Wednesday, December 26
Illinois Tollway Launches ConstructionWorks Program
Illinois Tollway Board Chairman, Bob Schillerstrom, along with the Illinois Tollway executive director, Liz Gorman, recently announced that the agency’s new Construction- Works workforce training and careers program is ready to launch and will serve job seekers across Northern Illinois, including in Cook County.
Bill Bakho of BB Lifestyle is Bringing a Revolution in the Skin Care Industry with Organic CBD Oil
BB Lifestyle recently announced that it is bringing an organic revolution to the health and beauty industry with its growing range of CBD skin care products. The renowned skincare brand is also offering a wide range of dermatology grade luxury skincare products on its online store that are getting an overwhelming response around the world. Moreover, the award-winning Founder and President of the luxury skincare brand, Bill Bakho has shared several amazing secrets behind the phenomenal success of his company in a recent interview that reveal a lot of information on how his brand became one of the best in the increasingly competitive health and beauty industry worldwide.
Advocate South Suburban and Advocate Trinity Names New President
Following a nationwide search, Advocate South Suburban and Advocate Trinity Hospitals have recently named Rashard Johnson, a young African American man originally from South Florida, as their new president. Johnson has a high level of experience in overseeing multi-facility health networks and a strong passion for patient care.
Walmart Gives More Than $22 Million to Chicagoland Charities
As part of their mission to use their strengths to make a difference, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation recently announced they have donated more than $22 million in cash and in-kind contributions to non-profit organizations throughout Chicagoland during FY18. This amount is part of the more than $36.9 million donated to nonprofits statewide.
South Suburban College Opens New Art Exhibit Feature Mexican-Born Artist
The Art and Design Department of South Suburban College recently opened an art exhibition that features the artworks of Fermin Barbosa. The exhibit, called Un Paseo Por El Mercado, is on display on campus in the Lee E. Dulgar Gallery from now until Jan. 23.
Report: Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Face More Financing Challenges than Non-Veteran Small Businesses
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the U.S. Small Business Administration recently issued the report Financing their Future: Veteran Entrepreneurs and Capital Access. The report provides a comprehensive look at the state of entrepreneurship for military veterans, while presenting new small business credit data from the Federal Reserve Banks’ 2017 Small Business Credit Survey (SBCS).
South Suburban Nonprofit Supplies Food, Shelter and Clothing to 27 Communities
Together We Cope is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Tinley Park that serves 27 communities across Chicago’s Southland. The organization operates a food pantry and resale shop to assist south suburban residents along with providing counseling and referrals to empower residents and help them to maintain their independence.
Rainbow PUSH Presents Special Tribute To the Life and Legacy of Nancy Wilson
The Rainbow PUSH Coalition recently presented a special musical tribute to the life and legacy of the iconic, three-time Grammy-winning singer and freedom fighter, Nancy Wilson
West Side Community Reveals First-Ever Quality-of-Life Plan
A Quality-of-Life Plan was recently released for Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the west side of the city. The plan was created through the collaboration of community residents, leaders, and stakeholders and it provides a comprehensive strategy to enhance the communities existing assets and create new opportunities that will improve the quality of life for people living and working in Austin.
The Silver Room Celebrates 21 Years of Service
For two decades, the Silver Room has been an iconic shopping destination in Chicago and is known for providing cultural experiences and community events, like the Silver Room block party. This year marks 21 years of operation for the business and to celebrate, Eric Williams, the owner, has hosted two parties and a pop-up shop.
GARY COMER YOUTH CENTER HOSTS TASTE OF COMER CULINARY EVENT
Middle school students from the Gary Comer Youth Center’s Seed to Table Cooking Club recently hosted their first Taste of Comer event. Students, families, community members, and local chefs all gathered at the event where they sampled and voted on dishes that were prepared by the middle schoolers.
Local Author Weaves Moral Themes and Examples of Diversity Into Children’s Books
Kenyatta Scott is the author of The Violet Series, a children’s book that follows the life of a young girl living in a African-American family. Within each book, Scott has very thoughtfully woven a moral lesson into the everyday happenings of Violet and her family with the intention of showing children that doing the right thing is fun.
Wednesday, December 19
Redeveloped Lincoln Mall WIll Not Include Big Box Stores
If you’re looking to shop at big box stores like Walmart, you won’t find them at the redeveloped Lincoln Mall in south suburban Matteson once it opens in 2019.
Holiday Lights Make an Impact On Chicago’s South Side Communities
Shortly after Thanksgiving, elaborate displays of holiday lights begin to appear across the city, most notably the Christmas tree and holiday window displays downtown. Outside of downtown, many south side communities also create their own displays to prepare for the holidays including The Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce who recently held their annual tree lighting ceremony.
