The Citizen Newspaper Group

Wednesday, November 25

The SCLC SEEKS MEETING WITH NIELSEN TO HELP MEDIATE CHARGES OF RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION

Dr. Charles Steele, Jr., SCLC’s President and CEO, said the Global Data and Measurement Corporation Cannot Abandon Industry Leading Diversity and Inclusion Practices

Concerned that some global corporations are retreating on efforts to address racism and discrimination in the workplace, Dr. Charles Steele, Jr., president and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), announced today that he will seek a meeting with top executives at Nielsen to help mediate a discrimination lawsuit filed by Cheryl Grace, one of its long-term, senior Black female executives.

Free Thanksgiving Meals for Chicago’s Neediest Residents

Covid-19 Has Made Tough Times Tougher for the Poor

As Covid-19 continues to spiral out of control across Chicago, the impact of the pandemic is having a dire effect on Chicago residents who are already grappling with surging crime, unemployment, poverty, physical and mental health trauma, homelessness and educational barriers. Even if they desire to gather safely for a Thanksgiving meal, a growing number of families cannot, because they simply do not have the financial means to do so.

DESSERTS FOR THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving is here and while gathering together for the holiday isn’t recommended, a dinner with immediate family members in your household, should end with dessert. Even in a pandemic, some family traditions are important and help maintain a sense of normalcy.

EATERY HAS FOLLOWING OF VEGANS, VEGETARIANS AND FLEXITARIANS

Vegans and vegetarians have more and more options for dining out these days. One of those options is Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat, located at 1368 ½ E. 53rd St., in Hyde Park.

CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY RECEIVES GRANT TO FURTHER QUANTUM EDUCATION

A new STEM initiative will enable Chicago State University and other universities to have a bigger impact when it comes to diversity in Quantum Information Science and Technology.

Blue Apron partners with Chef Edouardo Jordan to bring his holiday recipes to home cooks around the country

Blue Apron (NYSE: APRN) is partnering with Chef Edouardo Jordan, the winner of two James Beard Awards and chef-owner of acclaimed restaurants JuneBaby, Salare and Lucinda Grain Bar, to create an exclusive offering for its customers.

The Black AIDS Institute Launches an All-Black Scientific Advisory Committee

The Black AIDS Institute (BAI), the nation’s only think and do tank committed to ending HIV in Black America, recently announced its 10-member Scientific Advisory Committee.

Next Frontier Conference & Expo 2020 Spotlights the Most Promising Industries for Diverse Talent

Base 11’s Next Frontier Conference & Expo 2020 recently welcomed over 500 students and industry leaders from across the country who gathered virtually via the 3D event platform Intrado. The conference was also simulcast to students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and California Community Colleges.

Kaiser Permanente Commits $1M to American Heart Association Impact Fund Honoring Bernard J. Tyson

In honor of the legacy of its late chairman and CEO Bernard J. Tyson, Kaiser Permanente is committing a $1 million grant to the American Heart Association’s Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund. This national fund, led by AHA and Tyson’s widow, Denise Bradley-Tyson, was created with the mission to reduce the social and economic barriers to health equity by investing in local social entrepreneurs and organizations. Tyson passed away unexpectedly on November 10, 2019.

Imani Motion Pictures Releases New Trailer For ‘DUTCH,’ An Urban Literature Cult Classic

Imani Motion Pictures has released the brand new trailer for the urban lit cult classic DUTCH, based on the first book of an epic trilogy by Teri Woods.

ARTIST SHARES TRIUMPHANT STORY OF MENTAL HEALTH JOURNEY

Musical artist Nikki Lynette has created a theatrical music performance based on her journey with mental health. “Get Out Alive” is an online theater experience where Nikki Lynette shares her story with the audience that features new songs and visual media.

Vegan, Undyed Shoe Line Steps Towards a More Sustainable Footwear Future

Launched on the heels of the brand’s July 2020 debut of the SustainaSole line, the second collection is comprised of 55% total recycled material by weight. The new SustainaSole styles are vegan and available in the women’s slip-on Donna style, as well as the men’s slip-on Skuner style – a new addition to this collection. Both shoes retail for $65.

New tool helps predict outcomes for COVID-19

A study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine this month reports on an assessment tool developed by Kaiser Permanente researchers and physicians that helps ensure patients get the right care, when they need it, by accurately predicting the probability that patients with COVID-19 symptoms will experience severe disease or even death.

