Thursday, May 26
She Leads Africa
She Leads Africa, the West African social enterprise and women’s business-focused movement is going global, and bringing its hugely successful boot-camp programme, SheHive, to New York City from June 2-5th 2016.
Wednesday, May 25
Remix Of Harlem Globetrotters’ Theme Song, “Sweet Georgia Brown,” Now Available On iTunes
As part of their 90th year celebration, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters commissioned Grammy Award-winning producer/songwriter Teddy Riley to remix the team’s legendary theme song, “Sweet Georgia Brown.” That remix is now available for purchase for the first time ever on iTunes.
Microbusinesses Offer Millennials Pathways Out of Unemployment
With headlines nationwide raising concern about disaffected youth, particularly in minority communities, the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) recently released a timely report that outlines the critical ways the microbusiness industry can link millennials to economic opportunity.
FIFTH THIRD BANK HONORS COMMUNITY LEADERS
Fifth Third Bank recently honored eight diverse leaders in the community at its 6th Annual 2016 Community Leaders Award Breakfast.
Pastor John F. Hannah
John F. Hannah, Senior Pastor at New Life Covenant Church Southeast, is a man on many missions.
Program encourage homebuyers to choose Woodlawn
Renew Woodlawn is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the National Foreclosure Settlement Awards and the City of Chicago. Three Chicago nonprofits that specialize in affordable housing have partnered with the city of Chicago Department of Planning and Development (CDPD) on the program and they are Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH); Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago Inc. (NHS); and the Community Investment Corporation (CIC).
Doing the Math Adds Up for Harvey School District 152
Children in the Harvey School District, which includes pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, “graduate fully-prepared to succeed at the high school level and beyond.”
Protesters Gather In A Prayer for Peace
Prayer On The 9 On a brilliant, cloud-free, sun-kissed, Saturday, an estimated 4,600 community residents joined the friends and family of murder victims and laid down along every block of east 79th St. from Greenwood Ave. to the Dan Ryan Expressway (Interstate 94) to honor the lives of neighbors and loved ones lost to gun violence, and to make a citywide plea for peace.
79 year-old weightlifter uses experiences to uplift others
79 year-old weightlifter uses briefly experiences to uplift others Making Shephard’s story evenmore amazing is that she didn’t begin bodybuilding until she was 71 having not even begun physical fitness until she was 56.
Chatham resident making a difference in the community
Chatham resident Jacqueline Samuel, PhD, has devoted her life to people and communities on Chicago’s SouthSide.
Tuesday, May 24
Rev. Dr. Otis Moss & Ernestine Shepherd partnered with UnitedHealthcare in a Celebration of Health and Wellness
UnitedHealthcare invited African-American seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries to the A Better You events in Chicago, the event was held recently at the Chicago Theological Seminary. The events kicked off the initiative nationwide.
Wednesday, May 18
Urban League Volunteers, Walgreens, Collaborate to #StandWithFlint
The Urban League Movement and Walgreens have partnered to support the youth of Flint, Michigan, amid the city’s water crisis. More than 80 volunteers from the National Urban League’s affiliate groups, the Young Professionals, and the Guild, along with a group of staff from the National Urban League’s New York headquarters, arrived recently in Flint to help distribute supplies donated by Walgreens and to mentor children and teens.
ConnXus Raises $5M in Series “A” Round
ConnXus, a supplier diversity technology platform, today announced that it has closed $5 million in Series “A” funding, led by Techstars Ventures, Serious Change L.P. and Impact America Fund.
EDEN BodyWorks Celebrates Beauty Beyond Borders
Since its inception, EDEN BodyWorks has been dedicated to encouraging women to embrace their own standards of beauty.
Support for Lucas Museum Building
The ‘Coalition 2 Build the Lucas Museum’ in a recent press conference announced their support for the Lucas Museum. In 2014, Star Wars creator George Lucas announced plans to bring his museum to Chicago after San Francisco rejected his initial proposed location.
Top Entertainers, Athletes and Business leaders Inducted into 26th Annual Alumni Hall of Fame
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) inducted eight new Club alumni into their Alumni Hall of Fame in a ceremony held in New Orleans, Louisiana recently.
The 31st Chicago Gospel Music Festival
Pastor Shirley Caesar to perform at the 31st Annual Chicago Music Festival
Posen FD Receives SHARP Status
Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) Director Hugo Chaviano recently recognized the Posen Fire Department (FD) as the first public sector employer to achieve Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) status in Illinois.
OP/ED Some Look At Problems Through The Wrong End Of A Telescope
We need to recognize that the acts of violence and racial hatred committed across our nation, can also take place here in Thornton Township.
The Unseen Dangers of Briefly Lead Poisoning
The Access Center for Discovery and Learning, an extension of Access Community Health Network recently hosted an event where they addressed issues concerning lead in the community and provided free lead testing kits.
