Friday, April 30
Chicago STEM Students Find Solutions for Social Change in this Year’s Third Annual ENpowered Games Competition
Project SYNCERE (Supporting Youth's Needs with Core Engineering Research Experiments) will host its 4th annual ENpowered Games event virtually on Friday, May 7th, with a focus on addressing social justice needs through STEM. The ENpowered Games Competition attracts hundreds of middle school students from across Chicago’s South and West sides, allowing them to showcase their knowledge and skills against other students.
Wednesday, April 28
Michelle T. Boone Joins the Poetry Foundation as President
The Poetry Foundation is pleased to announce Michelle T. Boone will join the Poetry Foundation as president beginning May 4. The appointment concludes a robust, diverse national search led by Korn Ferry in partnership with a committee of Poetry Foundation trustees and staff members.
LOCAL SINGER LOOKS FOR SUCCESS IN U.S.
Singer Matt Benson, who goes by the name Matt B, has released “Eden” this year. It is his United States debut and while Matt B has had success in Japan, he is looking to have success here.
D.C. Statehood is a Voting Rights Issue… and Racial Justice Issue
Washington, D.C. has a higher percentage of Black residents than any state in the country, and they have no voting representation in Congress. This is systemic racism in action. It is long past time to give Washington’s 712,000 residents the representation they deserve by making D.C. our 51st state.
Judge rules two ex-senators should be paid withheld salaries
Illinois Comptroller will appeal decision, calls former lawmakers ‘shameless grifters’
Springfield — Two former Illinois state senators have a “clear right” to receive portions of their legislative salaries that were withheld by Illinois Comptroller Mendoza and her predecessors, a Cook County judge recently decided.
Mayor Lightfoot Announces Mayor’s Medal of Honor
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot recently announced the Mayor’s Medal of Honor, a new Mayoral award that will honor individuals and organizations who have made extraordinary contributions to Chicago’s residents throughout 2020 and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leading Women’s Empowerment Brand BLACK GIRLS ROCK!® Joins Forces With Microsoft For A Multi-year Partnership
Tech leader Microsoft and Beverly Bond, founder and CEO of the award-winning women’s empowerment, lifestyle, and philanthropic brand BLACK GIRLS ROCK!®, have announced a strategic partnership to build technology infrastructure and empower more Black girls to become leaders through access to culturally relevant programs, leadership development, and STEM skills. The goal of this alliance is to strengthen the transformative work of BLACK GIRLS ROCK!® with the technology and scale of the Microsoft’s ecosystem.
ENTREPRENEURS TALK ABOUT ACCESS TO RECREATIONAL CANNABIS LICENSES
4-20 is known to many as Cannabis Cultural Day. On January 1, 2020, Illinois legalized recreational marijuana use. Since then, sales have netted more than $600 million. Since January 2021, marijuana sales have netted more than $100 million. Apriel Campbell is the founder of Ivy Care, LLC, a self-care beauty and wellness brand, and Ariel DeNey Rainey is CEO and founder of The Mary Jane Group.
Terron Brooks Releases New Single “Tomorrow” Available May 7
Terron Brooks, two-time NAACP Award nominated singer-songwriter, actor and writer recently announced the release of his new inspirational single “Tomorrow,” available for download May 7.
EXELON PARTNERS WITH DIVERSE BUSINESSES
Kimberly Moore is the founder of KDM, an engineering and telecommunications firm in Streeterville. Moore has an electrical engineering degree and was employed with Exelon. The first thing KDM took on was Exelon work. Moore started off with Crown Castle supplying telecom work, and said it led to other telecom companies looking to do additional things.
STRATEGIST DISCUSSES STIMULUS, SHARES TIPS AND TALKS ABOUT INVESTING IN YOURSELF
Ingrid LaVon Woolfolk has been “doing numbers” since she was six-years-old. She would help her “big mama” figure out how much money she would make from selling dinners. Woolfolk has been in business finance for 20 years. She has worked for two major corporations and managed up to $1 billion in topline revenue. Now, she’s taking that expertise to what she calls micro-businesses— or what some would call, small businesses, who are operating with 20 employees or less.