COMMUNITY ACTIVIST GIVES POST-ELECTION REFLECTION

While the presidential election was weeks ago, current President Donald Trump still has not conceded to President-elect Joe Biden. As votes continue to come in from states, Biden, as of the writing of this article, received 309 electoral college votes and on January 20, 2021, Biden will be sworn in as president of the United States of America while Kamala Harris will be sworn-in as vice president of the United States—making her the first Black, first woman and first Southeast Asian to hold that position.

Navy Veteran Teaching Mandatory Concealed Gun Carrying Courses in a “New Normal” Environment

Brittney Nicole is a Certified Gun Instructor as well as an Assistant Instructor in Jiu-Jitsu and Arnis martial arts. She’s also an American business executive, author, real estate investor, and the current CEO of WCI (Wealth Constructing INC.) Prior to starting Nationwide Gun Permits, Nicole had a successful naval career as an Engineer. She has a passion for teaching people, especially women, on how to protect themselves.

Pappas thanks Cook County Board for approving two-month waiver of late fees on property taxes in 2021

The Cook County Board of Commissioners today voted to waive late fees for two months on both property tax installments due in 2021, giving cash-strapped property owners more time to juggle their finances, Treasurer Maria Pappas said.

Tuesday, November 24

Neighborhood FORWARD Partnered with Fathers Who Care to Help Feed Chicago Families this Thanksgiving

The COVID-19 pandemic will make this holiday season especially challenging for many families, but with the help of organizations such as Fathers Who Care and Westside Community Stakeholders serving the community, the season looks a little brighter.

THE PEGGY AND STEVE FOSSETT FOUNDATION HELPS FUND LARGEST THANKSGIVING MEAL DELIVERY IN MEALS ON WHEELS CHICAGO HISTORY

November 2020 marks the 32nd year since Meals on Wheels Chicago’s very first home delivered meal. On Thanksgiving Day in 1988 the organization delivered meals to 1,218 homebound seniors. With the support of the Peggy and Steve Fossett Foundation the program will provide meals to more than 10,400 clients this year, reflecting a 67% increase in enrollment since March as a result of the pandemic.

Wednesday, November 18

The Illinois Department of Human Services Launches Targeted COVID-19 Prevention Campaign to Help Support African American Communities in Chicago

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted communities of color across the country, and cases continue to rise among the state’s African-American residents.

HOSPITAL LEADERS JOIN FORCES TO TACKLE HEALTH DISPARITIES

Leaders at Advocate Trinity Hospital, St. Bernard Hospital and the University of Chicago Medicine have partnered with community residents to create the South Side Health Transformation Project with the hope that it will address some of the health disparities prevalent in the Black community.

Mz. Hyde Park talks about The Soul Shack

Keisha Rucker earned the name “Mz. Hyde Park” because she grew up in Hyde Park and attended elementary and high school there. Now, she is running a business in the same community. Rucker is the co-owner of The Soul Shack, which is located at 1368 E. 53rd St.

Two Newly Remodeled Chicago Supercenters Introduce Walmart Health

Chicago store improvements complement retailer’s commitment to improved customer experience, living better and healthier and overall safety during COVID-19 pandemic

Families in the Chicago area can now experience new ways to save money, while living better – and healthier – lives, with the opening of two new Walmart Health centers adjacent to two newly remodeled supercenters at 4650 W. North Ave (Austin) and 8331 S. Stewart Ave. (Chatham). Both stores and their partnering health centers are officially open.

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS WIN GRANT MONEY FROM STATE FARM

The Bloc is one of four Chicagoland area organizations which is the recipient of the State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant program. The organization will receive $25,000 to go towards furthering its missions.

Study tracks public concerns on Twitter about COVID-19

In a new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, a University of Illinois Chicago researcher found that the political fallout of COVID-19 was negative throughout, except for the government’s response in terms of stimulus or financial incentives.

Black Teenager Builds Non-Profit Organization to Teach the Arts to Kenyan Orphans

At the age of 14, Sophia Andrews took a trip to Nairobi, Kenya, to work with abandoned children. Andrew’s said it was amazing how the door to take this trip was opened to her because she was already using money she had received from babysitting and other odd jobs to sponsor a child by the name of Ester.

Survey: Companies 3 Times More Willing to Hire Remote Workers Anywhere in US or World

With remote work becoming the new normal for many, more companies are now willing to not only hire remote workers, but hire them from anywhere.

