Wednesday, April 24
Local Pharmacists Are Issuing A Wakeup Call For People Living With Chronic Illnesses
In Illinois, roughly half of the population has been diagnosed with a chronic disease and approximately 50 percent of patients with a chronic illness fail to take their daily medications as prescribed, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Advocates Call for Fair Housing Protections for People With Arrest & Conviction Records
On March 21, 2019, Commissioner Johnson introduced an amendment which would ensure that individuals with records cannot be discriminated against when searching for housing in Cook County.
TWO YOUNG ACTIVISTS COLLABORATE TO HOST OPERATION GIVE BACK
11-year-old Jahkil Jackson, from Project I Am, and 12-year-old Alyssia Duda, from Alyssia’s Dream, are both young activists in Chicago and have been friends for about two years.
McDonald’s gospel tour includes Chicago singer
This week, the 13th Annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour by McDonald’s kicks off its national tour in Chicago and includes South Side native Sir the Baptist.
South Side Native Chosen To Lead Development Around Future Obama Center
The Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative has officially named Ghian Foreman as their first CEO and will soon begin implementing their development plan for the Woodlawn, Washington Park, and South Shore neighborhoods on Chicago’s south side. These three neighborhoods surround the site of the future Obama Presidential Center and Emerald South will work to bring new investment to these communities.
South Suburban Mayor Celebrates 100-Year-Old Resident With Honorary Street Renaming
Wayne Adams Sr., also known as The Voice of Raceway Park in Calumet Park, recently turned 100 years old and to honor his legacy, the Mayor of the Village of Dolton, Riley Rogers, renamed Parkside Avenue as Wayne Adams Way. The renaming ceremony was held on Adams’ 100th birthday and several of his family members, south suburban residents, and elected officials came out to celebrate.
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SERVING CHICAGO’S YOUTH PREPARES TO CELEBRATE 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Almost 150 years ago, the Bright Promises Foundation, originally known as the Illinois Humane Society, came into existence with the purpose of providing a voice and assistance to those who needed their protection the most which at the time were children and animals.
Lawmakers, advocates stress importance of accurate 2020 Census count
SPRINGFIELD – Senate lawmakers and advocates gathered recently to stress the importance of getting a full and accurate count in Illinois during the 2020 Census.
Chicago Becomes the Largest City in the Country Committed to 100 Percent Clean Energy
The Chicago City Council recently unanimously voted to establish the goal of transitioning the entire city to 100 percent clean, renewable energy, like wind and solar, by 2035. Chicago becomes the largest city in the country to make this commitment, following cities like St. Louis, Madison, Atlanta, and San Francisco.
PCF Insurance Services Enters Chicago and New York Metro-Area Completing Two Acquisitions
PCF Insurance Services has completed the acquisition of Hipskind Seyfarth Risk Solutions, LLC, located in downtown Chicago, and Broadfield Group, LLC d/b/a Warwick Resource Group, located in the New York metro-area.
Sarahi Jeans Announces The Market At Macy's As New Retailer For April 2019
Sarahi Jeans recently announced The Market @ Macy’s, a one of- a-kind pop-up marketplace featuring a variety of both up-and coming and established brands as a new retailer for April 2019.
The 25th Anniversary ESSENCE Festival® Kicks Off on July 4-7 in New Orleans, LA
The ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola, the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience and largest celebration of global Black culture, is set to bring the 90’s heat with special performances that celebrate the 25th anniversary of some of the top albums of the decade.
CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT NOW ACCEPTING PUBLIC COMMENT ON GANG DATABASE POLICY DRAFT
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) recently opened up a portal on their website for Chicagoans to give feedback on the Criminal Enterprise Database, also known as the Gang Database. This public comment period will close on May 11 and at that time, the CPD will consider the public comments before finalizing and implementing the updated policy.
Applications Now Open for Chicago High School Teens Seeking Opportunities with After School Matters
After School Matters® is now accepting teen applications for its summer 2019 program session, which will begin the week of June 24. More than 700 programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports and STEM will be offered at various Chicago public high schools, as well as Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library and community organization locations throughout the city.
GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY HELD FOR NEW SENIOR LIVING COMPLEX COMING TO SOUTH SUBURBS
A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held at the southeast corner of Lincoln Highway and Ridgeland Avenue in Matteson to celebrate the start of construction on a new upscale senior living development. The Mayor of the Village of Matteson, Sheila Chalmers- Currin, was joined by elected officials, residents, and members of the development team who all spoke about their excitement for this greatly needed project.
