Friday, June 26
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents of Illinois Affected by Civil Unrest
“The SBA is strongly committed to providing the people of Illinois with the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters with federal disaster loans,” said Carranza. “Getting businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.”
Wednesday, June 24
AWARD RECOGNIZES ARTS AND CULTURE, JUSTICE AND MEDIA
Jackie Taylor, founder and CEO of the Black Ensemble Theater, and Faheem Majeed, of the Floating Museum are among the 2020 cohorts for Leaders for a New Chicago.
CHICAGO STIMULUS PAYMENTS COULD BENEFIT COLLEGE STUDENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
For the first time in three years, Brielle Hampton, a 20-year-old college student, has not had a summer job, thus limiting monies she normally would use to buy school supplies and engage in summer activities.
Entrepreneur creates COVID-19 Vending Machine
Lolita Brown is an entrepreneur with a successful beauty business, Mental Beauty Supply. She is also an author and life coach. She found a way to offer products using a beauty supply vending machine that she repurposed.
Congresswoman Karen Bass Says CBC Wants Federal Dollars to Aid the Black Press
Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass (D-Calif.) joined the Black Press of America for a live interview to discuss the plight of African Americans during the coronavirus pandemic. Congresswoman Bass, the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), called the pandemic a “double-punch” to African Americans.
Poets&Quants Names Best & Brightest MBAs For 2020
Poets&Quants, a news source for graduate business education, has released its 6th annual “Best & Brightest MBAs” feature, which honors 100 of the most accomplished full-time MBAs from the Class of 2020.
Governor Signs Legislation to Expand Vote by Mail
To ensure safe and active participation in the 2020 general election during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor JB Pritzker signed SB 1863 and HB 2238 into law recently to provide vote by mail (VBM) applications to all recent voters in Illinois. The legislation also expands early voting hours at permanent polling places, improves the signature verification process and makes election day a state holiday, according to a press release.
Hair Removal Products Market to Witness Steady Growth
The global Hair Removal Products Market is projected to reach USD 3.2 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Million Insights. The market is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast years, 2019 to 2025.
After becoming a nurse, CHA resident achieves second dream of purchasing home through Choose To Own
After getting married and watching her family grow, Tyra Jackson Williams went back to school and accomplished two goals: becoming a Registered Nurse at Schwab Rehabilitation, and, becoming a homeowner, which she did in March, thanks to the Chicago Housing Authority’s Choose to Own (CTO) homeownership program
GSK Consumer Healthcare teams up with Paula Abdul for the launch of Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel
GlaxoSmithKline (LSE/NYSE: GSK) has announced that Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel (diclofenac sodium topical gel, 1% (NSAID) arthritis pain reliever) recently became available over-the-counter (OTC) online and in stores nationwide, providing the over 30 million osteoarthritis patients across the country broader access to a leading pain relief option.
With the Help of our Ancestors We Can Heal and Say “We CAN Breathe!
What we are experiencing now, is rooted in our past and will affect our future. Because our present experience is rooted in the past, we must think about the role of our ancestors, not only in the past, but the role they are playing now as they try to help with the healing.
Education is a Big Part of the Solution
The pain of George Floyd’s murder has sent shockwaves through our nation, including right here in Chicago. It was vicious and shocking but, sadly, not surprising.
MERIDIAN TEAMS WITH AUNT MARTHA’S TO OFFER FREE COVID-19 TESTS
Meridian of Illinois and Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness are offering free COVID-19 PCR tests and antibody tests to residents in the South Suburbs at Aunt Martha’s Pediatric Health & Wellness, located at 500 Dixie Highway, in Chicago Heights, and at the Kankakee (Illinois) Community Health Center, located at 1777 E. Court St.
CLARA KIRK REMEMBERED AS SAVIOR FOR ABUSED WOMEN AND A CHAMPION FOR ENGLEWOOD
Those who knew her best said the late Clara Kirk was more than a philanthropist, but a mother and grandmother to countless women and children she encountered during her time as a champion for the less fortunate.
Residents take advantage of COVID-19 testing at Compassion Baptist Church
With African Americans and Latinx communities being disproportionately affected by COVID-19, there was a need in Southeast Chicago for a COVID-19 Testing Site. Recently, Aurora Advocate Health and Compassion Baptist Church came together to help fill that void.
