Thursday, August 26
Mental Health Co-Responder Program Expands to South Suburb
The Oak Lawn Police Department is the first law enforcement agency to partner with a Cook County Sheriff’s Office program that enables officers to virtually connect individuals in crisis to a mental health professional, Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced today.
Extended Closed School Discharge Will Provide 115K Borrowers from ITT Technical Institute More Than $1.1B in Loan Forgiveness
Today, the U.S. Department of Education announced it will make $1.1 billion in closed school discharges available to an additional 115,000 borrowers who attended the now-defunct ITT Technical Institute (ITT). This decision is based on a new review of the problems leading up to ITT’s closure. These borrowers did not complete their degree or credential and left ITT on or after March 31, 2008. The Department estimates that 43 percent of these borrowers are currently in default. Today’s action brings the total amount of loan discharges approved by the Department since January 2021 to $9.5 billion, affecting over 563,000 borrowers.
Wednesday, August 25
Chicago Heights Hosts Candle Light Vigil to Mark Overdose Awareness Day
Chicago Heights’s City Hall will be a host site for an International Overdose Awareness Day event on August 28 that will include, among other activities, a candle light vigil to recognize those around the globe and at home who have fallen victim to a drug overdose death in 2020.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION CHANGES ITS NAME, COMMUNITY COMMITMENT CONTINUES
Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives Micro Finance Group has changed its name to Greenwood Archer Capital. With the name change comes more commitment from the Community Development Financial Institution to invest in the Black community.
MX Announces 5-Time Olympian and Gold Medalist Allyson Felix to Keynote Money Experience Summit 2021
MX, the financial data platform and leader in modern connectivity, today announced that 5-time Olympian and Gold Medalist Allyson Felix will keynote Money Experience Summit 2021, September 28-30 at the Snowbird Mountain Resort in Utah. The most decorated U.S. Track & Field Olympian in history, Felix will share her experience at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo and how leaders in the financial industry can push to new heights, challenge the status quo, and use their voice to create change — in their life, community, and organization.
Luster’s Pink Moisture Maintenance Collection Adds Five New Must-Have Ultra-Hydrating Products to your Daily Hair Care Routine
Luster’s Pink, the leading manufacturer of premium personal care products providing daily maintenance and styling solutions for all hair types and textures since 1967, has expanded its product range with the launch of the Moisture Maintenance collection.
Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray to be Celebrated at Aug. 30 Virtual Public Event After Announcing Retirement as President of Chicago Theological Seminary
Chicago Theological Seminary president, Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray, announced his retirement from CTS, effective Aug. 31. A celebration of Dr. Ray’s extraordinary contributions to CTS and to the entire field of theological education will be held on Aug. 30. The event is open to all.
2020 Cook County property tax analysis: A heavier burden for businesses, Black and Latino suburban property owners
Businesses in Cook County and Black and Latino suburban property owners are bearing the brunt of 2020’s property tax increases, according to a first-of-its-kind analysis of nearly 1.8 million bills by Treasurer Maria Pappas’ office.
Black Broads Abroad X Clark University To Host, Get The F Out Of America: The Blueprint Conference
Phelena Jean, founder of the multi-media platform Black Broads Abroad is hosting the Get The F Out of America Blueprint conference, being held at Clark Atlanta University, October 2-3, 2021.
MATTESON STEM CENTER TO SERVE COMMUNITY
The Community STEM Center in Matteson is expected to be open by the 2022-2023 school year and will be located at 20648 Matteson Avenue. The facility will house the School District 159 offices and the Community STEM Center. The STEM Center will include an aerospace lab, a Makerspace lab and a foundational lab for younger students and community members.
RESEARCH FINDS THAT AFFLUENT AFRICAN AMERICANS ARE MORE LIKELY TO START A BUSINESS
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management conducted a study with 455 affluent Black and African Americans as part of its Diverse Viewpoints: Understanding Affluence in the United States. The study was conducted to understand the beliefs, motivations, priorities that influence wealth and investment decisions among the Black and African American community. Insights were found using qualitative and quantitative techniques.
