Wednesday, March 26
Triton School of Business Builds New Partnerships with Universities
As a way to provide Triton College students with seamless transitions into four-year universities, Triton College School of Business is working to develop new partnerships with Chicagoland universities including Robert Morris University and National Louis University, where students can legitimately transfer credits towards a baccalaureate business program.
Political Training Group Seeks Women of Color
If you're a woman, and the recent Gubernatorial Primary Election inspired you to run for political office, you can sign up for Emily’s List Political Opportunity Program. A spokesperson for the Emily’s List group says more women of color representatives are needed at the Congressional level.
Vernita Gray, of Illinois' First Legally Married Couple Passes Away
Vernita Gray, one half of Illinois’ first legally married lesbian couple, passed away last Tuesday after succumbing to breast cancer. Gray, 65, married her wife, Pat Ewart, on November 27 last year, after a federal judge made a ruling in respect to Gray’s terminal illness that allowed Gray and Ewart to marry before Illinois’ Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act took effect on June 1, 2014.
UNCF's "Empower Me Tour" Finishes Strong at Chicago State University
Last week, the United Negro College Fund, Inc. (UNCF) hosted the conclusion of its 6th annual Empower Me Tour (EMT) at Chicago State University's (CSU) Jones Convocation Center, 9501 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr.
Mayor Emanuel Launches $1 Lot Purchase Program
Englewood residents who want more stake in their community in terms of real estate, may have an opportunity to invest through a new initiative under Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Large Lot Pilot program where city-owned vacant lots can be purchased for $1 in the Greater Englewood area.
Wendell Phillips' "Behind the Paws" Program Gives Students Unique Voice
A spotlight is shining brightly on Wendell Phillip Academy High School (WPAHS) 244 E. Pershing, via its new television production class, affectionately known as “Behind the Paws.” The popular class provides students with a platform to learn the basics of television production and broadcasting and how to effectively use social media networks to influence the news and film industries.
CBA Hosts Community Enrichment Meeting for Northern Ireland Group
The Chatham Business Association (CBA) hosted the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) at the QBG building, 806 E. 78th St., last week for a special meeting constructed around NICVA’s desire to learn more about CBA’s community, economic development and youth engagement programs.
College Trip Equips Students with Sound Advice
Over the past eighteen years, African American University of Cincinnati (U of C) students and two administrators from the university have embarked upon an annual Spring Break Corporate Excursion Trip as part of the ADVANCE Organization, a professional development student organization designed to help students make the transition from college to career by developing their leadership and networking skills, developing business etiquette, and understanding corporate and workplace cultures. During the trips, students make connections on their visits with a mixture of black-owned, minority-owned, nonprofit and Fortune 500 companies as well as government agencies. The goal is to expose students to experiences that they’re not exposed to in a classroom setting.
Tuesday, March 25
'Phantom of the Opera' Welcomes First Black Lead
NEW YORK- Norm Lewis has been tapped to be Broadway's next Phantom in the megahit "The Phantom of the Opera," a move that makes him the first African-American to slip behind the famous mask on the Great White Way.
First Lady Visits China for First Time with Mom and Daughters
First lady Michelle Obama plans to avoid politics and focus on education and people-to-people contacts on her first visit to China.
Thursday, March 20
History of Bronzeville on Display at UIC’s African American Cultural Center
A collaboration between the University of Illinois at Chicago’s (UIC) African-American Cultural Center (AACC) and the Chicago Blues Museum, provides an up close and personal view of historic Bronzeville by way of an exhibit titled “Migration and Transformation through the Arts: The Soul of Bronzeville,” which features photography, memorabilia, film, video footage and displays from the Chicago Blues Museum’s archival collections.
Village of Hazel Crest Appoints New Manager
The Village of Hazel Crest’s Board of Trustees recently voted to appoint the village’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Marlo Kemp, to the position of Village Manager after the retirement of Kemps’ predecessor, James Whigham, Sr., who served the village for two years, until he officially stepped down on February 28.
State Senator Hunter Hosts Unemployment Workshop
Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-3) assembled state employment agencies at Kennedy King College, 6301 S. Halsted, last week for a workshop designed to educate residents within her district about jobs available at the State of Illinois. The event also featured a small job fair for the unemployed and under-employed.
Wednesday, March 19
Circle Foundation‘s 5th Annual Gala Benefits "Second Chance" Students
Circle Foundation is holding its 5th Annual Awards Gala fundraiser on Sunday, March 23 at the Alhambra Palace Restaurant, 1240 W. Randolph St., to benefit "second chance" high school students earning a high school diploma.
Quinn Defeats Hardiman, Will Run Against Rauner in Nov. Gen. Election
Following weeks of campaigning , the 2014 Gubernatorial Primary Election ended with the Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn and his running mate for Lt. Gov., former Chicago Public Schools Chief, Paul Vallas, being nominated to run against Republican candidates, Bruce Rauner and Evelyn Sanguinetti in the Nov. 4 General Illinois Gubernatorial election.
Wednesday, March 12
Residents Urged to Sign Up Before March 31 ACA Deadline
In light of the March 31 sign up deadline for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance mandate, Dr. Robert Winn, associate vice president for community based practice, University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, urges African Americans to take advantage of the opportunity to get covered.
