Wednesday, February 26
Pullman celebrates five years as National Monument
Community residents, politicians and business leaders celebrated the milestone of Pullman being designated a National Monument on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Hotel Florence.
DEA releases 2019 National Drug Threat Assessment
DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon recently announced the publication of the 2019 National Drug Threat Assessment, which outlines the threats posed to the United States by domestic and international drug trafficking and the abuse of illicit drugs.
RESIDENTS, METRA AND COOK COUNTY WORKING TOGETHER TO IMPROVE METRA
The Coalition for a Modern Metra Electric believe they have an idea to boost ridership: Improve Metra Stations and reduce fares to CTA levels. The Metra Electric Line begins at the Millennium Park Station, at Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street, and extends to the University Park Station, at University Parkway and Governors Highway.
Kimberly Foxx and Andrea Zopp Honored at the 4th Annual L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Gala
WDB Marketing returns with their fourth annual L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Gala to recognize the importance of African American entrepreneurship in America by highlighting business owners and leaders in the city of Chicago. Announcing the 2020 Honorees, an extraordinary group of leaders making a high-impact in politics, education, humanitarianism and over all African-American entrepreneurship to be honored. WDB Marketing celebrating their 14th anniversary will honor recipients on Saturday, February 29, 2020, from 6 pm – 10 pm at Malcom X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
Grant funds UIC study on access to early childhood education in Illinois
In 2018, Illinois passed one of the most expansive and progressive pieces of legislation (IL PA 100-0105) that aimed to reduce expulsions from early childhood education and child care programs
Michelle Duster (pictured), great granddaughter of Ida B. Wells-Barnett, said there has been some erasure of the contributions of African American women when it comes to the Women’s Suffrage Movement.
Michelle Duster is the great granddaughter of activist and journalist Ida B. Wells-Barnett. On Thursday, Feb. 20, she spoke about African American Suffragists and their fight for inclusion. 2020 marks the centennial of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote.
Parents Get Organized with kidpik’s Spring 2020 Collection Offering Fashion That’s Streamlined and On-trend
kidpik, a fashion subscription box service designed exclusively for girls, has released its Spring 2020 collection focused on colorful and stylish looks that are instant girls’ favorites and keep parents on track to stay organized, on time, and stress free.
COUNTRY CLUB HILLS ENGINEER RECEIVES HUMANITARIAN AWARD
A Country Club Hills resident and systems engineer at Northwestern Memorial Hospital was among four recipients recently honored at the 41st Annual Humanitarian Awards that recognized individuals whose community service embodies the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Fathers of NBA players bring message to Robbins
Fathers of NBA players visited Robbins to participate in a forum, which brought youth from the community together with local politicians and others with the goal of inspiring the youth.
College Scholarships Aided by Black History Month Fashion Show
The 3rd Annual Black History Month College Scholarship Drive Runway Gala helped fund three scholarships this year, while also educating youth about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Muhammad Ali, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Rosa Parks are Most Popular Historical Figures in Bamboo Luminaries
Award-winning skill developer Bamboo Learning has released its first report analyzing learner activities on its new, popular Alexa educational trivia game, Bamboo Luminaries.
Politics And Women Helped Shape Chicago’s Black History
Chicago is known more for its gun violence and high sales tax than its black, political history that seems to be growing almost every election.
FAMILY OF EMMETT TILL RELEASES STATEMENT ON EMMETT TILL ANTI LYNCHING BILL VOTE EXPECTED TODAY
The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to make history today, February 26, 2020 by passing the Emmett Till Antilynching Act (H.R. 35), introduced by Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill). The legislation would make lynching a criminal federal offense punishable up to life in prison.
SOCIALWORKS GIFTS TICKETS TO IGROW CHICAGO
Students from IGrow Chicago were gifted tickets to attend the Rising Stars Game during NBA All Star Weekend by SocialWorks, the non-profit organization started by Chance the Rapper, Essence Smith and Justin Cunningham.
Wednesday, February 19
Alderman Eyeballing Two Grocery Stores for Halsted Corridor
The pending closure of Save-A-Lot in Auburn Gresham has the local alderman seeking possible replacements to avoid a food desert along the Halsted Corridor.
Create your business and financial plans
Starting a business can be exciting, but that excitement may be overshadowed by anxiety if you start this new adventure without detailed research and plans to guide you along the way.
Cook County Board Approves Five Incentives Designed to Grow Vital Communities
The Cook County Board of Commissioners recently approved five proposals from President Toni Preckwinkle’s Bureau of Economic Development (BED) that will provide tax incentives to businesses in Cook County.
