Wednesday, September 30
Fashion Week Show Moves Crowd with Police Brutality Focus
“Black Lives Matter” just landed on the Fashion Week runway. Designer Kerby Jean-Raymond’s collection for the Pyer Moss label launched earlier this month with gripping and now familiar videos of police violence. The choking death of Eric Garner. The teenage girl thrown to the ground outside a Texas pool party. The running down of a suspect as lights flashed. The smashing of a car window, and then cries.
AP Interview: Black Lives Matter Skipping 2016 Endorsement
The Black Lives Matter network will skip a presidential endorsement but keep up its political activism by confronting candidates about the treatment of African-Americans in the United States, one of the group's founders says.
Baseball Hall-Of-Famer Provides At Bats For Local Youth Sports Programs
Major League Baseball Hall-of-Famer Cal Ripken Jr. wants to make sure that kids on the South side of Chicago have the opportunity to engage in sports, something that can positively impact their futures.
Three West Side Men Charged in Shooting
The Chicago Police Department announced this week that three men were taken into custody in connection to a shooting that occurred in the 3000 block of W. Lexington Avenue.
CPS Holding Public Hearings for Charter School Proposals
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will hold public hearings today, Sept. 30, to receive public comments from students, families, educators and the general public regarding new charter school proposals submitted under the 2014 new schools request for proposal. CPS is required to review new school proposals on an annual basis by state law.
Cook County Dependent Verification Program to Provide Savings, Reduce Fraud
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced this week that a eligibility verification program conducted by the county’s Department of Risk Management could result in as much as $13 million in savings through the elimination of coverage for ineligible dependents.
South Suburban African American is Top Bacteria Science Researcher
Jarrad Hampton-Marcell enjoyed dissecting worms as a youngster in south suburban Robbins, Ill. “I was one of those always curious kids,” Hampton- Marcell recalled. “I was pulling out worms and would play with them. I would dissect them to see what was going on.”
Former Chicago Prep Athlete Takes Pride in Playing in Howard Univ. Band
Marcus Prince considered himself a better than average soccer player on the junior varsity team at Jones College Prep High School in Chicago.
E-Cigarette Advocates Oppose Emanuel’s Tax Vapor Products
The American Vaping Association, a leading advocate for the benefits of vapor products such as electronic cigarettes, is calling on ex-smokers, business owners, and public health advocates in Chicago to oppose Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposed tax on vapor products.
Radio Station, Others Work to Keep Chicago South Side Catholic High School
Hales Franciscan High School had about 140 students two years ago. Today, the Chicago South Side high school has just 40 students.
Pope’s Visit Should Inspire All Americans, Including Non-Catholics: Lawmaker
Pope Francis’ recent visit to the U.S should inspire and uplift all Americans, no matter their religion, said an Illinois lawmaker. “It was transformative,” said State Sen. Jacqueline Collins (Dist-16th), who saw the pope at an event last week at the White House. “It was uplifting. It was a once in a lifetime experience. It was an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Aldermanic Group Proposes Rebate Plan to help Residents with Big Tax Hike Plan
Hoping to give Chicagoans relief from Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s proposed tax hike, a group of aldermen last week introduced a rebate plan.
Chicago Aldermen Call for Charter School Expansion Moratorium
Last week, during the City of Chicago’s last city council meeting, 42 out of the 50 alderman called on the Illinois State Board of Education and Chicago Board of Education to jointly impose a moratorium on charter school expansion for the 2015-2016 school year.
Thursday, September 24
Tyra Banks and 4 Fabulous Friends Share Tips on a ‘FABLife’
When Tyra Banks starts getting dressed, she finds trouble is waiting.
Target Defends Selling Women’s ‘Trophy’ Shirt
Target says it had no intention of offending anyone by selling a women’s shirt with the word “Trophy” written on the front of it.
Wednesday, September 23
American Muslims Slam Ben Carson
Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson believes he has the prescription to fix what ails America. Members of America’s Muslim community believe that the renowned neurosurgeon ought to work on his bedside manner.
Lionel Richie to Launch Las Vegas Residency Next Year
Lionel Richie is ready to go all night long in Las Vegas.
IL State Rep Bob Rita Gives Update on Blue Island Bridge Project
Illinois State Rep. Bob Rita (Dist.-28th), led a local celebration last week to mark the start of construction on the Division Street Bridge in Blue Island.
Suburban Homewood Metra Station Getting Long Needed Repairs
There was a time that when it rained in south suburban, Ill., the Homewood Metra stop didn’t provide much refuge according to Raven Wallace, who used to cover her head to stay dry while waiting at the station.