Love Delivered raises awareness about the Black Maternal Health Crisis
Carol’s Daughter, a brand built on the love between a mother and daughter, and its founder, beauty pioneer Lisa Price, recently announced Love Delivered, with partner the Mama Glow Foundation and its founder, the world-renowned doula Latham Thomas.
Thursday, April 22
South Side Health Transformation Project Seeks Public Comments for State Funding
After months of community meetings, town halls, and Zoom calls, the South Side Health Transformation Project (SSHTP) was gratified to hear in January that the Hospital and Healthcare Transformation Bill unanimously passed in the Illinois legislature
Wednesday, April 21
Another HBCU Receives Multi-Million Donation from Honey Bear Project
After nearly 75 years, Central State University (CSU) will be breaking ground this month on a state-of-the-art turf football field, courtesy of nearly a $1 million donation from HBCU Field of Dreams, through the Honey Bear Project.
STUDENTATHLETES TALK ABOUT PANDEMIC’S IMPACT ON SPORTS
When COVID-19 caused school buildings to close for in-person learning, student-athletes’ seasons were put in limbo. A new docuseries, “Champions Adjust,” from True Star Media, gives voice to students on how COVID-19 has affected their lives.
NEW INITIATIVE AT MSI TO INVOLVE MORE GIRLS IN STEM CAREERS
A donation from Ann M. Drake, business leader and Museum of Science and Industry trustee, will enable the institution to create an initiative to encourage more girls to enter STEM careers.
DePaul University receives $21 million for scholarships, homelessness institute
DePaul University alumnus George L. Ruff and his wife, Tanya S. Ruff, have made estate and monetary gifts to the university totaling $21 million to support scholarships and DePaul’s Institute of Global Homelessness. In recognition of the gift, the institute will be renamed the George and Tanya Ruff Institute of Global Homelessness.
FEKAKAI’s 90’s Shea Butter Collection is Back
From scrunchies to chokers to animal print, everything you love from the 90’s is back. And today, adding to this nostalgia, FEKKAI brings back one more classic: Shea Butter Collection, a haircare staple that was in every shower from the haircare obsessed to socialites and celebrities. Not only is the brand re-releasing the collection, but they are expanding the product range to deliver optimal care for a wider range of hair types from wavy to tight curls.
CLB Architects Releases Monograph - Inspired by Place
CLB Architects, a multi-disciplinary architecture and design firm based in the Rocky Mountain West has released their first monograph, Inspired by Place. Published by ORO Editions and written by Chase Reynolds Ewald with forwards by Ian Volner, Tom Kundig, and Agnes Bourne, the monograph highlights eleven timeless spaces by CLB Architects. The book is now available for purchase on the ORO Editions’ website, Amazon, Barnes & Noblebookstores, and other retailers
Editorial: Please, Don’t Throw Away Your Shot
It is no secret that this pandemic has devastated communities across our state — and Black and Brown communities have been hit the hardest, both in terms of lost lives and lost livelihoods.
Neighborhoods feel financial institution’s impact
Chicago Community Loan Fund was founded in 1991 as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Cooperative housing was a focus in the beginning, but now, the organization has expanded to include vacant land acquisition and large scale commercial retail projects.
Largest firehouse ever built in Chicago is open for operations on the Far South Side
The City of Chicago recently announced that the new state of the art firehouse designated as Engine Company 115 is open for immediate operations. Located at 1024 West 119th street, this structure is the largest firehouse ever constructed in the city proper at 27,000 square feet. Engine company 115 will house 2 Engines, 1 Tower Ladder, 2 Advanced Life Support Ambulances, an OEMC communications monopole, an EMS Field Chief and a Deputy District Chief.
CBCF Announces the Sojourner Truth Legacy Project Virtual Program
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) recently announced the Sojourner Truth Legacy Project Virtual Program. The virtual program will highlight the outstanding work of Black women who have dedicated their careers to eliminating systemic barriers and ensuring equity for all as well as recognize the newly-elected women members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Fire in Little Africa Set for May 28
Fire in Little Africa – a groundbreaking album of original material, written and recorded by a collective of Oklahoma hip hop artists to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre – will be released on May 28 by Motown Records/Black Forum in partnership with Tulsa’s Bob Dylan Center® and Woody Guthrie Center®.