Organizations partner to create initiative that makes Chicagoans visionaries
In 2019, the Field Foundation and MacArthur Foundation partnered to create the Leaders for a New Chicago. It awarded individuals from the community and their organizations $25,000 each, in an effort to support the ideas that would improve the city.
TOOLS AND WRITING OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS ON DISPLAY
To commemorate Black History Month, American Writers Museum has curated a Frederick Douglass Tour to showcase some of the artifacts from the writer it has in its collection.
VEGAN FAST FOOD CARRYOUT OPENS ON 87TH STREET
Plant-based dieting is said to be the biggest health trend of 2020 and a new South side restaurant is capitalizing on its popularity and health benefits. Plant Based Junkie, a vegan fast food carryout, opened Monday, Jan. 17, at 1635 ½ E. 87th St.
South and West side Clergy endorse Kim Foxx
Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx stood surrounded by clergy members from the South and West sides as they endorsed her to continue the work she has done in that office for the last four years.
Chicago’s South Side Was Big Part of the Civil Rights Era
The civil rights era may have begun in the south, but made its way through Chicago’s South Side by way of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who delivered one of his first Chicago speeches at the University of Chicago (U of C). On April 13, 1956, a 27-year-old King spoke at the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave., after being invited by Chicago historian Timuel Black, who earned a master’s degree in social science two years earlier at the University of Chicago.
THE SEARCH IS ON FOR AMERICA’S NEXT TOP YOUNG SCIENTIST
3M and Discovery Education recently announced the opening of the 2020 3M Young Scientist Challenge (#YoungScientist). The annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge recruits students in grades 5-8 to compete for an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, the $25,000 grand prize and earn the title of America’s Top Young Scientist. Competition entries are accepted at www.YoungScientistLab.com until the April 21, 2020 deadline.
NEW DOCUMENTARY ABOUT BEN WILSON HIGHLIGHTS FORGIVENESS AND HEALING FROM FAMILY
An upcoming TV documentary about slain Simeon Career Academy High School basketball star Benjamin “Ben” Wilson will show not only Wilson’s life leading up to his murder, but also his family’s pain and suffering before their healing process began.
Friday, February 14
Infrastructure Forum highlights growing need for water investment
The importance of infrastructure investment in protecting the region's water quality will take center stage on Feb. 16 as presidential candidates will take part in "Moving America Forward: A Presidential Candidate Forum on Infrastructure, Jobs and Building a Better America" in Las Vegas
Wednesday, February 12
Poet featured at 37th Annual Kent Lecture
“As a Black American, we have done a lot for this country,” said poet Nikki Giovanni during her speech at the 37th Annual Dr. George E. Kent Lecture. Giovanni was featured at the lecture on Thursday, Feb. 6, at the University of Chicago at the Harris School of Public Policy.
Annual Symposium to Focus on Small Businesses
One topic of discussion the second annual Minority Entrepreneur Interactive Solution Symposium will focus on is how small businesses impact local economies.
Ilyce Glink and ThinkGlink Announce New Credit Education Series, Sponsored by Equifax
Americans are carrying $13.95 trillion in total household debt, according to 2019 data from the Center for Microeconomic Data — this includes credit card debt, mortgages, home equity lines of credit and auto loans.
American Writers Museum Honors Black History Month with Special Programs
To celebrate Black History Month, American Writers Museum is presenting guided tours spotlighting the work of the many great Black writers throughout U.S. history, weekly Little Squirrels Storytime dedicated to Black writers, and welcomes Writer Nicholas Buccola who will present his new book, The Fire Is Upon Us.
City to conduct shoreline study to assess affects of high lake levels
As Lake Michigan rises and beachfront erosion continues, the City of Chicago Department of Transportation, along with the Department of Buildings, Chicago Park District, Streets and Sanitation and Office of Emergency Management and Communications will conduct a Shoreline Vulnerability Assessment.
February is Earthquake Preparedness Month in Illinois
While some hazards such as storms, tornadoes and floods can be forecasted in order to provide advance noticed to residents in an area of danger, other hazards such as earthquakes cannot be predicted. Recent earthquakes in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean are perfect examples that earthquakes can happen anywhere and at any time, including while you are at work, at home or on vacation. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that 500,000 detectable earthquakes occur in the world each year. The National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) locates about 20,000 earthquakes each year, or about 55 earthquakes each day.
