Wednesday, December 30
CLOTHING BRAND GIVES BACK
In 2010, Robert Burke Jr. used his more than 20 years of experience in sales and marketing to start Lifestyle Official, a promotions, event planning and marketing and advertising company.
3 SENIORS RECEIVE FULL SCHOLARSHIPS
Kevin Carter, Kamaria Gutter and Bri’Yon Watts, seniors at Southland College Prep Charter High School, received full four-year scholarships from the QuestBridge National College Match Program.
T. Rowe Price: Black Families Prioritize Money Conversations With Kids More Than Other Racial Groups
A new study from T. Rowe Price reveals that, compared with other racial/ethnic groups, Black families put more emphasis on having conversations about saving money, spending wisely, setting financial goals, and family finances.
South Suburban College recently announced the opening of a Barber College at its South Holland Campus
Barber College At South Suburban college in South Holland Offers Quick Access To A career Credential And Wages. The South Suburban College Board of Trustees recently approved the hiring of its first ever Barber College faculty, Bobby Mattison, at its November board meeting.
Ben & Jerry’s and Colin Kaepernick Unite to Change the Whirled
Ben & Jerry’s is honoring Colin Kaepernick, one of the most prominent social activists, with his very own flavor: “Change the Whirled.”
Black-Owned Cosmetics Brand releases Red and Berry Lipstick Collection
Every makeup-wearer needs the perfect red lip, and Juvia’s Place’s Reds and Berries Lipstick Collection features an array of red and berry-colored lipsticks, lip-glosses and two lip liners.
Common Ground Foundation partners with HundredX
“OUR MAIN CONCERN IS JUST MAKING SURE OUR STUDENTS ARE OKAY. SO, WE’VE DONE CALL-INS TO OUR MENTEES AND THEIR PARENTS JUST TO SEE IF THERE’S ANYTHING WE CAN DO. AND, WE SET UP AN EMERGENCY FUND FOR SOME.” Tiffany Walker program director with the Common Ground Foundation
Lawmakers propose cut in Medicaid rates
Koehler, Crespo say insurers making excess profits during pandemic
Two Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation to reduce state payments to the insurance companies that manage Illinois’ Medicaid program, arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in excess profits for the insurers.
Getting Around Illinois provides latest winter road conditions
The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public to visit and bookmark GettingAroundIllinois.com for continually updated information on road conditions.
CareerBuilder Survey Reveals a More Flexible Future Workforce
CareerBuilder recently announced the findings from a new survey examining the impact of the pandemic on job seekers. The results show job seekers becoming more open to opportunities outside their current roles, pointing to a future workforce that is more skilled and more apt to transition into new industries.
SISTERS OPEN SECOND LOCATION OF POPULAR PRIMA LASH
Whitney and Diamond Cumbo opened their first Prima Lash & Beauty Bar, located at 754 W. 35th St., in 2019. Now, they are set to open their second location in 2021
Ad Council, CDC launch The Power of Us, a campaign designed to educate and empower the Black community to continue to help stop the spread of Coronavirus
The Ad Council, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the CDC Foundation, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are launching a national campaign called The Power of Us to support Black Americans, who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new campaign is designed to inspire Black Americans to continue to make a difference to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Overcoming the Mask
Tips for communicating through COVID-19
Family Features - It can be challenging to communicate through masks, 6-feet of social distance, physical barriers and other factors due to COVID-19 that have changed daily life.
ROMEL MURPHY FINDS PURPOSE IN GIVING BACK
Romel Murphy was in the music industry for more than 20 years. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest brought on by the death of George Floyd, he wanted to make a difference and give back to the community.
Wednesday, December 23
KHAN ACADEMY PROVIDES RESOURCES DURING PANDEMIC
Sal Khan, founder and CEO of the Khan Academy, joined Phyllis M. Lockett, founder and CEO of LEAP Innovations, to talk about how Khan Academy has been at the forefront when it comes to e-learning during this global pandemic. The talk was hosted by the Economic Club of Chicago.
Cotton Incorporated Shares Fashion Trends Ahead Of The New Year
This holiday season is unique, and while we decide what to wear for our virtual celebrations, we all want to be comfortable and stylish with looks that will make us feel extra special this time of year.
