Thursday, May 29
“Summer of Faith in Action” Kicks Off Across Chicago
Minister Frankie Davis has resided in the West Humboldt Park/West Garfield area since 1980 and was one of the many residents who gathered at Orr Community Academy High School Friday night on Chicago’s west side as part of the “Summer of Faith and Action,” kick-off movement, a faith-based and community effort to reclaim the city's streets from drugs and gun violence.
Chicago’s Department of Procurement Services (DPS) recently unveiled its Vendor Compliance Resource Guide which explains contract compliance issues for vendors while reinforcing the City’s priorities
Chicago’s Department of Procurement Services (DPS) recently unveiled its Vendor Compliance Resource Guide which explains contract compliance issues for vendors while reinforcing the City’s priorities of transparency and diversity contracting. The unveiling took place last week at the 2014 Vendor Fair held at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd. Hosted by DPS in partnership with Cook County, the fair was an outreach event attended by more than 1,000 small and large businesses owners.
30th Annual Matteson Family Days Festival Announced
The 30th Annual Matteson Family Days festival, an event staple for the Village of Matteson, is taking place on Friday, June 27 through Saturday, June 28, at the Matteson Village Hall, 4900 Village Commons. This year’s festival is headlined by multi-platinum selling R&B group, En Vogue, on Friday night and Grammy award winning artist, Peabo Bryson, on Saturday night.
Prairie State College Seeking Community Service Award Nominations
The Prairie State College (PSC) district, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights, is seeking nominations for one of two community service awards, one to highlight a community member and the other is to pay homage to a PSC college graduate.
Wednesday, May 28
National Prevention Week Recognized in Illinois
The state of Illinois recognized National Prevention Week last week, May 18-24. Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), National Prevention Week is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol and drug use, especially among adolescents, and mobilize communities to address these issues through prevention strategies including education and law enforcement.
CSU’s Athletic Department Makes Academic History
The Chicago State University (CSU) Athletic Department has something to cheer about. For the first time in the department’s history, CSU is entering the 2014-15 academic year without one of its teams being under Academic Progress Rate (APR) penalty, according to the APR data released on Wednesday (May 14) by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Chicago Man Convicted in 2008 Home Invasion Murders
One of two Chicago men was convicted in connection with the 2008 execution-style murders of five people during a home invasion on Chicago’s south side, according to Cook County State’s Attorney, Anita Alvarez.
Mayor Emanuel Joins the Community for Chicago’s "Summer of Faith & Action"
Last Friday, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined Bishop Byron T. Brazier, Pastor Cory Brooks, and several community members at South Vernon Ave & East 63rd Street on the city's south side for a positive loitering event kicking off the city’s Summer of Faith & Action, a citywide solidarity movement against violence. The Summer of Faith & Action campaign was comprised of over 50 positive community based events held in neighborhoods throughout the city on Friday evening, from 6-9 pm.
President Obama Speaks to the Nation on Memorial Day
The following is an excerpt of President Barack Obama’s address to the nation on Memorial Day, 2014. Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia
Wednesday, May 21
UIC and Northwestern Univ. Collaborate on Hearing Loss Device
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Northwestern University are collaborating to develop a device to prevent hearing loss in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy patients are often caught off-guard when they find themselves dealing with hearing loss following treatments, according to David Klodd, professor of audiology in the (University of Illinois at Chicago) UIC College of Medicine. “Some commonly used chemotherapy drugs are ototoxic...they can damage structures in the inner ear involved in hearing,” Klodd said.
New CHA Website Allows Low-Income Chicago Residents to Quickly Apply for Section 3 Jobs
The Chicago Housing Authority has launched a new website that allows Section 3 residents to apply for jobs with CHA and its contractors. Section 3 residents are public housing residents, Housing Choice Voucher participants and low-income Chicago area residents.
