Wednesday, August 26
State’s child support division teams with Feeding America® to direct donations to local food banks
In honor of National Child Support Awareness month in August, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has teamed up with Feeding America® to help support local families amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “Every year, our team has generously donated school supplies, books, time and money, and this year, the need to help children throughout Illinois is deeper than ever,” said Theresa Eagleson, director of HFS. “I’m sure we will step up to this new challenge. Families are struggling like they never have in our lifetimes, and we are here to offer our support.”
Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules Approves Tiebreaker Rules; Dispensary Licenses to be Issued in Coming Weeks
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) recently announced that permanent rules have been adopted for adult use cannabis dispensary licensees to be selected when there are two or more applicants in the same Bureau of Labor Statistics Regions with tied high scores. The rules, which were filed in June, may be found at https://www.idfpr.com/Forms/COVID19/IDFPR
Building Bridges From Despair to Hope
Despair. Imagine…there you are. It’s the middle of the night. You’re standing on the street, barefoot with only the hurriedly-grabbed clothes on your back. You’re watching your dwelling burn to the ground. Your pockets are empty. What do you do? Where do you start? Where will you stay? What will you eat? What will you wear?
CEO EMPOWERS MOTHERS TO BE HUSTLE MOMMIES
Ariel DeNey Rainey is the founder and CEO of Hustle Mommies, an organization that is focused on empowering single mothers and helping them to become leaders in their homes and in their communities.
BOOK HELPS KIDS UNDERSTAND SCHOOL DURING COVID-19
Vanessa Williams Johnson has written a book to help young children and parents get an understanding of what education looks like during COVID-19. “No Hugs, No Bugs,” is an early childhood book that follows Max, the pup, as they go back to school in the fall after schools have been closed in the spring due to COVID-19.
Contraceptive offers new option for women
A first-of-its-kind contraceptive developed at the University of Illinois Chicago has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The new contraceptive, called Phexxi, is a non-hormonal vaginal gel that can be used on-demand to prevent pregnancy.
Bounce Announces 2020-21 Slate of Bold New Originals From Top Names In Entertainment
Bounce, the first and only broadcast and multi-platform entertainment network serving African Americans, recently unveiled its 2020-21 original programming slate during the 2020 summer press tour.
‘SickleTini Saturday’ benefits Sickle Cell Disease Association of America
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disease causing red blood cells to take a sickle shape, which leads to blockages that prevent blood from reaching parts of the body.
Morgan James Reveals Secrets on Creating a Positive Work Culture, The Disney Way
Morgan James’ new release, How’s the Culture in Your Kingdom?: Lessons from a Disney Leadership Journey by Dan Cockerell, provides a glimpse into different management styles and work environments from a professional who spent almost three decades learning to create magic at one of the most admired companies in the world.
Virtual School Means Extra Screen Time – And Added Eye Strain For Kids
This school year is beginning in much the way the last one ended, with many districts opting for virtual learning, which means children sit at home in front of computer screens rather than in a classroom in front of teachers.
Back 2 School Illinois Launches “We Appreciate Teachers” Statewide Contest to Celebrate & Support Educators During COVID-19
Ten Winning Illinois Teachers Will Receive Free School Supplies for their Students, plus Personalized Gift Baskets
Back 2 School Illinois (B2SI), a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides tens of thousands of deserving kids from low-income families with free school supplies t o help them succeed in the classroom, is pleased to announce the launch of its We Appreciate Teachers contest. The statewide initiative is designed to celebrate and support Illinois educators, particularly during COVID-19, by rewarding ten winning teachers with Back 2 School Illinois kits (full of 30 much-needed school supplies) for their entire classroom of students.
GROUP THAT EMPOWERS YOUNG GIRLS SEEKING NEW APPLICANTS
Jamila Trimuel launched Ladies of Virtue in 2011 as a way to instill purpose, passion, and perseverance in girls, ages 9 to 18, as well as to prepare them for college, careers and to become change agents in their communities.
Retiring Chief of Office of Operations - Patrol – Fred Waller
Chief Fred Waller, a 34-year member of the Chicago Police Department, will retire on August 15, 2020 as Chief of Office of Operations – Patrol.
First Ever Black Women Creators Virtual Conference Helps Elevate Creative Careers
Join Cool Girls Create for the Official 2020 Conference for Black Women Content Creators on August 29 & 30. The virtual conference will feature exclusive workshops for Black women who want to elevate their creative careers.
