Catalyst Magazine

CATALYST

Creating Wealth In the African American CommunitY

AQUAPONICS: SOLUTIONS TO THE FOOD DESERT THE

EVOLUTION OF CALUMET COUNTRY CLUB

CONTENTS

06. Editor’s Note

B/ACE Magazine is proud and excited to partner with Catalyst Consulting group to introduce Catalyst! A magazine devoted to the Redevelopment of the Calumet Country Club.

Over the past year, Catalyst Consulting Group (CCG) has been working in Southland to structure a new and exciting development concept that they believe would enhance the Town of Hazel Crest.

In 1901, whilst racial prejudice was at the height of American living; whenever the word “country club,” was mentioned, the mind would immediately conjure of images of Caucasian, round, pot-bellied men in suit jackets and top hats, playing golf.

Small towns and their town squares historically have been known for being the hub of a community. They are the best places to relax, people watch and include the best attractions for food and entertainment. Mallory Square in Key West Florida, Bentonville, Arkansas and Healdsburg, California are known to have some of the country’s best town squares, but you can now add the Calumet Country Club Town Center to the list.

08. 12. 14. 18.

Meet The Catalyst Team The Evolution Of Calumet Country Club New Town Square Outdoor Sport Complex

Soccer, also known as football in some countries, is the most popular sport in the world, with the top players each making upwards of $60 Million dollars a year.

20. 24. 26. 30. 34.

In recent years, the world, especially third world countries, has been shaken loose in the challenge to close up the loopholes in the nutritional needs of the population.

Aquaponics: Solutions To The Food Desert Dog Park and Walking Trails

Recently, the term “mental health” has become the center of major conversations across the country.

The issue of wealth creation in the Black community has for long been a tough flesh to bite into. Statistically speaking, the annual wage for African American workers is always 30% less than the Whites’.

Born in the village of O’kao to a family of artists, Abinola Akintola at the age of five years old decided that he wanted to be an artist.

32.

Design With the Community in Mind: Dr. Johnny Mullins on His Mission to Educate Kids and Develop Communities

Becoming the architect for the Country Club Revitalization project in Hazel Crest is a big feat for anyone, especially an African-American.

Creating Wealth In The African American Community Art As a Calling Advisory Board

A new and exciting development that is being led by a group of talented AfricanAmericans

B/ACE Magazine is proud and excited to partner with Catalyst Consulting group to introduce Catalyst! - a magazine devoted to the Redevelopment of the

Calumet Country Club. This new and exciting development is being led by a group of talented AfricanAmericans committed to bringing diversity and inclusion to the construction industry.

The project itself was designed with the community in mind. The architectural team was very intentional about designing a center that would bring community together, creating spaces that were inviting, and promotes a healthy lifestyle.

editorial note Rachel Ivy

This development is even more exciting because at the heart of the development design, the goal was to present long-term solutions to problems that have plagued African-American communities such as a flawed educational system, centuries of trauma, and the intentional breakdown of the African-American

family. Not only will there be a training and development center, but the jobs that go along with the training facility. Dog parks and walking trails that encourage us to prioritize our mental health, but most importantly are the amenities that create opportunities to nurture our families.

There are many reasons why we developed a magazine that speaks directly to the development details. So, let us dive into Aquaponics, the New Town Square and the advisory board that is fueling the community engagement process. Get ready Southland, there are some new and amazing things coming!

Development with the Community In Mind: Meet The Catalyst Team

Over the past year, Catalyst Consulting Group (CCG) has been working in Southland to structure a new and exciting development concept that they believe would enhance the Town of Hazel Crest. Many days, you can find the team working feverishly to hash out ideas, test feasibility, manage traffic studies and devise budgets, all with the ultimate goal of creating a comprehensive development that the town would be proud to call their own. The team consist of industry professionals that have over 30 years of residency in the southland community and together, they

are designing a development with the community at the forefront. The team has been working vehemently to include community residents, businesses, elected officials, villages, and local organizations to keep the community informed and engaged in the development process. This includes gathering feedback, hearing initial concerns, and collectively creating a development that is mutually beneficial for all parties. Catalyst Consulting aims to create an ongoing, collaborative partnership with the community as the development was designed with the community in mind.