Sparkle this Holiday Season with Gifts of Glimmer from LUXIE Beauty

LUXIE Beauty kicks off the 2020 holiday countdown with the announcement of their Glimmer Set ($80), available now. The new brush set can serve as a gift for your beauty-obsessed friends or after a difficult year, can be a gift to treat yourself. A modern interpretation of the Rose Gold Collection with a fresh look for 2020, this set is inspired by the rose quartz healing qualities and properties from the earth’s natural creation.

ORGANIZATION CONTINUES TO MAKE IMPACT ON COMMUNITY

Christmas in the Wards, the 501c3 nonprofit led by Larry Huggins and Everett Rand, continued its longstanding tradition of helping out those in need by passing out food and other goods during two events, one at Soldier Field and the other at Universal Entertainment Center.

IRS makes it easier to set up payment agreements; offers other relief to taxpayers struggling with tax debts

The Internal Revenue Service recently announced a number of changes designed to help struggling taxpayers impacted by COVID-19 more easily settle their tax debts with the IRS

RICH TOWNSHIP TEACHERS WORK TOWARD NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION

For teachers who pursue the program, obtaining National Board Certifi cation can be a rigorous endeavor, but even in the midst of COVID-19, teachers from the Rich Township High School District 227, are taking on the challenge. The teachers are supported by the National Board Resource Center at Illinois State University and the Illinois National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Comprehensive Support System.

Malcolm X College Introduces New Mammography Certification

As the need for mammography screenings remains essential for women as they age, Malcolm X College has introduced a certificate that will provide licensed radiologic technologists with training that will enable them to specialize as mammography technologists.

In-Person Visitation Temporarily Suspended at Cook County Jail

With the number of COVID-19 cases in Chicago and Cook County on the rise, and in light of the current stay-at-home advisory for the City of Chicago, the Cook County Department of Corrections (CCDOC) is temporarily suspending in-person visits at the jail as of Monday, Nov. 16.

COVID-19 Rise in Community Leads to Case Increase in Cook County Jail

As the Chicago area experiences a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, the Cook County Jail is also reporting an increase in cases, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart and Cook County Health Chair of Correctional Health Dr. Connie Mennella announced recently.

Wednesday, November 11

Free Resource Chronicles the Struggles and Triumphs of Black Americans

ProQuest, a company that supports the work in the world’s research and learning communities, has launched the Black Freedom Struggle website – a curated selection of primary sources for teaching and learning about the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans.

SCIENCE CAFES BRING CUTTING EDGE SCIENCE TO STUDENTS

Middle school-aged students at Bret Harte Elementary School have been participating in a program where graduate students from the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have been teaching them about science.

DL3 REALTY’S LEON WALKER AWARDED THE MARSHALL BENNETT INSTITUTE OF REAL ESTATE’S FIRST CHANGEMAKER AWARD

To recognize real estate professionals who have chosen to lead in an industry increasingly defined by change, Roosevelt University’s Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate (MBIRE) debuted its inaugural industry ‘Changemaker’ Award during a virtual ceremony Thursday, November 5, 2020. The award’s first recipient: DL3 Realty Managing Partner Leon Walker.

Leading Organizations Urge Policymakers and Higher Education Leaders to Improve Higher Education Transfer Policies and Practice

Anticipating a larger-than-ever wave of students transferring across higher education institutions due to COVID-19 and the economic recession, a diverse group of 25 policy, advocacy, research and institutional membership organizations recently issued a call to action to policymakers and higher education leaders to improve transfer policies.

CATERING COMPANY OWNER IS OUT THE BOX Anthony Waller has always had a passion for food. Growing

Anthony Waller has always had a passion for food. Growing up, he was surrounded by family members who cooked. Waller started his career in the food industry as a busboy at the Hyatt and is now the founder of Catering Out the Box, which has been around for 18 years.

BLACK HEROES MATTER SEEKS RECOGNITION OF DUSABLE

Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable was a Haitian settler and trader who had an outpost at what is now 401 N. Michigan Avenue, near the mouth of the Chicago River. Although DuSable’s name appears on a high school, African American History Museum, Harbor and Bridge, a group – Black Heroes Matter – has been formed to ensure his accomplishments and contributions to Chicago are recognized even more.

Testing, Testing, One, Two, Zero

For this fall’s college freshmen, standardized tests weren’t as crucial in determining their selection as they would have been before 2020. Hundreds of educational institutions waived exam requirements when COVID prevented on-site administration. Some even excised the tests from the application process entirely.