Housing Choices for Blacks Has Fallen and Risen
There used to be a time when blacks had to be careful where they lived in Chicago and the suburbs because segregation had divided people up based on their race and economic status. To some degree, housing is still based largely on race and income even though The Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968) outlawed such measures. Under this federal law, it is illegal to refuse to sell or rent a dwelling to any person because of religion, sex, familial status, race, color, disability, or national origin.
Dating.com Releases Guide on “What Not To Do” This Valentine’s Day
Before the most romantic day of the New Year arrives, Dating.com, part of the Dating.com Group and the company behind numerous online dating sites, has released a newly curated guide to navigating Valentine’s Day festivities.
Celebration Honors Cultural & Civic Leaders in Chicago
Landmarks Illinois will mark the 15th anniversary of the Legendary Landmarks Celebration on March 5, 2020, in Chicago. The annual event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Landmarks Illinois, the only statewide historic preservation nonprofit helping people all across Illinois save the treasured places in their communities.
LOCAL CONSTRUCTION FIRM TO RESTORE CLOCK TOWER BUILDING IN PULLMAN
Griggs Mitchell and Alma Construction is a minority and veteran-owned construction group in Chicago. They were recently awarded a $5.8 million contract to preserve and restore the Administration Clock Tower Building at the Pullman National Monument at 11057 S. Cottage Grove.
How Summit Learning is Enhancing Teacher-Student Mentoring
Teachers are at the heart of Summit Learning classrooms, and mentoring is an essential part of the Summit Learning experience. To date this school year, teachers, school staff, and students have held more than 3.8 million minutes of in-person mentoring within the Summit Learning program—the equivalent of watching more than 31,600 two-hour movies.
AKArama Foundation and AKA to Present Women’s Heart Health Expo February 21 Community Invited to Free Event Featuring Fitness, Food and FUN
This is a serious matter,” is a popular refrain that members of Alpha Kappa Alpha chant when dealing with significant issues. When it comes to health, the sorority has identified heart disease as “a serious matter.” To raise awareness about women's heart health, Alpha Kappa Alpha has partnered with the American Heart Association through its “Pink Goes Red” platform. Held during February, which is designated as Heart Health Month, Pink Goes Red is a sorority-wide impact day led by International President Dr. Glenda Glover. All 1,018 chapters, including those globally, set aside a day to support the American Heart Association’s mission. It also aligns with the sorority’s commitment to women’s health.
MWRD incumbent passionate about the environment
Kimberly Neely du Buclet considers herself an environmentalist. Her interest in environmental issues began while she was a state representative. During that time, representing the 26th District, she received an A+ rating from the Illinois Environmental Council. She consistently voted with the environmental caucus.
Memoir details life, love and career
Farissa Knox knew that she was a good storyteller. One day, after telling a story, someone told her she should write a book. Knox, who is the founder and CEO of RLM Media and founder and CEO of What R U Wearing Productions, took heed and published a memoir, “Love, Sex and Friendship: In No Particular Order.”
NBA FAMILY TO ENGAGE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF YOUTH AND MORE THAN 40 COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS CHICAGO AS PART OF NBA ALL-STAR 2020 OUTREACH EFFORTS
– First-Ever NBA All-Star Youth Leadership Council to Unveil Five Youth-Led Projects in Chicago’s Neighborhoods with Support from the Chicago Bulls and Three Local Community Organizations
NIU removes use of standardized test scores for 2021 applicants
New ‘test-blind’ policy is first of its kind for an Illinois institution
Northern Illinois University recently announced it will eliminate the use of standardized test scores for general admission and merit scholarship decisions. This new “test-blind” policy will begin for students applying to NIU for the fall of 2021.
Rob Rose, Executive Director of Cook County Land Bank Authority, Appointed to Fannie Mae’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council
Fannie Mae recently appointed Robert Rose, executive director of Cook County Land Bank Authority, to a two-year term as a member of Fannie Mae’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council.
Nike Foundation Getting in Shape with Obama Presidential Center
The Nike Foundation is collaborating with the Obama Foundation to ensure that once the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) is built it includes useful community space, such as an athletic facility.
Wednesday, February 5
Study finds many youth living with undiagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome
Most youth living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) have not been diagnosed, according to a new prevalence study from researchers at DePaul University and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, published by the journal Child & Youth Care Forum. Leonard A. Jason, a professor of psychology at DePaul University, led the seven-year study to screen more than 10,000 children and teenagers in the Chicago area.