CCG’s comprehensive plan includes a variety of retailers from banking to coffee shops, grocers, restaurants, and the restoration of the Calumet Country Club as a unique multi use facility. The development also includes a hotel that would complement the newly proposed Casino to be built in Homewood, approximately 1.5 miles from the site. The site will also

include a youth sporting complex with concessions and a pavilion, three water features with a walk path, exercise stations and a dog park. In addition, an Aquaponics Farming facility with an educational component for local area schools and a job training facility that will train and prepare individuals for the anticipated one thousand jobs to be created from this development. Finally, an industrial park that will include a 200,000 square foot, automated prefabricated housing facility, which will produce windows and doors within the park and other commercial space for warehousing various products. Catalyst also understands that the development process is ongoing.

CCG is open and prepared to continue community conversations that address additional community concerns. They are encouraging residents to visit the website: catalystconsultinggroup.biz and subscribe for upcoming events and community updates.

MEET THE TEAM

CURTIS L. THOMPSON is President of National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) Chicago. NAMC is the oldest minority construction trade association in the country with annual project capacity of over one billion dollars nationally. Through a network of local chapters and in collaboration with strategic and corporate partnerships, NAMC assists members with building capacity by providing access (contract & resource opportunities), advocacy (legislative impact), and contractor readiness (training, capacity building, and growth).

JERRY LEWIS- At the helm of the development and branding over 32 years of construction/ development experience is Jerry Lewis- CEO of JLL Construction Services Inc. Executive of CRC a development company, Founder of CEEP, Executive Managing Partner of CCG, and a true gem in the fight for diversity and inclusion in the construction industry. He gives himself and his resources to create a legacy of responsible organizations rooted in building our communities.

also gained extensive knowledge and experience as a Commercial Loan Closer at one of the top three banks in America and several community banks in Illinois. Valerie is responsible for closing multi-million-dollar loans for residential and commercial developers as well as small business owners throughout the Midwest and Southeast.

VALERIE THOMAS is a Real Estate Broker, Commercial Closer and Investor. Currently a longtime resident of Homewood, Illinois, she has been delivering full-spectrum residential sales and marketing services as a Real Estate Broker to her valued clients since 2007. Over the last 20+ years, she has

JEFFERY COLEMAN is a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years’ experience advising and consulting in government affairs, strategic relationship building, orchestrating community outreach activities, commercial project management and product marketing. Jeffery is committed to community engagement for the specific purpose of educating and motivating Generation X and Generation Y about the political process, economics, and education. More importantly, his experience in working with various minority groups in Illinois, which spans over the course of two decades, lends to his solid reputation and community outreach credibility.

VINCE BASS - political advocate, strategist, expert brand builder, outreach liaison, innovator, originator, and the go-to builder and connector are all monikers that describe and precede Vince Bass. From his origins in the Chicago entertainment scene, where he was responsible for building and forging the careers of Comedian, B*Cole (BETs Comic View/HBOs Def Comedy) and Grammy Winning Song Writer and Spoken Word Artist, Malik Yusef (Good Music/HBOs Def Poetry) to creating funding programs for the State of Illinois, Vince approaches each opportunity with a spirit of excellence. For the past 25 years, he has been credited with creating countless celebrities that help put Chicago entertainment on the map, creating strong political networks and lobbying for legislation that benefit communities all over the State of Illinois.

THE CLUB HOUSE

THE EVOLUTION OF CALUMET COUNTRY CLUB

iIn 1901, while racial prejudice was at the height of American living; whenever the words “country club,” were mentioned, the mind would immediately conjure up images of Caucasian, round, pot-bellied men in suit jackets and top hats, playing golf.

African Americans were not allowed, and neither were women without their husbands. It is believed that this exclusionary nature of country clubs across the country played a pivotal role in the current demise and neglect of many of them, making change inevitable.

Catalyst Consulting Group is excited to usher in the evolution of the traditional country club. The Calumet Country Club is evolving from the exclusionary nature of historical clubs to being inclusive based on gender and race and inclusive of the entire Southland community as a whole!

The Calumet Country Club Project will encompass the leveling and redevelopment of the southern portion of the club into an exciting array of commercial retail suites that will complement the mixeduse industrial plans for the site and broaden the tax base for the community of Hazel Crest and the surrounding areas.