The “Frunchroom” Announces a Third Edition Its Speaking Series
The latest edition of the “Frunchroom” speaking series is scheduled to take place Tuesday, September 29th at 7:30pm at O’Rourke’s Office located at 11064 S. Western Ave. in Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood.
Farrakhan Promotes Washington D.C. Rally; Men’s Effort to Improve Black Lives
Minister Louis Farrakhan promoted his plan for 10,000 men to improve the lives of African Americans at a rally at Chicago State University.
Local Activists Storm CPD Headquarters to Demand Firing of Police Officer
Civil rights groups including the Black Youth Project 100 and the Southside Organization for Unity and Liberation (SOUL) have been protesting at Chicago Police Board hearings, calling for the city to fire officer Dante Servin. Last week, those groups, along with many others, protested in front of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) headquarters to renew their demands for Servin to be fired for killing Rekia Boyd.
Activists End Hunger Strike for Dyett High School
Activists ended a hunger strike Saturday designed to convince Chicago Public Schools (CPS) officials to support having a high school in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood specialize in science.
Chicago South Side Agency Continues to Help Thousands of Black Youth Attend College
Mardell Clinkscales was a senior with high grades at a Chicago South Side high school but hadn’t been accepted to any colleges.
Chicago South Side Agency Continues to Help Thousands of Black Youth Attend College
Mardell Clinkscales was a senior with high grades at a Chicago South Side high school but hadn’t been accepted to any colleges.
Seaway Bank Parts Ways with CEO
The Board of Directors of Seaway Bank and Trust Company announced the departure of President and CEO Darrell B. Jackson this week.
Mayor Calls for Big Tax Hike to Pay for Public Safety Pensions, School Construction
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is calling for a $588 million property tax increase over the next four years in his 2016 budget – the biggest tax hike in the city’s history.
Local Sexual Assault Victims’ Advocates React to The Patrick Kane Saga
Last week, Chicago Blackhawks star winger Patrick Kane spoke to the media ahead of the team’s training camp at Notre Dame University near South Bend, IN last week.
African American Catholics Excited About Pope Francis’ Visit, Hope He Addresses Race Issues
Illinois State Sen. Jacqueline Collins (Dist.-16th) remembers being ignored by white teachers at times when she raised her hand as a student at the former Aquinas Dominican Catholic High School on Chicago’s South Side in the 1960s.
Friday, September 18
4 ways Flowers and Fashion Go Hand in Hand
We've all heard of the 1960s "flower power" trend in fashion and we shop floral prints and patterns season after season. But the importance of flowers in fashion stems way beyond that, influencing everything from original designs to runway décor and signature scents. Flowers show emotion, beauty and set the mood for a variety of occasions, so it's no wonder they've become an influence for designers everywhere. In the midst of this month's New York Fashion Week, here are four ways that flowers and fashion go hand in hand:
Wednesday, September 16
Boykin Drops Plans for Senate Campaign to Focus on County
Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin is not running for the U.S. Senate in Illinois.
Englewood Natives’ Performance at Riot Fest Serves a Dual Purpose
Big names such as Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Cypress Hill and De La Soul often overshadow underground and independent acts at Chicago’s Riot Fest. However, two Englewood natives shined right along with the big names this year at the popular festival.
IL State Rep. Rita, Blue Island Officials Provide Update on Division Street Bridge
Ill. State Rep. Rita led an event Tuesday evening that outlined the a timeline for the Division Street Bridge in Blue Island, Ill., which closed five years ago after experiencing significant decay.
Chicago’s African Americans ‘are at Rock Bottom,’ Top Black Historians say
An African American toddler’s body parts found last week in Garfield Park in Chicago. Regular weekend violence on the city’s South and West sides. And the lack of positive black images in today’s schools.
Activist Tio Hardiman Challenges U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush for Congress
Saying it is time for new leadership, activist Tio Hardiman is challenging U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush for his 1st Congressional District seat in Illinois. Hardiman, an unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate and former director of the antiviolence group CeaseFire Chicago, said he believes it is time for a newcomer to replace Rush, who has been in office since 1993.
U of C Announces $40 Mil. Adult Trauma Center for the South Side
The University of Chicago Medicine recently announced it would partner with Sinai Health Systems to open a $40 million trauma center on the city’s South Side. The announcement comes after years of protests from community activists who were insistent upon the hospital opening an adult trauma center on Chicago’s South Side.
Education Advocates Call for Retooled No Child Left Behind on 50th Anniversary
Officials, lawmakers and civil rights groups commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 by calling for much-needed updates to the law.
Bronzeville Native Starts at QB for Army West Point
Since the start of the 2015 season, the United States Military Academy at West Point has celebrated the 125 years their football program has been in existence.
