Wednesday, October 30
African Small Business Expo Held at Truman College
On Saturday, Harry Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave and the City of Chicago’s Dept. of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP), hosted a free, African Small Business Expo (ASBE) which was sponsored by Western Union, Truman College and the Continental African Chamber of Commerce.
The Village of Robbins Faces Rocky Situation
The Village of Robbins may be facing an extreme makeover if a proposed limestone quarry and mine is established within the village’s limits. Robbins Resources LLC, a partnership between the Village of Robbins, ALM Resources and Rib Mountain Aggregate, Inc., was formed to plan the formation, operation and management of the quarry.
Chicago State University Board Extends President Watson’s Tenure
Following news in Feb. that Chicago State University (CSU) President Wayne Watson stepped down from his post, comes news last week that CSU Board of Trustees voted unanimously to extend Dr. Watson’s tenure through 2016.
Exhibit Displays Array of Art Work Depicting Racist Caricatures and Advertisements
A collection of images that depict African Americans in a historically negative light, including children’s books are currently on display as part of an exhibit at the University of Chicago (U of C).
Be Covered Illinois Summit Reaches Out to Illinois Communities
Blue Cross & Blue Shield (BCBS) of Illinois hosted their first Be Covered Illinois Summit last Thursday at their downtown Chicago location at 300 E. Randolph St. The summit was designed to promote awareness and education about the Affordable Care Act to the community.
Wednesday, October 23
The Black Church and the NAACP Work Together Against HIV/AIDS
The Nation Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) South Side and West Side presented The Black Church & HIV: The Social Justice Imperative (BCH) at US Bank, 815 W. 63rd, on October 10. The BCH presentation called upon several leaders of the black clergy throughout Chicagoland to engage, learn and speak about their personal experiences dealing with HIV and other taboo topics with their congregations and their personal lives.
Rev. Al Sharpton Signs Lease for Chicago Stay
The Rev. Al Sharpton was in Chicago last weekend to sign the lease on an apartment where he will live during his temporary stay here. Sharpton will utilize the rental unit for at least one day per week over the next two or three months while he addresses gun violence in Chicago and promote his new book, “The Rejected Stone.”
New Carson’s Clearance Location Opens in Lansing
A 21,000 square-foot Carson’s Clearance Store officially opened last Saturday in the Village of Lansing within the Landings Shopping Center at 16753 Torrence Ave. The new location is the only Carson’s Clearance Store in the Chicagoland area.
Rich South Band Director Uses Music to Bring Out the Best in His Students
Rich South High School Band director Y.L. Douglas Jr., marched his students to an unforeseen victory over eight stellar competitors at the Chicago Football Classic Band Competition last month at Soldier Field.
CTA’s Redline South Reopens
Chicago Transit Authority Red Line South Trains are rolling again following a five-month, $425 million upgrade to tracks and eight stations from Cermak Rd. (22nd St.) to 95th Street.
ComEd’s “Stay in School” Initiative Good for High School Graduation Rates
ComEd, Exelon and United Way of Metropolitan have once again collaborated on the Stay in School Initiative mentoring program where the main event is when students, parents and well-wishers gather at the Museum of Science and Industry to unveil and display the student’s report cards.
Commissioner Debra Shore presented with the Public Officials Award
Commissioner Debra Shore of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago has been presented with the Public Officials Award during the Water Environment Federation’s Celebration of Excellence Reception and Ceremony held at the McCormick Place Convention Center recently.
Seaway Bank & Trust Co. Teaches Community about Land Trusts
All month, Seaway Bank & Trust Company (SBTC) has been providing free seminars on land trusts at its various branches including one held last week at its Bronzeville location, 3501 S. King Dr., and presented by Senior Trust Officer, Lois Jenkins, who also manages the bank’s trust department.
Coalition of Black Clergy Support Same Sex Marriage in Illinois
Several African American clergy members in Chicago and its’ suburbs came together to voice their support for the passage of same sex marriage legislation in Illinois. The clergy members stated last week at a press conference at the Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington St., that they were speaking on behalf of their congregations.
CPS Adopts New Promotion Policy for Elementary Students
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is instituting a new student promotion policy that moves current assessment standards from a two-tiered achievement model, to a three-tiered method. CPS officials say the current promotion policy is no longer consistent with state requirements and therefore requires an update.
Mayor Emanuel Nominates New CHA Head
Following Chicago Housing Authority CEO Charles Woodyard’s resignation announcement last week, Mayor Rahm Emanuel last Wednesday, announced the nomination of Michael R. Merchant as the new Housing Authority CEO.
Monday, October 21
Howard University Students Boycott Gospel Artist for “Confusing” Gay Behavior
The gospel artist Tonex is being boycotted by a group of students at Howard University in Washington, DC who feel that he is sending the wrong messages to the public.
Thursday, October 17
New Malcolm X Campus Construction Underway
Construction of a new Malcolm X College and School of Health Sciences got underway with Mayor Rahm Emanuel and City Colleges Chancellor Cheryl Hyman breaking ground October 2, on the site located adjacent to the Illinois Medical District and across the street from the old college building at Jackson Boulevard and Damen Avenue in Chicago.
Illinois State Police Post Approves Concealed Carry Signage Specifications
Illinois State Police Officials on Monday released information on regulatory requirements for concealed carry signage under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66/1, et. seq.).
The Village of Dolton's New Crime Deterrent App
The Village of Dolton has approved the implementation of a new smartphone app that which allows local residents to help deter crime by capturing questionable and illegal activity on their smartphones and then sending it to the Dolton Police Department (DPD) anonymously. The app, I Alert U, is the first ever smartphone app of its kind to be used by a municipality or its’ law enforcement. I Alert U operates only within Dolton’s city limits as its servers are distinctly designated for Dolton residents and law enforcement.
