Thursday, September 26
Can a Woman’s Designer Wardrobe Keep Rivals Away from Her Mate?
Purchasing designer handbags and shoes is a means for women to express their style, boost self-esteem, or even signal status. New University of Minnesota research suggests some women also seek these luxury items to prevent other women from stealing their man.
Wednesday, September 25
Congresswoman Kelly Hosts Job Fair at South Suburban College
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (Dist 2nd) will host a job fair on Friday, October 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at South Suburban College, 15800 State St., South Holland.
CAP/HHS/SAMHSA Help Prevent Youth of Color from Entering the Legal Justice Systems
Engaging & Educating the Community in Preventing Youth of Color with Behavioral Health Challenges from Entering the Legal Justice Systems” was both the topic and the goal of a Dialogue Meeting hosted by Chicago Area Project (CAP) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (HHS/SAMHSA) on September 11 - 12, 2013, at the University of Illinois/Student Center West, 828 S. Wolcott St. in Chicago.
Prairie State College: As Green as they Come
Prairie State College (PSC) has become one of four community colleges in the state of Illinois to participate in the Behavior Change for Energy Efficiency Pilot Program. The program reduces energy usage by monitoring the amount of energy used and changing the behavior of its participants.
Magic Johnson & Friends Rally Behind Option School
At the North Lawndale Magic Johnson Bridgescape location at 3210 W. Roosevelt Rd., former NBA star Earvin “Magic” Johnson joined by several of his notable friends including recording artist Common, and current Bridgescape students announced the formation of his non-profit organization “Friends of Magic” that would work to assist at-risk students and dropouts earn their high school diplomas.
Englewood Residents Continue to Fight Norfolk Railroad to Stay in their Homes
Harvard business professor, Steve Rogers, used a line from a song as he described Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood where he grew up and still owns property, saying “you can call it Tobacco Road but it’s still my home,” referring to the areas “bad” reputation label.
Create a Fully Loaded Laundry Room
Today’s technology makes those pesky tasks of washing, drying and folding your beloved garments easier than ever before. Gain inspiration for a laundry room update with cutting-edge solutions that work hard to get your clothes squeaky clean and may even make the chore fun.
$1.6 Million Workforce Development Investment to Put More Chicagoans Back to Work
The city of Chicago has good news for unemployed Chicagoans. That’s because Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced yesterday that the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) will provide up to $1.6 million in funding for worker training and direct placement program assistance to help unemployed Chicago residents obtain positions at companies that contract with O’Hare International Airport.
First Ladies Health Day Event Held at Sheldon Heights Church of Christ
Following Sunday’s church service, Shelby Hamilton eagerly perused the various health screening tables set up in the basement of the Sheldon Heights Church of Christ, 11355 S. Halsted, where she is a member, before deciding on the blood pressure check as her first stop.
UniverSoul Circus Revisits Washington Park
Presented by the Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicagoland and the Northwest Indiana (BMOA), the UniverSoul Circus is in Washington Park at 51st and Cottage Grove Ave. from Wednesday, Sept. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 6 and then will move on to Union Park at 1501 W. Randolph St.
Art Exhibit Depicts Black-on-Black Carnage
Described as a visual call to action, artist James Pate shines a disturbing light on the countless number of individuals who lost their lives to gun violence in African American communities via a moving exhibition titled Kin Killin Kin--on display at the DuSable Museum of African History, 740 East 56th St., through Nov. 2013.
Former Cook County Official Convicted of Steering Contracts in Return for Kickbacks
CHICAGO- A federal jury today convicted a former Cook County official of steering four county contracts, each just under $25,000, to four acquaintances and then taking a portion of the contract payments as kickbacks from each of them, totaling $34,700. The defendant, Eugene Mullins, who was director of the Cook County Department of Public Affairs and Communications between March 2008 and November 2010, was found guilty by jurors who began deliberating Monday afternoon after a week-long trial in U.S. District Court.
NAACP Meets with Ku Klux Klan
A secret meeting between a representative of the Wyoming chapter of the NAACP and a Ku Klux Klan organizer ended with the Klan organizer paying $50 to join the civil rights organization, participants said.
Sons Watch Dad Win 2013 Dodge Challenger SXT at Chicago Football Classic
"You can't be what you ain't seen", - the Honorable R. Eugene Pincham, deceased Civil Rights attorney, Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois and Justice of the Appellate Court of Illinois.
Search Underway for New Independent Police Review Authority Leader
If you have a bachelor’s or graduate degree and four years of supervisory experience managing and conducting investigations into criminal or fraudulent activity, you may want to apply to become the next chief administrator to lead Chicago’s Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA).
Thursday, September 19
Richton Park Offers Water Line Protection Program
The Village of Richton Park has officially partnered with Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA) to offer the National League of Cities (NLC) Service Line Warranty Program to residents there. The program offers voluntary warranty protection at an affordable price for water lines in the event of a failure or malfunction.