Byron Allen To Launch TheGrio.TV To Target African-American Viewers
Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group recently announced that its recently-acquired MGM over-the-air broadcast television network Light TV will officially transition to TheGrio.TV television network on January 15, 2021 – the start of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend.
PROGRAM PREPARES STUDENTS TO REACH FOR THE HEALTHCARE PROFESSION
Rush Education and Career Hub (REACH), an initiative of Rush University Medical Center, continues its legacy of creating opportunities for African American and Latinx students to gain experience in the healthcare workforce
$3 MILLION PROGRAM FOCUSES ON AFRICAN AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURS
Retired Chicago Bears player Matt Forte’s What’s Your Forte Foundation and Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives Micro Finance Group have come together to create a new program that will focus on African American entrepreneurs.
Illinois residents asked for feedback regarding state’s transportation system
The 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. The survey is available online by going here: https://uisits.co1.qualtrics.com or by visiting idot.illinois.gov.
National Black Nurses Association Announces Launch Of Two Groundbreaking Campaigns: ‘RETHINK’ And ‘RE:SET’
The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) has launched two new major campaigns for its members under its new wellness initiative, NBNA Resilient Nurse Resource™. RETHINK, which was created to build awareness around the importance of vaccinations, with a focus on influenza and pneumococcal.
Hershey Invests $1.5 Million in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) will invest $1.5 million in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) to establish a scholarship endowment, with the goal to increase that to $3 million over the next ten years. The endowment will be used for students pursuing degrees in food science in TMCF-member-schools, which include public colleges that provide advanced education for underrepresented populations.
Acclaimed Chicago Southside Native to Fill Position Poet Laureate for the State of Illinois
First Lady MK Pritzker recently announced the selection of Angela Jackson as the next Poet Laureate for the State of Illinois.
REAL ESTATE STRATEGIST EMPOWERS OTHERS
Whitney B. Hampton is the founder and owner of Hampton Real Estate and Investments, CEO of Urban Community Builders (NFP), and lead broker and team leader at A. Progeny Global. Hampton uses her platform to empower people to cultivate wealth through homeownership and property ownership.
While Enrollment Declines Nationwide Due to COVID-19, Illinois Enrollment Numbers Defy Trend
The Illinois Board of Higher Education recently released public university enrollment data indicating enrollment numbers holding steady despite nationwide declines in new and returning students due to COVID-19.
Advocates tout economic benefits of renewable energy investment
But path forward for Path to 100, other energy reforms remains unclear
Springfield – While advocates in Illinois were optimistic that a series of measures reforming the state’s energy landscape could pass in 2019, various factors caused the legislative package to stall while most of Gov. JB Pritzker’s first-year agenda eventually became law.
SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS RECEIVE GRANT MONEY
Keiashia Wood has owned Key2Glam Hair & Makeup Artistry, located at 2150 S. Canalport, for almost four years. Like most business owners, Wood has felt the effects of closures due to COVID-19
Black Woman in Tech Creates New Fundraising Opportunities for HBCUs
Although spare change technology, also known as round-ups, has been around for a few years, Dominique King, Founder of I Heart My HBCU, was the first to bridge this technology to Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) via a single mobile app. “I Heart My HBCU became the first platform where users could donate spare change to any of the 104 HBCUs in one place,” says King.
Tuesday, December 22
THE DuSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY TO WELCOME 2021 WITH A NEW YEAR’S EVE VIRTUAL CELEBRATION!
The DuSable Museum of African American History will “ring in” 2021 when it presents Your Virtual New Year’s Lounge: Hope, Renewal, Unity on Thursday, December 31, 2020 from 11:00 PM until 12:30 AM. The virtual New Year’s Eve celebration which is serving as a Membership Drive for the Museum is sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka with additional support from PNC Bank. The event will be streamed live on VON.TV and on the DuSable Museum website.
Wednesday, December 16
Ideabar Awards $250K of In-Kind Services to The King Center through Empowering Equality Marketing Program
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center) has been awarded $250,000 of in-kind marketing services through “Empowering Equality,” a marketing program sponsored by Ideabar, a national marketing and media agency and Cox Enterprises company.
ENTREPRENEUR PROVIDES EXPERIENTIAL WINE EDUCATION
Regine T. Rousseau believes that wine is an art form. “If you can take a few minutes and taste the nuances, just like a poem or just like a painting, you’ll start to uncover all of these things and really listen to the story that’s in the bottle,” Rousseau said.
