blackowned media and diverse creators, announced it will be expanding its Board of Directors with the addition of Ursula Burns, founding partner of private equity firm Integrum Holdings and former CEO of Xerox; Vivek Shah, CEO of digital media company Ziff Davis, Inc.; and Seth Kaufman, CEO of Moët Hennessy North America.

“We are honored to welcome Ursula Burns, Vivek Shah and Seth Kaufman to the Group Black board. All three leaders bring a host of business, technology and media experience, as well as expertise in building and scaling successful business endeavors,” said Travis Montaque, co-founder and CEO of Group Black. “Additionally, their passion and commitment to creating a more equitable media landscape makes them perfect additions to help further the Group Black mission.”

Ursula Burns is the first Black woman to lead a S&P 500 company. During Burns’ tenure as CEO of Xerox Corporation, Burns helped the company transform from a global leader in document technology to the world’s most diversified business services company serving enterprises and governments of all sizes. Cur rently, Burns is a member of the ExxonMobil Corporation, Uber Technologies, Inc., Endeav or Group Holdings, Inc., and IHS Holdings Board of Directors.

“As a champion for inclusion across all systems and enterprises, I believe that Group Black will be pivotal in improving the media landscape by empowering more diverse creators,” said Ursula Burns. “I am looking forward to working with Group Black to lever age its expertise in elevating content creators of color”.

Vivek Shah, CEO of Ziff Davis, is a digital media veteran who has led the transfor mation of Ziff Davis into a multi-billion-dollar public company. He began his career at Time Inc., where he held various management positions, including President of Fortune and Money. He was instrumental in Ziff Davis’ investment in Group Black and its participation in Group Black’s ‘Uplift’ initiative.

Renata Merino, Blazin’ Babes

Himalaya Rao, The BFM Fund

Tessa Flippin, Capitalize VC

Aisha T. Weeks, Dearfield Fund for Black Wealth

Azin Radsan van Alebeek, La Keisha

Landrum Pierre & Naseem Sayani, Emme line Ventures

Madeline Darcy, Kaya Ventures

Daniel Balzora, Macellum Private Capital

Kent Lucas and Sid Smith, Non Sibi Ventures

Toussaint Bailey, Uplifting Capital

Hernando Bunuan, Z2Sixtly Ventures

“I’m thrilled to welcome this year’s cohort of New Majority, next generation fund managers and wealth creators, coming on the heels of a massively successful first cohort of fund managers that have closed their first VC and PE funds” said VCI’s founder, Bahiyah Yasmeen Robinson.

“Visa Foundation is proud to support VC Include and the women and BIPOC fund managers selected for their 2022 fellow ship cohort,” said Robert Meloche, Head of

Programs, Visa Foundation. “The work that VC Include does to accelerate investment into historically underrepresented founders and fund managers aligns closely with Visa Foundation’s long-term focus of uplifting everyone, everywhere through the power of economic inclusion and advancement.”

“Investment firms led by or owned by women and people of color have faced challenges in attracting investment capital due to discrimination, implicit bias, lack of mentorship, and closed networks. We are excited to support VC Include as it works to build a more equitable future by tackling these issues through its fellow ship program,” said John Balbach, Direc tor, Impact Investments at the MacArthur Foundation.

To get the latest news on VCI and its dynamic programs, fund managers with diverse teams as well as investment professionals interested in diversity and inclusion are encouraged to visit the VCI website at https://www.vcinclude.com/.

“Group Black is a trailblazer in our industry. By partnering with leading media companies and scaling Black-owned brands, Group Black is forging a path to democratizing the media industry,” said Shah. “I’m excited to be part of this important effort to diversify the media ecosystem.”

Seth Kaufman, CEO of Moët Hennessy North America, is a time-tested global brand building heavy-weight. Kaufman will lend his decades of branding, marketing, creativity, and flawless execution to Group Black as it contin ues to build a strong presence in the industry.