Study warns juvenile expungement system is not working
Laws and policies governing the treatment of court and arrest records of youth “threaten public safety, produce substantial unnecessary costs, and impede young people’s ability to transition to productive adulthood,” according to a comprehensive study released recently by the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission.
Chicago Urban League Works to Combat High Youth Unemployment
Summer in Chicago means outdoor festivals, al fresco dining, roof top bars and loads of fun for the entire family. It also means more youth on the streets with no opportunity who become victims or perpetrators of crime.
Chicago State University Shifts Gears Makes Fundraising a Priority
In an effort to prioritize scholarship funds, Chicago State University’s (CSU) held its’ annual fundraiser gala, co-hosted by ABC 7 news anchor Karen Jordan and NBC 5 reporter Christian Farr which raised more than $12,000.00 for students majoring in education at the university.
New Center Improves Health Services for Residents
A very important component to a thriving community is the ability to access quality health care and services. The lack of preventative care and accessibility to doctors and hospitals are silencing members of the black community.
Illinois Service Federal Savings and Loan Acquired by Nduom Family
In 1994, there were 54 black-owned banks in this country, according the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) and just 22 years later, there are only 21 remaining. These 21 banks have a total of $4.7 billion dollars in assets, but only count as 0.43 % of the $1.1 trillion in black buying power.
Wednesday, May 11
Chicago Teens Try Their Hands at Fashion, Jewelry Design, App-building and More
Nearly 1,200 youth and family members from 71 different zip codes registered for a free and unique opportunity held recently at Jones College Prep to sample summer programs offered by 30 Chicago City of Learning (CCOL) partner organizations.
Avon Announces Global Fragrance Partnership with Kenzo Takada
Avon Products, Inc. recently announced a new global partnership with internationally renowned designer Kenzo Takada.
Communities Rally to Save Lives From Prostate Cancer
To end a disease that takes the life of an American man every 20 minutes, Chicago joins 35+ communities across the nation in hosting the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk.
Mobile Museum Informs Community About Civil Rights
The Martin Luther King Dream Team has created the first ever mobile museum about the civil rights movement in Indiana called the Freedom Bus.
Battle-of-the-Bands helps raise Nearly $20,000
Local Bands Battle to Raise Funds for Lurie Children's Hospital
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF HARVEY, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at 6:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers of the Harvey City Hall, 15320 Broadway Avenue, in Harvey, Illinois.
Zip Lining Comes to Illinois
The Forest Preserves of Cook County wants residents and visitors to Go Ape this summer. Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course, an outdoor adventure company originating in the United Kingdom, the nation’s premier tree top adventure company, is bringing zip lining to Bemis Woods, located at 1100 West Ogden, in Westchester, just 15 miles west of the Chicago Loop.
Growing Popularity of Black Superheroes Creates Opportunities for Comic Book Investors
Marvel Comic’s Black Panther—the first black comic book superhero, born in the 1960s—made his big screen debut this past week in the much-anticipated movie, Captain America: Civil War.
SBA Competition to Award $3.95 Million for Small Business Startups
For the third year, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is launching a Growth Accelerator Fund competition for accelerators and other entrepreneurial ecosystem models to compete for monetary prizes of $50,000 each, totaling $3.95 million.
Radio Shack Surrenders Uncashed Rebates Worth $140,000
Radio Shack will surrender $140,000 in uncashed rebates owed to more than 5,000 Illinois residents, state Treasurer Michael Frerichs said in a released statement.
Florida Memorial University and National Black MBA Association® Forge Landmark Partnership
Florida Memorial University (FMU) the National Black MBA Association® (NBMBAA) recently entered into a groundbreaking agreement that will develop and strengthen career pathways for undergraduate and graduate business students.
Englewood student from Roosevelt University Wins social justice award
Psychology major Ashanti McCall believes there is no good story without a struggle, which is why her efforts as a Roosevelt University student have been geared toward helping others.
Former Chatham-Avalon Park President Inducted into The National Inventors Hall of Fame
The former President of the Chatham-Avalon Park Community Council, Dr. Welton I. Taylor, microbiologist, was recently inducted posthumously into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
South Suburban teen Works to Change the World One Community at a Time
Glenwood resident Destiny, 17, is, in many ways, your typical teenager. The South Suburban senior is on her way to college and she’s making big strides right now in her community.
Seed grants for community-based initiatives seek to improve health
As part of the City’s ongoing work to engage and invest in neighborhoods, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently announced the new Healthy Chicago Community Seed Grants, providing up to six seed grants for community-based initiatives to improve health and well-being.
The Spirit of Entrepreneurship Comes Alive in Hyde Park, Englewood
The Englewood community is often depicted as the epicenter of violence, poverty and despair in the city of Chicago. Multiple gang shootings and homicides, social economic disparities and failing schools continue to plague this South Side neighborhood, but like a Phoenix rising from the ashes Englewood, native Arnett Faulkner is proof there is still good coming out of and going back into this community.