Rush Introduces Bicameral Legislation to Create One Million Jobs Through Environmental Conservation Projects
U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) recently introduced the Restore Employment in Natural and Environmental Work (RENEW) Conservation Corps Act, which would create a civilian conservation corps to provide communities with job training and employment opportunities related to the outdoor recreation economy and green infrastructure projects.
United Raises Miles for Dozens of Non-Profits that Rely on Travel
United recently invited MileagePlus members to give back on Giving Tuesday, but also throughout the holiday season by donating miles to nearly 40 non-profits through United Airline’s crowdsourcing platform, Miles on a Mission.
New Black-Owned Fitness Brand CYCMODE Introduces an Immersive and Integrated Fitness Experience … and Its About to Get Real, Literally
Inspired by cinema, music video experiences and interactive gaming, CYCMODE is a boutique group fitness studio offering multiple fitness offerings under one roof — indoor cycling, strength training, and yoga. Launching in January 2021, CYCMODE will offer up to eight live and live-stream workouts per day led by CYCMODE’s team of top fitness professionals.
Bevel Presents, “Created For Kings”
Bevel is reminding the world that Black men deserve self-care too by introducing, “Created for Kings”, a new brand campaign commemorating the beauty, strength, and resilience of Black men.
Jazz at center of ‘Bebop Fairy Tales’
Mark Ruffin, best known for his articles and radio show centered on jazz, has taken his love for the genre and created a historical fiction novel entitled, “Bebop Fairy Tales: An Historical Fiction Trilogy on Jazz, Intolerance, and Baseball.”
The Association of Black Cardiologists Unveils Diversity Scorecard Initiative
The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) has launched an annual diversity and inclusion scorecard for academic cardiovascular (CV) training programs in the US. The results from this ranking initiative - ABC DIBS (Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Scorecard) - will be published annually.
Two Fish Crab Shack expands into frozen food section
Two Fish Crab Shack, located at 641 E. 47th St., opened more than 4 years ago as a restaurant where people could get their seafood boil in a bag fix.
TREE DISPLAY BRINGS AUSTIN TO MICHIGAN
This is the time of year when people line Michigan Avenue for the BMO Harris Bank Festival of Lights. But, this year, due to COVID-19, the event is different. Instead of floats and music, windows are decorated by different community organizations.
RESURRECTION PROJECT RECEIVES $7.2 MILLION TO BUILD HOMES
Chicago is one of seven winning cities in the JP Morgan Chase AdvancingCities Challenge. Resurrection Project, a collaborative of seven community organizations, will receive $7.2 million to boost long-term homeownership by building 150 affordable modular homes as well as provide financial products and coaching on the South and West sides.
(RED) And Mavin Records Announce Partnership With New Single And Remix Competition
On World AIDS Day, Africa’s most influential record label, Mavin Records, and (RED) joined forces to fight two pandemics: AIDS and COVID-19. Launched recently, the remix of the hit single “Jaiye” by Mavin Artist LADIPOE, features Aluna and Sigag Lauren, is available to stream and download worldwide, with proceeds going to support (RED)’s efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on lifesaving HIV/AIDS programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Doubling the impact, funds raised from every stream of the single will be matched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, up to $10,000.
Wednesday, December 9
CTA EXPOSES STUDENTS TO TRADES CAREERS THROUGH VIRTUAL EVENT
Chicago Transit Authority, along with Walsh-Fluor continues to expose young people to careers in the skilled trades through the ACE Trades Day. This year, it was a virtual event where more than 30 students watched testimonials from tradespeople who are working on CTA’s Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Project. Students were able to hear firsthand what it is like to work on the project and how the workers started in the industry.
New research shows Black girls outperform their peers in confidence and leadership potential, yet they continue to lack opportunities to lead
Ruling Our eXperiences, Inc. (ROX) has released its latest national research report, Girls, Diversity and The Future, which reflects insights from 10,678 5th through 12th grade girls.
NO TIME TO REST
Now that the 2020 election is over, people have been celebrating in the streets across America. But as we survey the rubble that is left of an America battered by the last four years under a Trump administration, we see there is a lot of work to be done.