THE GREATER AUBURN GRESHAM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WINS CHICAGO PRIZE
Auburn Gresham, Always Growing is the winner of the $10 million Chicago Prize from the Pritzker-Traubert Foundation. The project was a collaboration between the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation, Urban Growers Collective and Green Era Partners.
FITNESS TRAINER OFFERS VIRTUAL TRAINING
People who still want to maintain their health and wellness by engaging in physical exercise and activity, but are not comfortable going to gyms and fitness centers, are turning to virtual training programs.
Storm Survivors Put On Alert For Potential for Scams
Disasters like the severe weather that struck several Illinois communities recently often brings out the best in people, but unfortunately, disasters can also bring out the worst in others who use the opportunity to prey on storm survivors.
Wednesday, August 19
EXHIBIT EXPLORES HOW YOUNG BLACK PEOPLE NAVIGATE CITY
Tonika Lewis Johnson is the creator of the Folded Map Project, a visual investigation of the inequity and disparity of the North and South Sides. In that project, Johnson has the residents, who lived on the same streets with similar addresses on different sides of the city, meet each other and talk about race, the city and segregation.
Walsh Construction completes historic transformation of Chicago’s old Cook County Hospital into dual branded Hyatt hotel
Walsh Construction, one of the largest contractors in the City of Chicago and across the United States, has completed the historic rehabilitation of the 104-year-old Cook County Hospital building, converting the building into a dual branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotel, accompanied by the new Dr. Murphy’s Food Hall.
DR. ANTHONY FAUCI DISCUSSES THE IMPACT AND SEVERITY OF COVID-19 DISPARITIES IN AFRICAN AMERICANS
During a 30-minute interview with BlackPressUSA that was streamed live over Facebook, YouTube, and www.BlackPressUSA.com, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, spoke of the importance of convincing African Americans to participate in clinical trials. He also said that school re-openings should depend mainly upon the location and the infection rate in a given area.
EEOC Resumes Issuance Of Charge Closure Documents
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently announced that it will begin issuing charge closure documents that were suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 21, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the EEOC temporarily suspended the issuance of charge closure documents unless a charging party requested them.
PERFORMERS SET OUT TO CREATE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN SKETCH COMEDY AND IMPROV THEATER
Khristian Leslie and Ronnie Ray have been involved in sketch comedy for more than 30 years and now they’ve decided the best way to help the next generation of African American and minority performers is to start a non-profit, community-based theater company that can help give performers a safe space to cultivate their creativity.
United States Postal Service files notice of a temporary price change
The United States Postal Service has filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of a temporary price change to take effect on Oct. 18, 2020.
Three New Mental Health Programs Launched In Illinois
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) recently announced three new mental health programs designed to provide additional support for Illinois residents.
Sony/ATV Signs Worldwide Deal with Jozzy
Sony/ATV Music Publishing recently announced it has signed a worldwide publishing administration agreement with Grammy award-winning songwriter and recording artist Jozzy.
LEGISLATION SEEKS TO EXPAND POWER OF STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL
Congresswoman Robin Kelly has introduced the State Attorneys General Empowerment Act (H.R. 7536) to expand the power of state Attorneys General to investigate and resolve unconstitutional patterns and practices by law enforcement agencies within their states. Congressman Danny Davis is a co-sponsor of the legislation.
Owner of Chicago Tax Preparation Business Charged with Preparing False Returns
A federal grand jury in Chicago, Illinois, has returned a superseding indictment charging the owner of a tax preparation business with filing tax returns for herself and clients, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION IN BRONZEVILLE TO USE GRANT TO HELP RESTART ECONOMY
Local Initiatives Support Corporation Chicago partnered with Mars Wrigley Foundation to award community organizations with placemaking grants. Quad Communities Development Corporation in Bronzeville was one of the recipients of the $25,000 grant, which they will use to help restart the neighborhood’s local economy
STUDENTS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS FROM CHICAGO FOOTBALL CLASSIC
Larry Huggins and Everett Rand created the Chicago Football Classic more than 20 years ago with the goal of exposing young people in Chicago to the Black college experience through football games, band battles and college fairs.
Wednesday, August 12
ARTIST DRAWS ON COLLEGE EXPERIENCE FOR EXHIBIT
In Sage Smith’s first solo art exhibit, “The Barriers That Create Us,” she explores the act of mindfulness that comes from the repetitive motions and line work in pattern making.