Report estimates 33.3 million internally displaced people
GENEVA, Switzerland, May 16 (UPI) --Violent conflicts forced approximately 33.3 million people to become internally displaced by the end of 2013, says a United Nations-backed report. According to the "Global Overview 2014," a report released Wednesday by the United Nations in Geneva, the 33.3 million internally displaced people in 2013 reflects a record high for the second year in a row, and an increase of 4.5 million IDPs from 2012.
More Illinois Jobs Now! Funding for Cook County Construction Projects
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn announced more funding for construction projects in Cook County that includes $466,153 in repairs on Claire Boulevard in Robbins with improvement from I-294 to 139th Street. The job was awarded to Gallagher Asphalt Corporation of Thornton, the lowest of four bidders on the project, according to the Gov.’s office.
Harvey Teacher Wins Golden Apple Award
Harvey native, Roosevelt Griffin, has been selected as one of ten recipients to receive the 2014 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Griffin currently teaches at Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School, 14741 Wallace St., Harvey, Il, where he was once a student. “To win was very overwhelming, very emotional, because at that point I was able to reflect on what the actual Golden Apple meant to me as Roosevelt Griffin but also to me being a kid growing up in Harvey, born in Harvey, and what it meant to all of those kids growing up in Harvey,” said Griffin.
New Mental Health Program Launches in Englewood
Thanks to a partnership between UI Health Mile Square Health Center Englewood and Metropolitan Family Services, families and children in Greater Englewood will now have, along with their primary care visits, a mental health screening session and follow-up counseling and support services, through a new, first of its kind, Child & Family Wellness Program at Mile Square’s Englewood Clinic.
Acclaimed Author Sam Greenlee Dies at Age 83
Acclaimed author, poet, film-maker, screenwriter, activist and playwright, Sam Greenlee, perhaps best known for his 1969 novel, The Spook Who Sat by the Door, died May 19 in Chicago at age 83.
Dead Tree Art Commissioned for Chicago Parks
Dead or dying trees will provide a source of organic material for local artists participating in the Chicago Tree Project, a partnership between Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Sculpture Exhibit (CSE). The project commissions local artists to turn dead or dying trees that are infested with Emerald Ash Borer or other bugs and diseases into living public art.
Mariano’s Grocery Store Coming to Bronzville, Alderman Questions Why No Mariano’s for 5th Ward
Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood will soon welcome a Mariano’s grocery store which is expected to bring about 400 jobs to the area. Occupants of the Oakwood Shores Senior Residence, 3750 S. Cottage Grove, welcomed the news with cheers and applause during a press conference held last week with city officials.
Cook County Land Bank Authority Receives Community Stabilization Funds
If the uptick in Cook County foreclosure rates continue, an additional 7,200 foreclosed properties including nearly 3,200 in the City of Chicago, will be added to area blight next year, according to the Woodstock Institute, a nonprofit research and policy organization that deals with lending, wealth creation, and financial systems reform.
Behind the Scenes of the South Shore Drill Team
For 34 years, young energetic members of the South Shore Drill Team (SSDT) have electrified audiences worldwide with thrilling performances, while behind the scenes, SSDT officials are just as charged up, as they inspire the SSDT team to excel in the classroom and in life.
Wednesday, May 14
"Companies That Care" Help High School Students Attend College
Companies That Care (CTC), a national not-profit organization, last Thursday held a 5K (equivalent to 3.1 miles) marathon fundraiser in Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St., to benefit its programs that help Chicago Public School (CPS) students attend college.
Iran claims to have copied U.S. drone
TEHRAN, May 12 (UPI) --Iran announced on Sunday that it has copied a U.S. drone "commandeered" in 2011. The RQ-170 Sentinel drone, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, was allegedly "brought down by the Iranian Armed Forces' electronic warfare unit" in December 2011, reported Iran's Tasnim News Agency.