Now That The Mayor’s Race Is Over, Cook County Board President Gets Back To Business
After a long, crowded, and historical mayoral race, Toni Preckwinkle is back to business as the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and has lost no momentum on implementing the recently released Policy Road Map and preparing for the 2020 Census.
Poet and Author Dr. Haki Madhubuti to Discuss New Black Panther Book During Institute of Positive Education Nation Studies Series
Panel discussion to feature Carl West, Robert Starks, and Leah Holmes
Every now and then, a rare opportunity comes along. This weekend is just one of those times. World lecturer and Third World Press Foundation founder and CEO Dr. Haki Madhubuti will be the featured speaker on Saturday, April 27, from 3:00-5:00 PM during the Nation Studies series presented by Third World Press Foundation (TWPF) and the Institute of Positive Education (IPE). As part of the presentation, Madhubuti will read from his recently released Black Panther: Paradigm Shift or Not? A Collection of Reviews and Essays on a Blockbuster Film. The book is co-edited by acclaimed author, journalist, activist, and noted Black history historian Herb Boyd.
Wednesday, April 17
Student From Wendell Phillips Academy Receives Youth Change Maker Award
Mikva Challenge, a nonprofit youth development organization, recently hosted their 20 Year Anniversary Fundraiser where three young people were honored with a 2019 Youth Change Maker Award for their work and leadership in health, justice and equity, and peace and public safety initiatives.
Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot continues to build out her transition team Announces top communications transition staff
Marielle is on leave from the University of Chicago, where she has served as Director of Public Affairs since 2015. A veteran communications strategist, Marielle previously held the position of Press Secretary for Chicago Public Schools, the Office of the Governor of Illinois, and for the Illinois Department of Human Services.
NETFLIX ANNOUNCES FIRST ORIGINAL AFRICAN ANIMATED SERIES MAMA K'S TEAM 4
Launches Continent-Wide Initiative to Engage Local Female Writing Talent
Johannesburg, ZA and Hollywood, Calif. - April 16 2019 - Netflix, the world's leading internet entertainment service, today announced its first original African animated series, Mama K’s Team 4, produced by Cape Town-based Triggerfish Animation Studios and leading London-based kids’ entertainment specialist CAKE.
McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Announces 13th Annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour and Talent Lineup
Free Concert Series Continues Support for Ronald McDonald House Charities, Introduces New Master Classes and Talent Showcases
McDonald's announced the return of one of its staple events, the 13th annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour. The longest-running, brand-owned gospel music tour is back with an award-winning talent line-up sure to please fans nationwide. This free concert tour begins April 27 and runs until December 13.
HBCU Grad Returns with First Ever Adult Coloring Book Celebrating Black Colleges
Latoya Nicole, bestselling author and owner of Entrepreneurs Color Too is back with the release of her newest edition “Alma Mater” and it’s just in time for graduation! The coloring book is full of highlights that showcase the Black College Experience including its education, diversity and culture. The illustrations are inspired by beautiful black women and range from Greek life and the Royal Court to STEM and science labs. It even includes activities that test your HBCU knowledge.
Chesterfield Community Council Prepares To Host Annual Home Expo
The Chesterfield Community Council will host its 15th Annual Greater Chatham Home Expo on April 20 from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. at the Tuley Park Field House, 501 E. 90th Place. The event will serve as a one-stop shop for current and potential homeowners to connect with helpful resources for purchasing and maintaining a home.
OneUnited Bank Announces 9th Annual ‘I Got Bank’ Youth Financial Literacy Contest
Ten Middle School Age Children Are Eligible to Win $1,000! For National Financial Literacy Month, OneUnited Bank, the nation’s largest black-owned bank, recently announced its 9th Annual “I Got Bank!” Financial Literacy Contest where ten children will win a $1,000 savings account. The contest represents the best essays and art projects that embody the “I Got Bank!” theme.
Walmart Plans Estimated $87.5 Million in Illinois Store Improvements, Innovations in 2019
Walmart expects to spend an estimated $87.5 million this year in Illinois through the remodeling of 16 stores, as well as the launch and continued expansion of several customer-focused innovations.
Collaboration sets the stage for Unique.Fashion Launch
The partnership will lay the groundwork for FIT to launch its own branded lines of apparel and accessories. FIT will develop a brand and a series of labels designed, marketed, and retailed by students through Unique.Fashion and manufactured using OnPoint’s innovative mass personalization on-demand manufacturing solutions and services.