“Teens for Jeans” Campaign, Donates Jeans to Young People in Homeless Shelters
Almost 40% of people experiencing homelessness in the United States are under 18, according to covenanthouse.org. One item they commonly request in homeless shelters is a pair of jeans. Why? Jeans are comfortable in any season and can be worn multiple times between washes. Plus, for a teenager without many belongings, wearing a pair of jeans can provide a sense of security
Illinois Housing Development Authority Expands Housing Options For Vulnerable Populations
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Board of Directors has approved $42,251,973 in funding to create or restore 172 units of permanent supportive housing in nine communities across Illinois. Awarded under Round VI of IHDA’s Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Development Program, the funding will support the construction or preservation of affordable housing provided in tandem with individualized supportive services designed to help vulnerable households attain stable housing and use it as a platform for health, recovery, and personal growth.
RESIDENTS IN SOUTH SUBURBS CAN ‘TAKE CHARGE’ WITH HEALTH WORKSHOPS
begin at libraries in the South Suburbs with the goal to help people with health conditions and to take better care of themselves. These workshops will meet for six weeks and each will last 2 ½ hours. Topics for Take Charge of Your Health include healthy eating, physical activity, stress management, as well as action planning. Topics for Take Charge of Your Diabetes include monitoring, healthy eating, menu planning, as well as medication management.
Beyoncé And Sony/ATV Music Publishing Sign Global Agreement
Beyoncé and Sony/ATV Music Publishing recently announced a global agreement covering the music icon’s entire song catalog, including seminal hits from her start with Destiny’s Child, through her unparalleled collection of solo works written throughout her career.
Event focused on managed care set for Feb. 12
Sterling will speak about SIMPCO and how it will fill a void in health care in Illinois at an event, which will take place at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Olive-Harvey College, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave. Dr. Carol Adams, SIMPCO chief community relations officer, as well as State Representative Will Davis, and Lynwood (Ill.) Trustee Jada Curry, will also speak at the event.
LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATED AT UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
Dr. Otis Moss III were speakers for the 30th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at the University of Chicago, at Rockefeller Chapel. The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III is the pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss II worked alongside King and is a board member and trustee for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change.
Mayor Lightfoot Calls on Residents and Business Community to Support Puerto Rican Relief and Aid Efforts
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot recently issued a call to action to residents, the business community and other partners of the City of Chicago asking them to join in efforts to generate awareness and resources to support the people of Puerto Rico amid the recent earthquakes. To learn more about ways to support Puerto Rico, the City has launched a new website, cityofchicago.org/disasterrelief, allowing residents and other interested individuals an easy way to find organizations whose efforts will directly aid the people of Puerto Rico
T. Rowe Price Relaunches Money Confident Kids Website With Five-step Program
T. Rowe Price has relaunched its Money Confident Kids® program, a financial education program teaching basic financial concepts to middle school-age children, as a new five-step program with a refreshed website. The five steps outlined on the new site are designed to build on each other and simplify the process of teaching core financial concepts to kids.
New Pullman development offers a place for artists to work and live
Alexis Willis is a multidisciplinary artist who growing up was a visual artist, then as she got older, became more of a performing artist. These weren’t just hobbies for her, it was something she wanted to make a career out of.
Pullman Hotels Needed to Accommodate Future Tourism Boom
Now that the Pullman Community Center is the Midwest headquarters for the Amateur Athletic Union and Chicago Sports Alliance national sporting events, Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) said hotels are needed in his ward.
Funding Opportunity: Healthy Relationships Community Grants
Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) recently announced a $3 million commitment to the “Healthy Relationships Community Grant,” a joint initiative to provide funding in 2020 and 2021 to organizations that advocate for positive relationship practices through critical services for vulnerable populations and those affected by domestic violence, including relationship management skills for the next generation, programs focused on mental health resiliency among vulnerable populations, and critical career & personal services to survivors of domestic violence.
District 7 Congressional Forum Held In Austin
Candidates vying for the District 7 Congressional seat participated in a forum on Thursday, Jan. 30, at Chicago Public Library – Austin Branch. The forum was hosted by Northeastern Illinois Chapter of Americans for Democratic Action and Northside Democracy for America.
Chicago-Area Resident Indicted for Scheme to File False Claims for Tax Refunds
A Chicago-area resident was recently arrested on a federal grand jury indictment charging him with mail fraud, submitting false claims to the United States for tax refunds, and aggravated identity theft, announced Principle Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. The Jan. 16, 2020, indictment was unsealed following the recent arrest.
Chicago’s History Includes Black-Owned Businesses Then and Now
The local economy has gone up and down since 1980 and historians contend it has contributed to the success and demise of black-owned businesses that are forever cemented in Chicago’s rich history.