THE ACCELERATOR PROGRAM PROVIDES RESOURCES FOR NON-PROFITS
The Community Programs Accelerator at the University of Chicago was founded seven years ago, with the knowledge that non-profit organizations play a vital role to the health and vitality of the communities. The Accelerator serves as a central point for non-profit organizations to access resources that the University of Chicago can provide – build capacity, establish working relationships and technical expertise. The goal of the Accelerator is to help non-profit organizations scale and grow.
81.8% of Americans Are in Favor of Vaccine Passport
Upgraded Points recently published the results of a vaccine survey that reveals how Americans feel about various travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. With ongoing debate surrounding personal freedoms and the ability to travel unhindered throughout the country, most now believe that proof of vaccination should be a requirement. The survey also indicated which generation was more likely to disagree with vaccination passports and how both male and female respondents feel about the issue. Upgraded Points regularly conducts and provides such in-depth reports for traveling and credit card usage, as well as helpful tips and resources for travelers.
DOUBLE DUTCH GROUP GROWS TO BECOME A SISTERHOOD
Pamela Robinson was 45-years old when she was looking for a happy place. She needed a break from adulting and wanted an outlet. She was at a barbecue, brought out the Double Dutch rope and had an amazing time. It took her mind off everything she had going on.
Wednesday, August 18
American Composers Forum presents concert of world premieres with Chicago’s acclaimed Great Black Music Ensemble, celebrating 55th anniversary of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musici
Premiering newly commissioned works by The Honourable Elizabeth A. Baker, Adegoke Steve Colson and Rudresh Mahanthappa
The American Composers Forum (ACF) is proud to announce the culminating event of its two-year partnership with the Chicagobased, internationally-renowned Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and its Great Black Music Ensemble: a concert celebrating the 55th anniversary of AACM, taking place at AACM’s long-time partner the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts (915 E. 60th Street) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. Tickets are free and available at tickets.uchicago.edu on Friday, Oct. 1.
Best Buy Commits up to $10M Investment in Brown Venture Group’s Inaugural Fund
$50M Fund One of the Largest in the Country Dedicated to BIPOC Tech Entrepreneurs
Brown Venture Group LLC, a venture capital firm formed to fund Black, Latino and Indigenous technology entrepreneurs, announced today that Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) has committed up to $10M to its inaugural fund.
H.O.O.D. House provides shelter for young women
Gyrls in the H.O.O.D. Foundation has found a way to provide shelter to young women and to do their part when it comes to youth homelessness. The organization has identified to two young women who will move into H.O.O.D. House unit.
Chicago’s new safe digging “ambassadog” is Questa, a pandemic pup who moved here to get adopted and chase rabbits
Peoples Gas has unveiled Questa — a hound dog who moved to Chicago from Oklahoma — as the company’s new safe digging “ambassadog.” Questa’s new job title was announced this morning at Lincoln Park Zoo, where the pup proudly stood before cameras. Questa is three years old and has a heartwarming backstory. She moved to Chicago from Oklahoma after a family in the Andersonville neighborhood agreed to foster her during the COVID-19 pandemic. Questa was very sick at the time with heartworm, ringworm and hookworm. The family nursed her back to health and adopted her. Then they discovered her passion for digging.
FourthWall Testing Offers New, One-of-a-Kind, COVID-19 Testing Solutions For Families and Businesses
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. PRNewswire -- As the Delta and other variants circulate it’s clear that widespread and accurate testing will play a critical role in ensuring public safety. Businesses, schools, professional sports teams, and productions want to stay open but are looking for ways to keep employees and their families safe. Epitome Risk is now offering one-of-a-kind testing solutions through its new subsidiary, FourthWall Testing that lets people know how their body responded to the Covid-19 vaccine.
JINS Launches Its First Biodegradable Sunglasses
-- JINS Eyewear announced a new line of biodegradable sunglasses as part of its popular JINS&SUN brand. Launching in the USA, the newest line of sunglasses will combine JINS&SUN’s refined frame designs with biodegradable, bioplastic materials.
