Wednesday, November 27
Virtue® Hair Care Announces “Charlie’s Angels” Campaign to Benefit She’s the First
Biotech hair care brand Virtue® has teamed up with “Charlie’s Angels” writer, director, producer, and actress Elizabeth Banks to launch a campaign with purpose to benefit She’s the First, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting gender inequality through education. The initiative was announced on Instagram recently with an inaugural post by Banks, featuring celebrity hairstylist and Virtue Creative Director, Adir Abergel.
RETIRED CHICAGO POLICE OFFICER PROVIDES MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE POOR
When DeWayne Mason joined the Chicago Police Department in 1997, he swore to “protect and serve” his community, and even though he retired two years ago, he continues to help people as a volunteer for a South Side nonprofit organization.
SOUTH SUBURBS COULD TAKE A PAGE FROM ROBBINS TO COMBAT CRIME
Village officials in Harvey, Dolton, Markham and other south suburbs met in September to discuss hosting a crime summit, but Robbins Mayor Tyrone Ward said his village has already began taking steps to reduce crime.
Apostolic Faith Church Hosts Musical Tribute to Celebrate Pastor’s 70th Birthday
Award-Winning Gospel Artists and Singers to Honor Bishop Horace E. Smith
Apostolic Faith Church will celebrate the 70th birthday of its pastor, Bishop Horace E. Smith, M.D., with a gala musical tribute on Saturday, December 7, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, 2121 S. Prairie Avenue. A stellar lineup of gospel artists and singers will help celebrate Bishop Smith’s birthday.
Michelle Obama Announces 7 New Co-Chairs Joining When We All Vote
Michelle Obama recently released a video message announcing 7 new Co-Chairs joining When We All Vote, a national, nonpartisan organization launched in 2018 to increase participation in every election.
MINISTERS DENY UBER OFFERED THEM MONEY TO LOBBY MAYOR ON PROPOSED FEE HIKE
Black ministers are denying an allegation by Mayor Lori Lightfoot that Uber offered them $54 million to lobby her regarding a proposed ride-share fare hike. “I have not been approached by Uber and I do not know any other minister that was offered money in exchange for their services,” said the Rev. James Meeks, pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Pullman. “If Uber did make such an offer, it’s a secret to me.”
Lawmakers move to boost online sales tax compliance
Veto session legislation puts cyber, brick-and-mortar stores on level playing field
Springfield –Lawmakers passed a legislative fix during the recently adjourned fall veto session which proponents say could help the state realize $380 million in annual tax revenue by increasing compliance with existing online retail transaction tax laws.
Maywood native and local song writer to release Christmas single in time for the holiday season
Young, Focused, and goal oriented are a few words that come to mind when describing who Tristian Arnez is. He is a multi-talented self-taught singer, songwriter, athlete, musician, actor and model. Tristian was born in Maywood, IL. , began singing at the age of 4.
Hyde Park School of Dance Combines Hip Hop, Ballet And Modern Dance In The Nutcracker
Hyde Park School of Dance (HPSD) brings together fans of ballet, modern, and hip hop with its annual presentation of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, with more than 175 dancers—primarily children ages 7 to 18.
Red Clay Dance Presents Winter Sharecase and Holiday Party
Red Clay Dance Company (RCDC) engages its community by hosting a Winter Sharecase and Holiday Party Saturday, December 14 at 2 p.m. at Fuller Park Auditorium, 331 W. 45th Place, Chicago.
Future of Chatham Food Market Still Uncertain
After temporarily closing its doors earlier this year for remodeling, the future of the Chatham Food Market appears bleak even though outside signage says it would reopen soon as a meat and produce store.
Pritzker Administration Partners with Illinois Primary Health Association on 2020 Census Outreach Efforts
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) recently announced the Illinois Primary Health Association will serve the Northwest region of Illinois for the state’s 2020 census effort, including JoDaviess, Carroll, Whiteside, Lee, LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam, Henry, Mercer and Rock Island Counties.
Bank of America Makes $400,000 Investment Through Neighborhood Builders Program To Advance Economic Mobility in Chicago
Bank of America recently announced it has awarded $200,000 in funding and leadership resources to both Chicago Scholars and Enlace Chicago as part of Bank’s signature Neighborhood Builders® program.
MORE THAN 900 VENDORS AND ATTENDEES TAKE PART IN WOMEN'S SMALL BUSINESS EXPO
City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin's first Women's Small Business and Entrepreneur Expo was a huge success over the weekend. The UIC Dorin Forum was packed with small business vendors, banks, government experts on certification, women leaders from corporate boardrooms, and entrepreneurs in the making.
