Wednesday, December 25
Mayor Helps Make Christmas Easier for South Side Children
The 23rd Annual Christmas in the Wards event got a boost this year from Mayor Lori Lightfoot who took one first grader Christmas shopping at Walmart in Pullman.
West Side Native Striving to Make a Difference at North Lawndale College Prep
In Chicago, it’s rare that a high school alumnus returns as principal shortly after graduating but that’s exactly what 29-year-old Arriel Janae Williams did this year.
LOW-INCOME STUDENTS CAN NOW ATTEND THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO FOR FREE
A relatively new program at the University of Chicago allows low-income students to receive free tuition if their household income is $125,000 per year or less. And more financial assistance is available to students with household incomes $60,000 per year or less. Those students receive free housing and fees plus tuition as part of their financial aid by the school. And for students who are the first in their families to attend college, they receive a $20,000 scholarship over four years and a guaranteed paid internship for their first summer. Free housing is a big deal because the university requires all students to live on campus during their first two years
Thornton Township once again joined forces with the Illinois Horse Rescue of Will County
The Illinois Horse Rescue has worked with the township over the past several years in events such as Days in the Park, the annual Township picnic, the Taste of Thornton Township and other various community outreach initiatives. The organization has 35 stalls for various animals.
Pritzker signs bill promoting diverse workforce on capital projects
Springfield – Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation on Tuesday, Dec. 10, aimed at ensuring minority workers have access to jobs created through the state’s new $45 billion capital improvements plan, as well as access to training for careers in construction and building trades.
40th Anniversary of the Illinois Human Rights Act Celebrated
The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), in partnership with the Illinois Human Rights Commission (HRC), recently celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA).
State Selects Project Manager to Proceed with Sale of the Thompson Center
Governor JB Pritzker recently announced that the State of Illinois has taken an important step forward in selling the James R. Thompson Center. After a competitive RFP process to select a project manager, the State will enter into exclusive negotiations with Ernst & Young Infrastructure Advisors, LLC (EY) to provide an array of project management and technical expertise to generate the best value from the sale for taxpayers.
CRIME APP DEVELOPED TO PROTECT AND SERVE CHATHAM COMMUNITY
A South Side pastor and retired Chicago police officer has developed a free crime app to protect and serve his fellow Chatham residents.
The Illinois Tax Man cometh; how should we greet him?
A number of readers (actually two) have requested a column about Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s tax initiatives. I have rattled on about this in the past, yet the topic is important to the future of Illinois, so here goes again, at least for the benefit of the two readers with interest.
Stedman Graham to Receive 2020 Horatio Alger Award
Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofi t educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, recently announced that, Stedman Graham, Chairman and CEO, S. Graham & Associates (SGA), has been selected for membership in this prestigious organization.
IN MEMORIAM: Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch: Remembering Carroll Spinney
Growing up, Sesame Street was a way of life. Modeled after a brownstone neighborhood in Harlem, it was familiar yet far with a cast of characters who looked and sounded like the melting pot of people growing up in America’s cities at that time. There was an effortless blend of humans and puppets, some of whom walked and talked and moved about the street where the air is sweet.
The National Museum of African American Music Seeks Submissions of Creative Artwork from Visual Artists
When the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) opens its doors to the public in the summer of 2020, the first-of-its-kind institution located in the heart of downtown Nashville will be home to more than 1,500 historical artifacts that reflects the development, influence, and impact of African Americans on more than 50 genres and sub-genres including country, jazz, blues, gospel, R&B and hip hop.
Fragrance Creators Association Launches Digital Fragrance Resource for the Public
Fragrance Creators Association recently launched FragranceConservatory.com, a digital space designed to help people learn about fragrance and make informed and confident choices about the scented products they use every day.
Chicago Bar Association Announces Partnership With “Lawyers In The Classroom” Program
The Chicago Bar Association has partnered with a longstanding civic education program that brings lawyers directly into the classrooms of Chicago‐area elementary schools to teach the U.S. Constitution and promote the principles of democracy.