Houston’s Singing Sensation, Aysia, Launches her Debut Single with UniversalCMG World Entertainment 1954
Shaking Up The Music Industry, Aysia, The Young Talent From Houston, Has Just Released Her Incredible Debut Single With UniversalCMG 1954.
Valcooks Kitchen Revolutionizes Home Cooking with Interactive Cookbook
Valerie Wilson Reed, aka “Valcooks” has revolutionized the cookbook industry with her new interactive cookbook, “Valcooks Kitchen.”
Meridian of Illinois Donates $1 Million to Humboldt Park Health Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic
Meridian of Illinois announced today it donated $1 million to fund the establishment of Humboldt Park Health’s (HPH) new Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic to serve the North Side of Chicago, bringing comprehensive and evidence-based behavioral health services to the community. Meridian’s contribution enabled HPH to furnish the clinic and to hire high-quality medical professionals.
Experian North America launches groundbreaking initiative to accelerate financial inclusion in underserved communities
Inclusion Forward – Experian Empowering Opportunities™ helps clients advance diversity goals by creating greater and more affordable credit access
Leading information services company Experian today announced the launch of Inclusion Forward – Experian Empowering Opportunities ™, a first-of-its-kind initiative to help clients identify and directly support underserved and vulnerable communities. Inclusion Forward™ harnesses Experian’s data, analytics and technology to help clients create and provide more affordable credit access.
Ark Entrepreneurial Center partners with the Citizen Newspaper Group to prepare young moguls for the Black Women’s Expo
Sunny Davis Nicholson wanted to create a place where young people would learn skills that would set them up for future success. Davis Nicholson started Ark Entrepreneurial Center, located at 2458 S. Millard Ave. She describes it as a youth business school.
Secretary of State Candidate, David Moore, Promotes Organ Donation
In response to August being National Minority Donor Awareness Month, Illinois Secretary of State candidate, David Moore, joined forces with Gift of Hope to hold a public education forum about the benefits of organ donation in the Auburn Gresham community. One of the responsibilities of the secretary of state’s office is to maintain the Illinois’ official registry of residents who wish to donate organs and/or tissue upon their death.
$31 million sports, education and wellness campus coming to North Austin
Grace and Peace Revive Center, Intentional Sports and By the Hand Club for Kids, have partnered with Chicago Fire Foundation and Jason and Verdana Heyward to create a $31 million professional level sports, education, and wellness campus in North Austin.
Congressman Rush calls for Task Force for missing Black women and girls
Congressman Bobby L. Rush sent a letter to the Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Federal Bureau of Investigations Christopher Wray. He is calling for the creation of a task force to address the backlog of unsolved missing persons and murder cases across the country.
(In)Justice for All Film Festival International Scheduled Through August 21st
Trinity United Church of Christ, Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, and The Next Movement announce the 7th (In)Justice for All Film Festival (IFAFF), scheduled August 12-21. Because of the pandemic, this much-anticipated fest remains FREE of charge and will be virtual. This year, the IFAFF has partnered with Eventive, a well-established and respected virtual film distribution platform.
Nature Boy Agency markets to baby boomers
Public Relations professionals Clarence Williams and William Penn have joined together to create Nature Boy Agency. The agency offers lifestyle marketing, urban influencer engagement, promotion brand marketing, public relations, and mobile tours.
DR. SUZANNE PENN CELEBRATES FORTY YEARS IN BUSINESS
The Office of Dr. Suzanne Penn announces the celebration of their fortieth year in business. Dr. Penn is a highly successful tax and wealth management entrepreneur with a PhD in Business Administration who focuses on implementing new ideas regarding leadership - as a thought leader, visionary and change agent.
Monday, August 16
ONE OF THE NATIONS LARGEST CANNABIS OPERATORS TO BREAKGROUND ON THEIR NEW 558,000 SQUARE FOOT CULTIVATION PRODUCTION FACILITY IN MATTESON
Sheila Chalmers-Currin- Village President of Matteson, IL) will be joined by United States Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings, Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin, the Matteson Village Board, County officials, and local officials in a groundbreaking for an all-new 558,000 square foot cultivation production facility. This venture will create and bring 500 new jobs to Matteson with phase one of the facility to be completed in 2023.