THE PARK SUPPER CLUB EYES END OF MONTH OPENING
Owners of The Park Supper Club, located at 65 E. Garfield Blvd., were in the process of preparing to open. Then COVID-19 hit, and the process was put on hold. Now, the Washington Park music and dining establishment is looking at opening by early May.
Pritzker urges schools to focus COVID relief funds
$7 billion in federal aid to help schools reopen fully
Gov. JB Pritzker took to the road recently to urge local school districts in Illinois to carefully target the roughly $7 billion in federal funds they will soon receive in order to help students overcome the learning loss they may have suffered during the pandemic.
MEYERS-MARTIN REPRESENTS SOUTHLAND IN SPRINGFIELD
Debbie Meyers-Martin is the Illinois State Representative for the 38th District. There are 15 municipalities in the 38th District. Meyers-Martin has been an Illinois State Representative since 2019.
Many Americans unable to pay bills or cover unexpected expenses and lack critical financial knowledge, survey shows
Twenty-two percent of U.S. adults report they are unable to pay their bills in full and on time in a typical month, and 30 percent would not be able to cover an unexpected $2,000 expense, according to new data from the fifth annual Personal Finance Index (P-Fin Index) released by the TIAA Institute and the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center (GFLEC) at the George Washington University School of Business.
Wednesday, April 14
Rush, Bacon Introduce Legislation To Honor Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley With Congressional Gold Medal
U.S. Representatives Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) introduced H.R. 2252, legislation that would award a Congressional Gold Medal to Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till and a tireless fighter for civil rights and racial justice.
SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM PROMOTES POSITIVITY
Social media platforms can be great places to share experiences with like-minded individuals who want to get together to engage in meaningful discourse. On the flip side, they can also be a place where people encounter a lot of negativity and vitriol. One social media platform is looking to change that by offering an opportunity for people to share positive experiences in the social media sphere.
McDonald’s Names Desiree Ralls-Morrison as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE: MCD) recently announced that Desiree Ralls-Morrison has been named the company’s General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, overseeing global legal operations and corporate governance.
The Culture Launches The State Of Black Entrepreneurship
Forbes has launched The State of Black Entrepreneurship, an ongoing project that aims to accurately define, rectify and create Black history. Driven by For(bes) The Culture, the world’s preeminent community for Black and Brown professionals, The State of Black Entrepreneurship incorporates historical research that will unveil decades of forgotten and omitted Black business successes.
City’s first-ever campaign fights human trafficking and exploitation
The City of Chicago recently announced the city’s first-ever campaign to address and raise awareness about human trafficking and exploitation at a citywide level. This new campaign, “It’s Wrong, Know Your Rights” is aimed at ensuring that victims and survivors who have experienced human trafficking or workplace exploitation understand their rights and see that there are vital resources and services available to them
SBA Administrator Comments On Biden Signing PPP Extension Act of 2021
President Joe Biden recently signed the PPP Extension Act of 2021 into law, extending the Paycheck Protection Program an additional two months to May 31, 2021, and then providing an additional 30-day period for the SBA to process applications that are still pending.
1 In 3 Remote Workers May Quit If Required To Return To The Office Full Time, Robert Half Survey Finds
More companies are calling workers back to the office, but will they readily return? A new study by global staffing firm Robert Half shows that about 1 in 3 professionals (34%) currently working from home due to the pandemic would look for a new job if required to be in the office full time.
2021 Global Scientifi c Summit on COVID-19 Takes Place In April
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) – together with the world’s largest cruise company, Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/ LSE: CCL;NYSE: CUK), and the leading global hospitality company Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT) – have announced the 2021 Global Scientific Summit on COVID-19.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION CONTINUES LEGACY TO SERVE RESIDENTS
Imani Community Development Corporation, located at 2314 E. 83rd St., has been serving the Southeast side of Chicago since it was founded in 2001. The Reverend Jeffrey Hodges, pastor of King of Glory Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, is also the founder and president of Imani Community Development Corporation.