Wednesday, September 18
Hundreds Turn Out for Pullman Walmart Grand Opening
Throngs of customers filed into the new Pullman Walmart Supercenter last Wednesday morning following a brief, ceremonial ribbon cutting by 9th Ward Ald. Anthony Beale and Walmart store manager, Darryl Bowles.
First Lady Michelle Obama to Ask Everyone to “Drink Up” with More Water
First Lady Michelle Obama has joined the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) and actress Eva Longoria in PHA’s new effort to encourage everyone to drink more water, an easy choice to improve health and well-being every day. The effort brings together more than a dozen organizations committed to encouraging everyone to drink more water more often. According to the CDC, approximately one fourth of children do not drink any water on a given day. This new effort will remind people that drinking more water helps you have more energy to do more, longer and with better focus.
Deion Sanders moves on with Tracey Edmonds
If you’ve been wondering how former NFL player turned sports analyst turned educator Deion Sanders is doing after his second divorce, finalized, well, he’s doing just fine. Awarded full custody of his three children with now ex-wife Pilar Sanders, Deion has rebounded with film executive Tracey Edmonds. They can certainly bond over their marital drama. Edmonds has also been divorced twice, including once from actor Eddie Murphy in a marriage that had no legal standing in the U.S. and lasted just two weeks.
Federal Policy Maker to Head UIC's Health Program
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) has added a federal level policy maker to their staff. Chicagoan, Dr. Jamila R. Rashid, former minority health official and advocate at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has been named executive director of the UIC’s Urban Health Program. Dr. Rashid will be responsible for developing programs that bring minority and underrepresented pre-college, undergraduate and graduate students in Chicago into careers in the health care professions.
The Chicago Football Classic
The 16th Annual Chicago Football Classic (CFC) presented by BMO Harris Bank and Sherman Dodge will once again exhibit on Saturday, September 21 at Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Dr. Touting a high quality football game between historically black colleges and universities (HBCU), spirited pre kick-off events and a dedication to provide Chicagoland high school students with opportunities to pursue a higher education, CFC has become a great tradition for the city. The CFC is one of over fifty traditional football game and weeklong celebrations held between HBCUs across the nation. Since its’ inception in 1997, the CFC has invited several HBCUs to play in the game.
Urban Garden Planned for Chatham
Chatham/Avalon Park Community Council (CAPCC) in conjunction with the Center for Regenerative Truth Chicago (CRT) held a charity Walk, Run, Bike for Life Fundraising event to aid in the development of “The Color Green” Urban Garden Project that is intended to help transform the community into a healthy, sustainable environment and provide accessible, healthy food items to area residents.
Rihanna reveals New Makeup Collection
Rihanna has previewed her new makeup collection by uploading its first advertisement.
Wednesday, September 11
West Side Hospital Named “Most Wired”
The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI) once again received recognition for its broad technology implementation in its day-to-day operations and was named among the top ‘Most Wired’ healthcare organizations for the seventh time in the last eight years by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine in conjunction with the American Hospital Association.
Law Passed to Expunge Class 3 & 4 Felonies
Ill. State Rep. LaShawn Ford (Dist-8th) hosted the “A Second Chance Summit” this past Saturday at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd., to discuss House Bill 3016 which helps former convicts expunge or seal certain new Class 3 and Class 4 crimes from their arrest record.
Illinois Highways I-294 and I-57 to be Connected
In a conjoined effort, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois Tollway has begun construction on creating connections and on-ramps between the Illinois Tollway operated I-294 highway and the IDOT operated I-57 highway. The construction is set to begin between I-294 and I-57 and at 147th Street.
Ombudsman Schools Open Classroom Facilities in Chicago
Ombudsman Chicago, an alternative school designed to allow students 14-20 to earn a high school diploma, in partnership with Chicago Public Schools (CPS), has officially opened a new location at 7500 N. Harlem Ave. Their South Side location at 3214 W. 63rd St. and West Side location are currently in development.
Whole Foods Comes to Englewood
A new 18,000 square-foot Whole Foods Market store is being constructed at South Halsted and West 63rd Street in the Englewood neighborhood and should be completed by 2016. The grocery store will be located across from Kennedy King College and over 2,648 Englewood residents will be within a mile of it.
New CTA Green Line Station Construction Underway
Chicago residents who rely on public transportation may be happy to hear that the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is creating a new green line station.
Hales Franciscan High School Goes Coed
A historically all-male, Roman Catholic high school for African American young men, has gone co-ed, allowing girls for the first time in 50 years, to join the all-male student population. Hales Franciscan High School will welcome the young ladies this fall.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel Names Huggins Replacement to Metra Board
Mayor Rahm Emanuel chose Martin J. Oberman to replace Larry Huggins on Metra’s Board of Directors.
Chatham Business Association Hosts Metra Officials
The Chatham Business Association (CBA) welcomed high ranking officials from Metra to its monthly general membership meeting at the South Central Community Services Building at 1021 E. 83rd Street. Metra’s Donald A. Orseno, Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Janice R. Thomas, Director from the U.S. Office of Business Diversity & Civil Rights Technology discussed the railroad line’s commitment to Chicagolands’s business community.