“I am thrilled to roll up my sleeves to help Group Black transform the media industry, by addressing the systemic inequities that are inherent in the legacy media ownership model. We have already had several exciting meetings to exchange insights and ideas and it is easy to see that my personal passion for diversity, inclusion and equity is very much aligned with Group Black’s bold vision for the future of media,” said Kaufman.

( STOCK PHOTO GETTY IMAGES)

Purpose Toys Unveils Amazon Exclusive “Crown and Coils” Styling-Head Set

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- DeeDee Wright-Ward, creator of viral “Naturalistas” Fashion Doll line and CEO of one of the largest Black-owned toy start-ups, Purpose Toys, has announced the expan sion of the Naturalistas brand with the release of the Amazon Exclusive “Crown and Coils” Natural Hair Styling-Head set.

A celebration of coils and curls, the popular Naturalistas fashion doll line features seven unique core characters and offers an inclusive selection of four distinctly Black hair textures and styles. Created to help parents educate kids, “Crown and Coils” joins the “Crown and Curls” Styling-Head as the world’s first and only line of Natural Hair Styling-Heads to provide children with the opportunity to ex plore, interact with and learn to care for Natural Hair. The groundbreak ing “Crown” line of Styling-Heads features a selection of several hair types (4A and 3C), both of which commonly found across the African American and global Black Communities. With the support of Amazon and the exclu sive release of “Crown and Coils, Naturalistas continues to make histo ry as the first all Black, culture-driven fashion doll line to not only center and celebrate children with coily and curly hair, but also to highlight the beautiful nuances of Natural Black Hair.

“Whereas straight hair, wavy and jewel-toned hair are over-represented across the Black doll category, the reality is many African American children and adults like myself, have tightly coiled natural-colored hair. But from the standpoint of authentically representing distinctively Black characteristics, many doll products marketed to Black children don’t often reflect their beautiful coils, curls or natural hair color, which can inadvertently send the message that hair that looks like theirs isn’t equally valued. We want to change this,” Wright-Ward said.

She added, “Through the Naturalistas’ “Crown and Coils” Styling-Head, children with type-4 hair are not only provided an educational tool that allows them to interact with and learn about Natural Hair manage ment, they also get to see themselves celebrated and authentically represented.”

“A Celebration of Natural Coils, Curls and Crowns,” both “Crown and Coils” and “Crown and Curls” Styling-Head sets (SRP $29.99) feature distinct ly Black (natural hair) textures, familiar (culturally) facial features, contemporary deco face paintings, and highly curated (culturally accurate) hair accessories that speak to Purpose Toys’ commitment to the celebration, education and authentic representation of Natural Hair. Naturalistas are sold and distributed by Purpose Toys.

DeeDee adds, “Our tagline across all Naturalistas brands is ‘Be Proud of Your Crown,’ and on National Afro Day and every day, we continue to support the healthy emotional development of children who wear their Natural Hair, by providing authentic, nuanced culture-driven products. It goes without saying that Purpose Toys is grateful for the support of Amazon in bringing celebratory, uplifting ‘dolls-of-culture’ to market.”

Outdoor Afro Inc. and REI Co-op Debut Co-created Collection

OAKLAND, Calif. and SEATTLE, PRNewswire -- Outdoor Afro Inc. and REI Co-op have launched a co-created hike collection to help solve unmet needs in outdoor apparel and celebrate Black joy in nature. A new chapter for national not-for-profit Outdoor Afro Found er and CEO Rue Mapp, Outdoor Afro Inc. is the corporate partner of her 13-year organization and the co-op’s inspiration for this innova tive collection.

“Nature has been, and will continue to be, a place where Black people seek connection and respite,” said Rue Mapp, founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro. “Black people have always spent time outside across a variety of activities, but the community has always felt a gap in finding gear that fits, functions well, feels good and represents their personal style. REI was the right partner to listen deeply and help us create a collection that would start to meet those needs. We are thrilled to launch this inspirational campaign, share this hike collection, and continue to elevate Black joy outdoors.”

