CHICAGO, IL – AUG 2, 2020 – As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. In this case, Chicago native and notable actress, Deanna Reed-Foster, believes her new video PSA series entitled “I AM TIRED†(https://www.facebook.com/ImTiredWebCampaign/videos/209972457118709) will speak volumes in an effort to progress racial understanding and uplift black-owned businesses on Chicago’s South and West sides.
The three-part PSA video series, which was self-funded and produced by Reed-Foster in collaboration Beverly Price Productions, was created in response to the needs that exist in Chicago’s African American communities. The goal is to bring awareness to her fundraising campaign aimed at helping black-owned businesses located on the West and South sides not only stay in business but thrive.
“I wanted to use my art form to drive compassion and empathy across communities as the city tries to rebound from protest of police brutality against African Americans and lockdown due to the Covid 19 outbreak,†said Reed-Foster. “Loss of businesses has been great as a result of the city’s road closures, business curfews and the threat of property damage amid protests . . . these challenges are proving to be insurmountable for many Black business owners in Chicago. So, we wanted to do something about it.â€
With a fundraising goal of $500,000 (www.togetherchicago.com/imtired), Reed-Foster enlisted non-profit Together Chicago to advocate for and administer the funds raised by the awareness campaign.
“Together Chicago has seen first-hand the challenges black-owned businesses in Chicago have experienced historically and in the last 6 months in particular. We want to do everything in our power to support these businesses with capital, business acumen and business connections to give them the greatest possible chance of success. We are very excited to partner with Deanna Reed-Foster in this new initiative to do exactly that,†said David A. Dillon President and Co-Founder Together Chicago.
Reed-Foster asserts that Black business owners often times don’t receive the same resources as white business owners and addressing this issue could lead to stronger community economies which are more sustainable long-term.
“Black-owned businesses provide more than just goods and services in a community,†said the Chicago Fire actress. “Many of these businesses help to uplift communities by fostering a sense of pride in the people that live there. Plus, they help close the racial wealth gap through job creation.â€
According to Reed-Foster, each installment from the video PSA series will be themed and shared via social media. The first PSA installment called “See Me†debuted Aug. 2, 2020 and features Chicago-based actors Ronald Conner, Rashada Dawan, Renee Lockett, Demetra Dee and Toussaint Stevens, Jr as well as Reed-Foster. Watch See Me PSA here: https://www.facebook.com/ImTiredWebCampaign/
The two remaining installments will be released throughout the end of 2020 with “Hear Me†debuting on (August 23rd, 2020) followed by “Respect Me†in (September 13th, 2020) to close out the series.
HOW TO DONATE TO THE FUNDRAISER:
Supporters can donate at www.togetherchicago.com/imtired.
Chicago Sun-Times:
REELCHICAGO.COM:
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