Wednesday, August 11
Chicago State University Eliminates Student Debt for Many Students Negatively Impacted by COVID-19
To combat the direct negative impact COVID-1 has had on Chicago State University (CSU) students, the administration has approved close to half a million dollars in funding to wipe out student debt for those who qualify.
ROBBINS MAYOR BRYANT ADDRESSES SCHOOL DISTRICT’S EQUITY ISSUES
The Village of Robbins Mayor Darren Bryant hosted a Town Hall Meeting with the residents and the Community High School District 218.
COPPER WELLNESS PROVIDES POSITIVE HEALING ENVIORNMENT
Dr. Stephanie Madden is a licensed professional acupuncturist and board-certified herbalist who has been practicing for five years. During that time, she built momentum and looked for other practitioners to work with.
Real Life Uncle Remus Celebrates 95th Birthday
Restaurant Founder Gus Rickette to be Celebrated at Rickette Foundation Gospel Concert
Gus and Mary Rickette met a vendor who was trying to sell a sign that a previous customer no longer wanted. The sign read “Uncle Remus,” and the couple knew immediately it was exactly what they wanted to hang over their restaurant door. That was in 1969; and, as they say, the rest is history. Uncle Remus, a fictional character from a collection of African American folktales, has been representing the brand fittingly.
New Compass Health Center Location Brings Intensive Behavioral Healthcare to Chicago’s Western Suburbs
Compass Health Center – Oak Brook location opened Monday, Aug. 2, and is accepting intakes
Compass Health Center will be opening a new 50,000 square foot Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) behavioral health treatment facility, located in the Oak Brook/Westmont/Hinsdale region of Chicago’s western suburbs on August 2, 2021. Compass is the largest provider of PHP/IOP services in Illinois and has locations in Northbrook and Chicago and a Virtual option for Illinois-based patients.
HOME INSPECTIONS ARE INTEGRAL TO BUYING PROCESS
Varnell Bronson’s journey to becoming a home inspector began with his own journey as a home buyer. Bronson, who has been a home inspector with Pillar to Post Home Inspectors for two years, became interested in home inspection six years ago when he was buying his home. He looked at three houses and paid a home inspector each time. He decided he wanted to educate the home buyers in the community where he worked on the home inspection process. Bronson who has been a postal worker for 20 years would hear the issues people had with their houses.
Wakati Hair Presents “Crowned Series” Celebrating The Timeless Textures Of Black Hair
Wakati® is a NEW Kao-owned, hair care brand. Wakati, meaning “time” in Swahili, represents a respect for where your hair has been and an optimism for all the places you want it to go. After an 8-year long journey and research, and a collaboration with the Historically Black College University (HBCU) Florida Agricultural Mechanical University, (FAMU), the four product line debuted in January 2021 in Walgreens, Target and Walmart, and at Rite-Aid in summer 2021.
Monthlong Hiring Event in Full Swing
The City of Chicago, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership and World Business Chicago have created a five-week hybrid event aimed at creating opportunities for the city’s residents. Hire Chicago began the week of Aug. 2nd and it will continue through Sept. 2nd.
CHATHAM DISCOVER CUSTOMER CARE CENTER HELPS WITH BACK TO SCHOOL
Employees at the Discover Customer Care Center, located at 8560 S. Cottage Grove, packed backpacks with school supplies for Cradles to Crayons’ Ready for Learning. The goal was to pack and distribute 60,000 backpacks to children throughout Chicago.