Kidz Korna Prepares For Annual Weekend-Long Toy Giveaway
A local nonprofit organization, Kidz Korna, will host their 13th Annual Toy Giveaway Tour from Dec. 21 to Dec. 23 at four different locations on Chicago’s south and west sides. This year’s project theme is A Christmas Giveaway Weekend to Help Cure Violence.
Don’t Let Small Dollar Loans Ruin Your Holidays
In this wonderful time of the year when family and friends gather in good cheer to celebrate the holidays, nearly everyone has a number of lists. From greeting cards to shopping for gifts, decorations and more, lists are made and reviewed to keep pace with the barrage of seasonal activities.
Cook County Board Honors South Suburban Business Owner For His Philanthropic Work
During a recent Board meeting, the Cook County Board of Commissioners along with the Board President, Toni Preckwinkle, presented a proclamation to Early Walker, a south suburban resident and business owner, that honored the numerous charitable contributions he has made in Cook County.
RCA Inspiration Celebrates Two 2019 Grammy Award Nominations for Koryn Hawthorne and the Walls Group
The 61st Annual GRAMMY® Awards will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, February 10th, 2019 on CBS.
IIT PROFESSOR SHARES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Maurice Dawson is the director of the Center for Cyber Security and Forensic Education and an assistant professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). Dawson recognizes the risks that many shoppers face during the holiday season and has offered a few quick tips on how to protect your financial information.
Traveling Truth Civilization Banner Displayed In Chicago
A long-time Chicago activist known as EvAngel Mamadee Yhwhnewbn (Mama Dee) recently unveiled the Traveling Truth Civilization Banner in front of the DuSable Museum of African American History. The banner depicts centuries of global African history and the unveiling was hosted to commemorate the 400 year anniversary of the first group of enslaved Africans arriving in North America in 1619.
Fifth grader aims to donate 1,000 Barbie dolls for Christmas
A fifth grader whose favorite class is science, plans to give away Barbie dolls to girls living in poor neighborhoods as a way to give back to the community during Christmas. The goal is to collect 1,000 Barbie dolls at the 4th Annual Josilyn’s Barbie Brunch, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22 at The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. Organizers said the last three brunches, which included refreshments, were held at The Velvet Lounge, 67 E. Cermak Road, but was moved this year to a bigger venue to accommodate the growing attendees.
The Hyde Park Youth Symphony to Perform Annual Holiday Concert at Mandel Hall
The Hyde Park Youth Symphony will perform in concert at Mandel Hall on the campus of the University of Chicago on Friday, December 21, 2018. The concert will begin at 7:00 pm and last for approximately one and a half hours. Mandel Hall is located on 1131 E 57th Street in Chicago.
District 148 adds high-tech system to enhance existing safeguards
Dolton West School District 148 is adding a new comprehensive, high-tech system to further protect students and staff when emergencies arise.
COOK COUNTY LAND BANK AUTHORITY PREPARES TO GIVE AWAY FULLY REHABBED HOME
The Cook County Land Bank Authority (Land Bank) will soon be announcing the winner of their second annual Home Giveaway Lottery. The winner will receive a fully rehabbed move-in ready home located in the Village of Maywood. The purpose of the giveaway is to draw attention to the Homebuyer Direct program that the Land Bank offers.
Not everyone is sad to see Urban Prep is closing
Students and parents at Urban Prep West Academy High School said they are not surprised that Chicago Public Schools plans to close the charter school next year.
Recently Launched Online Database Connects Illinoisans To STEM Opportunities
The Creating Pathways and Access for Student Success Foundation (CPASS) recently launched a new online database that gathers all of the available Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education programs, resources, and opportunities in Illinois and makes them easily accessible through one online platform. The intention of the database is to provide statewide access to STEM education opportunities for students from minority and underrepresented backgrounds.
Friday, December 14
Pappas: There’s help for senior citizens struggling to pay Cook County property taxes
“When property taxes are due, too many of our elderly are forced to make difficult choices about which bills to pay,” Pappas said. “This program is one way to ease their worries.”
Advocates release transportation agenda for Chicago’s next mayor, city council
Priorities include better bus service, dedicated funding for biking and walking, and a Chicago River Trail
On Friday the Active Transportation Alliance released the Active Transportation Agenda for Chicago that describes how Chicago’s leaders can support policies and projects over the next four years that better connect all residents to jobs, schools, parks, healthcare, and other daily destinations.