Church gives free Christmas gifts to Lynwood school
On Saturday, December 7, 2019, Arrow Church is hosting a Christmas Store for the families of Sandridge Elementary School. The event will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m in the gymnasium at Sandridge Elementary School, 2950 Glenwood Dyer Rd. in Chicago Heights.
ORS™ OLIVE OIL HOSTED A SALON TAKE OVER IN CHICAGO PROVIDING FREE HAIR SERVICES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS
ORS™ Olive Oil recently hosted a ‘Salon Takeover’ in Chicago at Keystylist Salon located at 530 W. 99th Street, Chicago. Patrons of the salon were surprised and treated to complimentary hair services paid for by ORS® Olive Oil.
Residents Give Thanks Pullman’s Renaissance
9th Ward Alderman Anthony A. Beale in partnership with the 9th Ward Senior Advisory Board, Chicago Police Department and other local elected officials, residents and community leaders hosted nearly 750 seniors at his 8th annual Thanksgiving Dinner.
Wednesday, November 20
New Chicago-based Community Initiative Aims to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), AllianceChicago, EverThrive Illinois, the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative and other community partners have joined forces to combat the maternal mortality crisis in Chicago.
VETERANS HONORED AT ANNUAL BLACK MCDONALD’S TURKEY GIVEAWAY
Military veterans will be honored this week at the 19th Annual Food for the Body & Spirit event sponsored by the Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
On The South Side, Budget Cuts Affect Free Testing And Treatment For STDs
Budget cuts by the Chicago Department of Health have made it more difficult for low-income and unemployed residents to access free testing and treatment on the South Side for sexually transmitted diseases
Illinois to Seek Disaster Declaration from Small Business Administration to Aid 1.4M Illinois Residents
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently denied the state’s appeal for federal assistance to help residents in 22 counties recover from 2019’s severe storms and historic flooding along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. In light of these new developments, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency will seek a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
United Airlines Launches New Pilot Recruitment and Development Program
United Airlines recently announced the launch of Aviate, its new pilot recruitment program and career website, offering aspiring and established pilots more opportunities and the fastest paths to achieving their dreams and becoming a United First Officer and, ultimately, Captain.
CTA Partnership with Cleanslate Aimed at Reducing Poverty
A community effort by the Chicago Transit Authority and the nonprofit Cleanslate is taking aim at reducing poverty by providing job-training skills that hopefully lead to employment opportunities.
Budget Proposal Would Open All Public Libraries on Sundays
If Mayor Lori Lightfoot has her way, the City Council will approve her proposed $11.65 billion budget for 2020 that includes funding to open all libraries on Sundays.
Underscore Theatre Company Presents PROXY
PROXY, by Alexander Sage Oyen, Rachel Franco and Austin Regan, is a story of journalistic and personal integrity set to a punk rock score. Now playing at Underscore Theatre Company’s newly-remodeled, permanent home, The Understudy, 4609 N. Clark St. in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, the play is directed by Stephanie Rohr with music direction by T.J. Anderson..
Agent-CEO Tiauna Jackson opens doors to Black writers
The Jackson Agency recently announced a new partnership with the Writers Guild of America – West. The Jackson Agency has been the home for underrepresented artists of color since its founding in 2014. Now, as a WGA Signatory, this partnership will create more opportunities for writers of color, allowing for historically underrepresented writers to have Agency representation.
Discover Navy Pier’s 19th annual Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest!
‘Tis the season for holiday fun at Navy Pier’s 19th annual Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest! For more than five weeks, guests can dash through an indoor winter wonderland as Chicago’s iconic lakefront destination transforms its Festival Hall into a dazzling spectacle with 170,000 square feet of holiday-themed fun. Kicking off on Friday, December 6, 2019 and running through Sunday, January 12, 2020, Chicagoland natives and seasonal travelers will have the opportunity to enjoy festive décor, returning favorites and this year’s brand-new attraction, The Wind Chill.
Lands’ End Matching Family Flannel Pajamas Selected As One Of This Year’s Oprah’s Favorite Things
Lands’ End recently announced that the matching family flannel pajamas in rich red plaid are included in this year’s Oprah’s Favorite Things holiday gift list featured in the December issue of O, The Oprah Magazine and on OprahMag.com.
Friday, November 15
New Grocery Store Set to Open this Month in South Shore
A much-anticipated grand opening for a new grocery store in South Shore appears finally ready to happen this month for the holiday.
Wednesday, November 13
Former LAPD Chief Chosen As Interim Superintendent After City’s Top Cop Announces His Retirement
The unexpected announcement last week by Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson that he will retire next month has led to the selection of an interim police superintendent when the city’s top cop retires.
ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT APPOINTEE HOPES TO KEEP HIS SEAT IN UPCOMING ELECTION
Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. currently serves as an Illinois Supreme Court Judge in the 1st District along with two other judges. The 1st District encompasses all of Cook County. Justice Neville was appointed to take the seat of Justice Charles Freeman upon his retirement in 2018 and is currently running for election to maintain his seat on the Illinois Supreme Court.
Plant-Based Laundry Detergent Company Wins South Side Pitch Competition
During the sixth annual South Side Pitch competition, hosted by the University of Chicago, Dinobi Detergent came in first-place out of 120 south side-based businesses that entered this year’s competition. As the winner, Dinobi Detergent received $5,000 in cash and a one-year membership to Polsky Exchange, a small business incubator and co-working space in Hyde Park.
Gap Launches “Gift the Thought” Holiday Platform
Gap has launched their “Gift the Thought” 2019 Holiday platform anchored by the heartwarming hero film, “The Hoodie”. Under Gap’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Alegra O’Hare, the brand is pursuing an added emotional marketing tone this season. This sees a diversion from the traditional theatrical, musical nature of previous Gap Holiday campaigns, and introduces a more heart felt and sentimental hero film. “We wanted to create something special and unique that tugs at the heartstrings,” says O’Hare.
WOMAN-OWNED MINORITY ENTREPRENEURSHIP NETWORK PREPARES TO OPEN EVENT VENUE
The iCan Collective will soon celebrate the opening of its new event space, 2036 S. Michigan Ave., in South Loop with a Sneak Preview event on Nov. 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. During the event, attendees will get a look at the space and see different ways it can be utilized for workshops, seminars, and even weddings or birthday parties.
New Indie Pop/Rock Artist “Ebie” Releases Official Single and Officially Detaches Herself from Her Father Eazy-E’s Shadow
An American Los Angeles based artist who became popular as a “Young Hollywood” socialite in the L.A. music scene at just 16 years old, Ebie soon after became a talent of MTV and spent the rest of her teen years doing a plethora of MTV shows and specials that quickly thrusted her into the spotlight in 60 countries around the world.
Celebrate the Holiday Season at Millennium Park Campus with Holiday Traditions
Millennium Park will be the epicenter of holiday cheer in Chicago, featuring your favorite seasonal traditions, Chicago’s official Christmas Tree, ice skating, music, exhibitions, an art market and free family fun. The 106th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Friday, November 22, at 6pm, featuring music performances, Santa Claus and more.
WITH THE GOAL OF REACHING 10,000 KIDS, SOUTH SIDE CHURCH KICKS OFF HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE
As the holiday season quickly approaches, Another Chance Baptist Church, 9550 S. Harvard Ave., has already set its goal of providing new toys for 10,000 children in Chicago this year during its annual Operation Cover Chicago holiday giveaway event. The Operation Cover Chicago holiday giveaway will take place on December 20 at 7 p.m. at the church in Roseland.
Nonprofit Celebrates South Side Warehouse Opening With Creative Supply Giveaway
The Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange recently celebrated the opening of its new warehouse in West Englewood by giving away books, school supplies, classroom equipment, and other donated surplus items to Chicago teachers and nonprofit organizations that work with youth. The new warehouse is located on 2124 W. 82nd Pl. in the Envision Unlimited Frick Center.
IDOA approves two cultivation centers to grow cannabis for adult-use purposes
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) recently approved two cultivation centers to grow cannabis for adult-use purposes in advance of adult-use cannabis becoming legal on January 1, 2020.
Pritzker Administration Announces Available Funding for Trauma Recovery Centers Statewide
Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority recently announced an upcoming grant program to support trauma recovery centers (TRCs) across the state. Research indicates crime victims from underserved communities face unique societal and cultural barriers to seeking help.
Chicago State University Opens Food Pantry For Students, Staff, Faculty And Alumni
Chicago State University recently celebrated the opening of its new food pantry on campus which was established to assist students, faculty, staff, and alumni overcome food insecurities. The food pantry is a part of the university’s Student Affairs division and is partnered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Fight to Fame Brings on Roy Jones Jr. as an Ambassador
Fight to Fame, an entertainment platform with the aim to create new movie stars from the fighting industry recently announced that Roy Jones Jr. has joined fellow world class fighters Chris Van Heerden, Rigan Machado, and Prince Badi Ajamu as one of Fight to Fame’s ambassadors. The ambassadors are expected to guide the new blockchain technology company in the right direction while drumming up support from upcoming fighters.