Two-time WNBA MVP Candace Parker will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 92nd Annual Bud Billiken® Parade
It’s back and more exciting than ever! On Saturday, August 14, the 92nd Annual Bud Billiken® Parade will take place on Chicago’s south side and it will be a star-studded event, celebrating Chicago’s youth and a very special hometown hero. Two-time WNBA MVP, Chicago Sky forward, and Chicagoland native, Candace Parker, will serve as the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade and festival. This year’s theme is Back to School, Back to Life and Back to Bud Billiken, which will celebrate everyone coming back together again after time apart due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
100 Local Students Participate in STEM Program to Improve Diversity in STEM
ComEd engineers and Dr. Kate Biberdorf lead students in building mini-Mars rovers and STEM challenges
For the second year, ComEd is sparking curiosity among Chicagoland high school students by bringing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education to their homes through ComEd STEM Home Labs. The program was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to safely continue to bring STEM programming and mentorship to Black and Hispanic students, as women and people of color continue to be dramatically underrepresented in STEM fields.
Scripps taps Eric Ludgood to lead Newsy
CINCINNATI PRNewswire -- Award-winning news executive Eric Ludgood has been hired as the head of Newsy by The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP), effective Aug. 16.
United Way of Metro Chicago announces United Neighborhoods Equity Fund
Grant applications for $50k now open for small, Black and brown-led Chicago nonprofits
United Way of Metro Chicago today opened applications for their new United Neighborhoods Equity Fund (UNEF). UNEF aims to support small, Black and brown-led nonprofits predominantly located on the city’s south and west sides and south suburban region, and connect them to new investment opportunities. Each of the 10 grantees will be awarded $50,000 of unrestricted funds over a two-year cycle to be used according to the needs of each nonprofit.
STATE FAIR TO REOPEN WITH NEW ATTRACTIONS, INDOOR MASK MANDATE
After a one-year interruption last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Illinois State Fair in Springfield is set to reopen Thursday, Aug. 12, with some new attractions and new safety requirements.
Thursday, August 5
Rep. Rita Provides Chicago, Riverdale Shred Days to Help Clean Up from Pandemic
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has helped many people realize they have a lot of clutter in their homes and lives they need to clean up. State Rep. Bob Rita is doing his part to help.
Wednesday, August 4
Pangea Mortgage Capital Closes $8.5 Million Loan
Pangea Mortgage Capital (“PMC”) recently provided funding for the acquisition and repositioning of a retail community center located in suburban Cleveland. With PMC’s loan, the Borrower will be able t
Pangea Mortgage Capital (“PMC”), a nationwide commercial lender headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, closed an $8.5 million loan for the acquisition and repositioning of a retail community center located in suburban Cleveland.
Black Women’s Health Advocates Applaud Legislation to Address the Uterine Fibroid Crisis
The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2021 Would Fund 150 Million to Research Condition Affecting 80% of Black Women by Age 50.
Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Shelley Capito (R-WV) introduced the Senate companion bill to the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2021, legislation that would appropriate $30 million to the National Institutes of Health for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 and establish a research database for treatment of fibroids. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) introduced the House legislation in March 2021.
Registration Open NOW for BBB and SCORE’s Build a Better Business Conference
One-day conference focused on improving small and medium businesses scheduled for Oct. 7
BBB Serving Northern Indiana and SCORE Northeast Indiana announce that registration is now open for their inaugural Build a Better Business Conference, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 7, at the Parkview Mirro Center in Fort Wayne.
Calumet City Mayor presents $56 million budget for 2022
Calumet City Mayor Thaddeus Jones presented the city’s budget for Fiscal 2022 on Thursday, July 29. The Aldermen voted 5 to 1 in favor of the budget.
Cheetos And Bad Bunny Drop Exclusive adidas Fashion Collection, Inviting Fans To Deja tu Huella (Leave Your Mark)
Cheetos® Superfans Can Unlock Early Access to the Drop by Using Cheetle® iD, Technology that Detects Orange-Dusted Fingertips
When Cheetos® and global music superstar Bad Bunny first introduced the Deja tu Huella™ campaign in 2020 to celebrate the impact that Hispanic culture has made on today’s society, they set out on a mission to inspire the next generation to Deja tu Huella, a phrase that translates to “leave your mark.” Since last year, that rally cry has only grown stronger.
