Wednesday, February 22
The Power of the Black Press
One of the more powerful strengths the media has is the ability to effect change, both on the social, governmental and political fronts.
Author says America needs African American History
In honor of Black History Month, South Suburban College is hosting a series of events which included a discussion about “African American History 101,” by Award- Winning Author Art Burton. Burton is a Re tired South Suburban African American History Professor and a prestigious advisor, who gave a 50-minute educational lecture on unknown facts about African Americans.
Civil Rights Activist Dick Gregory Delivered The Keynote Address During Thornton Township 10th Annual Black History Month Celebration
Dick Gregory walked to the front of the stage, sat down and began speaking to the crowd about the importance of knowing your history.
Black filmmakers press on despite historical exclusion
Movies are often ways to not only entertain but to document, record and inform others about important events in history. Historically the opportunity for black filmmakers and roles for black actors and actresses have been limited. In 2015, the #OscarsSoWhite twitter campaign was began as a result of there being no African American actors, actresses or directors nominated for an Oscar. Selma was nominated for Best Film and for Best Original Song, but the film’s director Ava Duvernay and lead actor David Oyelowo weren’t nominated.
PRESIDENT TRUMP NEEDS TO TWEET ABOUT THE SOLAR PANEL INDUSTRY
As a progressive who worked hard to help get Secretary Hillary Clinton elected, it is challenging for me to accept Donald Trump as President. But, he won. At least for now, I have to make the best of a bad situation. Which means progressives like me will have to both resist the Trump administration’s odious policies, and also pressure — and even cooperate with — the administration to implement policies that reflect our worldview.
Toyota Donates Winter Boots, Socks
As temperatures fluctuate this winter across the country, one thing for sure is snowy, icy and even cold rainy days are here through March and warm winter boots and socks are still a “must have” in Baltimore.
Illinois Veterans Receive Child-Care Assistance
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs along with IDVA Director Erica Je£ries and Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti recently announced a new pilot program called, “Tiny Boots Child Care Program.” The announcement was made at Hines VA Hospital located on 5000 S. 5th Ave.
GOLDMAN SACHS’ SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM ALUMNI CREATE JOBS, INCREASE REVENUE
Eight hundred Southern California businesses have joined thousands of entrepreneurs across the country in an initiative to create jobs.
BLACK GIRL MAGIC: “HIDDEN FIGURES” OUTSHINES “LA LA LAND” AT U.S. BOX OFFICE
Looks like the myth that Black films can’t make big money in Hollywood is about to become a thing of the past.
BALDWIN DOCUMENTARY “I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO” RECEIVES OSCAR NOD
On February 1, the first day of Black History Month, the National Museum of African American History and Culture premiered the Oscar-nominated documentary “I Am Not Your Negro,” which features commentary by James Baldwin. The film is a tribute to the staggering contribution of one of America’s greatest men of letters.
Celebrating Black History ‘Harambee’ style
Northwestern University’s Student Aairs Marketing Organization kicked off Black History Month by celebrating the African tradition called “Harambee”.
Students, community benefit from Fellows program at U of C
In 2013, the University of Chicago created the “Institute of Politics” (IOP) Fellows Program. Since it’s creation, political leaders from around the globe have come together to use political strategies to help serve Chicago in multiple ways.
Thursday, February 16
kEYNOTE HELPS BLACK WOMEN BREAK THE GLASS CEILING
Northwestern University is honoring Black historic leaders during Black History Month with several events that will include award winning multicultural marketer Lizette Williams, who will discuss ‘Cracking the concrete ceiling: Bringing Black Girl Magic to Corporate America,” on Feb. 22, 2017 at the McCormick Foundation Center located on 1870 Campus Drive. “ Williams, a Northwestern University Kellogg alumna, will share real-life lessons of her two-decade-long climb up the corporate ladder as an Afro-Latina woman,” according to a press release.
Wednesday, February 15
CCC CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY
In celebration of Black History Month, the Chicago Children’s Choir (CCC) will perform February 22nd and 23rd at the Symphony Center, 220 S Michigan Ave., beginning at 10:45 p.m., according to Dave Adams, director of Marketing and Communications for the Chicago Children’s Choir.
THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO PAYS TRIBUTE TO GWENDOLYN BROOKS
Our Miss Brooks 100 is an ongoing centennial celebration of the life and legacy of Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks. If Ms. Brooks were alive today she would be celebrating her 100th birthday on June 7, 2017.
Website Helps Visitors Improve Black Economic Conditions
On Thanksgiving Day of 2015, Fred Bethel and Tavares Bethel (brothers) were discussing the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the many shootings of Black men across America as well as the deplorable conditions surrounding Black communities. With approximately 46 million Black Americans in the U.S. that generate roughly 1.2 trillion dollars in the purchase of goods and services yearly within this country, it’s alarming to know that a group of people can generate such wealth and, yet, only possess 13 cents of wealth to every dollar of wealth obtained by White Americans.
