Friday, November 30
Walter Clark Former Chairman of the Board for the CTA Has Died
“It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing of our beloved husband, father, and family member, Walter Clark.” His passing was announced today by his family. The arrangements for his services are as follows:
Wednesday, November 28
SOUTH SIDE COMMUNITY SERVICES ORGANIZATION PREPARES FOR CHRISTMAS TREE GIVEAWAY
Centers for New Horizons Inc. is preparing for their third annual Christmas Tree Giveaway for community residents. On Saturday, Dec. 1, from noon to 2 p.m., the nonprofit organization will be giving away 100 Christmas trees and providing an opportunity for children to meet and take photos with Santa Claus at their offices, 4150 S. King Dr., in Bronzeville.
Greater Chatham Initiative Hosts Greater Chatham Strong Fundraising Gala
The Greater Chatham Initiative recently hosted their inaugural fundraising gala, Greater Chatham Strong, at the Stony Island Arts Bank. Funds from the event will be used to further the organization’s mission to invest in the communities of Avalon Park, Auburn Gresham, Chatham, and Greater Grand Crossing.
Friend Of Late Mayor Harold Washington Says The Future Is In The Hands of the Black Community Once Again
Conrad Worrill is a highly regarded African American writer, educator, and activist from Chicago. Worrill was also a friend of the late Chicago Mayor, Harold Washington who died in office 31 years ago. In honor of the anniversary of Mayor Washington’s death, Worrill took the time to recall some of his memories and spoke on how the political climate has changed from then to now.
Cultural Icon Timuel D. Black, Jr. Feted on 100th Birthday, Receives French Legion of Honour
Honoring a lifetime of Achievement, Music and Memories at Centenary Celebration Weekend
In his Bronzeville neighborhood, he is known as Baba, Griot. Teller of tales, fighter of the good fight, protector of our history. He is a cultural icon, a larger than life figure whose legacy encompasses more than 80 decades. His life’s journey has been one of serving country, building family, securing civil rights and supporting community. On December 8-9, 2018, Chicago will celebrate the 100th Birthday of Timuel D. Black, Jr. with events in Chicago at Logan Center and at the South Shore Cultural Center.
TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS OF ILLINOIS GIVES FOUR AWARDS TO SOUTH SUBURBAN CHICAGO TOWNSHIP
Thornton Township was recently honored with four awards by the Township Officials of Illinois. The awards included, Best Township Social Media, Best Township Communication Messenger of the Year; Ernst Lamothe Jr., Most Innovative Township Program Award, and Best General Assistance Caseworker of the Year; Lakeela Jennings.
Arts, Entertainment, History and Culture Headline the 2019 Forever Stamp Lineup
In the spirit of the coming new year, the U.S. Postal Service recently revealed several of the new Forever stamps and other stamps to be issued in 2019.
South Suburban Schools Train on Storytelling Techniques to Tackle Youth Disconnect
A new movement is brewing up in Chicago-area schools to tackle the social and emotional disconnect of youth that’s triggered by the increasing domination of social media and cell phone usage in society. And Prairie-Hills Elementary School District 144 in Markham, Ill. is leading the way.
High School Students Compete In Cooking Up Change Competition
Students from Chicago Public High Schools recently competed in the Healthy Schools Campaign’s Cooking up Change contest. Students were asked to create healthy and delicious school meals that their peers would enjoy while meeting strict nutritional standards and a tight budget.
My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Announces Chicago Grant Recipients
My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, an initiative of the Obama Foundation, recently announced the winners of its inaugural MBK Community Challenge Competition. Of the 19 organizations that were selected as winners, 5 were from Chicago and will become a unique cohort within the initiative.
New Research Shows Consumers Increasingly Adopting Tech-Driven Purchasing Habits
Citi Retail Services (CRS) recently announced the results of its third-annual nationwide study on evolving consumer shopping trends during the holiday season. The survey of 1,000 U.S. adults found that this holiday season, in addition to rushing to the mall, consumers are increasingly powering up their computers and mobile devices or simply interacting with their virtual assistant. While nearly three-fourths (73%) still plan on visiting a brick and- mortar store to purchase holiday gifts, a sizable 57% additionally plan on turning to their computer to shop, 42% to their mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, and 13% to their virtual assistant, such as Alexa or Siri, to facilitate their holiday shopping needs.