Chanel Iman Joins Smile Train as Newest Celebrity Ambassador
The American Model Partners with the World’s Largest Cleft Organization to Raise Awareness for Children with Clefts and Advocate for Mothers Globally
-- Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft organization, today announced model Chanel Iman, known for her work as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, as their first-ever Smile Train Celebrity Ambassador solely focused on motherhood. As a young mother of two, Chanel’s goal is to advocate for and champion mothers across the globe, particularly mothers of children born with a cleft.
NEW LAW AIMS TO EXPAND AFFORDABLE HOUSING THROUGH $75 MILLION INVESTMENT, TAX CREDITS
Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday signed a measure aimed at increasing affordable housing investment in Illinois, as well as a measure expanding the state’s low-income energy assistance program.
BRONZEVILLE CREATIVE COUPLE ARE ALSO CHANGEMAKERS
The 5th Annual Mayor of Bronzeville and First Lady Ball took place on Saturday, July 24, at Gallery Guichard, located at 436 E. 47th St. Damon Williams was the co-host, there was food by Lettuce Entertain You Chef Mychael Bonner. The event featured live art demonstrations and live entertainment.
Nicor Gas, Southern Company Gas Foundation provide $70,000 to American Red Cross of Illinois
As a natural gas distribution company, Nicor Gas employees also are first responders working in tandem with communities to keep customers safe. When an emergency strikes, like the severe weather experienced in DuPage County this week, this critical work cannot be done without community partners like the American Red Cross of Illinois.
Walmart to Pay 100% of College Tuition and Books for Associates
The largest U.S. private employer commits to invest nearly $1 billion over the next five years in car eer-driven training and development
Walmart, recently announced it will pay 100% of college tuition and books for associates through its Live Better U (LBU) education program. Starting Aug. 16, the $1 a day fee will be removed for associates, making all education programs paid for by Walmart. This means approximately 1.5 million part-time and full-time Walmart and Sam’s Club associates in the U.S. can earn college degrees or learn trade skills without the burden of education debt. As the largest U.S. private employer, Walmart is committing to invest nearly $1 billion over the next five years in career-driven training and development.
Tech Director inspires and encourages students to pursue STEM
Omowale Casselle is the Director o fPritzker Tech Talent Labs at Discovery Partners Institute. He shared his background and encouraged students in Chicago Pre-College Science & Engineering Program to choose careers in technology. Casselle understands Chicago’s tech economy is growing and there is a need to get more Black and Brown students in technology.
CUBS SCHOLARS GRADUATES ARE CELEBRATED AT WRIGLEY FIELD
Last year, Malcolm Fox set a 10- year goal for himself that one day he would speak at Wrigley Field. That day came this summer when Fox gave the commencement speech to the Cubs Scholars Graduates. Fox was a 2016 Cubs Scholars graduate. He graduated from Howard University and is set to work for the McDonald’s Corporation.
Sheriff’s Office Offers Free Assistance to Tenants, Housing Providers as Eviction Moratorium Expires
As the moratorium on filing eviction cases has been lifted, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart is reminding housing providers and tenants grappling with eviction that they can access the Office’s Community Resource Center for assistance in accessing services and financial help.
KITCHEN + KOCKTAILS BY KEVIN KELLEY COMING TO CHICAGO
Kevin Kelley loves Chicago, its people and the food culture. It seemed like a fantastic fit for Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley. The restaurant will be located at 444 N. Wabash Ave. and is set to open on Friday, Sept. 3. Kelley also is the owner of Kitchen + Kocktails in Dallas, Texas.
NAACP Announces New Campaign, “#MeMinusStudentDebt” to Address Student Debt Crisis
The NAACP announces a new campaign calling for Student Debt Cancellation. The campaign, entitled, “#MeMinusStudentDebt,” addresses the fact that across all racial groups, Black borrowers hold the most student loan debt despite also being consistently underserved by postsecondary institutions.
Hyde Park Summer Fest Canceled for 2021
With increasing COVID-19 cases and associated risks, we do not believe it is the right choice to move forward with the festival at this time.