Oprah Winfrey Becomes a Special Contributor to 60 Minutes
Oprah Winfrey, the esteemed broadcaster, producer, actress and philanthropist, will become a special contributor to 60 MINUTES, the #1 news broadcast in television, it was announced recently by the news magazine’s executive producer, Je¯ Fager
ART EXAMINES THE STATE OF BLACKNESS
“My main desire is for people to be challenged by my two-dimensional paintings and for the gallery to be a space of healing, exchange, dialogue and an encouragement space where people can see not just a show with pieces on a wall,” she said. “But [my] ideas and concepts [which will] make them think about black history and black people.”
AS COMMUNITY BANKS DISAPPEAR, ISF BANK FILLS THE GAP
Illinois Service Federal Savings Bank (ISF Bank) will celebrate its 83rd anniversary with a customer appreciation event on May 18, 2017 and has plans to serve Chicago’s black community better now and into the future.
AMERICA CHOSE DONALD TRUMP, NOW IT WILL CHOKE ON HIM
Commentary
Now that we have Donald Trump as our president, most Americans know that we have really screwed up. Since early November, we have heard numerous influential Americans “whistling past the graveyard” by making comments about how Trump might surprise us and turn out to be a good president.
Burlington Stores Team up with Kelly Rowland to Fight Heart Disease
For the sixth consecutive year, Burlington Stores, the national off price retailer, and WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, have teamed up to educate women nationwide about the importance of their heart health, as heart disease is the leading cause of death in women.
Monday, February 13
Marching Beyond the Mountain
Thornton Township presents Marching Beyond the Mountain: A Black History Month event featuring civil rights activists, comedian and writer Dick Gregory. The event, which is co-sponsored by the Human Relations Commission and the Youth and Adult Family Services Department, takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, February, 17 at the Kindig Performing Arts Center at South Suburban College.
Wednesday, February 8
4 Ways To Stretch Your Health Benefits
Avoid surprises. About 91 percent of adults in the United States are confused about what their benefits cover, according to a recent Harris poll. The best starting point is to review your plan so you understand the care and services covered
If You Have to Hold This Article at Arm’s Length, You Should Read This
As the author Oscar Wilde said, “With age comes wisdom.” For a lot of us, though, age also means we have difficulty seeing things up close, including this article.
FBI Chicago Division develops FBI student Explorers
The FBI Chicago Division created its Explorer Post program five years ago to help teach Chicago teens about the fundamentals and skills of FBI Agents and staff workers. The FBI Chicago Division’s Edwin C. Shanahan Explorer Post #1920 was established in 2012 in honor of Special Agent Edwin C. Shanahan. Special Agent Shanahan joined the FBI in Chicago in 1920 and was the first Chicago agent killed in the line of duty in 1925. The Explorer Post #1920’s mission is to instill basic tenets of civic responsibility, foster an interest in and respect for law enforcement, and develop responsible and intelligent youth in Chicago communities, according to the FBI.
Walgreens Expression Challenge honors area students
Walgreens honored seven Chicago area students for their talents in creative writing, visual arts, and multimedia. According to Vanessa Abron, Walgreens Expression Challenge spokesperson, this gave them the opportunity to offer their opinions of what today’s teens face. The 2016 Walgreens Expressions Challenge was recently held at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
HIDDEN FIGURES HIGHLIGHTS STELLAR ACHIEVEMENTS OF BLACK WOMEN
Since Hidden Figures hit the box o ce last December, there is a buzz of excitement in the air from audiences everywhere who’ve flocked to theaters to see the true story of three highly intelligent black women who helped launched John Glen into orbit.
Business partnership gives access to culturally relevant books
African Ancestry, Inc. recently announced its partnership with MahoganyBooks, an awardwinning online bookstore that specializes in books written for, by, or about people of the African Diaspora. The partnership underscores the power of Black businesses with aligned missions uniting to deliver produc ts and services that educate, uplift and empower Black communities across the world.
Changing business dynamics through diversity
Recently, more than 50 speakers of diverse cultural backgrounds, representing four dozen major corporations, prominent business and community organizations and leading universities and over 300 conference participants attended the second annual Asian American Business Roundtable (AABR) “The New Majority: Igniting the Future through Inclusion and Partnerships,” held at the Venetian, Las Vegas.
ComEd Black History Month Campaign Helps Teens Explore ‘Unexpected’ STEM Careers
Solar Spotlight’ Education Program Introduces High School Students to STEM via The Arts
Chicago - For the fourth year, ComEd’s annual Black History Month campaign provides stimulating seminars to expose African American high school students to non-traditional and ‘unexpected’ STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers. For 2017, ‘Solar Spotlight’ will explore STEM via The Arts as students learn about solar energy, African-American trailblazers, and the earliest forms of STEM via African history. The program will culminate with a 7-foot solar-powered art installation, designed with help from the students, which will be on permanent display in the Bronzeville neighborhood.