EIGHT SOUTH SUBURBAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS PASS ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART & DESIGN EXAM
Eight students from Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills recently found out that they passed the Advanced Placement (AP) Art & Design exam. The exam scores students from one to five with five being the highest score and three being the minimum for passing. One student, Jennifer Soto, became the first student in Hillcrest High School history to receive a five on the exam. “I’ve been teaching AP Art & Design for the past nine years and the AP Art & Design exam is part of the College Board college entrance exams that high school students can take. If they pass the AP Art & Design exam with a score of three to five, then they’re able to earn college credit,” said Jamilah Adebesin-Mason, fine arts teacher at Hillcrest High School. “Basically, they are being tested on college-level material that they are being taught in the classroom and it gets the students ready for college-level work.”
State Legislators Push for Funding To Reopen Closed South Suburban Medical Center
During a recent Appropriations-Human Services Committee hearing, members of the committee discussed new legislation that would provide funding to reopen the building that was home to MetroSouth Medical Center, 12935 S. Gregory St., in Blue Island and turn it into a free-standing emergency center.
Job Seekers Hired On-the-Spot at Congresswoman Kelly’s 7th Annual Hiring Event
In October, several job seekers were surprised to walk away with jobs at Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly’s annual hiring event at the Lan-Oak Park District in Lansing, IL.
Wednesday, November 6
Pappas asks: Military members and veterans, are you getting the property tax relief you deserve?
Members of the military can defer Cook County property taxes interest-free while on active duty, one way to ease the financial sacrifice of service to our country, Treasurer Maria Pappas said today.
ALDI Debuts Fresh Design of Remodeled Matteson Store
Retailer Investing $1.9 Billion to Update 1,300 US Stores by the End of 2020
ALDI welcomed shoppers back to its renovated Matteson store recently. The store, at 20713 S. Cicero Ave., is part of a $1.9 billion initiative to remodel and expand more than 1,300 ALDI stores nationwide by the end of 2020. Locally, ALDI is investing $180 million to update more than 130 stores in Chicago and the Chicagoland area by the end of 2020.
Odyssey Impact Partners with Filmmaker Rudy Valdez on Social Impact Campaign for EMMY® Award-winning Documentary The Sentence
Odyssey Impact recently announced its partnership with filmmaker Rudy Valdez to execute a social impact campaign for the award-winning documentary The Sentence. The film showcases firsthand the devastating consequences of mandatory minimum drug sentencing through Valdez’s storytelling of his older sister Cindy and their family’s experience over 10 years.
New president has big plans for Olive-Harvey College
For more than a year, Kimberly Hollingsworth, an amateur weightlifter, has been at the helm leading Olive-Harvey College into a new era of leadership. After first being installed interim president in July 2018 and being named permanent president a year later, the Hyde Park resident is aiming high with five-year goals, such as boosting enrollment at the school, establishing greater relationships with the community and improving the student life cycle.
The Embrace Girls Foundation presents Africa Umoja from February 25 – March 8, 2020
As the Lion King and yes, Black Panther continue to break box office records, another story that celebrates the African continent and its unbreakable spirit is set to arrive in South Florida. AFRICA UMOJA, The Spirit of Togetherness, sponsored by Aetna and benefiting The Embrace Girls Foundation, Inc., will premiere for a two-week celebration during Black History Month. Opening Tuesday, February 25, 2020, the production will run at the Miramar Cultural Arts Center until March 8, 2020.
SEVERAL SOUTH SUBURBAN FIRE DEPARTMENTS RECEIVE FEDERAL GRANTS TO SUPPORT HIRING
Congresswoman Robin Kelly recently announced that several south suburban fire departments would be receiving major federal grants through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. Included in the recently announced grant recipients are the Homewood, Calumet City, and South Chicago Heights Fire Departments.
South Suburban Village Celebrates Opening Of New Municipal Center
The Village of Hazel Crest recently hosted a grand opening ceremony for its new Vernard L. Alsberry Jr. Municipal Center located on 3601 183rd St. The new municipal center, which is named after the current Village President, provides office space for village services, meeting rooms and event space for the community to utilize, and is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology.
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA RETURNS TO CHICAGO FOR OBAMA FOUNDATION SUMMIT
The Obama Foundation recently hosted its third Summit in Chicago at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Bronzeville. President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, were both in attendance and spoke to attendees about their vision for the Obama Presidential Center and how it will impact Chicago.
Treasurer Frerichs Announces Third Gold Rating for Bright Start College Savings Plan
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recently announced that Illinois’ 529 College Savings Plans, Bright Start and Bright Directions, again have earned top rankings from Morningstar, placing both plans among the best in the nation.