HHS Announces $40 Million Partnership with Morehouse School of Medicine to Fight COVID-19 in Racial and Ethnic Minority and Vulnerable Communities
$40 Million Initiative Will Help Communities Hardest Hit by the Pandemic
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) announced the selection of the Morehouse School of Medicine as the awardee for a new $40 million initiative to fight COVID-19 in racial and ethnic minority, rural and socially vulnerable communities. The Morehouse School of Medicine will enter into a cooperative agreement with OMH to lead the initiative to coordinate a strategic network of national, state, territorial, tribal and local organizations to deliver COVID-19-related information to communities hardest hit by the pandemic.
COMCAST EXTENDS FREE PUBLIC WIFI ACCESS TO EVERYONE FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2020
Nation’s Largest Network of Public WiFi Hotspots Will Continue to be Available to Everyone for Free, including Non-Xfinity Customers
As cities and towns across the country begin to open up, Comcast is continuing its efforts to help people connect to the Internet during the COVID-19 crisis. The company announced it will extend free access to its 1.5 million public Xfinity WiFi hotspots to anyone who needs them, including non-customers, through the end of 2020.
Wednesday, June 17
Black and Brown chefs unite to feed people
In the midst of marches and uprisings because of the alleged murder of George Floyd, tensions among the Black and Brown community came to a head. Social media posts cautioned Black people not to go to predominantly Latino communities throughout the city of Chicago.
Essence Ventures Hires Caroline Wanga as New Chief Growth Officer
Essence Ventures, the independent Black-owned consumer technology company focused on merging content, community and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color, recently announced that Caroline Wanga will be joining as Chief Growth Officer, effective June 29.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE RECALLS SENIOR YEAR IN THE MIDST OF COVID-19
Destiny Williams is a member of the Class of 2020 from Wendell Phillips High School in Bronzeville. Throughout her four years at Phillips, she was active in both school activities and others that took place outside of the school.
Grab-and-go Meal Distribution Resumes While District Provides Resources for Navigating Discussions about Race And Equity
Meal distribution has resumed at more than 300 school sites following a temporary one-day suspension of grab-and-go meal sites due to recent transportation and safety challenges that were anticipated for families and staff . During the one-day suspension, CPS delivered meals to families, as previously planned and scheduled. For the current list of active meal sites, please visit cps.edu/mealsites. At the board meeting in May, the district announced that it would be providing its current expanded grab-and-go meals structure throughout the summer.
“1 ANGRY BLACK MAN” releases to worldwide audiences
Solidify y Productions, a film company with a mission to produce meaningful, uplifting stories that are entertaining and beautifully told, has partnered with Freestyle Digital Media to release 1 Angry Black Man, now available to audiences everywhere on DVD and on-demand.
Pritzker Administration Launches COVID-19 Summer Youth Employment Program
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) recently announced two COVID-19 response programs designed to provide much-needed support to Illinois residents – a summer youth program for more than 2,000 at-risk youth and an Immigrant Family Support Project for more than 3,600 families who have been generally excluded from or ineligible for federal COVID-19 relief and unemployment insurance.
ALDERMAN WANTS BLACK CONTRACTORS TO HELP REBUILD THE COMMUNITY
Standing in front of the Walgreens located on 1213 W. 79th St., and after George Floyd’s death sparked nationwide uprisings and unrest, David Moore, 17th Ward Alderman, stood with elected officials, clergy, contractors and community organizations, and called for companies to use Black contractors during the rebuilding process. “Use intentionality of hiring black people, use intentionality of hiring black contractors and when you’re intentional about this, then we can begin to move forward on [a] myriad issues,” Moore said.
Introducing The Beauty Knocks Box
The Skin Clique, a skincare company headquartered in South Carolina, recently announced the national launch of the Beauty Knocks Box: the first-ever medical-grade skincare subscription box, according to a press release.
IT’S OFFICIAL: RESTAURANTS, BARS CAN SERVE COCKTAILS TO GO
Springfield - Illinois restaurants and bars can serve cocktails to go after Gov. JB Pritzker signed an initiative designed by lawmakers to provide establishments with financial relief in the wake of COVID-19 challenges.
Black People Eats raises money for Black-owned restaurants
Jeremy Joyce began Black People Eats in 2017 with the goal of highlighting and connecting people to Black restaurants —not just in the city of Chicago—but across the country.