Walmart Pre-Grand Opening in Pullman
The new Pullman Walmart Supercenter held a pre-grand opening on Tuesday.
Thursday, September 5
Sheriff’s Office Recovers 200th At-Risk Juvenile
A new Sheriff’s Police unit dedicated to rescuing runaway or missing children, has recovered more than 200 at-risk juveniles, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced on Tuesday. Sheriff Dart launched the Cook County Sheriff’s Child Protection Response Unit in October 2012 as a result of his dissatisfaction with the capacity of the local authorities charged with maintaining the safety of wards of the state. In the ensuing 10 months, the unit has recovered 211 juveniles, nearly all of whom are DCFS wards. The 211 children included 91 males and 120 females. seventy five percent of the females were found at risk of being sexually trafficked.
Literacy Expert Named Interim Dean of UIC’s College of Education
Nationally recognized expert on the literacy of African American boys, Alfred Tatum, was named interim dean of the University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Education, pending approval by the Board of Trustees there. A professor of curriculum and instruction in the college, Tatum’s appointment follows the retirement of Victoria Chou, dean for 16 years. Since joining UIC in 2007, Tatum has chaired the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, served as director of the UIC Reading Clinic, and coordinator of the doctoral program in Literacy, Language and Culture. “Low reading achievement contributes to violence and in some cases unemployment,” Tatum said.
Lincoln Mall Faces Numerous Safety and Fire Code Violations
Lincoln Mall, located at 208 Lincoln Mall Dr., adjacent to Lincoln Highway in the Village of Matteson, is still open for the time-being despite early speculation that the mall will close due to numerous building, safety and fire code violations unaddressed by the mall’s owner, Michael Kohan. Kohan, a New York real estate investor, has a history of purchasing decaying malls and then leaving them in worst condition when he sells them to a new owner.
Metra Board Member Resigns, Gov. Appoints Transit Commission
Metra Board member Stanley Rakestraw is the fifth Board member to resign from the commuter rail agency following resignation of four other Board members in recent weeks. Rakestraw’s resignation comes after questions arose regarding his residency and in the midst of the recent $718,000 severance payment to Alex Clifford, Metra’s former CEO, patronage allegations and allegations of construction contract interference by recently resigned Board members.
Chicago State University Receives Funding for College of Pharmacy Scholarships
Chicago State University (CSU) recently received news that it’s one of six universities in the nation to get funding through this year’s Cardinal Health Pharmacy Scholarship Program.
Former County Official Convicted of Fraud
Carla Oglesby, the former deputy chief of staff to former Cook County President Todd Stroger, has been convicted of theft of government property (Class X felony), theft of government property by deception (Class X felony), unlawful stringing of bids (Class 4 felony), and money laundering (Class 1 felony), is facing a possible sentence of up to 30 years in prison. Oglesby’s activity accounts for more than $300,000 of Cook County tax payer funds that have been lost.
2013 African Festival of the Arts
Themed “Asali” which means “Origins,” the 24th Annual African Festival of the Arts, (AFA) the largest neighborhood-festival in Chicago took place throughout Labor Day Weekend with headline artists Brandy and Otis Clay. R&B singers Syleena Johnson, Monifah, Oliver Mtukudzi and Joe B, joined the main stage lineup.
March on Chicago Public Schools
On the 50th Anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington, several local community organizations staged a day long boycott of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) schools; held a rally in front of CPS’s downtown office at 125 S. Clark; and then led a march to Chicago’s city hall at 121 N LaSalle St. in coordination with 25 other U.S. cities holding similar public demonstrations.
CTA Reps Share Construction Project Contract Information at Community Forum
Business owners and entrepreneurs who are not aware of Chatham Business Association (CBA) may want to connect with the organization which provides a wealth of information on construction projects, business and networking opportunities.
Life Time Tri Chicago Engages Chicago’s Youth
For more than three decades, experienced triathletes and determined newcomers have flocked to the shores of Lake Michigan for one of the largest triathlons in the world. Life Time Tri Chicago is an action-packed tour along Chicago’s lakefront, offering kids, supersprint, sprint and international distance courses. Nearly 9,000 pro, elite amateur and first-time triathletes competed, and more than 15,000 spectators attended the events which took place on Saturday, Aug. 24. (L-R) Alison Withers, 12, from Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood, Camryn Clanton, 13, from Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, and Jamir Madrey, 11, Chicago, all participated in the Life Time Kids Tri, one of the many Chicago Triathlon events.
Cook County President: Jails Are Intersection of Racism & Poverty, More Judges of Color Needed
Cook County Board Commissioner, Stanley Moore, held his first annual 4th District Economic Development Forum in conjunction with the Chatham Business Association (CBA) at the QBG Foundation building (806 E. 78th St.) last week.