Thursday, September 27
CICS Launches Open Call for Innovative Educator Fellows
Chicago International Charter School (CICS) is seeking innovative educators as part of the Education Entrepreneurship Fellowship program. The Education Entrepreneur Fellowship Open Call closes on Thursday, November 1, 2018. Up to six Fellows will be selected for the Winter 2019 cohort. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online at https://www.on-ramps.com/jobs/1435.
Wednesday, September 26
5th ANNUAL (IN)JUSTICE FOR ALL FILM FESTIVAL TO RUN OCT. 4-13
Free Film Screenings Illuminate the Causes and Impact of America’s Mass Incarceration Epidemic and Potential Solutions
The (In)Justice for All Film Festival will feature more than 60 films, in 26 locations throughout Chicago within the span of 10 days, designed to educate, encourage and inspire people to take active roles in combating some of the ills that lead to or happen as a result of the mass incarceration epidemic. It runs October 4-13 and is free and open to the public.
ComEd Launches Energy Academy at Dunbar Vocational High School in Bronzeville
New four-year program prepares students for energy jobs, continued STEM education
Dunbar Vocational Career Academy High School in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood is partnering with ComEd to launch an energy academy that will make the science of energy a key part of the students’ four-year learning experience and offer paid apprenticeships to prepare them for job opportunities and further education.
MAYORAL CANDIDATES REACT TO PRECKWINKLE ENTERING CROWDED MAYORS RACE
It’s difficult to keep track of who is currently running for Mayor of Chicago, even more so now that incumbent Mayor Rahm Emanuel has decided not to seek a third term.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program applications available
The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Office of Community Assistance recently announced that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will begin scheduling appointments and accepting applications for winter heating assistance for seniors and people with disabilities beginning October 1, 2018.
Mayor Announces Resilient Families Task Force To Combat Poverty In Chicago
The Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, along with several Chicago Alderman, recently approved the creation of the Resilient Families Task Force to analyze current strategies and recommend new ways to reduce the number Chicago families that are living in poverty. Specifically, the Task Force will develop a Universal Basic Income pilot program for 1000 Chicago families and explore the possibility of a Chicago based Earned Income Tax Credit program.
TRUE STAR FOUNDATION HOSTS FUNDRAISER TO CELEBRATE THEIR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Th e True Star Foundation is hosting a fund- raiser on Oct. 4 and 6 p.m. at the Leo Burnett offices, 35 W. Wacker Dr., to celebrate the organization’s 14 years of operation and their transformation from print media to digital media.
15 Cities Targeted Nationwide to Reach Young Voters of Color
At a time when all Americans continue to grapple with deep social, racial and economic injustices, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSC-ME) is activating the next phase of “I AM 2018,” a major non-partisan campaign to engage disenfranchised communities of color in a number of cities across the nation in the upcoming 2018 midterm elections. The campaign is designed specifically to reach 18-to-34-year-old African American and Hispanic voters through Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and motivate them to go to the polls in November.
Three Exhibitions Focus on Late 19th-Century Chicago and Gilded Age Portraiture
Now through January 6, 2018, the Richard H. Driehaus Museum presents three exhibitions focusing on portraits from the Gilded Age and late 19th-century Chicago.
One-Day How-To Festival Hosts Dozens Of Workshops Exploring Crafts and Hobbies
The Lansing Public Library recently hosted their first How To Festival that featured several 30-minute seminars and workshops that each focused on a different topic and explored crafting techniques, provided valuable information and taught new skills.
MEETING HELD TO DISCUSS JOBS AND JUSTICE ACT OF 2018
The Chicago Urban League recently hosted the Jobs and Justice Town Hall to discuss H. R. 5785, a house bill better known as the Jobs and Justice Act of 2018, which was introduced by the Congressional Black Caucus in May. The meeting was held in collaboration with Illinois members of the Congressional Black Caucus who were able to give the community an opportunity to ask questions and get a better understanding of the proposed bill.