How a Box of Crayons Helped a Child to Win The Battle of Racism
In today’s world, race appears to permeate every facet of our society. With all the sights and sounds of diversity, the American Diversity Report (https://americandiversityreport. com/category/i-am-sienna-by-gail-hayes/) and Thrive Global (https://thriveglobal.com/ stories/i-am-sienna) recently published I am Sienna, a unique article on race by Thought Leader and International Communicator, Dr. Gail Hayes, describing her first childhood experience with racism. Hayes, who is an Army brat, left the United States in 1961 to live in Okinawa, Japan and attended the 1st – 4th grades in Department of Defense Schools while living there.
3 Things to Know About Juneteenth
Juneteenth, which observes the end of slavery in the United States, is a long-celebrated holiday occurring annually on June 19. Here are three things to know about this American tradition:
Department Of Justice Awards Nearly $400 Million For Law Enforcement Hiring To Advance Community Policing
The Department of Justice recently announced nearly $400 million in grant funding through the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The Attorney General announced funding awards to 596 law enforcement agencies across the nation, which allows those agencies to hire 2,732 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. The awards announced are inclusive of the $51 million announced in May as part of Operation Relentless Pursuit.
PROTEST RALLY FOR GEORGE FLOYD UNITES THE SOUTHLAND TO MARCH FOR JUSTICE AND LOVE
The recent death of George Floyd united more than 1,000 people living in the Southland including U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-2nd) and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx to participate in a peaceful rally in Matteson.
SHOULD POLICE OFFICERS BE REMOVED FROM CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS?
The death of George Floyd has sparked a national campaign by protestors to reduce funding to police departments and reallocate those funds in other areas including removing officers from Chicago Public Schools.
March on West side highlights racial injustices
Clergy, elected officials and community leaders chanted “Black Lives Matter,” as they marched down Independence Blvd., holding a banner with George Floyd’s image and his name. The mass gathering on the city’s West Side was meant to shed light on the injustices Black people face when it comes to treatment by law enforcement and culminated with a stop at the site where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., lived during his time in Chicago, at 15th and Hamlin.
Wednesday, June 10
REBUILD FOUNDATION AND EXPERIMENTAL SOUND STUDIO ANNOUNCE JUNETEENTH QUARANTINE CONCERT BENEFITTING THE TAMIR RICE FOUNDATION
Rebuild Foundation and Experimental Sound Studio today announced a critical iteration of the Quarantine Concerts commemorating the 155th anniversary Juneteenth, the oldest national celebration of the ending of slavery in the United States on June 19th, 1865. Proceeds from this concert, hosted just days before what would have been Tamir Rice’s 18th birthday, will support the Tamir Rice Foundation’s endeavors to create the Tamir Rice Afrocentric Cultural Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
Clean Up Continues After Looting Spree Crippled Chicago Communities
Community leaders and residents have banned together to help clean up their communities after a looting spree devastated many neighborhoods especially on the South and West Sides.
ASK DR. KEVIN: An Unfamiliar, Rare Disease Associated with Heart Failure in African Americans
The “Ask Dr. Kevin” series is brought to you by Pfizer Rare Disease in collaboration with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) to increase awareness and understanding of ATTR-CM, or transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, and the risk to African Americans.
Low-income people and others who aren’t required to file tax returns can quickly register for payment with IRS Non-Filers tool
With 159 million Economic Impact Payments processed, the Internal Revenue Service reminds many low-income Americans who don’t usually file tax returns to register for a payment by October 15.
Gov. Pritzker Announces Three Appointments to Illinois Concealed Carry Licensing Board
Governor JB Pritzker recently announced three appointments to the Illinois Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board including Joseph Duffy, Donald Wilkerson and Jeremy Margolis. Duffy was previously appointed to the Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board in 2015. He currently practices law at Loeb and Loeb. Previously, he worked at Stetler, Duffy and Rotert, and Schiff, Hardin, and Waite. Among his many accomplishments, he was also named “Illinois Super Lawyer” in Criminal Defense: White Collar and Business Litigation by Thomson Reuters (2005-2020). He earned his Bachelor of Arts from DePaul University and Juris Doctorate from The John Marshall Law School.
Ice Cube to Black Press of America: ‘You’re All We’ve Got’
Thirty years ago, Ice Cube debuted his seminal “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted” album, which many at the time said was the apex of hip hop’s existence
Study: The COVID-19 Pandemic Has Led to a Surge of Socially Responsible Behaviors
COVID-19 has had a radically positive impact on socially responsible behaviors, according to a special release of the Conscious Consumer Spending Index (#CCSIndex).