Outdoor Afro Inc. is a new venture for Mapp that celebrates and inspires Black community connections to the outdoors through rele vant product design, manufacturing, sales, and outdoor experiences. For more than a decade, her not-for-profit organization and REI have built a relationship to address the lack of Black representation in the outdoors. That relationship led to this new collaboration.

“Our long-time relationship with Outdoor Afro provided a nat ural platform to help us better understand what the outdoors means to the Black community. This partnership allowed us to authentically identify and address barriers to create more inclusive design solutions that will connect more people to the power of the outdoors,” said Isa belle Portilla, divisional vice president of product strategy and design for REI Co-op brands.

For the first drop in the multi-launch collection, Outdoor Afro Inc. and REI worked closely with members of the Black communi ty to understand their outdoor product needs and begin developing a collection to inspire and ignite more Black joy in nature. The 22-piece hike collection includes apparel and accessories that bring more inclusive design to the forefront. Customers will find new fit options that consider a wider range of body types, shapes, and sizes. The collection uses lightweight and stretch materials that promote breathability and lead to easy wear and care. New colors and graphics embrace a desire for personal expression.

The Outdoor Afro Inc. x REI Co-op Hike Collection is now available for purchase at REI stores and REI.com. Apparel and acces sory prices range from $40 to $179 and $7 to $15, respectively.

Campaign photography was captured by Joshua Kissi and Fela Raymond from TONL, a creative company seeking to transform the idea of stock photography with diverse representation. Video content was created with Nate the Director from Invisible Collective and Maya Table from Curator. On-camera talent is a mix of Outdoor Afro leaders, REI partners and models.

TRESemmé Partners with Multi-Platinum Selling Artist Normani to Launch “Power Your Style Project”

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., PRNewswire -- As America’s #1 styling brand, TRESemmé knows that style is more than just a look. Style is represented by how every woman presents, speaks and acts as her authentic self. Driven by the brand’s purpose to champion personal style and the power that it brings, TRESemmé announces the “Power Your Style Project,” a commitment and partnership with The Representation Project, multi-platinum artist Normani, and American fashion designer Batsheva Hay to advocate for every woman’s truest expression of her personal style.

TRESemmé believes that when personal style is embraced, it helps women reach their full potential. How ever, not all women are able to embrace their style due to “double binds” -- the conflicting societal messages, images and queues that tell a woman how she is supposed to look, speak and act. Examples include being told to be more assertive but not bossy, dress to impress but don’t be too bold, and speak up but not too loudly. To reveal the effects of double binds on women’s personal style and profession al ambitions, TRESemmé collaborated with The Represen tation Project, a leading global gender justice non-profit organization, on a first-of-its-kind study on double binds

using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study found:

Two-thirds of women experience double bind mes sages, especially Gen Z women ages 18-24. 90% of these women report that double binds prevent them from being their authentic self.

Nearly half of women report experiencing double binds at work, with two-in-five women reporting that double binds negatively impact their professional career/ job.

A majority of women (61%) reported they would be happier if they had more freedom to express their style.

To launch the program, TRESemmé is partnering with multi-platinum selling artist Normani who herself has experienced double bind criticism and has had to nav igate other societal expectations throughout her career. The Representation Project found that the most common double binds prominent women* experience on social media include receiving comments that they are overly confident, yet insecure (84%) and being called lazy, while also being told that they are overly ambitious (80%).

“I know what it feels like to be criticized and doubted, which I experienced in my music career,” stated

Normani. “I have since started discovering who I am and am embracing this stage in my life where I am able to express myself the way I want to and not because of any body else. By owning my personal style, it has encour aged me to continue on this path as a soloist and create a new album. I am honored to be partnering with TRESem mé, a brand that believes in championing women’s personal style and the power that it brings, to officially launch their ‘Power Your Style Project’ and empower women everywhere to express their unique styles so they can achieve more and be their best selves.”