South Suburban College to Get New Roof, Work Courtesy of Illinois Jobs Now! Funds
A new roof is in the works for South Suburban College in South Holland, Ill. as part of a $10.5 investment funded by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn’s Illinois Jobs Now! Construction program.
Red Line Station at Harrison is under Construction
The entire CTA Harrison Red Line station was temporarily closed for the second of five upcoming weekend-only closures, because of repairs being made to the stop. The next temporary weekend closure of the station is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Friday, May 16 and end at 4 a.m. Monday, May 19.
Smith & Wesson AR-15 Sport Rifles Stolen from Englewood Freight Yard
Thirteen semi-automatic assault rifles were reported stolen from a freight train container in an Englewood rail yard, according to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who were notified about the theft of the Smith & Wesson AR-15 Sport rifles on May 4th, said ATF Special Agent Thomas Ahern on Tuesday.
University of Chicago Receives $2 Billion Towards $4.5 Billion Fund Raising Goal
Administrators at the University of Chicago (U of C) are in "full-swing" fund raising mode as they forge ahead towards a $4.5 billion goal. U of C officials announced recently that $2 billion was quietly raised in the first phase of the effort by donations from friends and alumni of the school. Monies raised will, according to U of C officials, ensure that the university maintains its place among world leaders in research and education.
African American Laborers Want Jobs on University of Chicago Construction Projects
The Black Economic Legal Team (BELT) is in conversations with the University of Chicago (U of C), 5801 S. Ellis Ave., about a perceived lack of African Americans laborers working on the school's construction projects. BELT is also encouraging residents in communities near the University to petitions for the hiring of more African Americans on construction projects there.
Blacks and the Elusive Attainment of Economic Power
There’s no doubt that African Americans are capable of sustaining economically viable communities; case in point, Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Greenwood district, also known as Black Wall Street. At one point, the wealthiest black community in the U.S., mainly because of employment opportunities provided by the oil fields there, a town that consisted of a black-owned newspaper and other thriving black-owned businesses and excellent schools. Unfortunately, those institutions were burned to the ground by racist whites, June 1, 1921.
Forest Preserve Rep Shares Information About Vendor Participation at CBA Meeting
A wealth of information was dispersed at Chatham Business Association’s (CBA) monthly meeting on Tuesday. Patrice Daniels, Contract Compliance Administrator for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, served as guest speaker and shared information on how to become a registered vendor with the Forest Preserve District and its affiliates.
"Healing Circles" Good Option for Youth Trauma
Imagine being surrounded by gangs, gun violence, death, drugs, poverty, and abductions ...with no way to escape. Sadly, that’s the everyday reality for many African-American youth. This situation, experts say, left unchecked, perpetuates the above mentioned community ills.
Broadway Sees Gains for Black Audiences, Actors
Early one Sunday this month, 56 people boarded a bus in a suburb of Washington, D.C., to make the trip to Broadway to see a play. The all-day trip was part of a fundraiser organized by members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the oldest African-American female sorority of college-educated women. People on the bus ranged from a child under 6 to grandmothers. There were veteran Broadway goers and theater newbies.
Wednesday, May 7
Marian Anderson's Concert Dress Goes on View in DC
For the first time, the dress Marian Anderson wore to sing at the Lincoln Memorial 75 years ago after being denied access to a Washington concert hall because she was black, is going on display at the Smithsonian.
Historically Black Colleges Continue to Struggle
Black colleges historically have provided educational opportunities for the majority of African Americans seeking a higher education, but many of these schools now struggle to remain open. St. Paul's College is one.
Captain America Superhero Role ‘Epic’ for Anthony Mackie
For Anthony Mackie, landing the role of the Falcon in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” meant more than inking his dream deal with Marvel.
Quinn Supports Ban of “Puppy Mill” Sales in Illinois
As part of his agenda to improve animal welfare in Illinois and protect pets and their owners, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn officially lent his support last week to House Bill 4056 (HB 4056) which would end “puppy mill” sales at pet stores in Illinois. “This proposal will help end inhumane puppy mills, protect pet owners and help shelter animals find loving homes,” Quinn said. “Cook County will soon offer this humane protection and together we can build on that momentum for families across Illinois.”
