Friday, June 28
As Summer Finally Arrives, ComEd is Prepared to Provide Reliable Energy to Customers Investments to strengthen and modernize the electric grid have increased reliability and customer satisfaction
Investments to strengthen and modernize the electric grid have increased reliability and customer satisfaction
Now that summer temperatures are here in northern Illinois, ComEd is ready to maintain strong reliability thanks to smart grid investments that have cut the number of customer outages by roughly half. ComEd’s energy efficiency programs also give customers the power to stay cool while controlling their energy usage.
NATURAL PATH NUTRITION INC. HOSTS A CARDIO DRUMMING WORKOUT FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT THE PRODIGY SAINTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND.
Young Entrepreneur Creates Scholarship Fund For Chicago Public School College Bound Student
Prodigy Saints Scholarship cardio-drumming fundraising, health informational, and entertainment event at The LAB fitness center and nutrition bar located at 2019 W. 95th Street in the Beverly neighborhood.
Wednesday, June 26
SOUTH SIDE NONPROFIT WILL HOST WORKSHOPS FOR MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER
Polished Pebbles is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide mentoring for young girls, particularly young women of color, with an opportunity to learn how to be effective communicators and put them on a path to success in whatever career they choose to pursue.
NONPROFIT DEVELOPER BUYS TWO AFFORDABLE HOUSING BUILDINGS ON THE WEST SIDE
Nonprofit housing developer, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), recently purchased two established affordable housing properties in the Austin community. The purchase of the two buildings, located on 325 and 345 N. Austin St., is the organization’s first West Side project.
Santana’s Thrilling New Album ‘Africa Speaks’ Debuts At #3 On Billboard Top 200
Music legend Carlos Santana’s new album Africa Speaks, out now via Concord Records, has debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. Santana surpassed the Rolling Stones and, along with Barbara Streisand, is one of only two music acts in Billboard history to score at least one Top Ten album for six consecutive decades from the 1960s on. This is Santana’s third Top Ten release this decade and his highest charting debut since 2005’s All That I Am. Additionally, Africa Speaks debuted #1 on both the Billboard Rock Albums and Billboard Latin Albums charts.
South Side Musician Will Perform At Taste Of Chicago
While working on finishing her debut studio album and working as the music di-rector for Jamila Woods, Chicago singer and songwriter Aminata Burton, better known as Ami, is preparing to perform at the Taste of Chicago on July 11. Burton will be perform-ing at 2:30 p.m. on the Goose Island Stage and following the event, she will be hosting an after-party at Refuge! Live from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Hinton Selected as BUFI’s Chairman of the Board of Directors
As the city of Chicago has welcomed its new mayor, the Black United Fund of Illinois welcomes its new chairman of the Board of Directors, Gregory Hinton.
OBAMA FOUNDATION WELCOMES 130 YOUNG CHICAGOANS TO SIX-MONTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The Obama Foundation recently hosted a two-day kick-off event for it’s newest Community Leadership Corps cohort in Chicago. The 130 Chicagoans, aged 18 to 25, who were selected to participate in the six-month Community Leadership Corps program were chosen based on their proven commitment to making a difference in their community.
Chicago Born and Raised, How One Local DJ Is Making a Name for Himself
Throughout the month of June, African American Music Appreciation Month is celebrated in the U.S. and while there are several historic black musicians from Chicago to talk about, there are also several local musicians that are currently putting in work to earn their recognition in the city.
36 Principals Accepted Into Prestigious School Leadership Programs
Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and The Chicago Public Education Fund (The Fund) recently announced the acceptance of 36 principals into two of the city’s most prestigious school leadership programs: the Cahn Fellows Program and the Chicago Principals Fellowship.
Chicago-Area Physical Therapy Center and 4 Nursing Facilities to Pay $9.7 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago recently announced that a Chicago-area physical therapy center and four nursing facilities have agreed to pay $9.7 million to resolve civil allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by providing unnecessary services to increase Medicare payments.
lululemon Launches Selfcare Line Designed By Athletes For Athletes
lululemon recently unveiled its newest product line, offering a variety of personal care products for guests, following a successful test earlier this year. Designed to create solutions for athletes’ needs, the new dual-gender line consists of four products that focus on seamlessly bridging the gap from sweat to everyday life.