United Turns Old Uniforms Into Masks for Employees
United Airlines recently delivered 7,500 face coverings to front line employees at San Francisco International Airport and the airline’s San Francisco Maintenance Base that were made from 12,284 pounds of uniforms United upcycled.
‘Churched’ explores religion, with comedy
Crystal Barnes is a filmmaker who creates faith-based content with an edge, comedy, with a more critical lens. She always wanted to make a faith-based comedy. After seeing ‘The Office,” she was inspired to use that single camera, documentary-style model.
Raise the spirit of military veterans through cards, emails, signs or just get creative!
The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) recently launched “Operation Rising Spirit,” a campaign challenging service organizations, volunteers, and patriots of Illinois to raise the spirits of military veterans and the heroic staff who care for them every day at state veterans’ homes in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy, Illinois.
Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts Offers Summer Jazz Listening Hour Online
Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts (WIPA) recently announced that it will offer a month-long Jazz Listening Hour every Monday at 7:00 p.m. EST beginning June 29. Hosted by saxophonist Dave Schumacher, this informal survey of the history of Jazz will explore classic as well as rare, live unissued recordings generally unavailable to the public.
VIOLENCE PREVENTION STRATEGIST WANTS TO LEND EXPERTISE
Tio Hardiman has a long history of violence prevention in the city of Chicago. In 1999, Hardiman joined Ceasefire, then created the Violence Interrupters Initiative in 2004 based on his experience with Ceasefire.
UIC historian elected to Society of American Historians
University of Illinois at Chicago historian and author Barbara Ransby has added a new honor to her long list of accolades for scholarship and writing.
BACK TO SCHOOL ILLINOIS CONTINUES MISSION, INSPIRES STUDENTS
Back to School is continuing its mission to provide much needed supplies to children who live in challenging homes and added something new to inspire those students to excel, Notes of Inspiration.
Imposed Safety Measures By Mayor Lightfoot Did Not Fare Well With Residents
Still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, many residents said they did not like the safety measures Mayor Lori Lightfoot imposed last week in the wake of violent looting and vandalism throughout Chicago
95.1FM CHICAGO TO BE BROADCAST PARTNER FOR REAL MEN COOK 2020 STATION’S INVOLVEMENT UNDERSCORES COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
Radio station 95.1FM Chicago is emerging as the city’s premiere station that is of the community, for the community and by the community. This is a title earned because it is the only black-owned music station in Chicago. With this distinction, 95.1 FM Chicago has made major inroads into the communities that it embraces. With a record of strongly supporting the neighborhoods, the station is quickly earning a growing loyal listener base while taking the airwaves by storm.
Austin Coming Together distributes 500 free computers
Schools having to move to remote learning due to COVID-19 shed light on the gaps of households in relation to internet access, computers or the technology necessary for students to participate in their education.
Pappas: Taxpayers now have more time to pay delinquent Cook County property taxes
A new Illinois law increases from nine months to 13 months the time that taxpayers have to pay delinquent Cook County property taxes before they are offered to investors, giving more breathing room to homeowners and business people struggling to pay their bills, said Treasurer Maria Pappas, who helped draft the legislation
Women’s Caucus calls for justice and peace as protests continue across Illinois
The women of the Illinois Senate came together to issue a united call for justice and peace. Lawmakers from both parties called on the state to address the issues that have led to the protests and to join together in healing.
HISTORIC WESTSIDE MARCH TO CULMINATE AT THE FORMER WESTSIDE HOME OF THE LATE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR
Westside Faith leaders will be join by a mass group of multi-cultural faith, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr., community leaders, elected leaders and residents as they will march alongside the Eisenhower Expressway of Chicago in effort to bring attention to the numerous disparities impacting African Americans throughout the nation.
Monday, June 8
Artists create images of hope and unity to replace boarded up store fronts
“Paint the City” project creating free murals for business owners
“Paint the City” is our way of helping our city heal,” said Keithley, a self-taught artists who grew up on Chicago’s South Side. “We want to help restore our community, and transforming boarded up buildings into an art gallery of sorts is one way to do that.”
HUNDREDS GATHERED THIS PAST SUNDAY IN MOUNT GREENWOOD TO CALL FOR A NEW PUBLIC POLICY ON POLICING IN AMERICA
“I HAVE A BLACK SON MARCH”
BISHOP TROTTER CALLS FOR AN END TO CHOKEHOLDING AND ADVOCATES A NATIONAL MISCONDUCT REGISTRY ON POLICE OFFICERS
Wednesday, June 3
U.S. Bank Offers Financial Support and Demonstrates Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
As we weather the COVID-19 pandemic together, U.S. Bank has developed a single site full of online resources where customers can go to find helpful information regarding their financial needs.