There’s No Place Like Paramount For The Magic of the Wizard of Oz
Acclaimed Chicago director Amber Mak dazzled audiences with Paramount’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. She made kids of all ages believe in Santa again with Elf The Musical. Now she’s taking audiences over the rainbow and into another fantastical world with The Wizard of Oz, playing now through January 6, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in Aurora.
HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA CLUB PRESENTS ELF THE MUSICAL JR. AS THEIR FALL PRODUCTION
The Bloom High School Drama Club is preparing for their fall production of Elf The Musical Jr. which will open at 7 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 29. There will be another 7 p.m. show on Friday, Nov. 30 and a performance at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 1 at Bloom High School, 101 W 10th St, in Chicago Heights. Ticket prices are $6 for adults, $5 for students, $5 for senior citizens, and kids 5 and under are free.
New Food Hall To Open In Historic South Side Neighborhood
A new food hall is scheduled to open in the historic Pullman neighborhood in late January. One Eleven Food Hall will house three South Side restaurateurs and will be located in the 111th Street Gateway Retail Center that was developed by Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives.
Assessor’s Office again certifies assessments early
Assessor Berrios’ record of perfect timing helps ensure that schools, communities and other taxing bodies receive revenue on schedule; taxpayers save millions of dollars.
Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios announced today that his office has certified the 2018 City of Chicago Triennial Reassessment earlier than last year’s triennial reassessment and will again publish all assessed values ahead of the anticipated schedule.
Monday, November 26
UNCF Chicago Joins the Global #GivingTuesday Movement
Gifts benefit historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and their deserving students; changing the narrative of HBCUs across the nation
—UNCF Chicago joins #GivingTuesday to encourage philanthropy through education. Benefiting historically black colleges and universities, UNCF Chicago aims to change the narrative of HBCUs across the nation by equipping minority students with the resources necessary to transition into college and ultimately the workforce. With the recent release of UNCF’s new publication, HBCUs Make America Strong: The Positive Economic Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the value can be seen in how HBCUs perform in annual job creation and economic development: 134,000 jobs nationwide and almost $15 billion in total national economic impact. In Chicago alone, UNCF Chicago awarded 784 scholarships to IL students.
Wednesday, November 21
Black McDonald’s Operators Association sponsors annual turkey giveaway
Armed with a blue, folding lawn chair, Englewood resident Jacqueline Hendricks arrived early at a South Side McDonald’s to be first in line for the 19th Annual Food for the Body & Spirit turkey giveaway sponsored by the Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
FROM RADIO TO PUBLIC RELATIONS, SOUTH SUBURBAN RESIDENT SHARES HER STORY OF STRUGGLE AND SUCCESS
Denise Jordan Walker is the founder of Candid Public Relations and a well-known former smooth jazz radio host in Chicago. Over the last few decades, Walker has built a long list of celebrity clients and developed an impeccable ear for jazz music.
STATE REP. LA SHAWN FORD JOINS CHICAGO MAYORS RACE
Illinois Representative La Shawn Ford (8th District) recently held a press conference at the Sankofa Cultural Arts and Business Center,5820 W. Chicago Ave., to announce that he is running for Mayor of Chicago.
Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau Announces 2018 Stars of Tourism Man.pngthe Industry & Annual Tourism Award Winners
The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau (CSCVB), the regional destination management organization for Chicago’s 63 south and southwest suburbs, recognized its members, municipalities and organizations for their outstanding service in the hospitality and tourism industry during Fiscal Year 2018.
CHICAGO ACTIVISTS TAKE CITY WIDE BUS TOUR TO DISCUSS COMMUNITY CONCERNS
The Grassroots Collaborative recently organized a city-wide bus tour with stops on the north side, west side, and south side to share stories and discuss the most pressing issues that they see with the current state of affairs in Chicago.
MOVIE MAKER MONDAYS TEACH FUNDAMENTALS OF SCREENWRITING AND FILMMAKING
Contexture Media Network is currently in the midst of hosting their first session of Movie Maker Mondays, a six-week workshop series that provides useful information about film production. The workshops are being held every Monday from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Movie Studio Grill, 210 W. 87th St., in Chatham and the cost is $60 per session.