Woman-Owned Bookstore and Gallery Celebrates Grand Opening
Semicolon Bookstore (www.semicolonchi. com), located on 515 N Halsted Street, will celebrate its grand opening beginning on Tuesday, July 9th and going through Saturday, July 13th. Having began their soft-opening period on June 8, the store has been open to customers for shortened hours and is getting to know the neighborhood.
PARTY BOUTIQUE AND SPA FOR YOUNG GIRLS OPENS IN THE SOUTH SUBURBS
Totally Posh is a party boutique that recently celebrated its grand opening in the Village of Matteson. The new business is located on 3705 216th St. and offers a new destination for young girls to host their birthday parties, celebrations, and have spa days.
MAYOR LIGHTFOOT TO SPEAK AT NOBEL WOMEN’S WELCOME BREAKFAST
On behalf of the Illinois NOBEL Women Delegation, Senator Mattie Hunter (D-IL) will chair the 34th Annual National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women’s Conference Breaking Through the Ceiling: My Role. My Future, running from June 27 to June 30 at the Gwen Hotel Chicago.
State budget allocates millions more to Chicago State University
The 2019-20 budget, which goes into effect July 1, allocates $36.9 million to CSU for general operations, additional expenses and its pharmacy program; $33.7 million in capital upgrades (distributed over six years) and includes $15.8 million to build a simulation lab for the health science and pharmacy program.
Tuesday, June 25
Erie Family Health Centers Moves Chicagoland Toward a Society Without HIV
After 30 fulfilling years of the nationally-recognized HIV/AIDS program, Lending Hands for Life, Erie Family Health Centers is the closest it’s ever been to moving Chicagoland toward a society without HIV. With the program’s behavioral health support in conjunction with medical care, Erie patients’ viral suppression rate is currently at 92.5%, making Lending Hands for Life a leading program in the state.
Walgreens Partners with Greater Than AIDS to Offer Free HIV Tests throughout Chicago for National HIV Testing Day
As part of National HIV Testing Day on Thursday June 27, Walgreens and Greater Than AIDS is partnering with community organizations across the Chicago area to provide free, confidential HIV testing in more than 20 Walgreens pharmacies. National HIV Testing Day is part of an ongoing effort by Greater Than AIDS and Walgreens to broaden the reach of HIV testing and information in non-traditional settings and help people understand the latest in HIV prevention, treatment and care.
Thursday, June 20
APPELLATE COURT JUSTICE NATHANIEL HOWSE JR RECEIVES POWERFUL ENDORSEMENTS FOR THE ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT
I’m grateful, honored and blessed to have received the endorsements of Congresswoman Schakowsky and Secretary White. These two individuals represent the best in what a public official should be in our state. I will work extremely hard in this campaign to maintain their confidence and support.” says Justice Howse.
Wednesday, June 19
Richard T. Crane Class of 1969 Pays Tribute to New Graduates
In a show of support for the graduating class of Richard T. Crane Medical Prep High School and of pride in their alma mater, Chaz Ebert, president of Ebert Digital and the film criticism site RogerEbert.com, and Verdine White, famed guitarist of R&B supergroup Earth, Wind & Fire, joined their classmates from the Class of 1969 in a special tribute during commencement recently at Symphony Center Orchestra Hall, 220 S. Michigan Ave.
AGs Request Information Related to Breach That Compromised Millions of Patients’ Personal Information
Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong recently announced an investigation into the data breach at American Medical Collection Agency, which may have exposed the personal information of nearly 12 million patients of Quest Diagnostics (Quest) and 7.7 million Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp) patients.
A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR CHICAGO
4 takeaways from the new mayor’s energy and environment transition committee
This past May 13 marked a new day for Chicago as Mayor Lori Lightfoot took the helm of America’s third-largest city. On day one, the new mayor unveiled plans to respond to the climate crisis by reducing air pollution from the electric and transportation sectors, making infrastructure more resilient to increasingly volatile weather, and creating jobs and economic opportunities for all communities. These plans were developed by her administration’s environment transition committee, a group of 35 organizations, including ComEd, that worked together over five weeks to develop new approaches to Chicago’s energy and environmental priorities.
Registration closes on July 16 for Chicago Prize, a $10 million grant competition to invest in Chicago’s South and/or West Side
Funded by the Pritzker Traubert Foundation, the grant will invest in a community-led collaboration
Community-led collaborative teams have less than a month left to register to apply for the Chicago Prize, a grant competition of the Pritzker Traubert Foundation to strengthen neighborhoods on Chicago’s South and/or West Side. The deadline to register is July 16, 2019 at 5 p.m. Central Time. Only organizations that have registered will be able to submit applications.