Michele's Syrups: Chicago's Only African American Owned Syrup Company
African American shoppers have been lead to believe Aunt Jemima and some other syrups are African American products. Many are looking for products that really are African American. The answer is speaking the truth about how we have been purposely subject to misleading advertising and stories.
Paul G. Stewart Center Campus Ground Breaking and Ribbon Cutting Event
A ground breaking and ribbon cutting event commenced in Bronzeville last Wednesday where city and state officials, community leaders and residents celebrated the opening of a 24-unit, affordable family housing, community center, grocery store and a newly rehabbed senior housing tower.
Wednesday, October 16
Bras & Bagels for Breast Cancer Awareness
The 2nd Annual Bras & Bagels for Breast Cancer Awareness event was in full swing on Saturday at the Carson’s department store, 9700 S. Western Ave. The affair, presented by The Eta XI Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in partnership with the National Council Negro Women (NCNW) Chicago Central Section, provided attendees with invaluable information about breast cancer prevention and survival.
City of Chicago Micro Loans Available
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and City Treasurer Stephanie Neely are hopeful that a $1 million micro lending initiative will lead to new jobs in Chicago while the city’s new Express Lane service that allows customers to renew and apply for a business license, eases the pain felt by those who go through the process.
ComEd’s Energy Force Ambassadors Program Expands
Entering its’ second year, ComEd’s Energy Force Program (EFP), which trains individuals with developmental disabilities on how to educate ComEd customers on how to conserve energy, is expanding.
Tuesday, October 15
MasterChef Runner-Up Found Dead
Monday morning brought news of the a death of a young South Side celebrity chef who was found Friday morning in an alley with a gunshot wound to the head.
Wednesday, October 9
Chicago is a High Intensity Child Prostitution Location
Law enforcement officials call it an “escalating threat” as children,”, some as young as nine, are lured and kidnapped into sex trafficking, the illegal trade of human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor, often referred to as modern slavery.
Rev. Al Sharpton to Reside Temporarily in Chicago
The Chicago Citizen Newspaper learned Monday that Alfred Charles "Al" Sharpton, Jr., civil rights activist, and MSNBC television talk show host will take up residence in Chicago.
Illinois Senior Olympics' First Superstar
The Illinois Senior Olympics is providing opportunities for seasoned athletes to compete once a year at the state’s capitol, Springfield, for the chance to continue a lifelong pursuit of athletic and competitive excellence for its’ participants.
Achieving Personal Harmony and Balance During Cancer
What if after surviving your first cancer diagnosis at the age of 51, you were re-diagnosed just 18 months later? Metastatic colorectal cancer patient Dave Johnson experienced that first-hand, and was initially reluctant and scared to tell his family, friends and co-workers.
Chicago State University Offers Small Business Workshops
The Illinois Small Business Development Center located on Chicago State University’s campus, 9501 S. King Dr., hosted a free monthly workshop last Friday entitled “Starting a Business in Illinois” for small business owners.
Three Noted Artists Selected for Arts Incubator Residency at U of C
A local university selected three noted African American artists for its artist in residence program as a way to increase diversity among participants.
Aldermen, CBA and SSAs Cleaning up Business District
Melinda Kelly, Executive Director of the Chatham Business Association announced during CBA’s monthly membership meeting Tuesday morning that the organization is fighting to rid the Chatham area of bad businesses.
Thursday, October 3
Twelve African American Centenarians Honored
Aimlee Cruikshank, 109, sat quietly as her daughter Pamela Potts shared the centenarian’s story during an event at the Wheeler Home Apartments Friday morning that honored 12 African American centenarians.
UI Health, Bernie Mac Foundation Celebrates Sarcoidosis Center’s First Year
The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) will host the REACH for the STARS Town Hall Meeting to celebrate the one-year partnership between UI Health and the Bernie Mac Foundation in the fight against sarcoidosis.
Historymakers Visits South Side High School
Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Dorothy Brown and Cook County Department of Health Chief Operating Officer Dr. Terry Mason both go visit Chicago Vocational Career Academy (CVS) High School where they participated in the 4th Annual Back to School with the History Makers Program. Clerk Brown and Dr. Mason are both former selections as History Makers; Dr. Mason is proud to be an alum of CVS.
Wednesday, October 2
Richton Park VFW Receives community service award
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Illinois Post 311 has a shiny new sign acknowledging its outstanding year of service (2012-2013) to the Village of Richton Park. Drivers can see the sign while driving eastbound into Richton Park.
Renovations Planned for CTA’s Washington-Wabash Elevated Station
Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) elevated structure at Wabash - Washington will soon be transformed into what’s being called “a gateway for Millennium Park and the Loop.”
Cook County Board President Announces Replacement Choice for Metra Board
Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle, announced retired Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) manager, Romayne Brown, as her choice to replace Stanley Rakestraw on the Metra Board of Directors.
Congress plunges nation into government shutdown
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress plunged the nation into a partial government shutdown Tuesday as a long-running dispute over President Barack Obama's health care law stalled a temporary funding bill, forcing about 800,000 federal workers off the job and suspending most non-essential federal programs and services.
Former Cook County Commissioner Sentenced to 6-Month Prison Term
Former Cook County Commissioner William Beavers' was sentenced last Wednesday by U.S. District Judge James Zagel to six months in prison for failing to declare campaign funds he spent at casinos as taxable income, a sentence, Chicago's acting U.S. attorney Gary Shapiro reportedly criticized as too lenient.
Tuesday, October 1
PBS Series Explores five centuries of Black History
After a tragedy like the Trayvon Martin killing, calls routinely arise for a conversation about race. But Henry Louis Gates thinks the more direct way for structural change is through schools and their curriculum.