Mayvenn Delivers $1.25 Million in COVID-19 Relief to 2,500 Hairstylists in #SavetheSalon Campaign
Mayvenn, the largest and only Black-owned, venture backed tech company and empowerment network in the hair and beauty industry, has donated $1.25 million to 2,500 hairstylists across the country who struggled to make ends meet as their salons were shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company launched its #SavetheSalon in May with a ten-to-one match of every dollar donated by the community, backed by a slate of prestigious donors.
SALES PROFESSIONAL CREATES ‘THE WORLD’S FIRST SALES DICTIONARY’
Khristian Leslie took his years of experience in business and sales to create “The World’s FIRST Sales Dictionary.” The book includes techniques, terms and tools that Leslie believes are essential for sales professionals.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Chicago Hosts a Virtual Census 2020 “We Count Too!” RallyThe
RallyThe National Pan-Hellenic Council of Chicago hosted a Virtual Census 2020 Rally themed “We Count Too!” on Saturday, August 1, 2020 from 1:00pm to 3:00 pm. This special event was taped live from the 7th Ward Alderman Office Greg Mitchell’s (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.) located at 2249 E. 95th Street in Chicago, IL 60617. This event featured Congresswoman Robin Kelly (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.), Alderwoman Stephanie Coleman (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.), Commissioner Dennis Deer (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.), Alderman Walter Burnett (Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.), 400 bags of Census promotional giveaways; music by DJ Sean Legend and the participants of the restaurant, school, business and church promo contest winners were announced!
ATHLETE CREATES ACTIVEWEAR LINE FOR ATHLETIC-BODIES WOMEN AND GIRLS
As long as Phaidra Knight can remember, she has been into sports. As she grew older, she started to run into challenges because she had a less traditional build physically, and she developed a more muscular build, which meant having clothes custom-made to fit her look. This all led to Knight creating PSK Collective, a street and activewear line for athletically built women, girls and individuals alike, catered to all shapes and sizes.
UIC Library announces the Richard M. Daley Oral History Project
A two-year effort by the University of Illinois at Chicago Library to chronicle the tenure of Chicago’s longest-serving mayor through videotaped interviews with former presidents, city officials and others has been completed.
Economic recovery program deploys $270 million to help child care businesses reopen
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) recently announced that $270 million in funding is available to assist child care providers across the state with reopening in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and now, licensed child care providers that meet the eligibility criteria may apply for Child Care Restoration Grants, reserved as part of the $636 Business Interruption Grants (BIG) program.
FROM THE STREETS TO THE STATEHOUSE: ASHLEY MUNSON ADVOCATES FOR POSITIVE CHANGE
Ashley Munson is the Legislative Affairs Manager for the Illinois Network of Charter Schools. Munson is a community activist and a voice that speaks for the improvement of public education for primarily Black and brown students throughout Illinois. Munson was the lead organizer for the March for Us 2020, Million Man March on Juneteenth.
IBHE grants seek to strengthen, diversify early childhood workforce pipeline
The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) recently announced that it will award $1.3 million in grants to five Illinois colleges and universities to strengthen and diversify the early childhood workforce pipeline.
Winners of Organ/Tissue Donor Poster Contest Honored
The 2020 overall contest winner was Allie Parks, a 7th grader at Adams School in Creal Springs. Allie received a congratulatory plaque, a personalized Illinois Blue Book and a $100 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble from Donate Life Illinois for designing the overall winning poster. Prints of the poster she designed will be displayed throughout the state.
Ford and National Urban League Launch $600,000 Initiative to Help Black Small Business Owners Hardest Hit By COVID-19
The New York Urban League is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from Ford and The National Urban League to continue its work in support of small businesses in the wake of COVID-19.
Illinois Gaming Board Approves Hawthorne Race Course To Move Forward With Casino Development
Thirty years aft er Illinois passed legislation legalizing ten casinos to operate throughout the state, Hawthorne Race Course has been preliminary approved to become its next casino. The Illinois Gaming Board recently voted unanimously that Hawthorne’s ownership and key personnel are “suitable” for eventual casino licensure.
Lawsuit seeking compensation for store closures should be tossed, state says
Springfield — Illinois’ attorney general recently asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit alleging Gov. JB Pritzker’s executive orders closing non-essential businesses and workplaces are unconstitutional
Thursday, August 6
ABC 7’S HOSEA SANDERS REFLECTS ON HIS MOTHER, GARRETT ANN SANDERS
THE LIFE SHE LIVED AND THE LEGACY SHE LEFT HIM
When Hosea Sanders mother, Mrs. Garrett Ann Sanders, left the world for her heavenly home on July 28, she left a legacy of love, tamales, public service, charity, wisdom, humor and five devoted children who carry on her spirit of giving and fighting for what’s right. She was 82.