LOCAL NONPROFIT RECEIVES GRANT TO SUPPORT EFFORTS TO CREATE SAFE SPACES FOR BLACK GIRLS
For the third year in a row, Black Girls Break Bread, a nonprofit organization that creates safe spaces for black girls to gather, has received a rapid-response grant from the Chicago Fund for Safe and Peaceful Communities.
South Side Creative Arts School Set To Open This Fall, Principal Says The Concept Is A Dream
For the last several weeks, there has been a steady buzz on the south side surrounding the new Art in Motion creative arts school that is set to open in South Shore this coming fall. The school, which is a Chicago Public Schools charter school, will be tuition free with no entrance exams or auditions and will not have a mandated attendance boundary thus making it fully accessible to students across the city.
Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund Finalizes Plans for Office Relocation
The Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund (CTPF) will relocate offices to 425 South Financial Place in autumn 2019. The CTPF Member Services and Administrative offices will occupy the full 14th floor and a portion of the 15th floor, which will include a Board Meeting Room and space to accommodate Trustees, members, visitors, and staff attending meetings and other CTPF events.
Lottery Ticket To Benefit HIV/AIDS Prevention
The Illinois Lottery has launched its annual Red Ribbon Cash instant ticket, which has raised more than $8 million for HIV/AIDS prevention education in Illinois since 2008.
3 In 4 Companies Plan To Expand Creative Teams In Second Half Of 2019, Survey Finds
Recruiting in the creative and marketing fields is expected to intensify during the remainder of the year, new research from staffing firm The Creative Group shows. According to the latest State of Creative Hiring data, 75% of advertising and marketing hiring decision makers anticipate expanding their teams in the second half of 2019, up from 60% six months ago. In addition, 62% of employers plan to increase the number of freelancers they use, a 6-point jump from the first half of the year.
Walter Massey Will Pen Memoir For Beckham Publications
Walter E. Massey, former chairman of Bank of America, will publish his memoir, “In the Eye of the Storm: My Year as Chairman of Bank of America During the Country’s Worst Financial Crisis,” with Beckham Publications, the house announced. Release is set for spring, 2020.
‘Windy City’ Named Most Welcoming of Whiskers
Beards abound mile after magnificent mile in Chicago, which is why the city is a perennial player in the annual ‘Most Facial Hair Friendly Cities in America’ according to a research study from men’s grooming leader Wahl.
New Playground Designed By Local Kids Fills Vacant Lot On The West Side
A group of 200 volunteers from Wells Fargo and Kidz Express, a nonprofit organization that focuses on west side youth, recently joined KaBOOM! in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood to build a new play area in a once empty lot located on 5226 W. Harrison St. right next to the Kidz Express Boys and Girls Club.
IFBB Bodybuilder Suraqah Shabazz Signs With Mon Ethos Pro
IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, Suraqah Shabazz recently announced his signing with athlete management firm Mon Ethos Pro. Shabazz, a native of Chicago, Illinois and first responder firefighter with the Chicago Fire Department, competed recently at the McClellan Conference Center in McClellan Park, CA (Sacramento) at the 2019 NPC Northern California Championship
39th Annual Taste of Chicago Presents A Diverse Mix of Chart-Topping Acts
The City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) recently announced the full music lineup for the 39th Annual Taste of Chicago presented by DoorDash. The festival will present a diverse mix of chart-topping national and international acts at the Petrillo Music Shell, including Courtney Barnett, Bomba Estéreo, Cultura Profética, De La Soul, The Strumbellas, lovelytheband and India.Arie, with opening performances by Sunflower Bean, Taylor Bennett, Joywave, Meshell Ndegeocello and Bilal. The Goose Island Stage will feature five days of free programming with top local talent. Taste of Chicago will also feature arts and theatre performances, SummerDance, HUSHconcerts and more July 10–14 in Grant Park. Tickets for the seating area at the Petrillo Music Shell are on sale now at tasteofchicago.us.