Bronzeville School Protesters Want Obama’s Support
A group of hunger strikers want President Barack Obama to support its plans for a high school in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood to specialize in science.
Social Media Responds to Tennis Star’s Incident with NYPD
The social media community reacted last week after a video surfaced of former tennis star, James Blake, being tackled and detained by plain clothes New York City Police (NYPD) officers as he was standing in front of a New York City hotel.
Ill. State Sen. Trotter Backs Police Reform Law
Last month, Ill. State Sen. Donne Trotter (Dist-17th) led the push to support legislation creating law enforcement reforms in the state. Back on August 12, a bipartisan effort established new body camera protocols, making Illinois one the first states in the nation to adopt recommendations of President Barack Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.
CPD Releases Sketch of Remains Found in Garfield Park Lagoon, Asks Public for Help
Chicago Police Department (CPD) superintendent Garry McCarthy held up a sketch of a toddler whose remains were found in the Garfield Park Lagoon last week, as he made a public plea to anyone who might know what happened.
Friday, September 11
Davis seeks Another Term in Congress, Ending Retirement Rumors
On the same day U.S. Rep. Danny Davis turned age 74, he shut down retirement rumors by announcing he is seeking another term for his 7th District seat in Illinois.
Award-Winning Screenwriter Uses Crowdfunding Campaign to Change Hollywood's Ideal of Beauty
Michael Elliot Media announced a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo.com to fund a new romantic comedy that will feature a plus-size actress as the primary love interest in the film. The campaign is being called Project Plus-Size Movie Star.
DuSable Museum of African American History Names Perri L. Irmer President and CEO
The DuSable Museum of African American History has a new President and CEO. The board of trustees has selected Perri L. Irmer, an attorney, architect, public policy advocate and facilities management professional with a broad range of experience in executive management, construction and fundraising.
1st African-American Actor to Play Valjean on Broadway Dies
Kyle Jean-Baptiste, the first African-American and youngest person to ever play the role of Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables” on Broadway has died after falling from a fire escape, according to a show spokesman. He was 21.
‘By Made Beautiful” Hair Brand Launches New “true” Line, Confidence Campaign & Girl Be Heard Nonprofit Support
New hair care brand “by made beautiful” offers hair care for all textures. The brand's no sulfates and no parabens product lines infuse pure, natural ingredients with love and courage. “by made beautiful” allows women to feel confident about their hair health and brings out inner beauty.
Choose the Right Lighting for Your Home
(Family Features) Just like many products, when it comes to purchasing new light bulbs, nothing beats the in-store experience. Seeing the difference in lighting has a stronger impact than online reviews from other consumers or experts.
Hundreds Watch Annual Robbins Parade to Celebrate New School Year
Last month, thousands of Chicagoans lined South Side streets for the Bud Billiken Parade – a back to school celebration.
Wednesday, September 9
ValuSolutions Holds Job Fair in Lansing
ValuSolutions, Inc., a human resources management and consulting and recruitment firm is sponsoring the 4th Annual South Suburban Cook County Job Fair today from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Lan-Oak Park District’s Eisenshower Center at 2550 E. 178th Street, Lansing, IL. An estimated 500 job seekers are expected to attend.
CPD Shuts Down Dogfighting Ring in Fuller Park
Chicago Police (CPD) have arrested and charged a Fuller Park man responsible for running a dog-fighting operation out of his residence last week.
Chicago’s Little Performs Big at World Track Championships
Track and field athlete Shamier Little was up against a wall. At last month’s World Track and Field Championships in Beijing, China, she drew the most inside lane for her race --- the lane most sprinters hate. And her time was the one of slowest to qualify for the 400 meter hurdle race final. But when the gun blasted, Little ran like a champion. By the time the race was over, she earned a place on the medal stand as a silver medalist.
Beverly Church Puts “Black Lives Matter” on Digital Sign
The digitally scrolling sign outside of the Beverly Unitarian Church, located at 10244 S. Longwood Dr., in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, sometimes reads, “Black Lives Matter.” According to the church’s Facebook fan page, the sign was a part of a series of signs to engage the community to think about the world around them.
African Festival Mixes Traditional Food, Vendors, Artists with Steppin’
At least twice a month, Felise McGee says he enjoys his favorite form of exercise: stepping.
Senator Durbin Chides One Business Model while Praising Another
Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) held a news conference last week at Argosy University in downtown Chicago to warn college bound students about unsavory practices of many for-profit schools. He also called on the U.S. Department of Education to use its full authority to end abusive practices and improve student outcomes.
CBA Hosts Golf Outing Sept. 24 at Harborside International
The Chatham Business Association (CBA) is hosting its annual golf outing Sept. 24 at the Harborside International Golf Center.