Chicago-Based LoveMoves.Us Partners with Campaign to Support the World’s Most Vulnerable Children
Chicago-based nonprofit LoveMoves.Us, whose mission is to breathe life and love into families who foster or adopt by engaging people in the community to serve and support so every child and family will flourish, announced its inclusion in the Orphan Myth 100 Percent Participation Campaign.
Help Wanted: Why Women Should Consider Careers in Manufacturing
Women represent a vast, untapped talent pool for the manufacturing industry. In 2016, women made up 47 percent of the American labor force, but only 29 percent of the manufacturing workforce, according to a survey conducted by The Manufacturing Institute, APICS and Deloitte.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE’S DISTRICT IS RACIALLY AND SOCIOECONOMICALLY DIVERSE
Illinois State Representative Kam Buckner represents the 26th District, which encompasses South Chicago, South Shore, Woodlawn, Greater Grand Crossing, Bronzeville, Hyde Park and all the way up to Streeterville and the Gold Coast. It is one of the most racially and socioeconomically diverse districts in the state of Illinois.
Black Female Marketing Strategist Creates a Virtual Concert Experience for Artists with Over 1.5 Million Viewers
Artists looking for a complete virtual experience have a new way to draw in audiences from around the globe with SetApartandChosen.com. The newly improved channel, whose primary focus is allocated to Christian and Gospel artists, aims to provide a virtual experience complete with 1.5 million viewers for artists who have experienced a substantial decline in actual engagement with supporters and fans alike, due to COVID19 and safety precautions.
ALDERMAN TO RUN FOR ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE
Pat Dowell, alderman of the third ward, has announced that she is running for Illinois Secretary of State, a role held by Jesse White since 1999.
SOUTHLAND COLLEGE PREP SENIOR TALKS ABOUT RECENT SUCCESSES, PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
Bri’Yon Watts, a senior at Southland College Prep Charter High School, has been racking up awards and accolades in the Speech and Drama space.
Carpenters Union’s Career Connections Program Helps Illinois High Schools Fill Vocational Education Void
The Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters is partnering with high schools across Illinois to offer career pathways to students interested in the building trades.
Black Girl Sunscreen Secured $1Million Dollars from Female Investor Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Last May, Black Girl Sunscreen (BGS) secured a $1Million dollar investment from a private female funding source. Despite double minority owned businesses typically having the hardest time raising capital, BGS achieved this milestone with one single anchor product.
Alderman Emma Mitts: A Visionary and Fighter for the West Side
Leads a band of sisters, helping to build up the community
Alderman Emma Mitts, has faithfully served her 37th Ward for 21 years, building a respectable reputation and garnering the respect and love of the people. Mitts is also chairman of the West Side Black Elected Officials.
It’s Worse Than We Ever Thought
Among the first evidence presented by prosecutors in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in his killing of George Floyd is that it was not just 8 minutes and 46 seconds as originally thought, but rather, it was 9 minutes and 29 seconds that Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck.
COVID-inspired Culture Change Likely Coming to Black Community, Says 'Last Responder', Others
John E. Thomasson was a hero in his hometown. As a member of the board of supervisors in Louisa, Va., he was the county’s first African-American elected to public office. He built a successful realty company. He helped to save mortgages and paid for college scholarships among other charitable giving. He also owned the local funeral home for 53 years, working and driving a car well into his 90s.
Thursday, April 8
Chicagoans Mourn The Loss of Christ Universal Temple Own Rev. Dr. Helen Carry
On Thursday, April 8, 2021, our beloved teacher, former Executive Minister and spiritual mother, the Reverend Dr. Helen Ward Carry, made her transition. We lovingly hold her up in prayer as we release her into the grace, peace, and harmony of God's presence.
Wednesday, April 7
New Tax Credit Would Make Rent Affordable for Half a Million American Families With Children
The newly enacted child tax credit, which will put an average of $221 per month into the pockets of families earning $150,000 or less with children, would make housing go from unaffordable to affordable for roughly half a million American families.