SOUTH SUBURBAN CHURCH PREPARES TO HOST ANNUAL JAZZ ON THE GRASS EVENT
Every summer, Living Grace Church in Lynwood opens its doors to the community during their free Jazz on the Grass event.This years free event will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 4 on the Church grounds, 20100 Lakewood Ave., and feature local jazz, R&B, and gospel performers.
LOCAL RESTAURANTEUR MERGES TWO RESTAURANTS INTO ONE SPACE FOR FOOD HALL STYLE DINING
Originally located in Harper Court in Hyde Park, local barbecue restaurant Pork Chop has officially moved into the Red Fish Bleu Fish location at 5121 S. Harper Ave. which is also in Hyde Park. Both restaurants are owned by Jovanis Bouargoub and will continue to operate out of the one location creating a casual dining experience with a variety of options.
Summer Program Offerings in Hyde Park
Step into summer with a host of fun-filled outdoor activities in the Chicago region offered by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. Programs are held at Wright’s Home and Studio, located at 951 Chicago Avenue in Oak Park, and the Robie House, located at 5757 South Woodlawn Avenue in Chicago (Hyde Park).
South Side Fitness Workshop Combines Exercise, Mindfulness, and Nutrition Education
Bronzeville resident and health coach, Stacy Hubert, will once again hosts Trifecta on the Beach at Pier 31, 3101 S. Lake Shore Dr. from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on June 29. Trifecta on the Beach is a two-hour fitness workshop that combines boot camp style workouts with mindful meditation, nutrition education, and yoga on the shores of Lake Michigan.
COMMUNITY BIKE RIDE TAKES PLACE ON SOUTH SIDE TO HELP CURB CRIME
A massive group of bike riders recently took to the streets of Englewood for an eight-mile ride through the neighborhood for Think Outside Da Block’s third annual Roll N Peace event. The purpose of the bike ride was to bring together neighbors, stakeholders, and 7th District police officers to tour the neighborhood and create a safer community.
MetroSouth Medical Center Will Close Unless A New Owner Steps Up
South Suburban residents are yet again facing the closure of a community medical center. This time, it’s MetroSouth Medical Center, 12935 S. Gregory St., in Blue Island that has announced their facility will be closing by the end of the year if a new operator doesn’t step up and continue providing medical services at the MetroSouth Campus.
Buy 1 Scoop of Ice Cream, Get One Free at Fannie May Stores
In celebration the first day of summer on 6/21, Fannie May will be offering all day promotions in-store
Thursday, June 13
City of Blue Island Hosting Stakeholder Meeting Following Metro South Closure Announcement
The Metro South Summit will provide elected officials, along with members of area first responder and medical communities, a collaborative opportunity to provide feedback about the effects of the impending closure, as well as participate in idea generation for the retention of local emergency, trauma, and surgical services so critical to Blue Island and neighboring communities
ABC 7 CHICAGO PRESENTS A SPECIAL EDITION OF “HEART & SOUL,” HOSTED BY CHERYL BURTON AND HOSEA SANDERS AND EMCEED BY TERRELL BROWN
ABC 7’s HEART & SOUL, a series that taps into Chicago’s vibrant African American community, celebrates African American Music Appreciation Month and the Chicago Gospel Festival. HEART & SOUL, hosted by Cheryl Burton and Hosea Sanders, with Terrell Brown emceeing the gospel concert, and will air twice, Sunday, June 23 at 11:00 PM on ABC 7 and Sunday, July 7 at 1 PM.
Wednesday, June 12
aSweatLife Encourages Chicagoans To Move For The Fun of it
Health and wellness media company aSweatLife has announced its seventh curated week of fitness events - #SweatworkingWeek. Events will be open to the public now through June 14 and will encourage an exploration of fitness concepts across Chicago as well as a national hiking kick-off in five markets.
HFS Student Scholars Win Top Prize for Smart Pathways Prototype
Student Presentations Conclude Inaugural Year of ComEd HFS Scholars STEM Program & Energy Academy
The inaugural year of the ComEd HFS Scholars STEM Program and Energy Academy concluded recently with student project presentations and an awards ceremony recognizing the top three teams. Students from across a variety of high performing schools around the city were awarded the top prize of $2,000 for their innovative technology concept, Smart Pathways. Smart Pathways was designed to light pathways in a more energy efficient way through motion sensors and light dimming capabilities. The Smart Pathways prototype also included safety features such as movement tracking through its light sensors.