SOUTH SIDE ORGANIZATION TO CREATE PHOTO MURAL PROJECT CELEBRATING COMMUNITY HISTORY
In anticipation of a major construction project coming to the neighborhood, South Shore Works recently began collecting photos from community members which will be turned into a mural that tells the larger story of the history of South Shore, Jackson Park, and the south side of Chicago.
Pigment International closes out inaugural Black Fine Art Month with discussion about the future of Black fine art
Pigment International, the Black Art Collective closed out the inaugural Black Fine Art Month with a discussion of the “Future of Black Fine Art,” at the DuSable Museum of African American History on this past Wednesday. The panel discussion featured Faheem Majeed, artist, builder and co-founder of the Floating Museum; Ciera Mckissick, founder of AMFM, a creative arts brand and Dr. Yaounde' Olu, a leading proponent of Afro-futurism, award winning editorial cartoonist, illustrator, educator, and indie comic and graphic novel publisher. The panel was introduced by Pigment artist Blake “BLen” Lenoir and moderated by Angel Idowu of WTTW.
Alderman Gives Update on Major Development Project Planned For Former Hospital Site
After hearing from the community that they were against the idea of a casino being developed on the site of the former Michael Reese Hospital, 4th Ward Alderman Sophia King and the project development team re-envisioned the plan. King recently held a meeting at the Carruthers Center, 700 E. Oakwood Blvd., to give community residents an update on what will be going into the project as of now.
Gentle exercise program improves outcomes among older home care clients
A study published in Innovation in Aging, a journal of the Gerontological Society of America, shows that a gentle exercise program delivered by home care aides improved client health, especially among participants whose caregivers are not family members.
Meeting Held To Share Details of 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project
The Illinois Department of Transportation recently held a public open house at Freedom Temple Church of God in Christ, 1459 W. 74th St., to give community members an update on the 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project and to allow them to view exhibits and speak with the project team to learn about the status, design, and construction timelines for the project.
The Toy Insider Experts Reveal Top Holiday Toy Trends of 2019
The Toy Insider recently revealed the top eight trending toy themes of 2019, giving consumers an inside look at the hottest categories and hand-picked favorites that are sure to be bestsellers this holiday season, according to a press release.
Open House And Reel Black Filmmakers Networking Session
Attend the Open House And Reel Black Filmmakers Networking Session if you are creative and can see yourself in visual media. Perhaps your talent is in camera operation, editing, writing stories, sound design, lighting or directing? Find your film making network on the South Side at Community Film Workshop. For 48 years, Community Film Workshop has been educating, providing internships and mentoring people of color, women and other groups disenfranchised in film production.
SSC Bulldog’s Baseball Program to hold a holiday Youth Catching Camp December 26th and 27th
South Suburban College Head Baseball Coach Steve Ruzich will direct a two-day Catching Camp on Thursday, December 26th and Friday, December 27th from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Coach Ruzich has directed youth camps for the past 34 years and has taught baseball skills at many other baseball camps throughout the state.
CITY OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES $9.3 MILLION INVESTMENT IN MENTAL HEALTH
The Chicago Department of Public Health and the Mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, recently unveiled the Framework for Mental Health Equity plan which was created to improve access to mental healthcare in Chicago. The plan includes $9.3 million in new funding that will expand mental health services at 20 healthcare centers, including the Englewood Mental Health Center located on 641 W. 63rd St.
IDOT receives federal funds to improve alternative fuel vehicle infrastructure on I-80
The Illinois Department of Transportation recently announced that Illinois is receiving federal funds to boost infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles on Interstate 80. The grant, which will target electric vehicles and vehicles that run on natural gas, is part of a larger effort to build a mid-America alternative fuel corridor spanning six states.
Nursing Home Violations for Third Quarter 2019 Include South Suburban Facilities And Others
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recently announced that the 2019 Third Quarterly Report of Nursing Home Violators is now posted on IDPH’s website. The report contains additional information about the violations.
26-YEAR-OLD VOTING ADVOCATE TAKES ON NEW COUNTY-WIDE LEADERSHIP ROLE
As the new chairwoman of the Cook County Young Democrats and president of the Chicago Votes Action Fund Board of Directors, Chakena Sims has a vision for expanding access to voting rights in Chicago and engaging a new generation of political activists across Cook County. With a strong handshake and 26-years of life under her belt, Sims is ready to be an advocate and a leader as the 2020 election approaches
INDOCHINO Launches Custom Collection with New York Knicks Rookie Star RJ Barrett
INDOCHINO, recently launched a limited edition collection with its Signature Athlete, New York Knicks top draft pick RJ Barrett. Th e basketball player personally selected each of the six fabrics and two personalized linings, which went on sale online and in all INDOCHINO locations on October 24th.