SUBURBAN BLUES GROUP TO REPRESENT CHICAGO YOUTH AT INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE
Three south suburban youth, who call themselves MudCity Blue, will attend the 2020 International Blues Challenge in Memphis next month as the only Chicago-area youth blues group. The trio, Kendall Carter, Stacy Norris and Peyton McDowell, met while students at Homewood-Flossmoor High School (HF) where their passion for blues music enriched. Carter is the group’s guitarist and vocalist; McDowell is on bass and Norris is on drums.
Board Approves McDonald’s Settlements
AFTER NEARLY THREE YEARS OF PROCEEDINGS, THE GENERAL COUNSEL AND MCDONALD’S USA, LLC PRESENTED A SERIES OF INFORMAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS RESOLVING ALL THE ALLEGED UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES.
Wednesday, December 18
The ultimate gift — 5 things to know about being a living kidney donor
It’s not often that people are given the chance to give someone the gift of life, but that is exactly what being a living kidney donor offers. More than 6,400 people chose to be a living kidney donor in the U.S. in 2018, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing.
FILM REVIEW: In Fabric
She thought she was simply buying a sexy red dress, off the rack. But when that frock came home with her, so did the supernatural. Writer/director Peter Strickland had a wicked vision in mind when he created this campy horror film, which has a style that is reminiscent of the 1977 cult classic Suspiria, by famed 1970s/80s Italian horror director Dario Argento. Argento gained notoriety for his arty mixture of thriller, mystery, psychological and erotic elements versus unbridled gore.
BIG CHANGES UNDERWAY FOR BJ’S MARKET & BAKERY
BJ’s Market & Bakery is making changes to its business strategy that includes relocating to a South Side shopping center, opening more locations and focusing more on carry out orders. According to Hank Meyer, who co-owns BJ’s Market & Bakery at 8734 S. Stony Island Ave. with his brother John Meyer, the longtime black-owned restaurant is moving to the Stony Island Plaza, 9501 S. Stony Island Ave., this month.
BLACK NEWS CHANNEL IN ‘THE RED ZONE’ READY FOR LAUNCH
As the historic launch on January 6, 2020, of the Black News Channel (BNC) approaches, officials can count members of Congress among those eagerly anticipating the new platform. Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-Calif.), the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, the chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, joined a gathering of BNC officials, anchors, and other guests at a reception on December 3 in Washington, D.C., to toast the launch of the network.
Mayor Lays Out Vision for Boosting Economic Growth in Minority Neighborhoods
During her first media roundtable discussion with the Black Press at City Hall, Mayor Lori Lightfoot adamantly spoke about her plan for boosting economic development in minority neighborhoods, particularly on the South and West Sides.
Sonia Manzano Best Known as “Maria” on “Sesame Street Gives MLK Commemorative Address
Tickets are now available to hear Sonia Manzano deliver the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m. at Elon University in North Carolina. The event will take place at McCrary Theatre and Manzano’s talk is titled, “Multi-Racial Latinos & the Civil Rights Movement.”
Powerful Book For Young Black Boys Celebrates 25 Years With a Pledge to Get 1 Million New Readers
Jerald LeVon Hoover became the published author of a Young Adult (YA) title, one of a few books targeted toward young Black and Brown boys ages 12 and up, My Friend, My Hero. This novella has become a staple, as recommended reading in elementary through high schools across the country and around the world. That is a distinct honor Hoover shares with a short list of African-American male YA authors including: Walter Dean Myers, Kevin Powell, Kwame Alexander, and Ralph Burgess.
Global fashion platform, SSENSE, expands its offering with the launch of dogwear
Global fashion platform, SSENSE, recently announced the debut of dogwear on ssense.com. Applying its industry-leading buying direction to curate an assortment of established luxury labels, emerging designers, and streetwear brands—specially designed for dogs—this marks a first for SSENSE as it expands into petwear.