200-boutique hotel along with a 10-acre Aquaponics urban farm will serve as anchors of

the redeveloped land bringing with it the opportunity to create an impressive dining and entertainment experience for the entire family. In addition to the boutique hotel, restaurants and shops, residents can anticipate an indoor water park and a state-of-the-art sporting complex. Other tenants may include a fresh market farm stand, pet groomer, UPS Store, Bamenda Coffee shop and much more.

The mixed-use industrial plans will also include the introduction of Factory Town & Warehousing. This inclusion provides continuous support and growth for the proposed retail tenants. A new entrance to the industrial park will also be included, which will provide a convenient segue to the nearby East Hazel Crest and Homewood Village casino project now underway. This project will undoubtedly become a true mixed-use town center. The redevelopment will further the goals of green space with specific plans to include pedestrian oriented streetscape along the northern portion of the project. As a result, a true pedestrian experience will include waterfront walk paths, a dog park, picnic areas, a mixed-use sports field, and an outdoor fresh market stand.

RETAIL AREA 2 - COURTYARD

NEW TOWN SQUaRE

Small towns and their town squares historically have been known for being the hub of a community. They are the best places to relax, people watch and include the best attractions for food and entertainment. Mallory Square in Key West Florida, Bentonville, Arkansas and Healdsburg, California are known to be some of the country’s best town squares, but you can now add the Calumet Country Club Town Center to the list. The Catalyst development team is proud to introduce a beautiful development that was designed to create harmony and be the heart and soul of the South Suburban community.

The key design elements of the town center will be walkability, connectivity, and parking. The well-designed town center plan has a street framework and design that creates cohesiveness among buildings and open space, the automobile and the pedestrian, work and leisure, and commercial and residential uses. The team was intentional about creating a framework that elevates the pedestrian experience through great public spaces, good urban design, well-designed parking schemes, and wayfinding strategies.

Landscaping, art, and water features all play important roles in defining the public realm and creating an inviting atmosphere. Tree canopies will provide key defining elements and provide shade in an outdoor shopping environment. In addition, street furniture for public seating combined with store front lighting will provide an attractive atmosphere.

The Calumet Country Club town center is more than a real estate development. It was designed to be a center of community, bridging

the gap between both residential and commercial. As such, it functions as a public and a private place, home to both civic gatherings and cultural festivals. The town center will be inviting to both residents and visitors to the South Suburban community, 24 hours a day.

Tree canopies will provide key defining elements in the public realm and provide shade in an outdoor shopping environment.

MIX USE & HOTEL PARK

Water Park Interior

Water Park And Nature Walk And Ride Area

Outdoor Sport Complexs

Soccer, also known as football in some countries, is the most popular sport in the world, with the top players each making upwards of $60 Million dollars a year. So, the question remains, “Why are there not more African-Americans in the sport?” Many believe that the sport is just not popular here in the U.S., so the best athletes are not drawn to the sport. Could it be that the best sport clubs and coaching are reserved for communities who can afford the expensive sport? Is the travel to and from state-of-the-art practice facilities hindering access?

In either case, the new proposed outdoor sports complex will not only offer a safe environment for enjoying and accessing soccer but also seeks to promote a healthy lifestyle. Sport participation for as little as 2–3 hours per week can result in significant cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculoskeletal adaptations, independent of age and gender, and is associated with a 7% lower risk of obesity in adulthood for girls.

The National Council of Youth Sports estimates that more than sixty million boys and girls participate in organized

As of 2020, the Lacrosse leagues in America saw at least 71 more players get involved in the Lacrosse College Games.

sport throughout the United States and approximately 65% of youth under the age of 17 will participate in at least one organized sport during their childhood and adolescence. With such a strong interest in sports in the U.S., it is imperative to begin to share the resources.

Although African-Americans are still under-represented in soccer and sports like lacrosse, there has been a significant increase in the number of Black players as well as coaches in various U.S. leagues. As of 2020, the Lacrosse leagues in America saw at least 71 more players get involved in the Lacrosse College Games. The hope is that by investing in sporting equipment and facilities, such as the proposed outdoor sports complex, the Southland community will begin to see a rise in the number of professional players that hail from their community.

Aquaponics: Solutions to the food desert

In recent years, the world, especially under-developed countries, have been challenged to close the loopholes in the nutritional needs of the population. By 2050, the world’s population has been predicted to exceed ten billion people.

To match the food demand with the increasing population, there must be a 50% worldwide increase in food production. But it does not end there. The existence of a food desert and staggering access to healthy water in the urban areas of developing countries has posed a bigger threat to the present food production trends.