Wednesday, December 12
CITY COLLEGES OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES MEN OF COLOR IN EDUCATION INITIATIVE
City Colleges of Chicago along with Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently announced the Men of Color in Education initiative which is a program designed to support men of color who are interested in pursuing careers in the education field. The program will provide students with college coursework, mentorship, and work-based learning experiences.
NEW SHARED KITCHEN SPACE WILL PROVIDE DIVERSE DINING OPTIONS FOR SOUTH SIDERS
The Bronzeville Culinary Kitchen will soon be located at 436 E. 47th St. and will feature a commercial kitchen that will be available for hosting pop-up restaurants with restaurateurs from across the city as well as provide space for special events on the south side of Chicago.
Public Forum Held To Hear From Three African American Mayoral Candidates
Indivisible Chicago - South Side and First Unitarian Church of Chicago, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., recently co-hosted a mayoral candidate forum that featured La Shawn Ford, Lori Lightfoot, and Amara Enyia who each had a chance to speak at the event about their ideas for the city.
City Officials Celebrate The Opening of Chicago Bee Branch In Bronzeville
Chicago Public Library Commissioner Brian Bannon joined 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell and city officials to cut the ribbon on the re-opening of the Chicago Bee library branch. The $2.32 million project, funded by Chicago Housing Authority, in the Bronzeville community included renovating two floors of the three-story historic property to improve library services.
Comcast Announces Agreements with Two New African American Majority Owned Independent Networks
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) recently announced it has selected two new African American majority-owned independent networks to be broadly distributed on Comcast Cable systems beginning in January 2019. After a thorough evaluation of dozens of proposals, Comcast selected AFRO and CLEO TV, both of which will provide quality entertainment that highlights and features TV and movie content about African American and black communities.
Could Saving With An Online Bank Help Your Money Grow Faster?
While there’s no doubt that putting money aside with each paycheck is an essential component to a healthy financial future, it’s important to keep in mind that not all savings accounts are going to give you the same pay back or benefits.
LOCAL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY SHOW
More than 300 students from Betty Shabazz Academy, 7822 S. Dobson Ave., and Barbara A. Sizemore Academy, 6547 S. Stewart Ave., were recently invited to attend the International Manufacturing Technology Show. Students were able to participate in hands-on learning experiences and technology demonstrations.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Opening First Neighborhood Center
A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held for the new Blue Door Neighborhood Center that will soon be located in the 111th Street Gateway Retail Center, 756 E. 111th Street, in the Pullman neighborhood. The neighborhood center is being made possible by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and will give residents the ability to access in-person health services.
CHICAGO CHILD CARE SOCIETY LOOKS AT TWO-GENERATION APPROACH TO COMMUNITY SERVICE
As the Chicago Child Care Society (CCCS) prepares to celebrate their 170th year of operation, the organization has been focusing on a new approach to providing services to the people of Chicago. The organization will soon adopt a two-generation approach that will look at the needs of children in the city, their families, and work to create economic security that can be passed from one generation to the next.
South Suburban College Cuts Ribbon on SSC Circle
SSC Circle is a student assistance center that will serve as a “one-stop-shop” for students with questions about the registration, financial aid and payment processes, and will be a new “front door” for first time students, said Robin Rihacek, executive director of enrollment & retention services.
Friday, December 7
Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton remembered on his anniversary death
The 49th anniversary death of Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton Sr. was recently recognized by more than 100 people including his son Fred Hampton Jr. and widow Akua Njeri at the West Side home where he was shot dead by Chicago police. The annual public memorial at the two-story building now owned by the Chicago Housing Authority included speakers and a re-enactment by Njeri of the day Hampton Sr. was killed. Tenants occupy the building’s second floor while the first floor, where Hampton Sr. died, is boarded up. Hampton Jr. opened the memorial by asking participants for a moment of silence and to clench their fist and raise their arm in the air for five minutes. He ended the moment of silence by screaming out ‘Black Power.’
Thursday, December 6
Soulful Chicago’s Holiday Book Fair Is Largest Of Its Kind That Showcases Books by Black Authors
Just in time for holiday shopping, Soulful Chicago’s annual holiday book fair will feature more than 100 Black fiction, non-fiction and children’s titles by many of the most sought-after and lesser-known Black authors in Chicago. This exciting literary event takes place on Saturday, December 15, from 10am to 6pm at the AMC Center, 4421 S. State Street, Chicago.
Chicago Park District Neighbored Ice Rinks Now Open
The Chicago Park District has announced that the Chicago Blackhawks ice rinks at parks citywide are open for the season, weather permitting. Skate rentals are available at all rinks. Patrons may also bring their own and enjoy amazing views of Chicago’s skyline and city parks while skating.