Carson Ties Trump in Iowa Poll, Becomes GOP Candidate to Watch
Call it the month of the outsider. That is the explanation that NBC News’ commentator Chuck Todd and other political analysts provide on why Dr. Ben Carson is topping an Iowa political poll along with businessman Donald Trump in the Republican Party’s presidential race.
Protesters Continue Hunger Strike Even Though Chicago Officials make Dyett Open Enrollment, Art School
It was supposed to be a one and a half hour public meeting discussing the mayor’s budget for Chicago.
Obama to New Orleans: ‘You Inspire Me, and America’
Visiting residents on tidy porch stoops and sampling the fried chicken at a corner restaurant, President Barack Obama held out the people of New Orleans last month as an extraordinary example of renewal and resilience 10 years after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
Friday, September 4
New Exhibit at DuSable Museum Explores Blacks Journey to Freedom; New Director Named
Portions of a life-sized wooden slave ship, a jacket belonging to the late activist Fred Hampton, of the Black Panther Party, and video of President Barack Obama’s victory speech at Grant Park in downtown Chicago.
Hair Process of ‘Going Natural’ Plays Out On Starz Comedy
Teyonah Parris‘ character, Missy, undergoes an emotionallyTeyonah Parris‘ character, Missy, undergoes an emotionally charged transition in the second season of Starz’s “Survivor’s Remorse.” charged transition in the second season of Starz’s “Survivor’s Remorse.”
Wednesday, September 2
Public League Legends Aim to Put a Full Court Press on Violence
The heartbreaking and senseless violence that has been occurring in Chicago for decades has galvanized a group of former Chicago public league basketball players and has inspired them to put aside old school rivalries.
Judge overturns Terrence Howard Divorce Settlement
A judge overturned Terrence Howard’s divorce settlement with his second wife last Monday, finding the actor was coerced into signing the settlement by her threats to leak private details.
National Group to Celebrate Black Studies Roots in Chicago
Racial issues were front and center in America in 1915. The controversial film, “The Birth of the Nation,” which portrayed all blacks as unintelligent and black men as sexually aggressive towards white women was released. And more than 50 African-Americans were lynched. Before the year was out, the Ku Klux Klan was reborn in Stone Mountain, Ga.
Kappa Alpha Psi Holds Back to School Rally in Woodlawn
The Chicago (IL) Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is once again serving the community.
Ex-NFL Player Works to Keep Homewood Flossmoor H.S Ranked High
According to several polls conducted last week, Homewood Flossmoor H.S., in south suburban Ill., has the No. 1 high school football team in the area.
U Of I Fires Tim Beckman
The University of Illinois fired head football coach Tim Beckman last week once it learned the details of an external review that showed that Beckman had forced some of his players to play through injuries.
#Laughingwhileblack Comes to the Aid of Book Club Kicked Off Wine Train
When social media got wind of a predominately African-American female book club getting kicked off of a Napa Valley wine train for laughing too loud on August 22, others who have witnessed similar incidents, created the hashtag “#LaughingWhileBlack.”
Gun Control Advocates Renew Calls to Limit Handgun Access after Fatal Shootings of TV Journalists
Gun control advocates are renewing calls to limit access to firearms following the fatal shootings of two television journalists by a former colleague in a small Virginia town.
Social Media Remembers Emmitt Till on 60th Anniversary
Last week, users of the social media website Twitter, commemorated the 60th anniversary of the murder of 14 year-old Emmitt Till. Till’s gruesome death is widely known as the incident that sparked the Civil Rights Movement. Till was visiting relatives in Mississippi when he alledgedly whistled at a white woman who worked at a nearby store. The men who were related to the woman, later kidnapped Till. Those men brutally beat him, shot him and threw his body into a nearby river. The men who killed Till were acquitted of all wrongdoing.
Protesters Continue Hunger Strike after Meeting with Mayor about Bronzeville School
Jeanette Taylor-Ramann was hospitalized last week while on a hunger strike in protest of plans for the Walter H. Dyett High School building in the Bronzeville neighborhood in Chicago.
Ill. State Sen. Napoleon Harris Enters Growing U.S. Senate Primary
Illinois State Sen. Napoleon Harris III (Dist-15th) is entering a growing field of candidates running for the state’s U.S. Senate seat.
Chicago Football Classic promises to Promote more than Football
Believe it or not, the 18th annual Chicago Football Classic (CFC) is more about getting kids interested in attending college, than it is about the battle on the gridiron. And according to CFC co-founder Larry Huggins, the event is designed to show youth that after high school, there’s an entire world out there where they can do a lot of good, and be very successful.