Cook County Land Bank Seeks To Redevelop The Old Washington Park Bank Building
The Cook County Land Bank Authority (the Land Bank) has issued a Request For Proposal (RFP) that calls for the renovation of the 94-year-old Washington Park National Bank Building located on the corner of 63rd Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. The Land Bank has set a number of guidelines and proposals are being accepted from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31 with a decision being made by Dec. 13.
Chicago Magic Lounge presents an evening of eerie and mysterious magic with The Halloween Show
Chicago Magic Lounge, Chicago’s new home for close-up magic, brings magic, mystery and the macabre to the stage this Halloween season with a variety of performances to satisfy all cravings. Hosted by Ed Furman, The Halloween Show will feature magic by Sean Masterson and David Parr. In addition to the table and stage magic that evening, Parr will bring the spirits of the season to the 654 Club with an old-fashioned, Victorian-era séance.
Sixth Annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards Showcases International Humanitarians and Ali's Worldwide Impact
The sixth annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards will take place Thursday evening at the Omni Louisville Hotel. The fundraising gala celebrates individuals from around the world who are driven to becoming change agents for the common good. In addition to awards given to seasoned humanitarians, six young people age 30 and under, will be honored with an award for each of Muhammad Ali's Six Core Principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect and Spirituality.
TURN TWO FOR YOUTH COLLECTS BASEBALL EQUIPMENT IN SOUTH SUBURBS
The Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau is once again hosting the Turn Two For Youth sports drive across Chicago’s south suburbs. From now until Oct. 8, gently used baseball equipment can be dropped off at several locations and from there, it will make it’s way across the world to active kids in need.
AFTER DECADES OF WRITING AND RECITING POETRY, BABA GRIOT RECEIVES LIVING LEGEND AWARD
Leonard Lucas, better known by his stage name Baba Griot, was recently honored at the second annual National Spoken Word Awards with the 2018 Living Legend Award. Baba Griot was honored for his five decades of writing and reciting poetry along with mentoring young poets. The National Spoke Word Awards (NSWA) was founded in 2017 by De’Andre Hawthorne, also known as award-winning spoken word poet Blaq Ice. The awards were created to honor American Spoken Word Artists and those international Spoken Word artists who have made an impact in the United States. Prior to this years NSWA, Hawthorne reached out to Baba Griot to tell him that he was creating the Living Legend Award specifically to honor him
Sisters In Cinema Launches Campaign to Build Media Arts Center In South Shore
The Chicago-based non-profit Sisters in Cinema recently announced the launch of a crowdfunding campaign to raise funding for the rehab and buildout of the Sisters In Cinema Media Arts Center. Founded by award-winning filmmaker Yvonne Welbon, the Center will be based in the South Shore neighborhood where she grew up.
Chicago Housing Authority residents to receive payments for utility expenses
Current and former Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) residents will receive payments of up to $6.675 million as part of a settlement of a class-action lawsuit filed by six current and former public housing residents.
Legislation Introduced to Strengthen the ADA & Help Small Businesses Become Accessible
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced legislation recently with the Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee Bob Casey (D-PA), U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to make it easier for small businesses to become accessible for people with disabilities and help those businesses comply with the landmark.
Women-Owned Business Dr. Canuso Skincare for Feet Wins Coveted 'Best Product in Healthcare 2018'
Dr. Canuso, LLC., an OTC footcare products company recently announced that the line has won the prestigious 2018 ECRM/RangeMe "Best Product in Healthcare" Buyers Choice Award in Phoenix, AZ.
Thursday, September 20
National Medicare Education Week Seminar Will Answer Questions About Medicare
One of the three National Medicare Education Week (NMEW) Seminars happening in Chicago will be held at the Illinois Eye Institute, 3241 S. Michigan Ave., Sept. 21 at 1 p.m. as part of NMEW. The free educational seminar, hosted by UnitedHealthcare, is meant to help aging Chicagoans better understand their coverage options going into the annual enrollment period that begins in October.