Factors like degradation of arable lands, pollution, and climate change are likely to spurn these setbacks. And now, the fear is that the enhancement in food production methods and high-yielding crop production might not meet the global nutritional demand by 2050. Recent statistics have shown that before the end of the 21st century, the climate change threat will serve the world a catastrophic blow. In Africa alone, there will be an estimated 18% loss in suitable

crop growing land, increasing the continent’s food insecurity. This drastic situation requires a massive advancement in food production methods and systems, as well as climate change management.

Aquaponics is an industrious mechanism for food production which makes use of biomimetic natural systems to curb wastage and inputs. The mastermind behind Aquaponics is to create an impeccable improvement in intensive agriculture. Aquaponics combines hydroponic cultivation and recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) as a sustainable strategy for tackling the situation. While hydroponics cultivation refers to the farming of plants in a soil-less environment, aquaculture is related to the rearing of fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals in an enclosed environment.

Aquaponics has proven to be the key to the technological demands in food security, as it creates an environment immune to climate change and other challenging factors. Aquaponics has recorded a huge transformation in industrial-scale production and a tangible growth in plant and fish production efficiency. This improvement has also extended to the innovation of water-reuse and wastewater recycling systems, to expand the availability of healthy water.

KEVIN MORRISON

KEVIN MORRISON

The project provides a whole lot of benefits for both end consumers and the farmers, where you won't have to worry about weather conditions to produce organic food.

Catalyst Consulting Group and the New Country Club Development hopes to bring this food production mechanism to the village of Hazel Crest and the surrounding townships. Not only will there be commercial aquaponics farms and a commercial store, but there will also be extensive STEM training and development programs for youth. The development team plans to partner with Gotham Greens. Gotham Greens owns aquaponic farms in Illinois, California, Colorado, Maryland, Rhode Island and in New York.

AQUAPONICS

DOG PARK AND WALKING TRAILS

Recently, the term “mental health” has become the center of major conversations across the country. From the White House to the local barber shops, the topic is at the forefront as our country is experiencing unprecedented acts of violence, a global pandemic and the residual effects of a country that is driven by money. Americans are finally accepting that the country is in a crisis and must begin to prioritize mental health.

Life’s everyday demands, coupled with uncontrollable fatalities, has resulted in increased anxiety, depression, and a culture of being stressed, overweight and unfulfilled Americans. Since Covid, mental health professionals have seen a large uptick in requests for mental health services. For example, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker introduced legislation that would have allocated over $180 Million dollars to fund mental health for Illinois residents.

Mental health organizations like Nami are partnering with other not for profits to bring awareness to the effects of longterm stress and educating the country on key measures to stay healthy.

So how do we begin to manage this mental health crisis? We must focus on preventative measures daily and be intentional about protecting mental peace. Experts recommend starting with daily exercise, establishing personal time, and getting enough sleep. They also suggest getting outdoors, spending time with friends, and connecting with non-toxic family members as a means of managing stress.

Dog parks and walking trails are also excellent for managing depression and helping the mind restore, reset, and find balance. Aside from the fact that walking helps to produce stress relieving hormones in the body, taking your dog for a little walk is capable of also boosting ones emotional health.

NATURE WALK AND RIDE AREA

Catalyst Consulting Group understands the significance of these emotional health boosters and the critical nature of addressing the lack of community spaces to encourage and promote good mental health. Their comprehensive approach to enhancing the Southland community is evident in their proposed development which includes 31-acres of green space. This space will encompass walking and bike trails, dog parks, and water structures. CCG is committed to nurturing both the physical and the mental health of individuals, to create a vibrant and thriving Southland community.

Creating Wealth In the African American Community

The issue of wealth creation in the Black community has for long been a tough flesh to bite into. Statistically speaking, the annual wage for African American workers is always 30% less than the Whites’. Reports have also shown that over 3.5 million Black homes have a poor net worth owing to accumulated debt. Furthering the inequities, when compared to the average Black household, White families have an estimated $330 billion more financial capacity, with over 60% of that coming from inherited properties.

This deficiency in generational wealth can be attributed to historical tactics, such as Redlining, which kept many African Americans locked out of the homeownership process.

The Federal Reserves, Fair Housing Act defines Redlining as “The practice of denying a creditworthy applicant a loan for housing in a certain neighborhood even though the applicant may otherwise be eligible for the loan.” Such racially bias practices for years have left little opportunities and exposure to investment opportunities.