THE ‘DAUGHTER OF ENGLEWOOD’ MAKES HISTORY
The daughter of a former Englewood alderman made history on April 2 when she was elected alderman of the 16th Ward at age 30. Stephanie Coleman, who turned 31-years-old on April 13, will be among the new City Council members sworn in on May 20 along with Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot. Coleman said she adopted the nickname ‘Daughter of Englewood’ since she was born and raised in Englewood.
Over 40 Chicago Students Celebrate National Volunteer Week On The South Side
Students from Perspectives Charter School’s Rodney D. Joslin Campus in South Loop recently traveled to the South Side of the city to participate in a day of volunteering in honor of National Volunteer Week. The students visited iGrow Chicago’s Peace House in Englewood and created care packages for members of their community.
SOUTH SUBURBAN STUDENTS WIN BIG AT COUNTY ROBOTICS COMPETITION
Several students from Chicago Heights School District 170’s Wilson Elementary School recently competed in the Unit Six 4H STEMbot Challenge at Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields. The students call themselves the Wilson Warriors and were tasked with building and programming a robot to solve real-life Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) problems.
District 148 educators, parents gather at Regional Conference
Administrators, educators, School Board Members and parents came together recently to discuss public education issues and trends in the south suburbs.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly Donates 120 Books To Homewood-Flossmoor High School
To commemorate National School Library Month, Congresswoman Robin Kelly recently delivered 120 books to Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School’s library through the Library of Congress’ Surplus Book Program and personally congratulated teacher Catherine Ross-Cook on winning a 2019 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPERS AND RESIDENTS COME TOGETHER TO DEDICATE A NEW PUBLIC SCULPTURE
Woodlawn residents recently gathered at the corner of E. 61st Street and S. Cottage Grove Avenue, right in front of the new Jewel-Osco store, to participate in a dedication ceremony for the new 17-foot sculpture known as the Wonder of Woodlawn.
Chicago Community Loan Fund Hosts Community Development Centered Workshops
The Chicago Community Loan Fund recently announced that it will host a series of workshops to help both established and potential community developers be both successful and socially impactful. The workshops will compile development assistance, sustainability resources, and customized training opportunities for developers and their up-and-coming community projects.
Wednesday, April 10
A TRUE UNSUNG HERO, DR. HERBERT C. HARRIS PIONEER DENTIST AND MEDICAL ENTREPRENEUR
Herbert Curlee Harris was born on February 4, 1928 to Lillie Maude Tucker Harris and Emanuel Mason Harris in Tucker, Arkansas. This Arkansas native distinguished himself in both academics and athletics as an undergraduate at Arkansas A.M. & N College, now known as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). After serving his country as a sergeant in the Armed Forces during the Korean War, he continued his studies at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee where he earned a D.D.S. degree in 1959.
EARTH DAY CLOTHING DRIVE HELPS CHICAGO YOUTH AND MAKES ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
As of 2015, there was over 137.7 million tons of waste sitting in landfills across the country and 7.6 percent of that was made up of textiles which are mostly discarded clothing items, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. With this information in mind, Cradles to Crayons, a national nonprofit organization with an office in Chicago, created their Earth Day Clothing Drive which will take place on April 27. The clothing drive will not only support their own mission, but will also help to keep textiles out of our landfills.
Community Activists Speak Out About Chicago’s Bike Share Program
Chicago’s City Council will soon vote on whether or not to allow Lyft, a well know ride-sharing company, to exclusively take over operation of the city’s blue Divvy Bikes for nine years. The deal would include a $50 million investment from Lyft that would be used to expand the city’s bike sharing network to all 50 wards by 2021 and include 10,500 new bikes and 175 new stations.
Restaurant: Impossible Needs VOLUNTEERS!!
COMING TO CHICAGO SOUTHSIDE SOON!
Restaurant: Impossible is coming to Chicago, IL on April 23rd and 24th ! We areBseeking enthusiastic individuals that would love to work with Robert Irvine and his talented renovation team as design and construction volunteers on the show!
LA RABIDA CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL INTRODUCES NEW SICKLE CELL TREATMENT
Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited red blood cell disease that affects about 100,000 Americans and is known to be more prevalent in certain racial groups. One out of every 365 African American children are born with the illness and will show symptoms within their first year of life, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control.
Gift of Hope Will Open Community Partnership Center On The South Side
Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network recently acquired a 48,000 square-foot three-story-building at 7936 S. Cottage Grove Ave. in the Chatham neighborhood that will soon be transformed into a Community Partnership Center. The building will be home to a healthcare training facility, several allied health care operations, a community development incubator, and the organization’s new Chicago office.