MAYOR LIGHTFOOT ANNOUNCES ALL NEW SCHOOL BOARD
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot recently announced an entirely new school board. The seven people who Lightfoot has appointed to lead the Chicago Public School (CPS) system have personal ties to CPS as parents, graduates, or former faculty.
Survey Reveals Loss Of Lunch Breaks Weighs Heavily On Millennials
A survey by Tork, an Essity brand and the maker of nearly half of the napkins used in the food service industry in the U.S., finds that Millennials – who are now the largest generation in the U.S. labor force – are nearly three times more likely than Baby Boomers to believe coworkers would judge them negatively if they took a regular lunch break.
Giambattista Valli Collaborates With H&M — Main Collection To Launch Autumn 2019
The stars dressed in glamorous must-have pieces from a unique limited-edition pre-drop collection from the Giambattista Valli x H&M collaboration.
New Tour Company Uses The City’s L’s to Explore Unique Neighborhoods
There’s much more to touring Chicago than viewing downtown skyscrapers from a sightseeing boat or tour bus. Chicago is a city of 77 communities and approximately 180 distinct and diverse neighborhoods. You haven’t seen Chicago if you haven’t been to the neighborhoods.
Mental Health Professionals And Chicago Police Host Public Forum On Violence And Trauma
The National Alliance on Mental Illinois (NAMI) Chicago recently led a community discussion on the westside at Hope Community Advent Christian Church, 5900 W. Iowa St., in Austin to talk about how the community deals with trauma that is caused by violence and what can be done better.
Inaugural Group of Diverse CPS High School Students Celebrate Hard Hat Graduation
The inaugural class of six Paschen Engineering Scholars recently graduated from the program at the annual Hard Hat Ceremony. Six freshmen from George Westinghouse College Prep were announced as the latest class of scholars.
Chicago At The Crossroads Premieres at the American Black Film Festival
As Chicago welcomes its history making new mayor, Lori Lightfoot, many residents are hopeful for a brighter future. “I am very optimistic about the new mayor,” begins Community Activist Afrika Porter. “She has talked a lot about reducing violence, putting more education programs in schools, building more schools that fit to the needs of our children in our community…. I think she is going to do exactly what she said she is going to do.”
GAMBLING EXPANSION PASSED, WILL ALLOW FOR SPORTS BETTING AND NEW CASINOS IN ILLINOIS
For about six years, State Representative Robert Rita has been working on passing legislation that would expand the gaming industry in Illinois. Just recently, the Illinois House and Senate finally passed Senate Bill 690 which will allow for new casinos, sports betting, racetrack casinos, and an increased number of video gaming machines in the state.
Gloria Ray Karlmark, one of Little Rock Nine, receives an honorary degree from Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)
Gloria Ray Karlmark, who was one of 9 African American students who ignited controversy when they enrolled at the all-white Central High School in 1957 in Little Rock, Arkansas, received an honorary degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) during its May commencement ceremony held recently.
Family Memorializes Daughter By Hosting Orange Peace Party In Pendleton Park
Hadiya Pendleton was 15 years old when her life was cut short and she was shot to death on Jan. 29, 2013, while standing in the park with her friends. In order to honor her memory and to call for an end to senseless gun violence in Chicago, Pendleton’s parents recently hosted the fifth annual Orange Day Peace Party in Hadiya Pendleton Park, 4345 S. Calumet Ave., on the south side.
Professional Track and Field Athlete Says Perseverance Has Carried him Through Tough Times
Marcus Chambers is a professional track and field athlete from Tacoma, WA, and has won several state and national awards during his career. Chambers is a Nike Athlete, training for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, and is a perfect example of how perseverance can help you to achieve your goals.
SOUTH SUBURBAN VILLAGE HOSTS COMMUNITY POLICING MEETING WITH NEW POLICE CHIEF
The Village of Dolton recently held a Community Policing Meeting to allow residents to share their concerns, ask questions related to crime and policing in Dolton, and to hear from Village officials about their plans for creating a safer community.
Chase To Pay $5 Million To Male Employees Who Allege They Were Denied Parental Leave On The Basis of Sex
The American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Ohio, and Outten & Golden LLP recently announced a first-of-its-kind class action settlement with JPMorgan Chase (Chase) on behalf of male employees who allege they were unlawfully denied access to paid parental leave on the same terms as mothers from 2011 to 2017.