Employees of African-American business owners are more likely to receive robust benefits packages
As unemployment rates remain low across the country, strong employee benefits packages are a key driver of both recruitment and retention. According to Nationwide’s fourth annual survey of U.S. business owners with 1-499 employees, 85 percent of African-American business owners say they offer some form of an employee benefits package — well exceeding the broader business owner market (64 percent). Across every benefit category included in Nationwide’s survey, more African-American business owners indicate they provide more benefits to their employees than the general population of business owners.
Michelle Obama Launches Becoming Book Tour In Chicago With Special Guest, Oprah Winfrey
Former First Lady, Michelle Obama, recently visited Chicago to host the first stop on her book tour for the newly released memoir Becoming by Micelle Obama. She was joined by Oprah Winfrey who interviewed Obama about the book and her life.
Ford Honors Over A Dozen Unsung Heroes For Their Work In Chicago’s African American Communities
Ford Motor Company recently hosted the Freedom Unsung Awards at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., to honor Chicago activist that have made significant contributions to the African American communities across the city. “Ford has always honored people for their legacy and we have honored a lot of very famous people. We had an exhibit on the women of the Civil Rights Movement that toured the country for four years and we realized as we did that and as we do other programs that there are so many heroes in the community that never ask for anything and are just doing what they are doing,” said Pamela Alexander, director of community development for the Ford Motor Company Fund.
University Of Chicago’s Civic Leadership Academy Unveils Three-Year Evaluation
After three years of operation, The Civic Leadership Academy at the University of Chicago has released a formal evaluation of their first three cohorts. The results of the evaluation show that the interdisciplinary programming the University is providing has benefited the individuals and organizations that have participated and Chicago’s civic network as a whole.
Wednesday, November 14
Fashion Designer Mieka Joi Celebrates Rich Girl Candy Clothing Five Year Anniversary Fusing EDM and Hip Hop Culture
When clothing designer Mieka Joi introduced her Rich Girl Candy concept in 2013, fashionistas knew she was unveiling an imaginative new concept Fusing the psychedelic exuberance of the electronic dance music (EDM) lifestyle with the street savvy of hip hop culture, Mieka's Rich Girl Candy exploded on the fashion scene with an abundance of colorful creativity. She captured the hearts of women who wanted to feel as electric as the music that sound tracked their lives.
Muntu Dance Theatre’s “New Dimensions” Fall Concert To Feature World Premiere Work by Iddrisu Alhassan Abdulai
The dynamic and always colorful Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago will present its fall concert series “New Dimensions,” an amazing show of skill, expertise, culture, versatility and power featuring the world premiere work by Iddrisu Alhassan Abdulai entitled "AGBEKOR" – a story of the Ewe people of Ghana. Abdulai has been sharing West African culture around the world and is originally from Ghana, having spent eight years with the Ghana Dance Ensemble. He also served as artistic director of Afrique Dance Ensemble and the residents dance ensemble of the W.E.B. DuBois Memorial Center in Ghana. Currently, he resides in Bloomingdale, IL, and has been with Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago for nearly three years.
Region’s Largest Multi-Sport and Education Center Opens On Far South Side of Chicago
A grand opening ceremony was recently held for the new Pullman Community Center located on 10355 S. Woodlawn Ave. The 135,000 square-foot complex features three indoor turf playing fields for baseball, soccer, football and lacrosse, three hardwood courts for volleyball and basketball, batting cages, and classrooms where free tutoring will be offered for student-athletes.
Local College Hosts Month-Long Veterans Celebration
Throughout the month of November, the Student Veterans Center at Prairie State College will be celebrating veterans with various activities that will honor all of those who have served in the military. Most events will be held on the college’s main campus, 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights, and all events are open to the public.
Nationally Syndicated AfroZons Show Is Looking For A Lucky Winner To Take To Lagos, Nigeria For RBRM (Bobby Brown and Bel Biv De Voe) Concert
The first syndicated Afrobeats radio show in the United States is giving a lucky listener (and guest) a round trip; 5 Days and 3 Nights stay in Lagos, Nigeria to attend the Flytime Rhythm Unplugged Festival V.V.I.P Concert with RBRM (Bobby Brown and Bel Biv De Voe) with city tour December 19th – December 23rd.
Young Chicagoan Represents The United States At Human Rights Defenders World Summit
A young activist, Eva Lewis, who grew up on the south side of Chicago recently traveled to Paris to participate in the Human Rights Defenders World Summit 2018. Lewis spoke on the Americas panel, alongside activists from Latin America, and discussed youth-led movements in the United States as well as the state of black and brown people in the country.