PRIDE, ATHLETIC PROWESS AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE FUEL THE HBCU CLASSICS HERE AND NATIONWIDE
When the Miles College Golden Bears and Morehouse College’s Maroon Tigers take to the field for their momentous match-up on Saturday September 22 at Soldier Field as part of the Chicago Football Classic, they will join a long tradition of HBCU football match-ups that date back to the late 60s. The first HBCU Classic was held in 1968 between Morgan State and Grambling State in New York City. That inaugural event drew more than 60,000 frenzied fans to Yankee Stadium.
Wednesday, September 19
Texture on the Runway '18 Kicked Off New York Fashion Week
More than 900 influencers, media and VIPs filled NYC's Iconic Gotham Hall to celebrate NaturallyCurly's signature event Texture on the Runway on Thursday, September 6th during New York's Spring 2019 Fashion Week to celebrate the beauty of curls and coils. Retailer Sally Beauty returned as the retail sponsor for the innovative runway show that puts textured hair front and center.
Former Student At Gary Comer Youth Center Will Speak At Annual Luncheon
The Gary Comer Youth Center (GCYC) will host its annual benefit luncheon on Oct. 12 at The Fairmont Chicago and Breana Brown, a former GCYC student, will be a featured speaker at the event. Brown credits her childhood mentors from the GCYC with providing her with the support she needed to attend and complete college.
Report Lists 308 Black Corporate Directors of America's 500 Largest Public Companies, Identifies 187 Corporations with No Black Directors
Black Enterprise (BE) has released its latest exclusive report on African American representation on the corporate boards of 500 of America's largest publicly traded companies today at BlackEnterprise.com. The media company identifies 308 African American directors at S&P 500 companies, including JPMorgan Chase & Co., Prudential Financial Inc., ExxonMobil, and FedEx Corp., on the BLACK ENTERPRISE Registry of Corporate Directors. In addition, the report reveals 184 companies with no African American representation among their boards of directors.
THE HYDE PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REBRANDS ANNUAL FALL EVENT
Over the weekend, the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual fall festival which is now known as the Fall Forward Festival. The event was strategically rebranded based on community feedback and to make sure the festival was inclusive and inviting to all.
Shedd Aquarium Extends Illinois Free Days To After Hours Events
The Shedd Aquarium is offering free admission for Illinois residents now through the end of the month and the Free Day incentive has also been extended to special After Hours events that take place most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The Shedd Aquarium’s Free Days are designed to remove cost barriers and make the facility as accessible as possible for Illinois residents
LOCAL EMMY AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER RELEASES WHOLE FOODS ENGLEWOOD DOCUMENTARY
Local film-maker and Emmy award-winning video editor, Don Howze, produced, “Whole Foods Englewood, Changing Chicago’s Food Desert,” a 30- minute documentary film that first aired in April 2017. Now, Howze is releasing the film to the public on Amazon where it is available for purchase.
Gwendolyn Brooks Academy Partners With Schuler Scholar Program
Starting this year, Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, a CPS selective enrollment high school in Pullman, will partner with the Schuler Scholar Program which will provide free on-site programming that will encourage academic success and open doors to colleges around the country for students.
WORKSHOP WEDNESDAYS AT SSC OFFER HELP WITH CAREER-RELATED TOPICS
The Career Development and Job Center at South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 State St. in South Holland, recently launched Workshop Wednesday’s which are being held every Wednesday during the fall semester at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Students and community members are invited to attend the short 30-minute workshops to get a quick bit of advice on a number of career-related topics.
FROM THE HIT TV SHOW BRING IT - DANCER SUNJAI WILLIAMS DEBUTS HER NEW “SUNJAI DOLL”
Television personality and dancer Sunjai Williams from the hit TV show Bring it, has partnered with renowned doll designer Stacey McBride-Irby of IamUdolls to create a fashion doll in her likeness.