Wednesday, August 5
Lung Association to donate masks to underserved populations through COVID-19 Action Initiative
As COVID-19 cases continue to increase, states across the nation are issuing orders that require people to wear face masks in public to slow the spread.
GROUPS UNITE TO DECRY GUN VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN
Recent shootings and killings of young children have prompted organizations to host an event to bring awareness to gun violence throughout the city. The Let Our Kids Live event was hosted by the Austin Peoples Action Center, with the goal of bringing people together who are ready to take action and make positive changes.
BUFI Remembers Founding Board Member Rita Wilson
“On behalf of the Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI) it is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of former board member Rita Wilson. We send our condolences to Rita Wilsons’s family and the many civic and social organizations at this difficult time,” shares Carolyn Day, Executive Director of BUFI.
Study Explores the Changing Diversity of Law Students Since the Great Recession
Enrollment in law school has declined by 25% over the past decade; there are now more women than men pursuing law; and Asian Americans, once the fastest-growing group in law schools, have experienced the steepest decline in recent years.
Sandra J. Evers-Manly Elected to 2020 Class of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences
The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) recently announced the election and invitation extended by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to Sandra J. Evers-Manly, to join the 2020 class of new members. Evers-Manly joins the 2020 class that includes 819 new members.
TARGETED: CITY ORDINANCE SEEKS TO END FLAVORED TOBACCO SALES
A coalition of clergy, medical professionals, community organizers and elected officials have partnered to create and support an ordinance that would end the sale of flavored tobacco products. Among those products on the list are menthol, apple, strawberry and watermelon-flavored tobacco products.
Coronavirus in African Americans and Other People of Color
The coronavirus pandemic is having an impact all over the world, but a disturbing trend is evident in the U.S.: People of color, particularly African Americans, are experiencing more serious illness and death due to COVID-19 than white people.
EXPERT TRAVELER LAUNCHES SUSTAINABLE FASHION DESIGN LINE
Karyn Pettigrew created the line, ZoeGoes, a five-piece sustainable capsule collection after a travel experience that helped her see the beauty in packing light. The minimalist, simplistic concept of the collection allows for its wearers a carry-on only option, with pieces made from wrinkle-free fabrics.
KELLY INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION FOCUSED ON PROTECTING SENIORS
Congresswoman Robin Kelly has introduced a bill, H.R. 7699, Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act. The bipartisan legislation directs The Federal Trade Commission to report the number and types of scams targeting seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic to Congress.
ELECTED OFFICIALS ADDRESS CONSTITUENTS’ MAIL DELIVERY WOES
Recent reports of residents not receiving mail or packages from United States Postal Services led to elected officials hosting listening sessions, with Mack L. Julion, president of National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 11- Chicago.
57 Local Health Departments to Receive $50 Million to Hire Additional Contact Tracers, 1,600 Tracers Now Online
As the state continues to build out a robust COVID-19 testing and tracing infrastructure, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recently announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for public health organizations to assist with contact tracing efforts
Fraud Penetrating All State Unemployment Systems
IDES has uncovered and is investigating a widespread fraud scheme that is being conducted nationwide, impacting each state’s federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) programs, implemented as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Documentary Explores High Heel Shoes
A 45-minute documentary film from two Atlanta-based independent filmmakers at DocuJourney Productions and Lola Kay Productions explores a popular fashion accessory - high heel shoes.
Durbin Speaks With FDA Commissioner About COVID-19 Vaccine Development
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) recently spoke by phone with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn about the research and approval process for COVID-19 vaccine candidates under Operation Warp Speed.
50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned and -Led Companies Honored
The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), in collaboration with American Express, recently released the 13th annual ranking of the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies. The companies on this year’s 50 Fastest list span a range of industries, including healthcare, technology, and consulting. From January to December of 2019, the 50 Fastest generated a combined $3.8 billion in revenue and collectively employed more than 17,000 people.
Over 200 Drivers and Monitors Secure Wage and Benefit Increases
With over 95 percent of drivers and monitors voting in favor of ratification, Drivers and monitors employed by First Student of Maywood, IL have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 777. The 220 drivers and monitors provide student transportation for Maywood and Chicago Public Schools.