Millennials discuss voting with mayoral candidate Dorothy Brown
There are more than 15 mayoral candidates running in next year’s election, including Dorothy Brown, who currently serves as clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Recently, she met with millennials who told her what they are looking for in the next mayor. They also shared stories as to why some millennials don’t vote.
SOUTH SUBURBAN COLLEGE STUDENTS ATTEND ANNUAL DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS CONFERENCE
Ten South Suburban College students were recently invited to attend the Second Annual Dirty Little Secrets Conference at the Swissotel in Downtown Chicago. The event was created by Louis Carr, president of media sales for BET Network, as a way to provide men with the tools and strategies they may need to succeed in work and life.
Chicago Students Awarded Thousands In College Scholarships, On The Spot
Hundreds of students offered more than 1.5 million dollars in scholarships during the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) Empower Me Tour / Photo Courtesy: UNCF Tim Caver
Six students were surprised on the spot with a $2,500 scholarship each. Serena Echols and Benjamin Todd of Morgan Park Academy; Reginelle Sanders of Collins Academy; Amber Anderson of Kenwood Academy; Sheniya Jenkins of Roberto Clemente Community Academy and Lawrence Pope of Hyde Park Academy. “Earning this scholarship starts my financial future on the right path,” says Lawrence Pope who ranks number seven in his senior class. “I come from a low-income family. My mother works at Cook County jail and barely earns a living wage. I try my hardest in school to help my mom. I want her to worry less,” adds the 17-year-old.
Chicago Activist Aims To Replace Guns With Hammers To Reduce Gun Violence
A local activist, Demetrius Nash, recently founded the nonprofit organization Replace Guns With Hammers as a way to reduce violence in Chicago’s most underserved communities. The goal of the organization is to give young men an opportunity to work on a building renovation as an alternative to committing violence.
33 Agencies to Receive Sub-Grants to Help Families Rent or Buy Affordable Homes
HUD has awarded $1,259,176 to Housing Action Illinois to distribute funds to local nonprofits whose housing counseling programs help families rent or buy safe, affordable homes and prevent foreclosures. This year’s network of 33 housing counseling agencies, listed below, serve low- and moderate-income communities in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Missouri.
Padilla discusses his immigrant experience during Thornton Township’s Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
Thornton Township celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with music, dance, and authentic food. This year’s event was held at Thornton Township Senior/Youth & Family Services Center located at 14323 S. Halsted, Riverdale, Illinois.
CHICAGO CHILDREN’S THEATRE RELEASES MUSIC VIDEO TO SPOTLIGHT HUNGER IN CHICAGO
The Chicago Children’s Theatre and the Greater Chicago Food Depository recently collaborated to create a Hunger Awareness music video. The music video doubles as a public service announcement and shows Chicago kids sorting food, having fun, dancing, and singing at the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s main donation and sorting facility on Chicago’s Southwest side.
North Side Non-Profit Expands To New South Side Location
The Albany Park Community Center (APCC) recently announced that it will soon open the new APCC-South service center at 4455 S. King Dr. in the Bronzeville neighborhood. The new location will provide several different services to the community, including counseling services, community access to a newly designed computer lab, and job training programs.
Wilsyn Receives Black Excellence Award From AAAA
Bobbi Wilsyn, long-time Columbia College Chicago faculty member and coordinator of the Vocal Studies program, received a 2018 Black Excellence Award from the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago (AAAA) for Outstanding Achievement in Jazz Music. Wilsyn was honored at the AAAA’s annual awards event held at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center on Oct. 29.
South Side Pharmacist Answers Common Questions About The Flu Shot
David Martinez, the pharmacy manager at the Walgreens located on 1554 E. 55th St. in Hyde Park, is deeply committed to his job and to serving the community. Martinez said that he is happy to be able to answer questions and provide the flu shot for residents at the south side pharmacy which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Wednesday, November 7
SOUTH SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL WILL ONCE AGAIN HOSTS ANNUAL THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON
On Nov. 14, Glenwood Academy will host it’s 70th annual Thanksgiving Luncheon at The Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton Pl. in Chicago. The Luncheon is a fundraiser for the school and will include a performance from the student band, parent testimonials, and students dressed in military uniforms mingling with guests.