This disparity is further heightened by the inequalities that exist in the countries labor

You need the power of the market behind you to make it big”..

market. In an article by the Economic Policy Institute, it was noted that in 2019, the median Black household earned just 61 cents for every dollar of income the median White household earned. However, as far as there should be societal changes to breach this wealth gap, there needs to be viable solutions that focus on both wealth creation and employment opportunities. Modular home manufacturing can play a vital role in boosting the economy in African American communities.

Modular homes are fabricated buildings constructed and moved to their intended sites. Included in the new development

will be a manufacturing plant for prefabricated homes. By creating long term career opportunities in modular home manufacturing, alongside key home ownership programming geared to assist community members in purchasing the same products they are crafting, the financial margin between White and Black families will slowly creep to a close. The goal is to create a financially stable environment for those in the community so that they may have additional wealth opportunities.

TRAINING FACILITY

3D SITE DAY AND NIGHT

A TRUE GEM IN SOUTHLAND GLENWOOD

ABIOLA AKINTOLA AND HOW CHASING DREAMS CHANGES LIVES.

Written by: Williams Riley

Born in the village of O’kao to a family of artists, Abiola Akintola at the age of five years old decided that he wanted to be an artist as well. With the motivation of his older brother who was a skilled illustrator in his own right, Abiola made the decision to carry on the artistic family tradition. Aside from being trained at an early age, he studied art in high school and then in college.

After arriving in America in 1987 and performing what he calls now an over extended stint as a cab driver, Akintola came to the realization that he was not fulfilling his life dream. Abiola remembered how as a young man, he often would profess to his friends his ambition to be the world’s most famous sculptor, painter, and artist.

After a long talk with himself, God, and a stranger who he now believes was really an angel in disguise, Akintola made the decision to get back to his life’s purpose: creating beautiful art. “God told me to stop what I was doing at that moment and follow my dreams!”

Two weeks later, he hired Lawrence Moore as his manager and with support from his wife and family, recruited an artistic team of professionals. Abiola now has studios all over the world. If

you ask him how he pulled it off, his answer is always the same. “God is my resource; He has given me so much!”

Abiola creates his sculptures to not only be beautiful, but to be engaging. “This is my attempt to give the observer of the piece a point of view that they may not be familiar with.”

Prior to the Covid pandemic, Abiola had been commissioned to create mostly outside sculptures derived from metals. His sculptures glisten and shine with a dramatic flair that can be described as activity in motion; many of them symbolize athletic movement. His work can be viewed at abiolaart.com.

Abiola has some interesting answers as it relates to what are his motivations when creating his pieces: “I pray, listen to podcasts, read books, and go on nature walks, but my really big inspiration is science! I believe that science is the connection to all things on earth through God. “You should never get angrier than you are motivated. That is how you become successful. For anything you want to do in life, the ability you need is not outside you. It is inside because God has placed it

His most famous works are paintings

“Dear Mum” and “Thanksgiving” and some of his most famous sculptures are “Polo” and “Red Viola”.

there. Tapping into the true source God, is the key.”

Today, to have the opportunity to witness Abiola Akintola and his works is definite proof of that statement. His paintings, which he has sold to conventional art purchasers as well as to wellknown celebrities like martial arts actor Jackie Chan, display a broad base of color, texture, and excitement. The characteristics in his work are usually not seen in traditional artwork as he evokes a profound response to those observing. He also has various sketches and designs which equal those works in partisan.

His most famous works are paintings “Dear Mum” and “Thanksgiving” and some of his most famous sculptures are “Polo” and “Red Viola”. Many other artistic pieces are on display all over the world which can be found on his website.

DESIGN WITH THE COMMUNITY IN MIND:

Dr. Johnny Mullins on his Mission to Educate Kids and Develop Communities.

After high school graduation, he tried entering the job market but was unsuccessful. Not to mention, he was still hanging out in Englewood, getting into trouble. One day he found himself at Southern Illinois University trying to lay low with one of his friends who had gotten into some trouble in the streets back home. A few friends on campus encouraged them both to go register for school. He did not know how to register or what to major in. His on-campus friend reminded him that he was a good designer and suggested architecture.