During a pandemic, keep your personal information safe
StatePoint - Americans are spending more time at home, which means they’re likely spending more time online. While their attention is focused on staying healthy, they shouldn’t forget to stay vigilant about cybersecurity either.
GRANT PROGRAM PIVOTS IN MIDST OF COVID-19
In late May, the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities announced its 2020 recipients for its Chicago Fund for Safe and Peaceful Communities, which is in its fifth year. One hundred sixty-four small community organizations were chosen as recipients for a $1 million grant. Community organizations who are grant recipients, receive up to $10,000 based on the programs they submit.
BUSINESS OWNER PIVOTS TO PROVIDE COOKING CLASSES
Maya-Camille Broussard founded Justice of the Pies in 2014. Since then, she has sold her pies to local grocery stores and in farmers markets, as well as operating a catering service. Broussard experienced a decrease in demand for goods and services as a result of COVID-19.
Choose Chicago Announces New Initiative To Spur Chicago’s Tourism Industry Post- Coronavirus
At the Choose Chicago Annual Meeting recently, the organization announced Tourism & Hospitality Forward, a new initiative to accelerate and spur Chicago’s tourism industry post-coronavirus and help expedite the city’seconomic recovery.
UIC ranks 14th among public universities in ‘QS World University Rankings: USA’
The University of Illinois at Chicago is ranked 14th in the country among public universities in the listing of America’s top universities by QS World University Rankings. Overall, UIC is ranked 43rd – tied with Case Western Reserve University – out of 300 public and private U.S. universities awarding doctoral degrees.
ESSENCE Study Reveals Key Insights Into the Impact of COVID-19 on the Lives, Behaviors and Outlooks of Black Women in the U.S.
While the coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt the nation in varying degrees, it is having a major impact on the daily lives of Black women
Don’t Forget Your LIPSTICK, Girl: Sister to Sister Secrets for Gaining Confidence, Courage and Power
Kae has the doctorate degree, but fears she doesn’t have the skills to apply for a director’s job in her company. Alissa won’t raise her hand in a meeting because she feels everyone will think she’s stupid
George Lopez Announces His First Netflix Comedy Special We’ll Do It For Half
Comedy legend George Lopez returns to his stand-up roots, making his Netflix original comedy special debut with We’ll Do It For Half.
United States District Grants Temporary Restraining Order against Village of Midlothian
United States District Court Judge Thomas M. Durkin recently granted Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness, Inc.’s request for an Emergency Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the Village of Midlothian.
OP-ED: State must craft a learning recovery plan for schools, students
Children, particularly those of color, face crisis and our counting on us
Most of us are on the record that education is a major civil rights issue of the 21st century. A high-quality education unlocks the door to economic opportunity and stability. We carried that message across the state and to Springfield where, in 2017, the Evidence-Based Funding formula was passed into law. This historic legislation forever changed how Illinois funds public schools, with a lens toward equity.
Southland elected officials help provide housing resources
Southland elected officials say that while everyone shares a foundational need for housing, unemployment and a reduction in income due to COVID-19, make paying rent and mortgages more difficult for some. As a result, they have decided to provide resources to those who might experience issues and need assistance.
FOUNDER WANTS TO INSPIRE NEXT GENERATION WITH BOOK
Kelly Fair, executive director and founder of Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program, began her program in 2009 with the aim to impact the lives of girls by helping them to become great communicators. After 11 years, Fair and the organization have helped more than 3,000 girls.
CHEF IS RECOGNIZED WITH MURAL FOR GIVING BACK
D’Andre Carter is the executive chef of Soul & Smoke Restaurant, located at 1601 Payne, in Evanston. In mid-March, a client reached out to Carter and wanted to donate funds to feed families in need. Since then, Carter and the restaurant staff have delivered more than 20,000 meals.
1.8 Million SNAP Recipients Will Be Able to Buy Food Online
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) recently announced the state’s plan to enable 1.8 million SNAP recipients to purchase food from participating grocery retailers online has been approved by the federal government.
George Floyd Demonstration in Bronzeville
GEORGE FLOYD DEMONSTRATION IN BRONZEVILLE. VISIT THE GALLERY SECTION OF THE WEBSITE TO SEE OUR PICTORIAL CAPTURE OF EVENTS.