Wednesday, April 30
West Side Pediatrician amongst Those Killed in Afghanistan Last Week
A pediatrician who was part of a west side health center’s staff, was one of three American doctors killed in Kabul, Afghanistan, last Thursday morning when an Afghan police officer, reportedly opened fire in a hospital where the doctor trained medical residents and treated pediatric patients.
NAACP Reacts to Racist Remarks Allegdly to Los Angeles Clippers Owner, Donald Sterling
The Los Angeles chapter of the NAACP, (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) decided against awarding Los Angeles Clippers owner, Donald Sterling, with a Lifetime Achievement Award at a ceremony scheduled for May 15, and is expected to rescind its previous award, following backlash from recorded racist comments allegedly made by the self-made billionaire.
National Rebuilding Day Comes to Riverdale, Assists Homeowners
In honor of National Rebuilding Day on April 26, representatives from Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago, a non-profit whose mission is to improve the homes and neighborhoods of elderly, disabled and low-income residents so that they may continue to live in warmth, safety and comfort, joined Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Village of Riverdale Mayor Lawrence Jackson, and a volunteer construction team at a press conference at 14533 S. Lowe Ave., about an collaborative effort to make much needed repairs to several homes in Riverdale.
Gresham Elementary School One of Three CPS Designated for Turnarounds
Last week, Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) Board of Education voted in favor of “turning around” Walter Q. Gresham Elementary, Dvorak Technology Academy, and Ronald E. McNair Elementary for School Year 2014–2015 (SY 14-15).
Danny Glover to Serve as Keynote Speaker for U of C’s Freedom Summer Commemoration Event
Actor and activist Danny Glover is the featured speaker for the Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture’s (SRPC) annual public lecture that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Summer Project, a 1964 effort that took Northern college students to Mississippi to support African- American's right to vote in that state and resulted in the death of three Civil Rights Workers.
Restaurant Manager Gives Back with "Wingz of Love"
One never knows how the circumstances of their childhood will impact their adult life. For example, a Chatham restaurant manager who experienced homelessness as a child, now gives back to his community every Sunday by donating food he cooks at the restaurant for the homeless and others experiencing food insecurity.
NBA Bars Clippers Owner Donald Sterling for Life
Donald Sterling, the longtime owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, was barred from the N.B.A. for life and may be forced to sell the team for making racist remarks, the league commissioner, Adam Silver, announced Tuesday. Silver said that Sterling would be barred from any contact with his team and the league and that he would be fined $2.5 million, the maximum allowed by the league’s constitution.
Thursday, April 17
Cook County Board Seeks New Use for Old Building
Cook County Board of Commissioners on March 12 approved a program development team to find a new use for the old Cook County Hospital building on Chicago’s west side. The effort will be led by Chicago Consultants Studio, Inc. (CCS) with the goal of “articulating” the vision of County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle, the County Commissioners and the CCHHS (Cook County Health and Hospital Systems, leadership.
Illinois Agencies Support Construction Zone Safety Week
National Work Zone Awareness week, April 7-11, was recognized by the Illinois State Police (ISP), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and the Illinois Tollway among many agencies to encourage motorists to drive safely and slowly on Illinois roadways, particularly in work zones.
$52.7 Million Investment in Community Transportation Projects throughout Illinois
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn announced a $52.7 million investment in community transportation projects throughout Illinois that is expected to support more than 400 jobs throughout 71 projects, including bike paths, walking trails, historic preservation and streetscape beautification projects with funding from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) – a federally-funded, program that encourages transportation-related projects, according to information released by the governor’s office.
Thornton Township and South Suburban College Partner for Job Fair
To better prepare local residents for its upcoming annual free on-campus job fair (to be held May 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 State St, South Holland, will host a workshop entitled Adult Brown Bag Seminar that will equip job seekers with techniques and information proven helpful in landing successful job interviews.
Long Weekend of Gun Violence Leaves 37 Wounded, Four Fatalities
A 17-year-old juvenile, whose name is being withheld, on Monday, appeared in Central Bond Court, at 26th and California in Chicago, and was charged with first degree murder following a verbal altercation that occurred on the 3000 block of W. 53rd Place, early Sunday morning.
GOP Senate Blocks Equal Pay Legislation
The Paycheck Fairness Act was blocked by Republican U.S. Senators last week, a move that prohibits wage gender equality legislation from progressing.
Wednesday, April 16
Third Ward Ald. Dowell Wants Area Park Named in Honor of Hadiya Pendleton
Third Ward Ald. Pat Dowell and the Chicago Park District are moving forward on the planned expansion of Buckhorn Park located at 4347 S. Calumet St, with a proposal to rename the park in honor of Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed last year while standing with friends in nearby Harsh Park, 4458-70 S. Oakenwald after taking her final exams. Hadiya was only 15-years old.
50th Anniversary: Passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
President Barack Obama along with former presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and others, gathered last week for a three-day Civil Rights Summit held at the LBJ (Lyndon B. Johnson) Presidential Library, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Bill’s passage and to honor Johnson’s legislative legacy.
Common, Rhymefest Collaborate to Help Create Jobs for Chicago’s Youth
Rap artists Common and Rhymefest, founders of the Common Ground Foundation and Kanye West’s Donda’s House, respectively, announced the launch of their latest collaborative project, The Chicago Youth Jobs Collaborative, a coalition of public, private and nonprofit agencies that advocate for the creation of youth employment. The announcement was held during a press conference at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave last week.
Tuesday, April 15
Eminem, Outkast Top 2014 Lollapalooza Lineup
Eminem and Outkast will headline a diverse lineup of more than 130 acts at this year's three-day Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago, Jane's Addiction lead singer and Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell announced last Wednesday.