Howard University Awards Six Students with the 2019-20 Patricia Roberts Harris Public Affairs Fellowship
Howard University recently announced the selection of six students who will receive the Patricia Roberts Harris Public Affairs Fellowship (PRH). Administered by the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University, the fellowship seeks to prepare Howard University students for careers in public affairs in an increasingly global world. To date, more than 200 Howard University alumni have been Patricia Roberts Harris fellows.
NEW GROCERY STORE KICKS OFF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR SOUTH SHORE
The latest sign that economic development is on the horizon in South Shore came last week with the grand opening of Local Market, a full-service grocery store, which anchors the Jeffery Plaza Shopping Center. But there are other plans for the area beyond a new grocery store, something not seen in South Shore since Dominick’s closed its store in December 2013.
Public invited to take IDOT traveler survey
Th e Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on the state’s transportation system through its annual Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey, available now through Dec. 31. Th e survey is available online by visiting idot.illinois.gov.
Leo Burnett Chicago Names Aki Spicer Chief Strategy Officer
Leo Burnett Chicago recently named Aki Spicer to the role of chief strategy officer. Elevated from the role of EVP and Global Strategy Lead, Spicer will report to Andrew Swinand, Leo Burnett Group CEO.
Announces 2020 Black Creativity Innovators
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago located on 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, has unveiled the full list of 2020 Black Creativity Innovators to be honored during Black History Month. This group’s achievements will be on full display to guests during the Museum’s Black Creativity program, which offers the Innovation Studio, Jr. Science Cafés, Career Showcase and Juried Art Exhibition.
BLACK MCDONALD’S OWNER MAKING MOVES FOR STATE CHESS CHAMPIONS
Long before St. Ethelreda School in Auburn Gresham won first place in the state championship, one black McDonald’s owner was making space for chess players at his South Side restaurant. Lance Jones said he loves the game of chess even though he is an amateur player. And Jones said he loves to give back to the community and that is why five years ago, he began reserving tables at his restaurant, 9560 S. Halsted St., from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays for chess games.
Jesse White Announces New Operating Hours at Driver Services Facilities beginning Dec. 30 to Accommodate REAL ID Applicants
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White recently announced that beginning Dec. 30, some Driver Services facilities throughout Chicagoland and northern Illinois will change operating hours and add exclusive days just for REAL ID applicants to accommodate the increased volume of customers applying for REAL ID driver’s licenses and ID cards.
Student Literacy Program Fostering a Passion For Reading
Among the goals of a literacy program managed by the University of Chicago, is to encourage more students to read books more, especially black and brown students. “A definite goal we have is to get books in the hands of students attending schools in urban neighborhoods, who might not have access to programs that support reading,” said Duane Davis, executive director of K-12 Education Initiatives for the Office of the President at the University of Chicago. “Our program is currently in 18 schools and we are quickly growing with a goal of expanding to other schools beyond the Hyde Park area.”
SUBURBAN POLICE DEPARTMENT TAKES DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
It’s not often that you see a police officer early in the morning doing some Christmas shopping with children, but that’s exactly what one south suburban police department did this year for 14 elementary students.
Impeachment is not an option, it’s an obligation because no one is above the law, says Congresswoman Robin Kelly
I cast this solemn vote for the many individuals in my district who entrusted me to be their voice in Congress. They entrusted me to uphold our Constitution for them.
Wednesday, December 11
25th Annual ZooLights Events and Activities At Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo’s 25th annual ZooLights, presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ, is a Chicago holiday tradition that helps keep Lincoln Park Zoo free and open 365 days a year. In addition to the ongoing light displays, guests can attend several special events throughout the season: including BrewLights (Dec. 12), Chris White Trio Tribute to “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (Dec. 15), Breakfast with Santa (Dec.15) and Zoo Year’s Eve (Dec. 31).