Preckwinkle Seek Public Input for Long Range Transportation Plan
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle set in motion the development of a plan that will look at the County’s transportation network and its impact on economic growth and quality of life over the next 25 years.
Mathew Knowles’ Asks Court to Have Child Support Lowered
Mathew Knowles who was once managed Beyonce and Destiny’s Child, making gazillions in the process, is now down and out and can barely pay child support.
Documentary Series Spotlights Englewood High School Principal
When President Barack Obama spoke out last week against the crime, violence and poverty that ensnares young men of color in epidemic numbers, he might have been voicing a promo for "Chicagoland," the docuseries that debut Thursday on CNN.
South African Art Curator Campaigns to Bring Post-Apartheid Art and Artists to U.S.
On March 14, South African artist, Jabu, who now resides in Los Angeles, will be in Chicago for an exhibit at the Africa International House, 6200 S. Drexel Ave. The exhibit will include a panel discussion with Jabu and art curator, Soraya Sheppard about their experiences under the apartheid regime.
Voters Turn Out for Candidates for Judge Town Hall Meeting
With the March 18 Gubernatorial Primary Election just days away, voters turned out last Saturday morning for the Chicago Citizen Newspaper’s, Candidates for Judge - Town Hall Meeting held at the newspaper’s Chatham headquarters, 806 E. 78th St.
Senior Volunteer Program Receives Funding
A Triton College-sponsored program that actively engages individuals 55 years of age and over in volunteer opportunities, was awarded a $49,416 grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to help the program continue its volunteer efforts.
CPS' First Ever Student Advisory Council
Last week, Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) Board of Education presented its first ever student advisory council (SAC) at its monthly board meeting at 125 S. Clark St. The 19 member council is the realization of an initiative proposed by Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett who called for the creation of the council in early November.
Tuesday, March 11
U.S. Atty. Gen. Calls Rise in Heroin Overdoses ‘Urgent Public Health Crisis’ Vows Mix of Enforcement, Treatment
Calling the rise in overdose deaths from heroin and other prescription pain-killers an “urgent public health crisis,” Attorney General Eric Holder vowed Monday that the Justice Department would combat the epidemic through a mix of enforcement and treatment efforts. As an added step, the Attorney General is also encouraging law enforcement agencies to train and equip their personnel with the life-saving, overdose-reversal drug known as naloxone.
Thursday, March 6
Ingalls Memorial Hospital Recognized as One of Healthgrades America’s 50 Best in 2014
Ingalls Memorial Hospital has been named among the nation’s 50 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. The distinction ranks Ingalls in the top one percent of hospitals nationwide, out of more than 4,500 hospitals evaluated.
Wednesday, March 5
Illinois Legislative Intern Program Taking Applications
African Americans are not participating in the Illinois Legislative Staff Intern Program (ILSIP) at the same high rate that Caucasians are participating, according to Barbara Van Dyke-Brown, Director Legislative Internships and Advocacy Programs the University of Illinois at Springfield.
President Obama’s "My Brother's Keeper" Remarks
Introduced by Christian Champagne, 18, a senior at Hyde Park Career Academy, Chicago, President Barack Obama, last week delivered a speech unveiling his “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative at the White House, surrounded by African American and Latino young men, some of which are participants in the University of Chicago Crime Lab initiative called “Becoming a Man” (BAM), a program for at-risk youth, that served as the inspiration for Obama’s newly introduced program.
Wendell Phillips Academy High School Presented Black History Month Anthology
Wendell Phillips Academy High School, 244 E. Pershing Rd., wrapped up Black History Month last week with its “A Black History Month Anthology” program.
Fight the Flu with Healthy Habits
With cold and flu season upon us, it may be tempting to hibernate until the danger of red, puffy eyes and a stuffy nose disappears. Waiting for a cold or flu to run its course can truly feel like an eternity, especially when the symptoms have you looking as bad as you feel.
South Shore Chamber Presents ComEd's "Smart Ideas for Your Business" Program
The South Shore Chamber, Inc. presented ComEd’s Smart Ideas for Your Business program during its monthly meeting last month, to inform area business owners about reducing their energy consumption through the use of modern technology.
Donda’s House Reaches Youth with Lyrics
Chicagoland youth who are interested in a career as a recording artist should contact Donda’s House, Inc. which is accepting applications for its spring class sessions.
Tuesday, March 4
Actress Audra McDonald to Play Billie Holiday in Broadway Musical
Five-time, Tony award-winner, Audra McDonald, known for her roles in both television dramas such as Private Practice and Broadway musicals “Ragtime,” “A Raisin in the Sun,” and “Porgy and Bess,” returns to Broadway to play legendary jazz singer, Billie Holiday in the Broadway premiere of Lanie Robertson's "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill."
Filmmaker George Lucas and Wife Mellody Hobson Donate $25 Million to U of C
The legacy of photographer, film director, musician, and social justice advocate, Gordon Parks, was honored with a $25 million donation from filmmaker George Lucas and his new wife, Mellody Hobson, President, Ariel Investments, to support construction of a new arts hall at the University of Chicago (U of C) Laboratory Schools that will be named after Parks.