Photo courtesy of ChicagoTribune.com

 

Dear Pierre,

Two years ago, you elected me to bring real reform and a progressive path forward in a city that had for too long been rife with corruption and systems that weren’t inclusive, equitable or fair.

Little did we know that you’d also be electing me to guide Chicago through the biggest crisis in its history–a global pandemic that has killed more than 5,000 Chicagoans and ground our entire city and society to a halt.

At my inauguration, I talked about the need for good government, transparency and accountability. “PPE” and “mRNA vaccines” weren’t in my vocabulary yet. I never dreamed we’d be worrying about making sure we had enough ventilators in local hospitals. I never dreamed we’d be thinking about classroom ventilation, or distributing face coverings to thousands of City workers, let alone turning our sports arenas into mass vaccination hubs. I never dreamed we’d be thinking about how to use our reverse 911 system to find homebound seniors who might need a healthcare worker to show up at their door with a vaccine, or how to turn CTA buses into mobile vaccination sites for our Black and Brown communities.

Together, we mobilized every resource we had in the fight against this virus, with an eye toward racial equity. We mobilized the Racial Equity Rapid Response Team, working with community organizations, houses of faith and local leaders on the ground in the most impacted communities to help stop the spread of the virus. We worked with local hotels and unions to provide quarantine and isolation rooms for first responders, and for Chicagoans experiencing homelessness. We worked with local organizations to distribute thousands of meals to folks who were going hungry.

Two years in, I’m humbled by all that we’ve gotten done. We’ve increased the minimum wage–it’ll be $15 an hour this coming July. We’ve passed the most expansive Fair Workweek law in the country, ending years of abusive treatment of hourly workers in Chicago. We passed sweeping ethics reforms to limit aldermanic prerogative and rein in corruption in City government. And we’ve taken on police reform, forcing major contract concessions on accountability from the unions representing our sergeants and lieutenants, overhauling the way CPD conducts search warrants, and making huge changes to the rules that officers must follow when using force. This work isn’t even close to done–but I know we won’t back down until it is.

Even in the face of this deadly pandemic and unprecedented civil unrest, we’ve stayed focused. We haven’t been afraid to take on the tough fights–but there is still much more to do. I’ll be announcing my priorities for the second half of this term in the coming days, and to get the rest of our agenda done, I’m going to need you standing with me every step of the way.

Now, we are safely beginning to reopen our city and get people back to work. Arts and culture are coming back to every neighborhood. All because people like you stayed home, wore masks, got vaccinated, and helped yourselves, neighbors and our city to show kindness and empathy. It is that spirit and our resiliency which will carry us forward as we enter the next chapter of our shared destiny together.

What we’ve just come through hasn’t been easy for any of us. But I am profoundly grateful to you for continuing to put your faith in me through this incredibly trying time. And I am so proud of what we achieved together, persevering and staying focused on our north stars of equity and justice, even under the worst circumstances imaginable.

Thank you for all that you do.

Sincerely,

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot

Jump on in and get your soul fed full of information in Music/Entertainment and most importantly Life! As a staple in the scene of Chicago, Journalism, and The Culture the dynamic personality of the author of the new book “Inside The Mind Of Entertainers” (available on www.Amazon.com asks the questions you want to hear. Pierre is a complicated man…a renaissance man. He is a singer-songwriter, musician, poet, author, DJ, entrepreneur, model, journalist, and a House head. A man with high ambitions and a wonderful sense of humor, highly spiritual, intelligent, protective, multi-talented, God-gifted, provocative…and yet humble.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEW (PART 2)

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Thank you

Jump on in and get your soul fed full of information in Music/Entertainment and most importantly Life! As a staple in the scene of Chicago, Journalism, and The Culture the dynamic personality of the author of the new book “Inside The Mind Of Entertainers” (available on www.Amazon.com asks the questions you want to hear. Pierre is a complicated man…a renaissance man. He is a singer-songwriter, musician, poet, author, DJ, entrepreneur, model, journalist, and a House head. A man with high ambitions and a wonderful sense of humor, highly spiritual, intelligent, protective, multi-talented, God-gifted, provocative…and yet humble.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEW (PART 1)  

Catch the incredible conversation Part 1 with Marcos Luis. You won’t be able to wait for Part 2 Episode coming soon!!

Guest Follow Him: IG : @Pierre_andre_evans Twitter: @PierreAEvans

Fb: Pierre.Andre.Evans www.GoBangMagazine.com

Show Follow: @OneMicNite All Social Media www.OneMicNite.com

Host Follow: @MarcosLuis on All Social Media www.MarcosLuis,com

Abstract Art Courtesy of IG: @AzulesEn Artwork for sale and commission


Thank you

Pierre,

On April 2, 2019, we made history in Chicago. I was proud and humbled to win the runoff election and later to be inaugurated as our city’s first Black woman and LGBTQ mayor.