Friday, April 11
Teena’s Legacy Hosts First Ever Walk for Peace Fundraiser
“I am PEACE,” “I am COURAGEOUS,” “I am TEACHABLE,” read the signs worn by participants of the Teena’s Legacy’s 5K Walk for Peace this past Saturday at Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine. Walkers made their way along the trail that circles Ogden Park to complete the 5K – equivalent to 3.1 miles.
Biden: Raise the Minimum Wage
It’s the Right Thing to do for Hardworking Americans
In his address to the nation last week, Vice President Joe Biden discussed the importance of raising the federal minimum wage. The full transcript follows:
Home Depot Foundation Launches Second Annual Spring into Service Campaign
The Home Depot® Foundation recently launched its second-annual Spring into Service campaign, a season-long initiative to plant edible gardens that will provide fresh fruits and vegetables for 1,000 homeless U.S. military veterans at facilities that serve them. This effort is part of the Foundation’s five year, $80 million commitment to ensure every veteran has a safe place to call home.
Amnesty International: Gun Violence Is a Human Rights Issue
At its annual Human Rights Conference, themed “Bringing Human Rights Home,” held at the JW Marriott hotel, 151 W. Adams St. in Chicago, Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) representatives last week, described gun violence as a human rights issue that affects the lives of everyone that it touches.
South Suburban Colleges 4th Annual Earth Awareness Day & Expo
The South Suburban College Sustainability Committee will hold its 4th annual Earth Awareness Day & Expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 9, at the Main Campus in South Holland at 15800 South State Street.
U of C Part of Multi-million dollar Language Development Initiative
Low income parents can increase their children’s chances of success simply by engaging them in thoughtful and interactive conversation on a regular basis, according to a 1995 study conducted by child psychologists Betty Hart and Todd R. Risley that found by age 4, children in poverty heard 30 million fewer words than their counterparts in more advantaged families.
Cooley High, Classic Black Cinema Remembered
Remember the 1975 film classic, Cooley High, the Black cinema classic, filmed in and around Chicago’s Cabrini Green housing projects, based on the lives of African American kids coming of age in the 1960s and written by Eric Monte, co-creator of Good Times?
Cook County Lawsuit Claims Predatory Lending Practices by Two Major Banking Institutions
Neighborhoods on Chicago’s south and west sides have numerous vacant and boarded up homes--some the result of the recent recession and some the result of predatory lending, according to Mayor Rahm Emanuel who made the comments during a recent conversation with the Chicago Citizen Newspaper.
Wednesday, April 9
Quinn Wants to Keep 2011 Illinois Tax Increase as Part of 2015 Budget Proposal
In 2011, Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn signed what was supposed to be a temporary tax increase where Illinois income taxes were raised from 3 to 5 percent and was supposed to drop back down to 3.75 percent after four years. However, the Gov. announced that Illinois’ 2011 income tax increase would remain in place as part of his proposed $36.8 billion Fiscal Year 2015 Budget plan.
Wednesday, April 2
Red Pump Project Combines Unique Elements to Create HIV & AIDS Awareness
The Red Pump Project, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, that educates women and girls about HIV/AIDS, recently held its annual fundraiser and fashion extravaganza, Rock the Red Fashion Show, at Alhambra Palace, 1240 W. Randolph, where Chicago based clothing designers were featured.
Black Women’s Expo Celebrates 20 Years
An estimated 30,000 patrons visited the 20th Annual Black Women’s Expo this past weekend. The popular expo, which ran from Friday to Sunday, at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr., boasted dynamic speakers, riveting entertainment, and most importantly, dozens and dozens of exhibitors--who all happened to be entrepreneurial women. Notably, Good Morning America’s (GMA) anchor Robin Roberts served as the event's keynote speaker.
Property Tax Incentive Workshop Held for South Suburban Mayors and Managers
The Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation (CSEDC) conducted a workshop on how to successfully apply for property tax incentives last week, to the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA), 1904 W. 174th St., East Hazel Crest, IL.
Mayor Emanuel Says No to Plans to Run for President, Addresses New City Initiatives and Successes
Mayor Rahm Emanuel responded with an, unequivocal “no” as to whether or not he would run for president, after he was asked the question by Chicago Citizen Newspaper during a press luncheon with Chicago’s Black media outlets and organizations, held at Ruby’s Restaurant, 3175 W. Madison St. last Friday.
Free Wireless Service Offered at Garfield Park and South Shore Cultural Center
"Google is proud to join with Mayor Emanuel’s goal to ensure that the City of Chicago is one of the most connected cities in the world. This is core to our mission, to make the world's information universally accessible", said Jim Lecinski, Vice President of Customer Solutions at Google Chicago. "We know that the Internet has the power to not only connect people around the world but also bring together communities like the Garfield Park and South Shore which have so much to offer. And we know the Internet is a powerful tool for education, businesses and for connecting people around the world."
Mayor Rahm Emanuel Introduces New Ex-Offender Re-Entry Program
Mayor Rahm Emanuel held a round table meeting and press announcement at St. Leonard’s Ministries on Chicago’s west side last Friday with elected officials and ex-offenders to announce that the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) will launch a pilot, family reunification program that will allow 50 formerly incarcerated individuals to move back into CHA housing over the next three years.
Tuesday, April 1
Watch Out for Prediabetes
Almost everyone who has prediabetes goes on to develop type 2 diabetes
Being overweight comes with chronic disease risks, such as higher cholesterol and higher blood pressure. These increase the risk of developing other diseases, including diabetes, which is at epidemic levels in the black community.
Foot Care Tips for Diabetics
Avoid serious diabetes complications with these guidelines
Diabetics have to take special care of their feet. The disease can cause peripheral neuropathy—otherwise known as nerve damage.