Civil Rights Attorney Charles F. Coleman Jr. Named Harvest Male “SWAG Man of The Year”
Charles F. Coleman, Jr. will once again “lead by example” in a most stylish fashion as the first recipient of the Harvest Male 2017 SWAG Man of the Year Award, a recognition that celebrates a community advocate whose style is se t apart from the ordinary. This honor calls attention to a distinguished man who brings purpose and presence to the fore front.
The HistoryMakers and Chicago Public Library Celebrate African American History Month and Announce Free Access to Nation's Largest African American Video Oral History Archive
Deputy Mayor Andrea Zopp joined Chicago Public Library (CPL) Commissioner Brian Bannon and The HistoryMakers Founder & Executive Director Julieanna Richardson today to kick off the start of African American History Month and announce CPL's offering of The HistoryMakers Digital Archive free of charge. Since 1999, The HistoryMakers has been recording African American oral histories to refashion a more inclusive record of American history. The HistoryMakers is committed to preserving and making widely accessible the personal stories of African Americans-both well-known and unsung. Offering the most significant recording of past and present African American influencers, The HistoryMakers is a vital online resource for the city's students, educators and researchers.
CHANCE THE RAPPER, JEREMIH AND RISING SINGER DREEZY LEAD NOMINATIONS FOR 36TH ANNUAL CHICAGO MUSIC AWARDS
Nearly 200 Nominees Announced at February 1st Press Conference
CHICAGO (February 1, 2017) Three millennial musicians lead the field of nearly 200 nominees in the 36th annual Chicago Music Awards with three nominations each in three separate categories. R&B entertainer Jeremih is nominated as Pop Superstar of the Year, best R&B Entertainer and best Songwriter. Chance the Rapper is nominated as Pop Superstar of the Year, Best Hip Hop/Rap Artist and best Songwriter. Newcomer Dreezy is nominated as R&B Entertainer of the Year, Best Hip Hop/Rap Artist and best Songwriter. The announcement was made at a press conference held Wednesday, February 1st a t Kingston Mines Blues Club, 2548 North Halsted Street in Chicago.
Wednesday, February 1
RESIDENTS SAY IT’S TIME TO CLEAN UP THE TRASH
Chicago Community Police Officer Clayton Hutchinson and members of the 3rd District held their annually CAPS meeting Jan. 24, 2017 at Park Manor Christian Church, located on 600 E. 73rd St., to combat and resolve problems in the neighborhood.
U OF C STUDY EXAMINES GUN VIOLENCE IN CHICAGO
A new study from the University of Chicago Crime Lab discovered a rise in Chicago’s gun violence in 2016. The report shows gun crimes increased from 2015 to 2016, more than any other crimes.
Winterization Tips for Healthy Skin
The official U.S. launch of Azoya, an integrated turnkey e-commerce solution provider, which will help U.S. retailers and manufacturers break into the Chinese market with less risk in 2017 through fully-managed cross-border e-commerce, has launched. Azoya made the announcement at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City recently.
Student Cultivates Peace Around The World
An international art contest celebrating children’s visions of peace capped off its 20th year by recognizing a teenager from Malaysia as the grand prize winner.
President Preckwinkle, County Department of Transportation and Highways Issue First-Ever Call for Projects
The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) is seeking applications or transportation related projects throughout Cook County as part of the President Toni Preckwinkle’s initiative to build and maintain a comprehensive regional transportation network.
Colgate-Palmolive and Black Girls CODE Aim to Create a Brighter Future for Young African American Girls During Black History Month
To honor Black History Month, Colgate-Palmolive will partner with Black Girls CODE on a campaign focused on helping more young girls of color learn computer programming.
Food, Fuel, and Finance ...The 3Fs of Economics
Nearly half of U.S. high school students say they do not know how to establish good credit and more than one-fourth believe they will be unprepared to manage their finances upon graduation. This is according to recent research that reveals a lack of financial literacy among American youth.
MY OPEN LETTER TO “US”
Commentary
As I write this letter, I can’t help but express my frustration and concern for “US.” I also can’t help, but question my contribution to the status of where we are. I understand that I, too, have been guilty of doing the very things that put US here. Even still, right now, the state of our community is more alarming than ever. And, while I know that this letter may be misunderstood by many, unduly dissected and misconstrued by most others, I still need to write and speak about these things that deeply concern me.
NEW APPOINTMENT AT COMED
ComEd recently announced that Verónica Gómez has been promoted to senior vice president and general counsel.
BLACK INVENTORS: CHANGING HOW WE DO BUSINESS
Over the last 500 years, Black people from Africa, and their descendents have fully participated in the development of the world’s agricultural, business, medical and scientific innovations and inventions.