Wednesday, October 26
Gift Giving Made Easy
Everyone knows that the best gifts come in small packages. Now imagine that inside that box is the most perfect piece of jewelry you have ever seen. Giving a gif t of jewelry ensures it will be a holiday to remember.
CITY OF NEIGHBORHOODS PROJECT CAPTURES LOCAL NEIGHBORHOODS, BUSINESSES
Chicago is made up of many neighborhoods and Jason Sofianos, Founder of the City y of Neighborhoods Project is on a mission to shine the spotlight on them all. The City of Neighborhoods Project highlights local neighborhoods, the people who live there and local businesses in the community.
Cook County is Becoming Unaffordable for Families
For over 45 years my family and I have resided in Cook County. In the last year alone, Cook County has faced massive property taxes for local schools and municipal governments, our sales tax has risen to the highest in the nation, and we have been hit with new garbage and sewer tax proposals. Now, the Cook County board wants to tax our grocery carts with a proposed penny-per ounce beverage tax. Enough is enough.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD GOES TO FINNEY
CHICAGO – As a theologian whom one colleague said is able to join “Jesus and justice,” the Rev. Dr. Leon Finney, Jr., is well deserving of the Distinguished Alumni Award presented by the McCormick Theological Seminary at the University of Chicago.
FCA US Supports National Black MBA Association Competition
Talented MBA candidates from 34 of the nation’s leading business schools recently competed for $50,000 in scholarships in the 2016 National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Graduate Student Case Competition, sponsored by FCA US LLC.
Foster Care Coalition Urges Community Top Adopt Black Teens
A free foster care event was recently sponsored by the Call to Action: Foster our Youth! Coalition in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), and the Illinois Center for Adoption and Permanency, at Kennedy King College’s Great Hall located on 6301 S. Halsted. Panelists included: George Sheldon, director of DCFS of Illinois, two youth speakers and foster care.
Iconic Radio Pioneer Herb Kent Dies at 88
Herb Kent, an urban radio pioneer and voice of the community, passed away on Saturday, October 22. He was 88 years old. A living history lesson to many Chicagoans, Herbert Rogers Kent, also known as the Cool Gent, The King of the Dusties and The Honorary Mayor of Bronzeville was one of the most important figures in Chicago radio history. Kent was not only able to entertain and inform listeners on his weekly radio show, he also opened up many doors for African Americans. Simply put, Herb Kent was a Chicago treasure and a bankable commodity.
NEW WEB TOOL SEEKS TO CURB POLICE MISCONDUCT
In support of demands for greater police accountability in Chicago and nationwide, Illinois nonprofit The Lucy Parsons Labs is launching “Open Oversight,” an interactive web tool that makes it easier for Chicago residents to file complaints against police officers.
SUBURBAN STUDENTS, COMMUNITY WALK AGAINST VIOLENCE
There is a common desire across this nation when it comes to violence—most people want the senseless killings to s top. Students from District 205 Thornton Township High School expressed concerns about the issue of violence and took a proactive stance by uniting students from surrounding communities, faith leaders, and organizations in a walk for peace.
MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE APPROVED FOR WHITNEY YOUNG BRANCH LIBRARYARCHITECTURAL FIRM
The Board of Commissioners of the Public Building Commission of Chicago (PBC) appointed Johnson & Lee, Ltd, a full-service Chicago-based MBE architectural firm, to serve as the Architect of Record (AOR) for the Whitney Young Branch Library Renovation and Expansion Project in the Chatham neighborhood.
Tuesday, October 18
Obama Foundation Announces Establishment of Inclusion Council
Chicago, IL – The Obama Foundation recently announced the creation of the Obama Foundation Inclusion Council. The mission of the new Council is to ensure that the ongoing work of the Foundation is informed by a diverse set of views and opinions and in line with the values of diversity and inclusion.
Gina Miller New VP/General Manager of Urban Inspirational
Entertainment One Music Nashville (eOne Music Nashville) recently announced the appointment of Gina Miller to VP/General Manager of Urban Inspirational, promoting the veteran music executive from her previous role as VP National Promotions and Label Relations for eOne Music Nashville.
AGENCY DISCUSSES THE “COLOR OF EDUCATION”
The Cradle Adoption agency recently joined an esteemed panel of educators in a straightforward discussion dealing with race and education during the “Color of Education” Roundtable Discussion, at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, 25 E. Pearson. The "Color of Education" was the third program in the agency's multi-event series.
Emanuel Presents 2017 Budget Proposal
Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently presented his 2017 budget proposal to the City Council.
Healthy Eating in Englewood
While the Whole Foods Store in Englewood recently celebrated its grand opening, it also marked a very special time for Chicago Chef David Fuller. Fuller, a culinary arts & hospitality teacher at Chicago Vocational School (CVS) and founder of Eating to Live consulting, will have his very own vegan “green foods dishes” in all 50 Whole Food Stores in the Midwest region.
Local Projects Receive $30.7 Million Boost
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today announced a $30.7 million investment to expand travel options and enhance the quality of life in communities throughout the state. The 33 projects approved through IDOT’s Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification work and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level.