Member of King Family Dies

The Reverend Doctor Toussaint King Hill, Jr. nephew of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Sr., cousin to Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr., and recently retired senior pastor of the historic West Hunter Street Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia recently died following a long battle with cancer.

Illinois Department of Insurance announces the start of ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment

Illinoisans can shop for health insurance on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace. Open Enrollment began Sunday, November 1 and runs through December 15, 2020.

Disposable Poly Capes and Aprons for Hair Salons, Restaurants and Grocers

Hilex® Poly, a Novolex® brand, is introducing new disposable capes and aprons to help businesses protect their employees and customers.

Enough “Say Their Names …

The writings of Ronald Montgomery with a diverse team of seven accomplished authors amplify and relay the messages of protest board-up art and photography as tools for systemic change to achieve racial equality. This fall’s release of ENOUGH “Say Their Names …” Messages from Ground Zero to the World, captures the elevated tone and urgency of expanding struggles for equal justice. The Board-up artwork and photography in ENOUGH “Say Their Names …” comes directly from the protests around the United States. On these pages, incisive poetry and prose expand on the protest messages of the decade—alive, multiplied and amplified in 2020.

ORGANIZATION FOCUSED ON YOUTH TO HOST VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER

Be the Miracle is an organization co-founded by Hassahn Liggins and Kristen Perteet. The mission of the organization is to rebuild communities and end the cycle of violence in the city of Chicago.

Black Women’s Health Imperative Releases National Health Policy Agenda

The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) has released the second edition of its Black Women Vote: National Health Policy Agenda for 2020-2021. This agenda addresses the critical health policy issues that impact the health and well-being of Black women. It also supports partnerships with policymakers and other stakeholders to achieve health equity.

OLYMPIA FIELDS TRUSTEE ANNOUNCES VILLAGE PRESIDENT RUN

Cassandra Matz, currently a trustee of the Village of Olympia Fields, has announced her candidacy to run for village president. “I’m thinking that I’ve done all I can, sitting in this position, that I want to do more and the residents deserve more, and that made me think about running for mayor,” she said. Matz said she feels the residents of Olympia Fields deserve options and she wants to provide them with another option for village president.

BDO Survey: Blacks Reveal Why They Would Take the Vaccine

A recent survey on BlackDoctor.org (BDO), revealed the reasons why Black people would take the COVID vaccine in the first year it becomes available.

Wednesday, November 4

PHLAVZ OWNERS REFLECT ON SUCCESS AFTER ONE YEAR

What started out as a food truck is now a successful brick and mortar restaurant with quite a following. Phil Simpson and Andrew Bonsu are the owners of Phlavz Bar & Grille, located at 717 W. Maxwell St. On Dec. 6, the restaurant will celebrate its one-year anniversary.

CITY OF CHICAGO PLANS FOR EQUITABLE TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT

For the first time, the city of Chicago is creating an Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Policy Plan. The goal of the ETOD Policy Plan is to have a plan for transit-oriented development that includes the South and West sides, which have been historically left out of Transit-Oriented Development Plans in the past.

Auburn Gresham-native to open OB/GYN practice

A new medical practice, Contemporary OB/GYN Chicago, is set to open and will begin accepting patients on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

The Honorable Freddrenna M. Lyle And Family Mourns the Death Of Her Sister Katrinka Leonie Harris-Spurlin

Katrinka Leonie Harris-Spurlin affectionately known by all as Kitty Pretty was the youngest sister to Honorable Freddrenna M. Lyle. Katrinka began her education at Tanner Elementary School before transferring and graduating from Arthur Dixon Elementary School. For high school she travelled across the City to Luther South High School. At Luther South she made lifelong memories and became a cheerleader. Katrinka first attended Eastern Illinois University, transferred and received her Bachelor of Arts from Lewis University.

CONGRESSWOMAN HIGHLIGHTS REMOTE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Due to COVID-19, parents and grandparents are having to assist students with remote learning. Congresswoman Robin Kelly knows firsthand that it takes all members of the family to ensure students are able to access remote learning.

Grow With Google, Thurgood Marshall College Fund To Train 20,000 Students At HBCUS In Digital Skills

Google recently announced the Grow with Google HBCU Career Readiness Program, a new initiative to help Black students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) prepare to enter the workforce through digital skills training.

Data Shows Big Jump in Consumer Reports about Scams Originating on Social Media

Newly released data from the Federal Trade Commission reveal that there has been a surge in reports from people who say they lost money to a scam that started on social media, including a spike of these complaints in the spring at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.