I feel the weight of that history every day in City Hall, and I hope that thousands of young people in Chicago, from all walks of life, can see a new path forming ahead of them that once was unimaginable.

We’ll have much more to discuss next month as we reach the official midpoint of my first term, but for now I’d like to highlight some of the biggest achievements that our movement helped make possible:

*Strengthening our Welcoming City Ordinance to eliminate loopholes that put undocumented Chicagoans at risk

*Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by this July

*Passing the nation’s most expansive fair scheduling law for hourly workers

*Battling COVID and rolling out vaccines in a data-driven and equitable manner

*Taking on aldermanic prerogative and strengthening the Inspector General’s office

*Reforming fines and fees, ending water shut offs and ending the cycle of debt

*Creating INVEST South/West, a collaboration between government, businesses, philanthropies, and community leaders that will align more than $750 million in public funding toward 10 neighborhoods on Chicago’s South and West sides

None of us expected to have a pandemic to contend with for such a long stretch of my first term, but there is still great work that my administration and our City Council is doing that will change our city for generations. As we emerge from COVID, I’m optimistic that Chicago will reopen stronger and more equitable.

Pierre, there’s more work to do. We’re going to finish this term strong, and your support will help us keep fighting for Chicago.

Thank you,

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot

Balmoral Avenue near Clark Street is closed to traffic for expanded outdoor dining for the Replay, Hamburger Mary’s and Vincent restaurants in the Andersonville neighborhood on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. | Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

Reprinted from: https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/03/25/city-loosening-restrictions-on-outdoor-events-so-people-keep-outside-as-coronavirus-rises-in-chicago/?mc_cid=a26dc625b3&mc_eid=e278cacef7



CHICAGO — The city is trying to encourage people to take their activities outside amid a rise in coronavirus cases by loosening restrictions on outdoor events.

The city is keeping its restrictions on indoor activities, like dining in at restaurants. But it will raise outdoor capacity limits to encourage more events outdoors, where the virus is less likely to spread, according to a Thursday news release.

Here are the new outdoor capacity rules:

Bars and Restaurants: Maximum outdoor table size can increase to 10 people, with tables set up so that patrons are 6 feet from patrons at other tables.

Social Events (e.g. weddings, potlucks and other community events): Total outdoor capacity can increase to the lesser of 50 percent or 100 people.

Performance Venues, Theaters and Seated Spectator Events: Outdoor venues with capacity greater than or equal to 200 can operate at 25 percent capacity. Smaller venues can operate at no more than 50 percent capacity or 50 people.

Outdoor Recreation: Maximum groups of 50; multiple groups permitted

Places of Worship: No outdoor capacity limit provided that 6 feet of social distancing is maintained between parties.

Health and Fitness Centers: Outdoor classes can increase to 100 people.

In a call with reporters Thursday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the uptick in new cases is being seen among young folks, particularly in Lincoln Park, Old Town and Portage Park.

“The bottom line is here is we’re seeing a very disturbing trend that could significantly impact our ability to move forward with reopening,” she said.

While the state has loosened restrictions on indoor dining and other businesses, Lightfoot and Dr. Alison Arwady, Chicago Department of Public Health commissioner, said numbers are moving in the wrong direction in Chicago.

After three months of declines, the city has seen a 23 percent increase in new COVID-19 cases diagnosed per day, an 18 percent rise in test positivity, a 38 percent rise in emergency room visits for COVID-like illnesses and a 3 percent rise in ICU bed occupation, the Department of Public Health announced.

Lightfoot said increasing outdoor capacity should not exacerbate this problem, but the city pressed pause on loosening restrictions for indoor activities.

“The issue that we face really isn’t around outdoor events,” she said. “The issue that we’re seeing is people not following the public health guidance around masking, social distancing, particularly indoor activities.”

Capacity at bars, restaurants, social events and other indoor establishments will remain at 50 percent capacity or 50 people per room or floor, officials said.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 1, 2021 | Hyde Park, Chicago, IL, USA
Visit Website: https://gobangmagazine.com/


One Year Anniversary!
GO BANG! Magazine
CHICAGO’S OWN FREELANCE WRITER OF ICONIC MAGAZINES CELEBRATES ONE YEAR!