CONGRESSMAN BOBBY RUSH HOSTS PUBLIC FORUM TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE SERIAL KILLER IN CHICAGO
Illinois Congressman Bobby Rush recently hosted a community meeting at the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, 700 East Oakwood Blvd., to discuss the possibility of there being a serial killer in Chicago who is heavily targeting black women on the south and west sides.
Durbin Highlights Measure To Allow Student Loan Debt To Be Discharged In Bankruptcy
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin held a news conference recently highlighting new bicameral legislation that would give Americans overwhelmed by student loan debt the option of obtaining meaningful bankruptcy relief.
Local Entrepreneur Teaches Young People About Business Development
“I did not see a lot of entrepreneurship first hand but what I did see was a difference between where I lived and where I would go to school. My mom always sent me outside of my community to get my education which exposed me to people from other places who came from more affluent families and that made me curious. I was trying to figure out why my friends had parents who owned their own business but in my community that wasn’t the case,” said Cunningham.
Rising Violence Leads to State of Emergency Declaration
One Chicago neighborhood has experienced more murders within the last six months than any other and now state Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-8th) has declared a state of emergency for the West Side.
Script to Silver Screen Matches Screenwriters to Project Funders
Script to Silver Screen is matching Chicagoland screenwriters to potential production funders with their screenwriting and pitching master class that culminates in a private industry pitching event with potential production funders.
THE DuSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY CELEBRATES SUMMER WITH MOVIES AND MUSIC UNDER THE STARS!
The DuSable Museum of African American History continues its crowd-pleasing schedule of programs and activities with a very special “summer celebration,” of movies and music under the stars. The entertainment begins on June 15, 2019 and continues through August 21, 2019 with all events taking place at the Museum, located at 740 East 56th Place (57th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue) in Chicago…and best of all, admission is FREE!
METROSOUTH MEDICAL CENTER PURSUES POSSIBLE NEW OWNER FOR HOSPITAL FACILITIES
Hospital notifies State of plans to cease operations as it pursues new owner and reuse
“Closing the hospital is an immensely difficult and emotional decision, but the data is clear that patient needs have changed – here and across the country. Enormous half-empty hospitals are not what the future of health care looks like,” said John Walsh, CEO of MetroSouth Medical Center. “Reuse of this campus as an outpatient center would be a benefit for the community. We are diligently pursuing such an opportunity, but we know the facility will not be able to operate into 2020 as a full-service community hospital.”
MAYOR MAKES SOUTH SIDE ALDERMAN A CITY HALL BOSS
She may not be the most powerful black woman at City Hall but with her recent appointment as chairman of the City Council’s budget committee, South Side Alderman Pat Dowell (3rd) is among the new political bosses downtown. Next to the finance committee, which is considered by many City Hall insiders as the most powerful city committee, Dowell takes the helm of the second most powerful committee.
Thursday, June 6
CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD CONFIRMS MAYOR LIGHTFOOT’S NOMINATION OF ANDREA TELLI AS NEW COMMISSIONER EFFECTIVE JUNE 15
Telli is a recognized champion of urban libraries with nearly thirty years of experience leading library and branch operations with Chicago Public Library
“I am thrilled that Andrea will be taking the helm at CPL,” said Chicago Public Library Board President Linda Johnson Rice. “CPL is stronger today because of her vision and ability to execute at a high level, and I am confident the organization will thrive under her leadership.”
Wednesday, June 5
SOUTH SUBURBAN COLLEGE PROFESSOR RECEIVES RED TULIP AWARD AFTER THREE DECADES OF TEACHING
After teaching biology at South Suburban College for about thirty years, Gerald (G.A.) Griffith was recently was honored with a Red Tulip award from the Village of South Holland Education Commission. The Red Tulip Award is presented every year to exceptional teachers who go above and beyond for South Holland students and make an impact in their lives.
ORS Expands its HAIRepair Portfolio
Namaste Laboratories, makers of ORS hair care, continues to expand its HAIRepair portfolio with two new reparative treatments formulated to condition, treat and protect textured hair. Its new Deep Conditioning + Restoring Treatment Masque and Restore + Heat Protect Multi-Benefit Serum feature Coconut Oil, Baobab and Active Protein Complex to help rescue over-processed and heat-damaged hair. These new products are now available at select Target, Walmart and local beauty supply stores.