ONCE HOMELESS, HYDE PARK MAN IS NOW A UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO SCHOLAR
After growing up poor in the West Englewood neighborhood, Maurice Washington said he endured homelessness and ran with a local gang long before he became a graduate student at one of the top universities in the country.
PULLMAN PROJECT EXPECTED TO BOOST TOURISM ON THE FAR SOUTH SIDE
If all goes well with a long-term redevelopment project in Pullman, organizers said tourism on the Far South Side could soar. Upon completion, the Positioning Pullman 2.0 project, which stretches along Cottage Grove Avenue from 111th to 103rd streets, will feature a visitor center, hotel, pedestrian walkways, bike trails, public space, community rooms, exhibit halls, and the historic clock tower would be renovated.
Rush, Gabbard, Moore Introduce Bill to Boost Urban Agriculture
U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) was recently joined by Reps. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) and Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) in introducing H.R.5266, the Urban Agriculture Healthy Food and Entrepreneur Act.
41st Street Pedestrian Bridge Awarded Midwest Project of the Year
F.H. Paschen met structure challenges head on to bridge neighborhoods with Chicago’s shoreline
The 41st Street Pedestrian Bridge has been awarded Midwest Project of the Year by Engineering News-Record (ENR.) A new signature pedestrian bridge along Chicago’s lakefront, the 41st Street Pedestrian Bridge is one of five pedestrian bridges built as a result of the City of Chicago’s first-ever bridge design competition “Bridging the Drive”, co-hosted by the Mayor’s office and CDOT.
The Legendary Clark Sisters’ New Single, “Victory”, Available Now on Apple Music
Karew Entertainment in partnership with Motown Gospel recently announced the newest single, “Victory”, from the legendary gospel group, The Clark Sisters, available now on Apple Music. The song was written by group member Karen Clark Sheard and her son J. Drew Sheard (who also produced it).
Justice Department Issues Business Review Letter to the GSMA Related to Innovative eSIMs Standard for Mobile Devices
The Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division recently announced that it has completed a nearly two-year long investigation into the standard-setting activities of the GSM Association (GSMA), a trade association for mobile network operators.
Study Shows Some AFib medications are less effective in obese patients
Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is the most common type of irregular heartbeat, and it is associated with increased mortality. While researchers have identified a causal link between obesity and AFib, the underlying mechanism of how obesity contributes to the heart arrhythmia is still unknown. A new study from researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago is the first to show that some antiarrhythmic medications used to treat AFib are less effective in patients who are obese. The results of this study, which followed more than 300 patients in the UIC AFib Registry, are published in JAMA Cardiology.
Governor to foot $40,000 bill for Capitol office renovations
Work will be non-cosmetic, ‘functional’ in nature
Springfield – Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker is planning to spend $40,000 of his own money to renovate his State Capitol office next month, according to a news release distributed by his staff. Those changes will be mainly functional, however, with no major changes planned for the carpeting, wallpaper, furniture or other cosmetic areas.
After much anticipation, Local Market Expected To Open Soon
A much-anticipated grand opening for Local Market, a full-service grocery store in South Shore, could happen sometime this month now that it passed a required health inspection by the city’s Department of Public Health.
Four UIC researchers recognized as AAAS fellows
The American Association for the Advancement of Science, or AAAS, recognizes individuals as AAAS fellows for their advances of science applications that are regarded as scientifically or socially distinguished. Of the 443 fellows this year, four were awarded to researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Englewood High School Remains Open With No Students
This fall, Chicago Public Schools opened Englewood STEM High School to replace four nearby high schools including John Hope College Prep High School, which currently has no students enrolled.
Jewelry inspired by iconic characters and symbols from the Harry Potter films now on sale
In partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Pandora introduces a capsule collection of 12 hand-finished products, including charms, pendants and a bracelet inspired by iconic characters and symbols from the Harry Potter films
Tyler Perry Headlines T.D. Jakes’ International Leadership Summit
Tyler Perry will be a headline speaker at T.D. Jakes’ International Leadership Summit next spring, a conference for visionaries, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and leaders to discover how to sharpen their intellectual curiosity to become intentional, game-changing leaders.