Astellas Announces Launch of ‘What's Next Sweepstakes’ with Laila Ali
Astellas Pharma US, Inc., recently announced the launch of the "What's Next Sweepstakes," sponsored by Myrbetriq® (mirabegron). Fans age 18 and older can enter for a chance to win a trip for two to Los Angeles to attend a spring 2019 taping of ABC's hit show "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS).
Wednesday, September 12
$7.1 Million of Funding Now Active for 427 Potential Cook County Homeowners
The Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS Chicago) recently hosted a two-day event at McCormick Place to connect national down payment program NeighborhoodLift, a national mortgage assistance program sponsored by Wells Fargo, with prospective Cook County homeowners.
New Food Pantry Doubles As A Community Resource And Vocational Program
A grand opening ceremony was recently held for the Blue Cap Food Pantry located on 2155 Broadway St. in Blue Island. The Food Pantry is partnering with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and will be mostly operated by people with intellectual disabilities as a way for them to learn vocational skills and prepare for future employment opportunities.
COMED HOSTS FREE BRONZEVILLE MICROGRID SHOWCASE AND JOB FAIR
The Microgrid Showcase and Job Fair, hosted by ComEd, will take place at the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Hermann Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 15 and will give an update on the installation of Bronzeville's Microgrid while the accompanying job fair will provide information about energy jobs.
Free Mental Health Workshop and Film Screening To Be Held At DuSable Museum
The DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Pl., will host a Mental Health Workshop and screening of Dr. Darnell Lamont Walker’s, prize-winning film “Outside The House” Sept. 14, at 5:30 PM. The film, along with the workshop, will address the realities of mental health in black families and communities.
Up to One Million Dollars in Financing to Be Awarded to Ethnic Minority Companies in ‘Shark Tank’-like Business Competition
Minority business owners have historically found it difficult to gain access to capital. This funding often plays a big part in determining between the success and failure of the business. Studies have shown that financial, human, and social capital, as well as racial discrimination, are primarily responsible for disparities between non-minority and minority businesses. Achieving parity is key to significant U.S. economic growth, creating new jobs and raising wages in economically disadvantaged communities.
Target Expands Holiday Assortment to Offer More Than 2,500 New and Exclusive Toys
New this year, to make shopping Bullseye's Top Toys even more easy and fun, Target has created an online experience that showcases top toys by key trends of the season
The Miracle Center debuts world premiere theatrical adaption of ‘There’s a Coquí in my Shoe!’ as part of DESTINOS
The Miracle Center, 2311 N. Pulaski Rd. in Chicago’s Logan Square/ Hermosa community, presents the world premiere of Th ere’s a Coquí in My Shoe! as part of DESTINOS – the 2nd Chicago International Latino Th eater Festival.
Holsten Human Capital Presents 20Development (HHCD) 18 Community Sustainability Awards
For the past eight years, HHCD has honored individuals who are committed to encouraging, guiding and providing support to the communities and families we serve, while instilling the never-give-up attitude needed to succeed. This year, we have chosen to honor two groups: those that helped us grow through art and architecture, and residents who have given time or talent to help others while demonstrating what community means” comments Jackie Holsten.
THE WOODLAWN PROVIDES UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOUTH SIDERS TO GET CREATIVE
Woodlawn owner Donnell Digby created The Woodlawn in Avalon Park, to be whatever the community needs “After moving back, I started to realize there are a lot of big gaps in our community for resources and outlets and activities for young adults and kids to do and that’s where The Woodlawn kind of came into creation for me,” said Digby.
Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion Offi cially Opens at Navy Pier, Private Dedication Ceremony Held Sept. 20
Navy Pier, one of the most attended and iconic destinations in the Midwest, has opened its new Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion, a 4,000-square foot facility designed to welcome guests and offer a variety of information as they arrive and navigate the Pier. Located in Polk Bros Park, the Pavilion features a 35-foot, state-of-the-art digital screen, which displays an overview of Navy Pier, Peoples Gas and Chicago’s shared history, in addition to sustainability facts and welcome greetings in various languages to honor the more- than-9 million diverse guests who visit the Pier annually.