Awards ceremony to honor comedian Bernie Mac
African-Americans are affected by sarcoidosis. Imagine walking around not knowing you have it and maybe you’re being treated for one thing when in fact it’s something else. That’s a scary feeling and that’s why we try to educate people about the disease.”
My Size Launches MySizeID™ Mobile Measurement Solution to Lightspeed Platform
My Size, Inc. (the “Company” or “My Size”) (NASDAQ: MYSZ) (TASE: MYSZ), the developer and creator of smartphone measurement solutions, recently announced the general availability of its MySizeID mobile measurement solutions for integration on the Lightspeed Retail online platform. This is the Company’s second 3rd-party e-commerce integration, which followed the launch of the partnership with Lightspeed in October of 2018.
BRANDING EXPERT OFFERS SERVICES TO SOUTH SUBURBAN PROFESSIONALS AND BUSINESSES
Lindrea Reynolds is a creative director, brand strategist, and a south suburban resident who helps people to find their creative identity and their personal or professional brand so that they can be authentic and successful in whatever they chose to do. Reynold works with clients both in the city and in the south suburbs.
New South Suburban Mayor Shares Plan For First 100 Days
Voters in the City of Harvey recently elected Christopher Clark to be their next mayor. The final election results from the Cook County Clerk’s Office showed Clark receiving 61 percent of the vote while his opponent, Anthony McCaskill, received 39 percent of the vote.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPER PARTNERS WITH STERLING BAY TO INVEST ON THE SOUTH SIDE
Big name developer, Sterling Bay, recently announced it will collaborate with DL3 Realty on a new project in Englewood at the corner of 67th Street and Wentworth Avenue where Kennedy-King College used to be located. Specific details about the project have yet to be released but both parties are excited to begin working.
Recreational Marijuana Legalization
While Illinois is finally ready to have a serious and overdue conversation about fairer, more reasonable marijuana laws, some special interests are pushing for continued prohibition. In stating they hope to “slow down” the process of legalization, these special interests are perpetuating an unfair, unequal process in which marijuana is effectively legal for recreational use—if you’re white.
Stay Festival Hair Ready with Suave Professionals for Natural Hair This Spring
With bursts of sunny days and warmer weather, we all know the spring season is about to take full effect– with festivals and concerts galore! To keep your tresses soft and shiny this coming festival season, consider all your boxes checked with the Suave Professionals for Natural Hair collection – a NEW line of wash + care and styling products co-created with 5,000 women with natural hair. Priced at $5 (available at Walmart.com) this new collection embodies Suave’s message of providing great quality products at a value price
ComEd Installs Off-Grid Renewable Lighting at Bronzeville Schools
New pilots support Chicago Police Department student safety goals
Powering the lights are 30-foot-tall Remote Power Units (RPUs), miniature power plants that are not connected to the electric grid but draw energy from a wind turbine, solar panels and battery storage. Manufactured by ARIS Renewable Energy, the RPUs were officially activated recently in a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Beethoven Elementary School Principal Mellodie Brown. Speakers included Third Ward Alderman Pat Dowell and Illinois State Sen. Mattie Hunter.
What Does the Lightfoot Election Mean for Chicago’s Black Businesses?
When Lori Lightfoot is sworn in next month as Chicago’s first Black woman and openly gay person mayor, her administration’s first term will commence with the support of at least one national organization while under the watchful eye of another. The nonprofit, “In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda,” said it looks forward to Lightfoot’s leadership after her historic April 2 victory, but publishers from Chicago Area Black-owned newspapers said they’ll keep an open mind and a watchful eye
Wednesday, April 3
Active Transportation Alliance and Fifth Third Bank team up for 18th annual ride on Lake Shore Drive
21,000+ people on bikes to kick off summer at one of the nation’s best bike rides
For the 18th consecutive year, the heavily anticipated Fifth Third Bank Bike the Drive event will once again serve as the city’s unofficial kickoff to summer on Sunday, May 26, 2019. Held by the Active Transportation Alliance — a non-profit organization dedicated to improving conditions for bicycling, walking and transit — the event will offer nearly five hours of car-free riding along the city’s crown jewel roadway, Lake Shore Drive. After Fifth Third Bank’s recent merger with MB Financial Bank, Fifth Third took over title sponsorship of the Active Transportation Alliance event
SECOND ANNUAL FACE SUMMIT FOSTERS ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN SCHOOLS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITY
Thornton Township High Schools District 205 recently hosted their Second Annual Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Summit at Thornton Township High School in Harvey. The purpose of this event was to recognize students, parents, stakeholders, and township leaders in the school district for their support, and to empower them to stay involved in the school district.