TRUSTEE GIVES BACK TO COMMUNITY
Tiffany Henyard, a Village of Dolton trustee, has been dubbed the “People’s Trustee.” During the Thanksgiving Holiday, Henyard showed her care and concern for the community by hosting two events.
Mobile Tire Installation Service Makes Tire Buying Easier In Chicago Suburbs
With more consumers gravitating toward online shopping and mobile delivery, Goodyear’s Mobile Install service lets drivers get new tires professionally installed without ever leaving home.
MasterClass Announces Alicia Keys to Teach Songwriting and Producing
MasterClass, the streaming platform where anyone can learn from the world’s best across a wide range of subjects, recently announced that 15-time Grammy Award®-winning artist Alicia Keys will teach a class on songwriting and producing.
New Fashion Accessories Store Champions for Artists and Creatives
Youzey (http://youzey.com/), a brand new online accessories store, officially launched recently. From stylish sunglasses and jewelry to vibrant masks, Youzey offers fashion-forward accessories for men and women in their everyday life.
BLACK-OWNED, WOMAN-OWNED PEST CONTROL COMPANY MAKES MARK
For Robiar Smith, pest control is a passion. It is a profession she learned from her father, who was in the extermination business. Smith is the CEO of R.B. Pest Solutions, located at 8243 S. Cottage Grove.
Former College Professor Indicted on Fraud Charges for Allegedly Embezzling More Than $650,000 From Student Organization
A former college professor has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly embezzling more than $650,000 from a national student organization committed to improving minority representation in the pharmacy industry.
Mutual of America Announces Five Recipients of the 2020 Community Partnership Award
Mutual of America has announced the recipients of its 2020 Community Partnership Award, marking the 25th anniversary of the prestigious national competition. This year, five nonprofit organizations were selected for their outstanding contributions to society, in partnership with public, private and other social sector organizations.
Museum’s 78th Annual Christmas Around The World And Holidays of Light Exhibits Highlight More Than 40 Countries And Cultures
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago’s (MSI) Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibits has returned, highlighting the rich customs of more than 40 countries and cultures.
Latest Projection: Travel Spending in U.S. to Plunge by Nearly Half This Year
Travel spending in the U.S. is expected to finish the year 45% down from 2019 levels, and will still not have returned to its pre-pandemic strength by 2024, according to the latest figures released by the U.S. Travel Association.
The P&G brands partner with CVS and UNCF to award $200,000 in scholarships to Black women pursuing degrees in STEM subjects
Black women have historically been underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce. P&G brands Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders and Gold Series from Pantene are determined to help change that by supporting the growth and development of future Black female STEM-focused innovators through a new initiative.
Black-owned company builds a flourishing luxury brand
Gregory Sylvia, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is a luxury brand featuring handbags and accessories. The company was founded in 2010 by husband and wife team Gregory and Terri “Sylvia” Pope
ORGANIZATION HIGHLIGHTS ADVANTAGE OF EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Start Early believes early childhood education programs are one of the ways to close the opportunity gap that exists in the Black community when it comes to children’s education.
City Colleges of Chicago Invites Students to Enroll in Spring Classes
With a new year just around the corner, it’s time to leave 2020 behind and make a new start and City Colleges of Chicago is inviting students to enroll in spring classes.
NEW JOFFREY STUDIO SERIES OFFERS INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL SEASON
The Joffrey Ballet is pleased to introduce the Joffrey Studio Series, a comprehensive roster of virtual programming — from livestream performances and company rehearsals to pre-recorded conversations — curated by Joffrey artists during the COVID-19 era. Highlights include the world premiere of Bolero, a new 30-minute work by Joffrey Artist Yoshihisa Arai, performed and streamed live from the Joffrey’s Gerald Arpino Black Box Theatre on February 12, 2021 at 5 pm; Stage Notes, featuring unique behind-the-scenes commentary by Company Artists overlaid on classic Joffrey archival footage; and On Cue, a video podcast series of interviews about the arts by the professionals who know it best. More information on all Joffrey Studio Series programming, including links for pre-registration as applicable, will be updated regularly and can be found via Joffrey.org/StudioSeries. Due to COVID-19 city and state mandates, all launch dates and livestreams are subject to change
Monday, December 7
Brookins Funeral Home Marks 50 Years of Service Celebrating Life, Community and Family
Brookins Funeral Home is celebrating 50 years of funeral service. The Brookins family who opened their doors in November 1970, are proud neighbors, long-standing and active political representatives and a leading voice for positive change in Chicago. They along with their children, Andrea, Howard Jr., Cheryl and Ronda, and grandchildren will celebrate this golden anniversary throughout the year with the community they serve.