Candidates and Public Officials React to Mayor Emanuel’s Decision Not To Run Again
The Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, recently announced that he would not be pursuing a third term in office and dropped out of the 2019 mayoral election. The unexpected news had public officials and mayoral candidates scrambling to assert their opinions through carefully crafted and succinct statements as quickly as possible.
Jobs On The Block Event Connects People With Potential Employers In Their Neighborhood
The Annual Jobs on the Block hiring event was recently held in Englewood on 6600 S. Hermitage Ave. The event is an initiative from the Englewood Quality of Life Plan and brought employers looking to hire into the neighborhood and also provided local employment resource organizations to help with people’s current job needs and encouraged them to set long-term career goals.
FINAL LIGHT IN THE NIGHT EVENT HELD IN COLLABORATION WITH CHICAGO’S VISION ZERO
The Garfield Park Community Council recently hosted their final Light in the Night event of the summer near the Kedzie Green Line station, 3200 W. Lake St. The event was created to provide a safe space where community members could enjoy their weekend.
Thursday, September 6
SOUTH SIDE STORIES – THE ART AND INFLUENCE OF DR. MARGARET T. BURROUGHS TO OPEN SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 AT THE DUSABLE MUSEUM
The DuSable Museum of African American History announced a new exhibition, South Side Stories – The Art and influence of Dr. Margaret T. Burroughs, 1960-1980. The exhibition will open on Thursday, September 13, 2018 and continue through March 2019 at the Museum located at 740 East 56th Place (57th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue) in Chicago.
Grant Memorial AME Church Celebrates 104 Years of God's Faithfulness And Service To The Community
Growing Spiritually Stronger, Growing Spiritually Deeper, Reaching Spiritually Higher
Grant Memorial AME Church, 4017 South Drexel Boulevard, Chicago, Il will have its 104th Anniversary and Homecoming Celebration on the 9th of September.
Wednesday, September 5
Alderman Michelle A. Harris Prepares The Ward For Up Coming Parade & Jamboree
''One Community-One Family" Back-to-School Parade & Jamboree on Sept. 8, 2018. Summer is quickly drawing to a close, and the start of the new school year is here!
Illinois Department Of Public Health Moves To Lower Action Level For Lead In Blood
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) moves to lower the level at which public health interventions are initiated for children with blood lead levels from 10 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL) to 5 μg/dL.
Advancing Transport for the Masses: Stark Drive Redefines E-Bike Affordability With an Innovative Folding and Configurable Bike Under $300 USD
Looking to transcend the current standards of the electric bicycle market, Stark Drive, (https://starkdrive.bike/), introduces a new level of personal conveyance and convenience on two wheels with their Stark Drive Mini e-bike.
Black Church to Assemble for ‘Call to Conscience - Day of Action’ Across from White House
Black denominational and faith leaders have scheduled a “Call to Conscience - Day of Action” for September 5th and 6th in Washington DC, the nation’s capital. “We are calling pastors, congregants, and citizens from across the country to join us in Washington DC on September 5th and 6th, as we call the nation to conscience. Additionally, Sunday, September 2nd is designated as ‘Social Justice Sunday.’ We are asking every pastor to preach a sermon related to social justice,” said Bishop Reginald Jackson, president of the Bishops Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Balbo Drive Briefly Closed For Hoops in The Hood Cross-City Basketball Tournament
The 12th Annual Hoops in the Hood Cross- City Basketball Tournament was recently hosted by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Chicago and the Chicago Park District on a one-block stretch of East Balbo Drive, be- tween Columbus and Lake Shore drives, which was closed for the day and transformed into seven basketball courts.
UPCOMING STREET CLOSURE WILL MAKE SPACE FOR 79TH STREET RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
The Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC) will host the 13th Annual 79th Street Renaissance Festival from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 8 to 9 on 79th Street between Racine and Loomis in the Auburn Gresham Neighborhood.