Dr. Johnny Mullins grew up dirt poor. When he lived down south in Mississippi, he could recall a time when they did not even have running water in their home. He was accustomed to sleeping 6-7 people to a bed or sleeping on the floor. After 8th grade graduation, his mother told him, that if he wanted a bed, he needed to go to a school that could teach him how to make a bed. He was an excellent student and ended up making an award-winning bed while he was in high school. He won 2nd place at the Museum of Science and Industry.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOTIVATION FOR HIS EDUCATIONAL PURSUITS?

Dr. Mullins took that advice and received his bachelor’s degree in architecture. Next, he obtained a Master of ArtComputing & Digital Media 3D Animation because he wanted to creatively engage the youth in the architectural and design industry. However, he knew if he really wanted to impact communities and become a

better designer, he had to study the who, what, when and why of communities. That is what prompted him to get his Ph.D. in Community Psychology. He says, “When you’re trying to design and create a movement, you’re trying to change a psychological sense of community.” He admits that his passion for education and his philanthropy work in the community stems from his lack of exposure growing up.

Dr. Mullins has taught at many universities including Columbia, DePaul, and Florida State, but his favorite by far is teaching computer science through video game design and coding at UIC’s CHANCE and Operation PUSH-PUSH EXCEL summer camps each year. Not only are these young students learning computer science, but he teaches life skills as well. For example, he focuses on how to maneuver road blocks, identifying loopholes, and not just settling on a job but to have “multiple fishing poles in the water.”

Becoming the architect for the Country Club Revitalization project in Hazel Crest is a big feat for anyone, especially an African-American. In this interview, Dr. Johnny Mullins shares insights on his background and how understanding groups of people and their needs has enabled him to become a better designer.

HOW DOES HE APPROACH DESIGN?

It always begins with research. For Dr. Mullins, he does a needs assessment on each of the communities or the projects end user. He likes to understand what the community needs are and then work through key questions such as: How can he increase resident happiness? How can this project produce jobs? How can he promote a healthy lifestyle?

HOW

MEET THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE TEAM

Using his traditional needs assessment and his passion for encouraging the next generation. Throughout the process he asked, “How can I create a community where our kids are safe?” How can I bring recreation to our youth that wasn’t far away?” “What type of recreation facilities are we missing?”

MORE ABOUT JOHNNY

If his life were a movie, he would want Denzel Washington to play him. And any book about him would have a title with an acronym around the word ‘FREE.’

DID HE APPROACH THE RENOVATION OF THE CALUMET COUNTRY CLUB PROJECT?

RACHEL IVY MAGAZINE & MARKETING (B/ACE MAGAZINE/CEC)

LANGDON D. NEAL ZONING & TIF ATTORNEY (NL NEAL & LEROY)

GARY DECLARK

PROPERTY ADVISOR & MARKET STUDY (VALBRIDGE)

ERNEST R. SAWYER TIF CONSULTANT (ERS CONSULTING)

the advisory board

Catalyst Consulting Group LLC, a local consulting firm, has assembled an advisory board of concerned citizens to partner in the orchestration of the new development plans of Calumet Country Club. The Community Development Advisory Board (CDAB) consists of business professionals, community stakeholders, community outreach organizations, and local faith-based institutions that will assist in transforming the approximately 130-acre project that brings revenue producing and job creation to the area, while paying close attention to the needs and concerns of the community.

Pastor Walt Jenkins Southland Faith-Based Community

Krystyna Vela Southland

Apostle Carl White Country Club Hills

Lawrence Moore Hazel Crest

Alderwoman Maurine Fort’e East Hazel Crest IL/Member of South Suburban Business Chamber

Tom Eilers Commercial Real-Estate Developer Homewood

Chris Fitch Business Manager and Local Resident Homewood

Alderwoman Monet Wilson Calumet City

Coming

INDUSTRIAL PARK

RESIDENTIAL POOL AMENITY

ROOFTOP DECK 2

Hazel Crest Finest

ANNIE LEE

Catalyst Magazine honors and recognizes the late Annie Lee for her life commitment to depicting the everyday life through art. She was a renowned artist with works featured on both television and movie sets such as “A Different World,” “227,” “Coming to America,” “Boomerang” and “Barber Shop.” Annie Lee was most notably known for painting, “Blue Monday,” in which a young woman is struggling to get her day started. Annie Lee was a resident of Hazel Crest and Glenwood and a true pioneer in promoting Black life through art.