Organizations around the country, representing thousands of small businesses, send open letter to state officials
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce joined state and regional business organizations across the country recently in sending an open letter to governors and state lawmakers urging them to carefully consider privacy laws that will protect consumer privacy and support businesses. The group specifically asked Illinois state officials to avoid modeling privacy laws after legislation that California passed last year.
CHICAGO FUND FOR SAFE AND PEACEFUL COMMUNITIES IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
For a fourth year, The Chicago Fund for Safe and Peaceful Communities is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for qualified community-based organizations who operate violence-prevention activities and violence intervention programs in 21 specific communities on the south and west sides of Chicago. Applications are being accepted now through April 10 and grants will be awarded on May 22.
Building Bridges Arts Now Offers Creative Workshops At Gary Comer Youth Center
Building Bridges Arts is a non-profit organization based in Chatham that focuses on allowing teenagers to explore their artistic and creative passions. Recently, Building Bridges Arts began hosting workshops at the Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S. Ingleside Ave. The workshops allow young people to explore podcast production and clothing design
SOUTH SUBURBAN REPRESENTATIVE SUPPORTS RAISING MINIMUM SALE AGE FOR TOBACCO PRODUCTS
The Illinois House of Representatives recently passed a bill that will raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21 in the State of Illinois. Debbie Meyers-Martin represents the 38th District of Illinois and was a chief co-sponsor for this piece of legislation because she believes that this will be beneficial for the health of her constituents and for the entire state.
CITY COLLEGES OF CHICAGO UNVEILS NEW TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION, AND LOGISTICS CENTER
A ribbon cutting ceremony was recently held at Olive-Harvey College, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave., to celebrate the completion of the school’s new Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics (TDL) Center. The facility will prepare students for the many TDL jobs and careers that are expected to come to Chicago and the surrounding area over the next 10 years.
Want To Be A P.O.P Star?
H&M Launches Latest Employer Branding Campaign
H & M, Hennes and Mauritz Inc., one of the world’s largest fashion retailers famous for offering fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way, recently announced the launch of its latest Place of Possible (P.O.P) campaign; H&M’s employer branding campaign aimed at attracting the best in retail talent.
Unemployment rate up in most metros
Unemployment rates increased over-the-year in February in ten of Illinois’s metropolitan areas, decreased in two, and was unchanged in two, according to preliminary data released recently by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Data also show nonfarm jobs increased in eight of the metropolitan areas.
U.S. Rep. Kelly Announces $14.3 million in Federal Health Funding for the Second District
Congresswoman Robin Kelly recently announced that Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness Center, based in Olympia Fields, was awarded two federal grants totaling $12.1 million and Harvey-based Family Christian Health Center was awarded $2.2 million in federal funding.
AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTIST CREATES EXHIBIT TO PROVIDE A SPACE FOR RELAXATION AND REFLECTION
The Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave., recently hosted an opening reception for the new Dark Matter: Celestial Objects as Messengers of Love in These Troubled Times exhibit that was created by Folayemi Wilson. The sights and sounds of the exhibit are meant to create a peaceful atmosphere for reflection, meditation, and healing.
$32 MILLION INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS WILL MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE WEST SIDE
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recently announced that they will be investing $32 million across the district to expand educational programs at 32 different schools. This investment will impact nearly 17,000 students and will be the largest academic program expansion that CPS has ever implemented.
Major Athletic Brand Partners With South Side Business To Talk About Probation Reform
Global sportswear company, Puma, recently released the Clyde Court #Reform sneakers which are more than just a basketball shoe, they are part of a movement. The new sneakers made their debut in Chicago at The Alpha Space, 2014 S. Michigan Ave., where Puma was able to collaborate with Dave Jeff, owner and founder of Chicago’s own PHLI brand, to host a Forum on Probation and Parole Reform.
Lori Lightfoot Wins 2019 Mayoral Election, Community Leaders React
For the first time in the city’s history, Chicago will be led by an African American woman. Lori Lightfoot was elected to be the next Mayor of Chicago in yesterday’s historical election that saw two female African American candidates go into the final runoff. Both candidates fought hard by participating in multiple mayoral forums, running advertisements, visiting neighborhoods, and executing massive fundraising efforts.