The brand is also showcasing and celebrating wom en’s personal styles through #MyStyleIsMyPower – a social movement that the brand kicked off on TikTok that encourages women to embrace their personal style, de spite the double binds that keep them trapped in a world of seemingly wrong choices. Furthermore, TRESemmé has committed to evolve all brand content to ensure that a wide variety and diversity of styles are showcased across TRESemmé channels.

To learn more about the TRESemmé “Power Your Style Project”, visit here or follow @Tresemme on Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

DeeDee Wright-Ward, CEO of Black-owned toy start-up Purpose Toys and creator of “Naturalistas” FashION DOLL LINE. PRNEWSFOTO.

The Amazon Exclusive Naturalistas “Crown and Coils” Styling-Head Set was created to celebrate children with coily and curly hair. PRNEWSFOTO.

DuSable Museum Presents

(September 26, 2022) The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center will pres ent its annual “Drum Talk,” Book and Literary Fair on Saturday, October 8, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event will include “The Banned Black Book Exchange,” during which guests are invited to bring a “banned book,” which they may exchange for another “banned book” of their choosing.

More than 35 authors will be in attendance including Christian Gregory who will unveil and discuss, his new book “The Essential Dick Greg ory,” a soulful, generation-defining collection of thought provoking, agitating and liberating works from his father Dick Gregory the late activist and author of sixteen books, which will be published on October 11, 2022.

A true renaissance man, Richard Claxton “Dick” Gregory was one of the pioneering sat irists of his generation, a reformer and brilliant spokesperson for the downtrodden and forgotten who dedicated his life to speaking unadulterated

Event Will Also Celebrate The 90th Birthday of Civil Rights Activist Dick Gregory

sential Dick Gregory,” a carefully curated anthol ogy of selected writings reflects and celebrates Dick Gregory’s wisdom and his vision. Divided into three sections –Body, Mind, and Spirit—it includes previously unavailable transcriptions and excerpts taken from his sixteen books, fifteen albums and audio compilations, and more than 1,200 hours of archival video, including lectures, interviews and comedic performances. It is a breathtaking tour through the life of one of Ameri ca’s most prophetic and relevant cultural icons.

day, the launch and discussion of “The Essential Dick Gregory” will be preceded by a screening of the documentary The One and Only Dick Grego ry, on Friday October 7, 2022, at 6:00 PM in the DuSable Museum’s Ames Auditorium.

The One and Only Dick Gregory is a feature length documentary examining activist, pop-cul ture icon and thought leader Dick Gregory, whose work as a self-described “agitator” shaped a generation demanding justice. As a renowned Black comedian, Gregory has a platform to take on the most incendiary battles of hunger, gen der equity, and civil rights—stirring trouble and making headlines in the service of social justice. Featuring Gregory’s personal reflections, archival footage and interviews with the artists he influ enced—including Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and Wanda Sykes.

Admission to the screening of The One and Only Dick Gregory and to the Drum Talk Annual Book and Literary Fair is FREE to all. For more information, please visit the museum’s website at:

What's good for the environment can also be good for your home. Save today with rebates and discounts on ENERGY STAR® certified appliances and home products, all while saving for the long run by using less energy. You may even qualify for additional FREE energy saving products.

Living Color

On-trend hues reflect comforting lifestyle design

(Family Features) Upgrading your home design is an opportunity to tap into new color schemes. Knowing what shades are trendy and how different hues can work together for a cohesive design is an important step in creating an attractive design aesthetic.

While you might turn to family or friends for inspiration for your next DIY project, another resource for collecting concepts and options to upgrade your space is the internet. Consider the Valspar Color-verse, which allows visitors to explore colors in a unique way and offers paint color inspi ration and decor trends they can envision within their own homes.