New Website Gives Black Women the News and tools to Vote
Higher Heights, the leading and trusted political voice for Black women leading up to, and beyond Election Day 2016 recently launched #BlackWomenVote Get Out The Vote, a nonpartisan campaign. The nationwide effort is to ensure Black women have the news and tools to get out the vote on Nov. 8.
THIS IS WHY INCREASING DIVERSITY IN HEALTHCARE IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE BLACK COMMUNITY
Diversity is good for communities, companies and our nation. A plurality of viewpoints, experiences and beliefs has the potential to foster both understanding and innovation. And in the healthcare field, the need for diversity is evident every day. Providers in the U.S. serve people from all walks of life, and each patient’s personal background plays a significant factor in the way care is delivered.
TV Meteorologist earns praise from MWRD Commissioners
In planning for rain events to combat flooding and operate the Chicago Area Waterways System (CAWS), the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) relies heavily on forecasts and weather projections.
New Power Brush System
The Art of Shaving Launches
The Art of Shaving has introduced a new “Power Brush” System and regimen. The Power Brush and Unscented Pre-Shave Gel for Power Brush are made specifically to combat ingrown hair and razor bumps, two of the most commonly cited shaving issues.***
South Suburban College Offers Nurse Assistant Training Program
South Suburban College will host an Open House for the Basic Nurse Assistant Training (BNATP) program on Monday, October 31th from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. in the Atrium at the college’s main campus a BANTP, according to a press release. Alisia Hill, Coordinator for the BNAPT at South Suburban College, explained what the program involves. She said, “Once the eight-week BNAPT program is complete, the student becomes a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Tuesday, October 11
CONCERT AIMS TO END GUN VIOLENCE
An alliance of gun violence prevention activists held its first annual Concert Across America to End Gun Violence, recently at the DuSable Museum of African-American History in Chicago.
NHS Launches Mortgage Relief Campaign
The Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) is launching a campaign to provide relief to Chicago and South suburban homeowners. The NHS Mortgage Relief program is set to help homeowners know their mortgage options before some of the programs expire on December 30, 2016.
FILM REVIEW: THE BIRTH OF A NATION
Finally, a filmmaker unearths one of the biggest secrets in American history: slave revolts. It’s a lesson rarely mentioned in history books, though it’s common knowledge to anyone who has taken a Black History course.
Black/Brown Unity In Changing America
Museums Collaborate to Present Straight Talk:
The DuSable Museum of African American History has joined forces with the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture (NMPRAC), to present the first-ever timely and provocative panel discussion, Straight Talk: Black/ Brown Unity in a Changing America. The event will take place on Thursday, October 20, 2016 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the DuSable Museum, 740 East 56th Place (57th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue) in Chicago.
Give Communities of Color A Voice in Reshaping Education
For the first time in our nation’s history, the majority of students in public schools are students of color. But in most places, communities of color still have little meaningful say in how their states manage and resource education. As a result, too many students in this new majority are in overcrowded classes and inadequate facilities where teachers are overworked, underpaid and stuck with a curriculum that lacks rigor and relevance.
POPULAR WRIGHT BUS TOUR EXTENDED INTO NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
(Chicago) – Frank Lloyd Wright made his indelible mark in the Chicago area, where he lived and worked for the first 20 years of his career, and the Wright Around Chicago guided bus tour covers the best of Wright’s Chicago. This popular seasonal tour by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust has been extended and will be offered on Saturdays only from Nov. 5 to Dec. 17, except Dec. 3.
SKILLS ACKNOWLEDGED AS FINALIST IN COMPETITION
Skills for Chicagoland Future, a local non-profit, public-private organization, recently announced since its inception in 2012, it has placed more than 3,000 Cook County job seekers, considered unemployed and underemployed.
United Fidelity Bank Funds Langston Hughes Elementary School with PBIS Program
United Fidelity Bank has partnered with Langston Hughes Elementary School in the Roseland Community here in Chicago, to assist the school with funding for the implementation of the PBIS Rewards Program (Positive Behavior, Intervention and Support). The program was launched here on August 19th.
Spruce Up Your Fall Wardrobe for Less
Replacing entire wardrobes can create unneeded stress, but there are ways to dress the whole family without breaking the bank.
UniverSoul Circus Plays Chicago
A big top spectacle of global proportions, the 2016 production of UniverSoul Circus takes fans of all ages on an unforgettable journey of light, sound and soul. Get ready for electrifying, edge-of-your-seat performances. Hailed as the most interactive circus in the world, UniverSoul Circus plays Chicago in Washington Park, now through October 30th.
Monster High Launches Lady Gaga Doll To Inspire Kindness With Bourn This Way Foundation
Monster High and Born This Way Foundation recently revealed Zomby Gaga, a doll inspired by Lady Gaga to champion kindness, instill bravery, and build a world where young people celebrate their differences.