On April 1, 2020, Pierre Andre’ Evans launched his own iconic online magazine. The GO BANG! Magazine debut issue featured Mo’ Betta Blues actress Cynda Williams, international DJ/Producer Steve “Silk” Hurley, film composer Rob Diggy, comedian Damon Williams, and over 30 more intriguing, exciting and astounding individuals!

Celebrating ONE YEAR in publication, GO BANG! Magazine has achieved what many other media outlets haven’t. April 1, 2021 marks the ONE YEAR Anniversary of GO BANG! Magazine! In that one year, GO BANG! Magazine has become the reliable source for in-depth interviews and an internationally global successful medium. The magazine has interviewed hundreds of celebrities and everyday individuals. It proudly boasts, having readers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, China, Italy, Nigeria, Australia, Germany, Spain, France, Japan, Saint Lucia and several other countries.

Pierre Andre’ Evans, is a graduate of Chicago’s prestigious Columbia College, possesses a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management. In 2018, he authored his first book “Inside The Minds Of Entertainers,” which is available on Amazon. He is also a Chicago based freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, has had the privilege to write for several outstanding media outlets including Chicago’s own N’Digo Magapaper, the historic Chicago Defender Newspaper, and the iconic Soul Train brand’s SoulTrain.com online magazine.

As a freelance journalist, he has interviewed television and movie legend Eric Monte´ (creator of Good Times, The Jefferson’s, What’s Happening and Cooley High,) theater legend Shelly Garrett (Beauty Shop), the rising star Richard Pryor, Jr., legendary jazz/soul/fusion recording artist Roy Ayers, and various R&B singers including O’Bryan, D’Wayne Wiggins (founder of Tony, Toni, Tone´) and Karyn White. He’s even interviewed legendary DJ Herb Kent “The Kool Gent”, 4x GRAMMY ® nominee DJ/Remixer Steve “Silk” Hurly and DJ Jesse Saunders and covered his 30th Anniversary of House Music Tour. His tribute to the late DJ, Producer and House music legend Frankie Knuckles was well received, worldwide.

“GO BANG! Magazine” is published by Pinnacle Entertainment Productions, a company he also owns. GO BANG Magazine is designed to be an informational, educational and entertainment resource, providing the reader with in-depth reporting on groundbreaking people, places and events, that are making positive differences in the world.

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Media Statement from CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, In Observance of One-Year Pandemic Milestone
Media Statement
For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 11, 2021
Contact: Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

One year ago today, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. The toll of this disease and the continued loss of life around the world and in our nation is heartbreaking. To so many of you who have felt the pain and loss of a loved one during this pandemic – you have suffered the ultimate loss, and we grieve with you.

After a year of this fight, we are tired, we are lonely, we are impatient. There have been too many missed family gatherings, too many lost milestones and opportunities, too many sacrifices. And still, through it all, there is determination; there are stories of giving and hope, of stamina and perseverance. We are better together, and together, we will endure.

The vaccination of millions every day gives me hope. Hope that we can beat this pandemic. And hope that we can get back to being with our family, friends, and community. And soon.

Earlier this week, CDC released our first evidence-based guidance for fully vaccinated people. These new recommendations are a first step in our process of returning to everyday activities – safely spending time with family and friends, hugging our grandparents and grandchildren, and celebrating birthdays and holidays.

While we accumulate more evidence to support the safe return to everyday activities, please continue taking precautions in public and when around people who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 disease. Whether you are already vaccinated or not yet vaccinated, wear a well-fitted mask, practice physical distancing, wash your hands often, avoid medium and large gatherings, and avoid travel. We know these measures work to prevent the spread of this virus and help protect each other.

This pandemic will end. And, our public health work will continue. Through the near-blinding spotlight of this crisis, we now clearly see what we should have addressed before– the long-standing inequities that prevent us from achieving optimal health for all. We see the impact of years of neglect of our public health infrastructure. We see the critical need for data that move faster than disease, to prevent rather than react. To move past this pandemic, we must resolutely face these challenges head on and fully embrace the innovations, the new partnerships, and the resilience of our communities that have emerged from this crisis. It is the only way we can turn tragedy and sorrow into lasting progress and improved health for all.

In one year, we have lost over 520,000 Americans to COVID-19. These are grandparents, parents, and children. They are siblings, friends, and neighbors. They are our loved ones and our community. We join together to grieve these losses and intensify our efforts so they were not in vain. I thank you for your perseverance and for your unity of mission. Together, our strength and hope will guide us to the end of this pandemic.

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CDC works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety and security. Whether disease start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC responds to America’s most pressing health threats. CDC is headquartered in Atlanta and has experts located throughout the United States and the world.