The interactive virtual home showcases the latest paint and design trends so you can get creative for your next project. After experiencing the Valspar 2023 Colors of the Year firsthand by painting walls and art from the collection to see the 3D virtual house come to life, you can find the perfect paint shade for your space.

“Through the Color-verse, visitors can experience the 12 Colors of the Year in a realistic virtual home,” said Gus Morales, vice president of brand marketing for CBG Sher win-Williams. “Aside from exploring the Colors of the Year, the home is an engaging space for visitors to create art, play games and order paint chips to see how their top color picks look and feel in their homes.”

Color Trends to Consider

Many of this year’s popular nature-inspired designs are all about finding comfort, embracing a flexible lifestyle,

rediscovering joy and leaning into the growing DIY move ment. The most trend-worthy, forward-thinking and livable colors reflect specific facets or emotions of life so you can update your well-used spaces with thoughtful colors that evoke positive energy and lasting change.

Comfort and Contentment: If your goal is to create a space that envelopes you in a sense of comfort, consider a white with a yellow undertone that makes a space cozy like a soft blanket, like Cozy White from Valspar. Complement the softness with a muted clay that brings in brown undertones that suggest gentle contentment.

Calming Restoration: Tap into the calming tones of na ture with a hazy green that has duality, which brings in both the calm and liveliness of the great outdoors. Another option is a deep midnight blue used as an elegant calming shade to restore mind, body and home.

Healthful, Mindful Living: Create an uplifting space where your wellness is a priority. Evoke a greater sense of health consciousness with a light blue that has a dose of softness used as a fresh neutral with uplifting qualities of a modern pastel, like Valspar’s Rising Tide. Reinforce the benefits of mindful living with a cool gray that is balanced by the warmth of the yellow undertone, a natural hue like a cotton muslin cloth.

Connections and Joy: Establish spaces where you can celebrate relationships with others, the world around you and happiness in your being. Consider hues like a white softened by a violet undertone, a harmonious shade promoted by digital connectivity. Evoke joy with a dependable classic tan that features a yellow undertone suggesting new life with

uplifting qualities.

Natural Balance: Bringing hints of the outdoors into a well-loved living space creates a soothing ambiance. Consid er a warm neutral brown tone inspired by the shades found in nature or a cooled down blue that strikes a beautiful balance between cool and warm shades in your design.

Inspirational Thought: A work-from-home or crafting space needs color to inspire great thinking. Try a faded natu ral terracotta that sparks individuality and warmth or a deep blackened olive, an on-trend neutral that embodies charm and sophistication.

Explore the tool and find more colorful ideas at Valspar. com.

Navigate New Colors

Exploring color options before you apply them to a home improvement or design project gives you the chance to experience and visualize different styles before you fully commit. Using a tool like Valspar’s Color-verse, a 3D virtual home, you can experience on-trend color palettes that inspire your next big project through resources like:

• An interactive feature that allows you to repaint walls of a living room, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, walls and cabinets using the 12 Colors of the Year then takes you directly to the site to order free paint chips to try at home

• An artistic element where you can create a 3D panora ma nature scene, explore others’ artwork and share creations on social media

• A light-hearted game that inspires you to get on the road to gather your home improvement essentials

Bilingual collection offers free access to high-quality digital books and resources for adults, children and educators

WASHINGTON, PRNewswire -- The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and Worldreader have partnered to release ReadLife Bookshelf, a new multigener ational reading collection for adults, children, and educators.

Launched in celebration of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, ReadLife Bookshelf aims to promote literacy skill develop ment in adult learners, children and families, using online resources to broaden reach and access. ReadLife Bookshelf offers:

A curated collection of digital books for adults and children, including titles tai lored to the reading levels and interests of adult learners

Guided activities to encourage adult learners and their families to deepen and enhance the learning experience

Resource guides to help instructors promote literacy skill development

Bilingual (English and Span ish) books and resources

Anytime, anywhere access to online materials across all platforms (Computers, tablets and smart phones)

New books and materials each month, with upcoming seasonal themes including “Mysterious Stories,” “Gratitude” and “Let’s Celebrate.”