Friday, December 4
MIMIT Healthcare Seeks to Educate Women on Treating Fibroids Without Surgery
Pandemic Leads to Second Virtual Women’s Health Talk on Fibroids
MIMIT Healthcare is taking on an important initiative to educate women who suffer from uterine fibroids with its second free virtual “Women’s Health Talk” on fibroids. It will take place via Zoom on Monday, December 7, from 6:30pm-7:30pm/CST. Advance registration is required. Special guest will be Dr. Angela Walker, MD OBGYN.
Thursday, December 3
Pappas: Get an early look at next year’s property taxes; Download your bill at cookcountytreasurer.com.
Next year’s First Installment Cook County property tax bills are available at cookcountytreasurer.com so that property owners can make payments before the end of this year or plan their finances for 2021, Treasurer Maria Pappas said today.
Wednesday, December 2
Vaseline® Launches ‘Equitable Skincare for All’ in Partnership with Regina King
For the last 150 years, Vaseline® has been committed to helping heal skin everywhere, but this goal can’t be achieved if part of the Vaseline® community doesn’t have access to equal care due to systemic racism.
Alliance seeks to provide legal services to those with cannabis convictions
On January 1, 2020, Cannabis Possession and Consumption was legalized in the state of Illinois. Part of the legislation included a path for those with cannabis conviction to get their records expunged.
IN THE MIDST OF PANDEMIC, FAMILY BUSINESS FLOURISHES
Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken has been in Chicago for more than 50 years. It all started with the location at Central Avenue and Madison Street on the city’s West side by Charmaine Ricketts’ parents.
Women More Likely to Face Housing Insecurity in Pandemic-Led Recession
The pandemic-led recession is disproportionately hurting women in the workforce and is more likely to threaten their housing security.
ORGANIZATION SEEKS TO EMPOWER YOUNG WOMEN TO BE HEALTHY, OPTIMISTIC AND OUTSTANDING
Chez Smith worked in public health for more than 15 years. While she served as the administrator of the family planning clinic, she realized there were a lot of young girls coming in repeatedly for sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
PRSA Chicago Launches Michelle Flowers Diversity Fellowship
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Chicago, one of the country’s largest chapters, has announced the launch of the PRSA Chicago Michelle Flowers Diversity Fellowship.
New Report Reveals Deep Social Inequities in Counties Hard Hit by Alzheimer’s Disease Among Blacks and Latinos
A new report is highlighting the effects of where people live on their brain health, finding deep social inequities in counties most highly impacted by Alzheimer’s disease among Latinos and Blacks.
Radio Host Cayman Kelly Proudly Announces His Achievement As the First African-American Voice of ESPN Radio
Regarded, best-selling author and entertainment voice-over artist veteran of 20 years, Cayman Kelly recently celebrated his continued collaboration with ESPN Sports as the first African-American voice of ESPN Radio, reaching millions of sports fans nationwide.
10 lawsuits over COVID-19 restrictions merged in Sangamon County court
Springfield – The Illinois Supreme Court agreed to combine 10 lawsuits challenging indoor dining bans across the state with existing cases in Sangamon County that raise the same legal questions.
STUDENTS GET TUITION FULLY PAID TO UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
Zenin Miller, a student at Walter Payton College Prep, is one of two students who will have their tuition fully paid for at the University of Chicago. Miller, a Hyde Park resident - whose mother is a nurse at the University of Chicago Medical Center - also participated in the University of Chicago’s Maroon Tutor Math program.
MCDONALD’S USA LAUNCHES NEW MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
McDonald’s USA has launched the Black & Positively Golden Mentors program. The mentorship program will pair industry leaders with up-and-coming changemakers from the same field. The goal of the program is to provide access and leadership opportunities to young people and connect them with industry experts.
Three COVID-19 clinical trials for blood clot prevention launched
The University of Illinois Chicago will conduct three clinical trials for studying blood clot prevention in patients with COVID-19.