Wednesday, May 4
Morehouse College Department of Mathematics Honored for Achievements
The Department of Mathematics at Morehouse College has been chosen to receive the 2016 AMS Mathematics Programs that Make a Difference Award. The annual award was created by the AMS Committee on the Profession to recognize outstanding programs that successfully address the issue of underrepresented groups in mathematics. Morehouse is honored “for its significant efforts to encourage students from underrepresented groups to continue in the study of mathematics.”
Atom Factory set to host new set of startups for 10-week Smashd Labs accelerator focused on entertainment and culture from September 6 to November 18
Atom Factory CEO Troy Carter recently announced plans to host a second season of Smashd Labs from September 6 to November 18. For the inaugural class, there were over 200 applicants in two weeks, six startups in the inaugural cohort, 30 mentors, founders as young as 19 years old, and over $2M raised from investments within six months of the lab’s concluding Demo Day.
Empowers Women to Achieve Personal and Professional Goals
NEW YORK -- Award-winning international keynote speaker, author, coach, and entrepreneur, Cheryl Wood coaches all individuals, particularly women, to conquer obstacles and achieve their goals, using the principles of FEARLESS Living. Many women wish to change career paths, be an entrepreneur or develop generational wealth, but are often overwhelmed with doubt and fear. These hopefuls may need support and a positive boost to propel them towards their dreams. Wood strives to push audiences to overcome self-limiting thoughts of doubt and fear by providing strategic steps to help them ultimately reach their goals.
United Health Foundation Commits $2.25 Million in Scholarships to More Than 200 Students
More than 200 students studying to work in health care professions are receiving $2.25 million in scholarships for the 2016-17 academic year from United Health Foundation. The funding is part of United Health Foundation’s commitment to investing in the country’s future, diverse health care workforce. United Health Foundation, in partnership with nine nonprofit and civic organizations, is providing the scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students through its Diverse Scholars Initiative.
Don’t Make Me Over
(In Tribute to Dionne Warwick)
Don’t Make Me Over (In Tribute to Dionne Warwick) is a play written by Jackie Taylor and directed by Rueben Echoles. Showtimes are as follows: April 9 – May 15, 2016 Schedule: Thursdays: at 7pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm.
What's Next for CSU
In April, Chicago State University received emergency funds from the Illinois State legislature in the amount of $20.1 million, after a school year of campaigning and fighting for funds to avoid tenured faculty layoffs and closing its’ doors. During that time, the university eliminated their spring break to cut cost and moved graduation up by 2 weeks. In addition to that, this past Friday, Chicago State University was forced to lay-off one-third of their workforce, or about 300 employees, to save in payroll costs. The layoffs were effective immediately. The Citizen was able to sit down with Dr. Thomas J. Calhoun, president of CSU shortly after the graduation ceremonies to discuss what’s next for the south side university.
Senate Approves Legislation to Improve Accessibility
Attorney General Lisa Madigan recently announced that members of the Senate unanimously approved legislation to improve accessibility for people with disabilities in Illinois. “People living with disabilities need equal access to their communities, including schools, parks and businesses,” Madigan said. “I appreciate the Senate’s strong support for increasing accessibility for people with disabilities in Illinois.”
250 Young Black Men Publically Announce College Choices
(Chicago) - For the seventh consecutive year, the seniors of Urban Prep publically committed to the four-year college or university they will attend in the fall. Traditionally, National Signing Day refers to the day when high school seniors sign their letters of intent indicating the college where they will play football. For Urban Prep, it’s not about students’ athletic intent, but rather their academic commitment to attend and complete college.
Pilgrim’s Pride Poultry Products Recalled
Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., a Waco, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 4,568,080 pounds of fully cooked chicken products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, including plastic, wood, rubber, and metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced recently. The scope of this recall expansion now includes a variety of chicken products associated with extraneous material contamination. The chicken products were produced on various dates between Aug. 21, 2014, to March 1, 2016.
Jobdiagnosis.com Offers Jobseekers Career Advancement Subscription Service
Online job board Jobdiagnosis.com recently announced the release of its career advancement subscription service, which is geared towards helping jobseekers gain career skills and market themselves better through their resumes, cover letters and social media presence. The subscription service is broken down into three pricing tiers, and depending on the package you purchase, offers the following benefits:
NASA Selects American Small Business, Research Institution Projects for Further Development
NASA has selected 399 research and technology proposals from 259 American small businesses and 42 research institutions that will enable NASA’s future missions into deep space, while also benefiting the U.S. economy. The awards have a total value of approximately $49.7 million.
Legislation gives park districts discretion to hire some ex-offenders
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago 16th) has secured passage of legislation that allows park districts to give ex-offenders a job and a second chance.