The ReadLife Bookshelf collection aims to promote equity and remove barriers that often prevent low-literate adults/parents from building their literacy skills by providing convenient online access to engaging, relevant reading materials.

Roughly 54% of American adults lack proficiency in literacy, reading below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level. Yet, books for emerging readers most frequently focus on topics that are of interest to children. To fill this gap, the Barbara Bush Founda tion and Worldreader worked with publishers and authors to curate a selection of books that combine high-interest topics

JAKE AND JAZZ SMOLLETT ADD COLOR AND STORAGE INTO A KITCHEN SPACE ON ‘LIVING BY DESIGN WITH JAKE AND JAZZ’

Silver Spring, Md. -- The Smollett sibling duo has returned to CLEO TV’s hit series “LIVING BY DESIGN WITH JAKE AND JAZZ” to continue to create revitalizing home makeovers and cel ebrate the renovation completion with delicious cuisine. Season three, which premiered on Sept. 14, will follow the viva cious Smollett siblings as they recreate family recipes while trans forming homes into desirable, uplifting living spaces.

Jake and Jazz are revamping Yassmin’s kitchen to reflect her love for baking. Jazz adds a popping pink to the space and fun storage options, while Jake creates a workstation and mobile table. Tonight’s meal includes chicken piccata served with red velvet cinnamon rolls.

Brother and sister duo Jake and Jazz Smollett team up to transform the living, work, and play spaces of millennial fam ilies in CLEO TV’s new lifestyle series

“LIVING BY DESIGN WITH JAKE AND JAZZ.” They know how to hold it down in fashion, food and design! In this series, Jake and Jazz create simple

solutions to everyday design dilemmas for aspiring millennial families. Whether it’s a new mom redecorating a nursery on a tight budget, a fierce young woman who’s landed her dream job and now has to spruce up her home office or a young couple moving into their first home, LIVING BY DESIGN will help transition their houses into homes.

LIVING BY DESIGN WITH JAKE AND JAZZ is produced by Powerhouse Productions, with Rochelle Brown and Sonia Armstead

serving as Executive Producers. For TV One, Austin Biggers is the SVP of Pro gramming, Susan Henry is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production, and Donyell McCullough is Sr. Director of Talent & Casting.

For more information about CLEO TV’s upcoming programming, includ ing original movies, visit the network’s companion website at www.tvone.tv. CLEO TV viewers can also join the con versation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@ mycleotv) using the hashtag #LIVING BYDESIGN.

with accessible vocabulary – creating a unique collection for adult learners.

“Adult literacy is family literacy, but the literacy needs of parents and caregivers are far too often overlooked,” said British A. Robinson, president and CEO of the Barbara Bush Foundation. “Through the combination of high-quality content and innovative technology, ReadLife Bookshelf can empower parents to improve their own literacy skills – boost ing equity and unlocking the doors of opportunity for millions of families.”

The new collection is also designed to promote family literacy engagement by encouraging parents and children to read together, fostering a literacy-rich home environment. Learners and instructors can access the ReadLife Bookshelf collection across all their devices and platforms, thanks to Worldreader’s low-cost digital reading solution, BookSmart.

“When parents read, children read. And when chil dren read, they lay the foundation for a successful life. We are thrilled to partner with the Barbara Bush Foundation to provide the books and technology necessary to set families up for success,” said David Risher, co-founder and CEO of Worldreader.

The ReadLife Bookshelf collection will grow over the next three years to include guided activities, compelling adult learning-focused stories, and over 200 children’s books in English and Spanish. All resources are available for use by learners and educators at no cost.