NEW POLICE COMMANDER FOR THE 2ND DISTRICT OUTLINES TACTICS AT PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
A recent public safety meeting, hosted by 4th Ward Alderman, Sophia King, and 3rd Ward Alderman, Pat Dowell, featured detailed information on the tactical strategy to decrease crime in the Chicago Police Department’s 2nd District which is now led by Commander Dion Boyd who spoke about his strategy to reduce crime.
Mortgage Industry Leaves Millions of Prospective Homebuyers Behind
“By many metrics, the U.S. housing market in 2018 is on sound footing,” said Chris Herbert, managing director of the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies in the center’s annual State of the Nation’s Housing report. “But a number of challenges highlighted in the first ‘State of the Nation’s Housing’ report 30 years ago persist today, and in many respects the situation has worsened for both the lowest-income Americans and those higher up the income ladder.”
Humana Community Center Offers Free Health And Wellness Activities
Humana, a health and well-being company, recently opened a community center in Evergreen Plaza, 9522 S. Western Avenue in Evergreen Park, where area-residents can come for a variety of free activities that focus on improving their health and wellness. Humana offers a variety of health and wellness programs and plans to serve a variety of consumers from families to seniors to military members to self-employed individuals. Humana not only operates community centers across the country, but they also provide a range of health care and prescription drug plans along with vision and dental plans, according to the Humana website.
Chicago Park District Breaks Ground On Indoor Track and Field Facility
A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held for the brand new state-of-the-art Gately Indoor Track and Field at 744 E. 103rd St. in Pullman which will be the Chicago Park District’s first-ever public indoor track and field facility
PUBLIC HEARING HELD TO DISCUSS PROPOSED GAMING EXPANSION IN ILLINOIS
State Rep. Bob Rita (D-Blue Island) recently brought together two House committees on Gaming and on Sales and Other Taxes to participate in a public legislative hearing, held at the Bilandic Building in Chicago, where they discussed a proposed Illinois gaming expansion that could also increase economic opportunity in the state.
Black Women And Girls Symposium Focused On Securing The Bag
The Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls recently held a Symposium at Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Dr., titled Securing the Bag. The symposium focused on helping African American women build financial freedom and generational wealth
LAGOS Unveils First Fine Jewelry Bracelet Designed For The Apple Watch®
LAGOS, the fine jewelry brand, has announced a 60-day exclusive with luxury retailer Bloomingdale’s to launch an innovative collection of sterling silver, 18K gold, and diamond bracelets made for the Apple Watch®. Distribution will broaden incrementally after November 1.
2019 Dates Announced For Mariah Carey ‘The Butterfly Returns’ At The Colosseum At Caesars Palace
As she returns to the Las Vegas stage for her headlining residency, Mariah Carey has announced five new dates from Feb. 13 through Feb. 21, 2019 for “The Butterfly Returns” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Tickets for Feb. 2019 shows are on sale now at ticketmaster.com/Mariah
Chicago Public Relations Consultant Launches Book To Share Tips And Tricks
Independent public relations (PR) consultant and Founder of Agency Abron, Vanessa Abron, recently released “Prelude to Pitch; The Public Relations Guide and Toolkit for Small Business Owners, Artists, Music Pros and Creative Professionals.” The book is a way for Abron to provide PR resources to those who are working on a small budget
Tuesday, September 4
UNCF CELEBRATES 35 YEARS OF THE WALK FOR EDUCATION
The Chicago office of UNCF, 35th Annual Walk for Education, 5k/10k walk. Participants of the event can choose to either walk or run a 5k course, or bike or skate a 10k course. The Walk raises more than $100,000 for scholarships. Returning as emcee is journalist Art Norman, a longtime advocate of UNCF, since the Walk began in 1983. Other emcees: iHeart radio personalities Bioncé Foxx, Sonya Blakey and Leon Rogers. Guest DJ Boulumaster brings the music. Personal trainer Siddiqu leads warms up.