Wednesday, December 5
CHICAGO COMEDIAN HOSTS TWO-NIGHT STAND-UP PERFORMANCE
Emmy-nominated actor and well known Chicago comedian, Melissa DuPrey, recently performed the highly anticipated SEXomedy 2.0: The Second Coming at Chicago Dramatists. DuPrey’s well-received comedy show brought humor to many taboo topics surrounding sexuality and her own personal experiences.
Eli Lilly Announces Lilly Diabetes Solutions Center to Assist People With Insulin Affordability
The American Diabetes Association estimates that over 30 million Americans are affected by diabetes and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. In the African American population, studies show that we are disproportionately affected by diabetes in comparison to the general population. The rates of diagnosed diabetes among African Americans is 12.7% compared to 7.4% of whites.
FOOTPRINTS TO RECOVERY NATIONWIDE "SOCKS OF LOVE" CAMPAIGN TO DONATE 10,000 PAIRS OF SOCKS -- LEAST DONATED ITEM -- TO HOMELESS SHELTERS IN TIME FOR HOLIDAYS
Clients at five treatment centers across U.S. to hand-deliver donations as part of recovery process
Footprints to Recovery clients and alumni process incoming donations and coordinate their delivery. Each treatment facility will provide socks to local homeless shelters. In addition, the treatment facilities located in major metropolitan areas will assist clients in delivering some of the socks to public spaces that serve as shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Congresswoman Kelly Talks About Gun Reform And Shows Support For Medical Professionals
Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly recently held a press conference alongside several highly regarded doctors to demand congressional action when it comes to gun violence across the nation. The press conference was held in Washington D.C. and included comments from Dr. Niva Lubin-Johnson who is a physician at Mercy Hospital in Chicago.
SOUTH SUBURBAN COMMUNITY GATHERS TO CELEBRATE HISTORY AND CULTURE
The Village of Robbins recently hosted Robbins Day at the Rainbow/PUSH headquarters, 930 E. 50th St., as a way to highlight and celebrate the culture and history of the Village of Robbins. Tyrone Ward, Mayor of the Village of Robbins, spoke at the event about the many notable events that have taken place in the community and how he is working to ensure that the Village continues to rise.
CITY CLUB OF CHICAGO HOST PANEL DISCUSSION ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE IN CHICAGO
The City Club of Chicago recently hosted Eddie Bocanegra, John Hardy, and Asiaha Butler in a panel discussion to talk about the ways that their prospective organizations are addressing gun violence in the city and what strategies they have found to be effective in preventing violence in Chicago.
MY BLOCK, MY HOOD, MY CITY MAKES PLANS TO LIGHT UP KING DRIVE
A local nonprofit organization, My Block, My Hood, My City, has organized Be A Part Of The Light which will bring holiday lights and decorations to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive from 51st to 95th streets. The decorating will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 8th, Dec. 9th, and Dec 15th and each day will focus on a different section of King Drive.
Unsilence Announces New Chicago Initiative At Benefit Concert
Unsilence, a Chicago based nonprofit, recently held a Human Rights Benefit Concert at Victory Gardens Theatre in Chicago to support human rights and equity for all. During the concert, the organization unveiled a new initiative called Unsilence Voices: The Sisterhood.
Free Lunch Academy Prepares to Host Inaugural Brunch For A Cause Fundraiser
The Free Lunch Academy, a performance arts outreach program based in Chicago, is preparing to host their first ever Brunch For A Cause fundraiser. The event will be held on Dec. 30 at Latinicity, 108 N. State St., in downtown Chicago and will feature all-you-can-eat brunch, bottomless brunch beverages, live entertainment, photos, games, and gift bags.
SocialWorks Expands Donation Window For Warmest Winter Clothing Drive
A Chicago based nonprofit, SocialWorks, is in the midst of their Warmest Winter clothing drive. Originally scheduled to run from Nov. 5 to 18, SocialWorks recently announced that they would be extending the drive to Dec. 15 to allow Chicagoans a little more time to make donations.
ONE OF CHICAGO’S REMAINING “GODFATHERS OF THE BLACK CHURCH” SUCCUMBS AT 98
Reverend Bass was the Organizer and retired Pastor of Mt. Olive M.B. Church, 5729 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL. “Pastor Bass was a mentor to all of us who dared to be leaders of congregations. He taught us all that our greatest presence is outside the walls of the church.” says Bishop Larry D. Trotter of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church of Chicago.