‘LOUIS WISHES YOU A COOL YULE’ SET FOR RELEASE OCTOBER 28

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire

-- Much like Santa Claus himself, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong devoted his life to “the cause of happiness,” as he once put it, bringing joy to audiences around the globe every time he put his trumpet to his lips or crooned with his instantly-recognizable, gravelly voice. Yet, while Satchmo’s holiday recordings have become stan dard yuletide fare, he never released a Christmas album during his lifetime. Now, for the very first time, Louis Wishes You A Cool Yule – out October 28 via Verve Re cords/UMe, presents Armstrong’s holiday recordings as a cohe sive body of work, marking his first-ev er official Christmas album.

Since his pass ing in 1971, Arm strong has become one of the most oft-played artists during the holiday season, his golden trumpet tone still able to cut through the din of even the most bustling shopping mall. Available for pre-order today, Louis Wishes You A Cool Yule features nearly the entirety of Armstrong’s hol iday output: six Decca singles from the ‘50s, including “Cool Yule,” “Christmas Night in Harlem,” and the swinging

“’Zat You Santa Claus?.” The 11-track album also features duets with two of Pops’ favorite vocal partners, Velma Middleton (“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”) and Ella Fitzgerald (“I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm”). An official video for the Louis and Ella classic debuts today, hand-drawn by director and ani mator JonJon in his distinctive “line and shape” style.

For the very first time, “Louis Wishes You A Cool Yule,” presents Louis Armstrong’s holiday record ings as a cohesive body of work, marking his first-ever official Christmas album. PRNewsFoto.

Rounding out the collection is the artist’s signature hit, “What a Wonderful World,” which has become something of a year long hymn of hope and celebrates its 65th anni versary this year, plus a very special gift to fans: a previously unreleased reading of Samuel Clement Moore’s poem “A Visit from St. Nich olas,” popularly known as “The Night Before Christmas.” Paired with a groovy, newly-record ed musical underbed by New Orleans pianist Sullivan Fortner, the poignant recording marks the first new Louis Armstrong track in more than 20 years and is notable for being the last recording he ever made.

Louis Wishes You A Cool Yule will be available in a variety of formats, including on red vinyl, a limited edition vinyl picture disc (releasing November 4th), CD, and digital.

British A. Robinson, President and CEO, Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy (PRNewsfoto/ Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy)

TVONE

Tracye McQuirter, MPH Leads Global Health Intervention for Black Women

WASHINGTON, PRNewswire --

Award-winning public health nutritionist, 35-year vegan activist, and best-selling author Tracye McQuirter, MPH, is thrilled to announce her free 21-Day Vegan Fresh Start program will continue through Oct. 9.

To commemorate the importance of this pub lic health initiative, Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an official “Greetings” document to McQuirter.

This marks the fourth free 21-Day Vegan Fresh Start program as part of McQuirter’s 10 Million Black Vegan Women Movement, a revolu tionary public health intervention that will change the health paradigm of Black women now and for generations to come.

Studies show a plant-based diet can dramat ically reduce the risk for chronic diseases and improve heart health. McQuirter’s free 21-Day Vegan Fresh Start programs have helped thousands of Black women experience life-changing health benefits, including weight loss, lower blood pres sure and cholesterol levels, improved mood and cognitive function, and more.

The 21-Day Vegan Fresh Start features:

Meal Plans

Grocery Shopping Lists

Online Cooking Classes

Delicious Whole-Food Vegan Recipes Nutrition Tips Daily Support and Inspiration

Live Sessions with Vegan Experts

Online Fitness Classes

Testimonials from participants include:

“Feels good knowing that other Black women are trying to live healthier and will influence whole families and in turn whole communities.”

“Your program is great for anyone that is thinking or wants to go plant-based but not sure how to start. The recipes are awesome. The di etary information is awesome.”

“Since I have started the movement, I’ve lost 13 pounds, my blood pressure is down, and I feel amazing! I can’t thank you enough.”