Community Activist Needs Help Burying White Sox Fan
Aft er taking a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan to his first ball game at Guarantee Rate Field in August to celebrate his 112th birthday, Andrew Holmes now finds himself raising money to bury perhaps the oldest U.S. citizen.
Wednesday, December 4
Big Debates Going on with CPS Students
A little known after-school program at Chicago Public Schools not only aims to help students develop critical thinking skills, but to also support their academic, career and leadership abilities. It’s not often you hear about debate teams at urban public schools but Toinette Gunn, executive director of Chicago Debates (CD), said since taking the helm of the nonprofit in 2018, she has been working hard to change that perception.
Illinois Supreme Court strikes down social media ban for sex offenders
Illinois’ highest court ruled recently that it is unconstitutional to ban convicted sex offenders from social media sites.
Ross University School of Medicine and Oakwood University partner to increase physician diversity in the US
African Americans make up only six percent of U.S. physicians. With the goal of driving diversity among U.S. physicians, Oakwood University and Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) recently announced a new agreement to help more African Americans attend medical school.
The Legendary Clark Sisters’ New Single, “Victory”, Available Now on Apple Music
Karew Entertainment in partnership with Motown Gospel recently announced the newest single, “Victory”, from the legendary gospel group, The Clark Sisters, available now on Apple Music. The song was written by group member Karen Clark Sheard and her son J. Drew Sheard (who also produced it).
Walker & Company Brands Appoints Tia Cummings as New Vice President of Marketing
Walker & Company Brands (makers of Bevel and Form Beauty), a Procter & Gamble company, recently announced that Tia Cummings has joined their leadership team as Vice President of Marketing.
CVS IS LATEST AUBURN GRESHAM RETAILER TO SHUT DOWN
A longtime retail tenant in Auburn Gresham will shut down come January 2020 making it the third major business to do so in the past year. BJ’s Market & Bakery at 1156 W. 79th St. closed nearly a year ago and Bank of America closed 16 Chicago branches in July including one at 7900 S. Halsted St. Now CVS Pharmacy, 7858 S. Halsted St., will close on Jan. 10 along with another CVS store at 4777 N. Milwaukee Ave. due to poor, financial performance. After both closures, CVS will have 50 stores remaining in Chicago, according to Mike DeAngelis, a spokesman for CVS Health.
HYDE PARK SHOE STORE SNAGS TOP RANKING
A black-owned shoe store in Hyde Park recently won top honors as the number one independent retail shoe store in Illinois and ranked 13 nationally.
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Will Adopt All Recommendations in Audit of Hotline
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will adopt all recommendations from an audit of the agency’s Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, and has already started efforts to address key recommendations, particularly increasing staffing and upgrading technology.
Shuttered South Side Park Could Reopen Soon
A Far South Side park that closed more than seven years ago could soon reopen for youth to use during the winter break from school.
FRESHMAN STATE LEGISLATOR HOPES NEW LAW WILL RESULT IN GREATER PARITY
In her first year in office, state Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin (38th) helped pass legislation Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law in July that is aimed at preventing workplace discrimination as it pertains to salaries.
Grammy Winner Smokie Norful Joins Musical Tribute to Bishop Horace E. Smith
Reverend W.R. “Smokie” Norful joins a stellar lineup of gospel artists and singers who will help celebrate the 70th birthday of Bishop Horace E. Smith, Pastor of Apostolic Faith Church, on Saturday, December 7, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, 2121 S. Prairie Avenue.
New State Law Set To Take Effect While ACLU Lobbies For Change
The Illinois Cannabis Regulation & Tax Act of 2019 that Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law on June 25 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2020 and will allow individuals age 21-years-old and up to purchase and use marijuana for recreational purposes.
Pappas: Download your property tax bill due March 3rd
Pappas: Download your property tax bill due March 3rd at cookcountytreasurer.com if you want to pay this year