Carol’s Daughter Declares First-Ever National Curl Crush Day
“Curl Envy” is a real thing, according to new research conducted by Carol’s Daughter, which found that 82% of Black Women admitted to having experienced it. That’s why the brand recently challenged women everywhere to love their curls rather than wishing for someone else’s and declared March 16 as National Curl Crush Day, a day to celebrate all curls and empower everyone to be their own curl crush by showing off their beautiful, natural hai
MAYOR OF ROBBINS RECOUNTS HISTORY OF VILLAGE AND HIS CAREER
Tyrone Ward, president of the Village of Robbins, is a lifelong resident of the village. He served as comptroller and purchasing agent with the Village of Robbins, after graduating from Northern Illinois University. He said it was his first brush with public administration.
OWN’S Award-Winning Hit Series ‘Iyanla: Fix My Life’ To Conclude With Its Eighth Season
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network has announced that after ten years and eight seasons, the award-winning hit “Iyanla: Fix My Life” will have its series finale when all-new episodes premiere Saturday, April 10 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. A two-hour farewell special will air on Saturday, May 22 at 9 p.m. ET/PT showcasing all the memorable moments and never-before-seen footage from the series.
Committeeman recalls time in local politics
Calvin Jordan is a Rich Township Democratic Committeeman but his involvement with local politics dates back to 1989, when he worked for John H. Stroger, who was a Cook County Commissioner at the time.
GIVEAWAY PROVIDES COMMUNITY WITH MUCH NEEDED GOODS
“Have you ever seen anything like this in your life,” asked Larry Huggins, founder of Christmas in the Wards, while people set up for the Burnside Giveaway.
62% Have Apprehensions About Life “Returning To Normal” Post COVID-19 Pandemic
One-year into the COVID-19 pandemic and even with the light of the vaccine on the horizon, a majority of Americans are still fearful, according to a new healthinsurance.com national survey of 1,000 U.S. adults.
Trinity Health Launches $1.6M Vaccine Education Campaign to Reach Underserved Communities
Trinity Health, one of the nation’s largest multi-institutional Catholic healthcare delivery systems, recently launched It Starts Here, a COVID-19 vaccine education initiative focused on communities of color.
UIC Urban Forum to address wealth gap, equity concerns
COVID-19 has brought attention to various disparities in American cities and the growing divide between rich and poor. While many strategies have been proposed to close the wealth gap – raising minimum wage, housing integration and education – it’s generally agreed that a simple solution does not exist.
Businesses receive money to rebuild after unrest
Kamau Murray opened the new XS Tennis and Education Foundation facility, located at 53rd and State Street in 2018. Murray needed a facility where he could teach tennis all year round. The facility has 27 tennis courts and classrooms.
Film explores the life of Thomas Sowell, economists, political philosopher and author
Thomas Sowell: Common Sense in a Senseless World traces Sowell’s journey from humble beginnings to the Hoover Institution, becoming one of our era’s greatest authors on race, history and economics.
MECRO responds to the needs of seniors
Sharon “Sy” Lewis describes herself as a lover of all things clean and green. The lifelong resident of South Shore and Hyde Park started Meadows Eastside Community Resource Organization, located on 2734 East 79th St.
FTC Obtains Court Order Banning Work-From-Home Scammer from Selling Business Opportunities and Using Robocalls
Defendants tried to take advantage of consumers who were anxious about the coronavirus pandemic, agency alleges.
Forbes reports Kennedy-King College ranks as one of the top community colleges in the U.S. and ranking #1 in the state
As recently reported by Forbes Magazine, Kennedy-King College is considered one of the top 10 community colleges in the country, and serves the largest predominantly Black student body on the list compiled by Academic Influence.
Monday, April 5
Attorney Yusef Jackson Joins Correctional Technology Company as Senior Advisor
Attorney and entrepreneur Yusef Jackson is joining the executive team at Aventiv Technologies, according to a company announcement. Jackson is the son of Rainbow/PUSH founder Jesse Jackson and has been a longtime advocate for civil rights alongside his family.