“When you consider that Black women experience among the worst health outcomes, it’s truly revolutionary that we have created a free global health intervention that has already helped thousands of Black women around the world im prove their health,” said Tracye McQuirter, MPH. “Eating a whole-food, plant-based diet can be both life-changing and delicious, and the results from our 21-Day Vegan Fresh Start program prove just that!”

For more information, please visit: 10mil lionblackveganwomen.org/freshstart/. PRNewsFoto.

FOUNDATION FOR SARCOIDOSIS RESEARCH LAUNCHES

CLINICAL TRIAL EQUITY INITIATIVE

CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is proud to announce the launch of the Ignore No More: ACTe Now! (Advance Clinical Trials for Equity in Sarcoidosis) campaign. The goals of this campaign are to increase represen tation of Black American sarcoidosis patients in clinical trials, raise awareness of disparities that exist in sarcoidosis, identify the challenges and barriers that contribute to lower participation by Black Americans in clinical trials, and to provide recommendations that foster a more inclusive ap proach to recruiting patients for clinical trials and research.

The time to ACTe is Now! Learn what you can do to support at www.stopsarcoidosis.org/ACT Now.

To ensure Black American sarcoidosis patients are at the forefront of this discussion, FSR collabo rated with sarcoidosis experts and patients, known as Patient and Clinical Advisory Committees, to create a survey to provide a platform for Black Americans to share their experiences and insights. Black Americans at least 18 years of age and older, who live in the U.S., are encouraged to take the survey at www.stopsarcoidosis.org/ACTNow to help inform recommendations for improving care and increasing representation in clinical trials. The survey is available now through November 30, and will culminate in a Congressional Briefing in April of 2023, Sarcoidosis Awareness Month.

Black Americans are 2.5 times more likely to have sarcoidosis and are 12 times more likely to die from sarcoidosis than White Americans. While Black Americans are disproportionately impacted

by chronic illnesses and diseases across the spec trum, they are significantly underrepresented in clinical trials and research. According to the FDA, only 7% of clinical trial participants, globally, and 16% domestically, are Black, while White partici pants represent 76% and 78% respectively.

In 2021, FSR launched Phase I of the Ignore No More Campaign to raise awareness of the disproportionate impact sarcoidosis has on Black American women reaching over 500,000 indi viduals through awareness events, media, and an educational public service announcement video featuring celebrity spokesperson, Jeryl Prescott Gallien. The campaign was featured in media outlets such as The Roland Martin Show, The Tavis Smiley Show, USA Today and Yahoo! News. Phase II, ACTe Now!, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, Kinevant Sciences, Mallinckrodt Pharma ceuticals, and Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, is the next step in addressing health disparities in the sarcoidosis community, including Black American men.

We are calling on all patients, caregivers, cli nicians, researchers, and the wider community to support this campaign and raise awareness of the sur vey. The FSR ACTe Now! Social Media Toolkit and educational infographic are located on the campaign website to make sharing messaging easy. FSR is also calling all providers, researchers, and clinicians to commit to having discussions with your patients about clinical trials and research participation.

There are more sarcoidosis clinical trials than ever before, so the time to ACTe is Now! Learn what you can do to support at www.stopsarcoidosis.org/ ACTNow.

Believing is the first step

We’re empowering entrepreneurs to take the next one

In the last decade, more than 50% of all new businesses created were diverse-owned.* It’s why Bank of America has taken an innovative, industry-leading approach to help fuel growth by supporting mission-focused equity funds, Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions, including mHUB Product Impact Fund I, Chingona Ventures and Allies for Community Business.

These partners help women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color establish and grow their businesses, create jobs and improve financial stability in local communities across the country.

We know that it takes more than a great idea to start and keep a business running. My teammates and I in Chicago want to make sure every big believer has the opportunity to achieve and reach their goals.

Rita Sola Cook President, Bank of America Chicago

What would you like the power to do?

Learn more at bankofamerica.com/chicago