Activist to Challenge Mayor Rahm Emanuel
Amara Enyia, 31, gives new meaning to the term, “Black Girls Rock” as she boldly steps into Chicago’s political arena with a fixed eye on a mayoral prize. Though Enyia, an East Garfield resident and community activist with a law degree and doctorate in educational policy, faces an uphill battle in her quest to unseat chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel in the 2015 Mayoral election, her courage and wherewithal in doing so, sets an inspirational and empowering tone that sends a message to black girls and black people everywhere that getting involved and taking part in the process is how you bring about change she says.
Thornton High School Teacher Shot Over the Weekend
A Thornton High School mathematics teacher who was shot over the weekend, remained hospitalized as of Monday, recovering from a gunshot wound to the back, according to a spokesperson for Thornton High School District 205. Mathematics teacher, Michael Brown, of Flossmoor, Ill., reportedly was driving his car through Harvey when he crashed into a parked vehicle near 154th Street and Ashland Ave. on Saturday. Harvey police discovered Brown after approaching his vehicle, but reportedly did not know where the shot was fired from or whether Brown was the intended target, according to a Northwest Indiana Times news report.
Chicago United Hoops Classic Goes Beyond Basketball
In an effort to help combat Chicago's violence, The 4th Annual Chicago United Hoops Classic (CUHC) High School Seniors All-Star Game was held this past Saturday at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, 1250 W. 119th St. The game allows for the best high school basketball players from the South and West sides to compete against one another which potentially fosters respect amongst the players and therefore potentially curtails violence. The CUHC's motto, “the full court press to silence the violence” was a sentiment shared by the organizers of the game.
R.A.G.E. Takes Part in “On the Table” Event
Imagine 10,000 or so community organizations and groups getting together on the same day with the same goal, in their perspective locations for dinner and "On the Table" conversations all centered around planning and strategizing solutions to make their neighborhoods better places to live, work and play. Well that’s exactly what The Chicago Community Trust (CCT) has planned as part of its 99th anniversary celebration. The Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.). R.A.G.E. is a well-known Englewood community organization whose mission is to mobilize people and resources to bring change promoting positivity through solution-based approaches.
Jazz Greats to be Honored at Grant Park Jazz Festival
A Millenium Park celebration by Jazz Unites Inc. is planned in honor of the 115th birthday anniversary of the late, great, jazz musician, Kennedy “Duke” Ellington and the 40th anniversary of the first Duke Ellington tribute in Grant Park. The event will also honor Jazz "piano powerhouse" Willie Pickens.
The University of Chicago Responds to National Sexual Assault Investigation
The United States Department of Education recently released a list of 55 public and private universities and colleges across the country that are under federal investigation for the manner in which they handle student sexual assault allegations. The University of Chicago (UC) is on that list.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Invest $12.5 Million into Divvy bikes
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) has committed to a $12.5 million, five-year sponsorship investment to support the Divvy bike share program. “Our partnership with Blue Cross helps us to expand the bike share system, improve and maintain bike lanes and encourage cycling in all neighborhoods across Chicago,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. “This investment from Blue Cross will help us continue to encourage Chicagoans to get around this great city in more active ways.”
First Round of Schools to Receive Air Conditioning
Students every summer for over 50 years, sat in classrooms with no air conditioning even on sweltering, 90 degree days. Last week, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett, announced, the first phase of a five-year plan to provide air conditioning to every classroom.
Good and Bad News in the Diabetes Fight
Even as the epidemic skyrockets, the rate of diabetes-related complications drops
Blood Sugar Swings—Handled!
Staying away from the wrong foods can help folks with type 2 diabetes gain better blood sugar control.