Comcast Business Expands Fiber Optic Network In Englewood
Comcast announced recently that it has expanded its network to Englewood Square, a 5.5 acre retail development anchored by Whole Foods in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. This proactive technology infrastructure investment, which includes fiber optic and coaxial cable, will give retailers in the development access to Internet speeds of up to 10 Gbps (100 Gbps on a case-by-case basis), along with a wide range of Comcast Business services, including Ethernet, Internet, Voice and value-added cloud services.
Tuesday, October 4
Black Women for change Organization hosts Non-Violent Conference
With the spread of gun violence across America, Black Women for Positive Change (BW4PC), a national civic organization of African-American women in Washington, D.C., have joined with political leaders in America and overseas to host their 4th Annual 2016 Week of Non-Violence, Justice and Opportunities, October 15-23rd, according to a BW4PC press release.
57 Top Media Brands Come Together For Voter Registration Drive
Fifty-seven of the nation’s top media brands for women have come together in partnership with Rock the Vote on a voter registration campaign— #OurVoteCounts—to ensure that women participate in this historic election. This unprecedented nonpartisan effort will reach an audience of over 67 million women of varied interests, ages, races, political beliefs, geography and faiths, because votes from women in America mean more than ever in 2016.
Looking and Feeling Good Inside and Out for the Interview
The perfect resume means nothing if you can’t sell yourself at a job interview. And most interviewers form an opinion before you shake their hand -; potential employers really do judge books by their covers.
CI Builds Official APP for Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Clearly Innovative (CI), one of the Washington area’s leading digital and business solutions companies, built and launched the official mobile App for the Smithsonian’s’ new National Museum of African- American History and Culture (NMAAHC) that opened Saturday, September 24, 2016. The App contains features to provide information about the museum.
WALKING FOR A CAUSE IN GLENWOOD
While the end-of-summer weather issued mild temperatures across Chicagoland on Saturday, September 17th, walkers and joggers alike took advantage of pleasant conditions to participate in Glenwood Academy’s 2nd Annual 5K Walk, held in Glenwood, Illinois. “It was a perfect day with beautiful weather. It was a great turnout, and everyone had a good time.
Thanks, Obama!: Historic First Family Honored with Calendar
African American Expressions knows a little bit about history making careers. As they approach their 25th anniversary in business this black-owned, multi-million dollar company known for its afrocentric cards and gifts has released their new and highly sought after 2017 wall calendar – a piece dedicated to the moments that President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have shared with communities, the nation, and the world over their eight year term.
SSC Donor Drive Helps Local College Students
The South Suburban College Foundation (SSCF) is seeking year-end gifts from those who wish to help make a difference in the lives of local college students in need of financial assistance.
OVERCOMING THE STIGMA OF HIV/AIDS
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), known as the largest global AIDS organization worldwide, sponsored a number of community events at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 2016 Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), held September 14-18. The foundation addressed the quiet, yet growing AIDS epidemic in the Black community. The organization hosted a march from McPherson Square in Washington and later, it held a town hall meeting at the Metropolitan AME Church, a historic faith institution, where Frederick Douglass attended church services. us,” said Imara Canady, chairperson for AHF and the Black AIDS Crisis Taskforce (ABACT). “One of the things we discovered is that when it comes to the African-American community, many of us are not even aware that there is an AIDS epidemic,” he said.
HELP FOR BLENDED FAMILIES
Ronnie and Lamar Tyler, an Atlanta husband and wife team, have announced the release of their new stepfamily documentary titled “Blended: The Unspoken Truth About Stepfamilies.” The power couple kicked off their documentary beginning September 16th, which was nationally recognized as National Stepfamily Day.
Dolton West School District 148 adopts $39.4 million balanced budget
A $39.4 million spending plan is in place for Dolton West School District 148.Following a public hearing at the September 27, 2016 School Board meeting, the Board gave unanimous approval to the final, 2016-17 budget.
Chicago Teens Celebrate After School Matters’ 25th Anniversary
1,000 civic, corporate and community leaders attended the After School Matters® Annual Gala on Monday, September 19 at Chicago’s historic Navy Pier to celebrate 25 years of successfully providing after-school and summer programs to Chicago teenagers. Over the past 25 years, more than 200,000 teens have participated in the nonprofit organization’s hands-on, project-based after-school and summer programs in the arts, communications, science, sports and technology.
Comcast Business Expands Fiber Optic Network In Englewood
Comcast announced recently that it has expanded its network to Englewood Square, a 5.5 acre retail development anchored by Whole Foods in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. This proactive technology infrastructure investment, which includes fiber optic and coaxial cable, will give retailers in the development access to Internet speeds of up to 10 Gbps (100 Gbps on a case-by-case basis), along with a wide range of Comcast Business services, including Ethernet, Internet, Voice and value-added cloud services. Fiber means increased bandwidth – and increased bandwidth allows businesses to better serve customers, access more and more applications and services in the cloud, accommodate rapidly increasing numbers of employees in the field using mobile devices and exchange large amounts of data. Having the fiber so close also allows Comcast to install new customers more quickly and could reduce or even eliminate their start-up costs.