SOON TO DEBUT THEATRE PRODUCTION EXPLORES THE LINK BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND RACISM
On June 6, a theater production created in England, Freeman, will be making its Chicago debut at the Physical Theater Festival. Freeman was created by Corey Campbell who also stars in the production and is the artistic director of Strictly Arts.
Rahm Emanuel Named Founding Executive Chair of National BAM Advisory Council
Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has been named the Founding Executive Chair of the National BAM Advisory Council, which will advance the national expansion of the evidence-based Becoming A Man® (BAM®) program, developed and implemented by nonprofit Youth Guidance.
New South Side High School Opening This Fall, Hosts Community Hiring Event
This fall, the new Englewood STEM High School will finally be open at 6835 S. Normal Ave. with Conrad Timbers-Ausar serving as principal. In order to prepare for the opening, Chicago Public Schools, along with Teamwork Englewood and Price Workforce Solutions, recently hosted a hiring event for a variety of positions that will be available at the school.
COMCAST LAUNCHES BLACK MUSIC MONTH COLLECTION ON XFINITY X1
This June, Comcast will celebrate Black Music Month with a one-of-a kind musical showcase on Xfinity X1 spanning genres of music pioneered by African Americans including hip hop, R&B, pop, gospel, and jazz. Available within Xfinity on Demand’s Black Film and TV destination, “A New Era of Sound” features curated music videos, playlists and more from top artists of today with nods to yesterday via X1’s music partners including XITE, Pandora, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and more.
Community Lender Partners With Nonprofit to Pilot Job Training Program For Ex-Offenders
The Chicago Community Loan Fund in collaboration with the Safer Foundation is in the midst of their three-year-long Chicago Neighborhood Rebuild Pilot Training Program. The program provides ex-offenders and young people with job training opportunities and allows them to assist with home renovations.
Scientific Games Expands Global Lottery Instant Game Manufacturing Technology In North America And Europe
Scientific Games Corporation has announced that it is significantly expanding its lottery instant “scratch” game innovation and production capabilities with the addition of advanced manufacturing technology in both North America and Europe.
Op-Ed: Prevent Long Hot Summer of Violence in America
Across the nation and throughout the world, millions of people are still morning the tragic and senseless killing of our Brother Nipsy Hustle. We are again reminded of the terrible sickness of violence in communities across the United States.
School Nominations Now Being Accepted For Annual School Supply Giveaway
Back 2 School Illinois, a nonprofit organization that provides free school supplies for low-income students, is currently accepting applications for their annual giveaway that will provide essential school supplies for all of the students at two Chicago schools.
SOUTH SUBURBAN OFFICIALS COME TOGETHER TO GARNER SUPPORT FOR A NEW AIRPORT IN THE REGION
Across the South Suburbs, elected offices are coordinating efforts to encourage Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to designate $150 million of the 2020 capital bill for investment in Chicago’s Southland. The money will be necessary for completing the proposed south suburban airport and will support a new interchange on Interstate 57, local road upgrades, and connectivity to utilities that will accommodate the new airport.
LOCAL TEENAGE ARTISTS CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THEIR NEW SOUTH SIDE EXHIBIT
The Hyde Park Art Center recently hosted a grand opening ceremony for their newest exhibit called It Be Like That Sometimes which features dozens of original artworks that were created by local teenagers who participated in the Hyde Park Art Center’s teen programs. The art on display includes paintings, drawings, photography, prints, clothing design, and multimedia projects.
Community Development Firm Launches South Side Revitalization Effort
A south side community development firm, Urban Juncture, recently led the launch of Build Bronzeville which is a collaborative effort that was created to uplift the historic Bronzeville neighborhood and empower local entrepreneurs to pursue their business ventures in the neighborhood.
The Jazz Institute of Chicago Celebrates “50 Years of Making Jazz Happen” Featuring Jazz Artists, Music, Dance and Spoken Word Performances, and Exhibits During Free Birthday Bash
Chicago’s Own Orbert Davis, DJ Duane Powell, Nicole Mitchell and Maggie Brown Among Music Standouts at June 28-30 Extravaganza
The distinct, innovative sound and legacy of jazz music in Chicago takes center stage from June 28 -30 for Chicagoans of all ages to enjoy as the Jazz Institute of Chicago (JIC) and its partners celebrate “50 Years of Making Jazz Happen” during a multi-event, free Birthday Bash weekend at venues in Hyde Park.