Donald Byrd Returns to Dance Center After 24 Years with Spectrum Dance Theater
Bessie Award-winning and Tony-nominated choreographer Donald Byrd returns to Chicago with his company Spectrum Dance Theater, presented by the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago January 31–February 2, 2019 at the Dance Center, 1306 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago.
Chicago Urban League Receive $1 Million Grant For Infrastructure and Technology Upgrades
The Chicago Urban League recently received a $1 million grant for the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The money will be spread out over a 4-year time frame and used to fund infrastructure improvements at the organization’s headquarters, 4510
Cook County in Substantial Compliance of Hiring Practices, Ending Federal Oversight
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced recently that Cook County has been found in compliance with the Shakman Consent Decree and will be released from federal oversight.
South South Suburban Basketball Star Drafted into NBA G-League
Former Hillcrest High School and South Suburban College (SSC) men’s basketball star player – Jovan Mooring – was drafted in the first round by the Grand Rapids Drive of the National Basketball Association (NBA) G-League during their annual draft recently. Mooring, a 6’2” Guard, was the 13th pick overall.
Keys to Matteson handed over to volleyball coach
Singing sensation Melinda Bussie, whose stage name is Sandy Redd, was honored by Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin on Saturday for her recent appearance on the TV show The Voice. “We are excited for Sandy because she is one of our on. She is a hometown girl right here in the village of Matteson,” said Chalmers-Currin. “This is my first time giving a resident a key to the village and I am very proud to do so.”
Chicago Author Hosts Book Signing For Release Of Second Novel
D.A. Rhodes, author of Why?, recently hosted a book signing event for the release of her newest novel The Day Hate Stood Still. The new book is a sequel to her first novel and chronicles the difficult life of the Boxx Family.
REWARDS OFFERED FOR MISSING WOMAN LAST SEEN IN THE CHATHAM AREA
“Based on the length of time of Kierra Coles disappearance and the fact that she has fallen off the grid, police suspect possible foul play. We continue to get leads and are following up diligently on those leads,” the Chicago Police Department said in an official statement.
Serena Williams Joins Common For Creative Minds Talk In Chicago
“Serena and Common are philanthropists who are passionate about supporting education, providing resources for victims of violence, and they will continue to fight for equality,” said Leslie Pappas, executive director of the Common Ground Foundation, one of two beneficiaries of this Creative Minds Talk.
Target exit will leave a hole on the South Side
Almost twice a week Toy Whiteurst said she goes to the Target store in Chatham to shop and get some exercise from walking. “This is a big store so you’re going to do a lot of walking if you come here,” said Whiteurst. “I don’t mind all the walking because it’s exercise for me. I love coming here to shop because I get some good deals and I don’t have to leave my neighborhood to spend my money.”
Local Students Win $2,500 At National Entrepreneurship Competition
After competing against student-entrepreneurs in New York City, five young people from Chicago were awarded $2,500 for their business idea, Design AhhJean, at the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship’s (NFTE) national competition.
Improve a Business by Creating 5 Financial Statements and Analyzing Them This Unique Way, Says Financial Education Benefits Center
Many businesses begin with a vision, but many cannot build a financial plan to bridge that vision with reality. The problem may be that entrepreneurs do not understand the financial benefit they get out of a financial plan. Instead of implementing an idea with a solid logical foundation, many entrepreneurs conceive of an idea and then pursue that idea without researching enough to justify it. By shooting from the hip like this, an entrepreneur may be throwing away opportunities for success. If entrepreneurs focus on developing their financial plan before taking immediate action, they may be able to figure out if that action is worth continuing. Financial Education Benefits Center (FEBC), a membership benefits company, offers resources that may help entrepreneurs plan and improve their business.
WEST SIDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION RELEASES UPDATED QUALITY OF LIFE PLAN
The North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council (NLCCC), in partnership with LISC Chicago and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, recently held a community meeting at the Old Saint Patrick’s Auxiliary Auditorium, 625 West Adams St., to unveil an updated Quality of Life Plan for the entire North Lawndale community.
KLEO Center Hosts Annual Fundraiser To Support Community Programs
A Washington Park-based non-profit organization, The KLEO Center, recently hosted their 12th Annual Fundraising Gala at Carnivale in the West Loop. The annual Gala is a major fundraising initiative for the KLEO Center and is essential for raising critical funds to support community programs.