Page last reviewed: March 11, 2021
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

You never cease to amaze me, Pierre.

You, working hand in hand with your family, your friends, your neighbors … you always prove the power and resiliency of the American people.

In the midst of a global pandemic, you have gone the extra mile to take care of your community. You have taken to the streets to nonviolently demand justice and seek change. And now, during what might be the most consequential election in our lifetimes, you are standing up for a better America. An America where no one is unseen, no one is unheard, and no one is left behind.

In our darkest hours, we come together as a nation to lift each other up. This November, we must come together again to elect new leaders who will move our country forward, not further into the darkness. Now, we must make sure that our friends, family, and neighbors all have their voices heard.

And so I want to ask you a favor: Will you pledge to remind three friends to vote by November 3?

It’s a simple ask, but it goes a long way, giving an extra nudge to those we care about to make sure that they have a say in what our future becomes. It’s been proven that a simple reminder from a friend can significantly increase the likelihood of someone voting.

The leaders we elect matter, Pierre. Affordable health care, criminal justice reform, a stronger economy, and the willingness to acknowledge and address climate change matter. Each of us knows the urgency of this moment. Where we go as a nation will be determined by the choices we make in this election: whether we approach the future with fear, or with hope.
After all this time, I still have hope. I have hope that the American people will come together and build a brighter future, not just for ourselves but for generations to come.

Take the pledge to remind three friends to vote by November 3.

Then text your group chat, post on social media, call your family members, and let your neighbors know that their vote is power. And let the team at MoveOn help you follow up with proven tactics to help voters get to the polls, get ballots in, and get votes counted.

Thank you.

–Barack Obama

For Immediate Release
October 28, 2020

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership and Cook County Assist Residents and Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic

$4 million in CARES Act funding supports Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Job Training and Placement Program

(Chicago) – The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) today announced it is receiving $4 million from Cook County in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding. The support comes as part of the Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Job Training and Placement Program (the Program), to provide training, placement, and lay-off aversion for suburban Cook County jobseekers and employers impacted by COVID-19.

The funding will support training, placement, and career coaching programs for job seekers and provide additional resources for employers and training providers serving or located in suburban Cook County. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic consequences have been felt across all of Cook County,” said President Preckwinkle. “But this is especially true in communities that were under-resourced before the pandemic began – our Black and Brown communities. Cook County is proud to be able to offer this funding using an equity-based framework so that the residents who need help the most are provided with the skills and opportunities needed to weather the storm and reclaim financial stability.”

The Partnership operates the public workforce system in Chicago and suburban Cook County and administers federal job training and placement initiatives for those seeking employment and those seeking to hire. The  system’s network consists of American Job Centers, industry sector-focused workforce centers, and more than 70 community-based organizations. All the network’s sites are currently providing services virtually, with some also holding in-person meetings by appointment.   

“This program increases our capacity to serve the men and women of suburban Cook County and move individuals and businesses toward economic recovery,” said The Partnership CEO Karin M. Norington-Reaves. “We are seeing increases in attendees at virtual job fairs and on-line training, as the need for workforce development services continues to grow. This funding allows us to expand our efforts to help job seekers find and retain meaningful work, and help businesses keep their workforce employed,”

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership will use Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Job Training and Placement funds to build capacity with these agencies:
  
• North Suburban Cook County American Job Center (Arlington Heights, IL)
• West Suburban Cook County American Job Center (Maywood, IL)
• Southwest Suburban Cook County American Job Center (North Riverside, IL)
• South Suburban Cook County American Job Center at Prairie State College (Chicago Heights, IL)
• South Suburban Cook County American Job Center (Harvey, IL)
• Manufacturing Renaissance (Chicago, IL, serving suburban Cook County)
• Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action (Maywood, IL)

Businesses seeking assistance in hiring new staff or averting potential layoffs can visit The Partnership’s website at ChiCookWorks.org. For more information about the Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Job Training and Placement Program, please visit http://ChiCookWorks.org/CountyCARES  or call 1-800-720-2515 to be directed to a listing of the American Job Centers in suburban Cook County.  



ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP
The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) is a non-profit umbrella organization operating the public workforce system for the City of Chicago and Cook County. The Partnership combines federal and philanthropic resources to provide comprehensive workforce development services to employers and job seekers. As the largest workforce development system in the nation, The Partnership has helped place more than 70,000 individuals in employment, collaborated with more than 2,000 employers, and administered more than $400 million in federal and philanthropic funds. The Partnership’s network of 50+ community-based organizations, 10 American Job Centers, and four sector-driven workforce centers serves more than 140,000 people annually.

Learn more at http://www.chicookworks.org