Wednesday, December 29
Rush Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Allow SNAP to Cover Hot and Prepared Foods
U.S. Representatives Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.), Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), announced their introduction of the bipartisan SNAP PLUS Act of 2021 (H.R. 6338), legislation that would allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to be used to purchase hot foods and certain prepared foods, which are currently not covered by SNAP. 40.8 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits, according to the most recent public data.
Keisha Taylor Starr Appointed New Chief Marketing Officer for Scripps Networks
Keisha Taylor Starr has been hired as chief marketing officer for Scripps Networks, effective Jan. 3, 2022.
Dove and Matthew A. Cherry Team Up to Inspire Hair Love in Kids
The partnership will include a NEW range of hair care products for curls, coils, and waves
Dove and Academy Award-winning filmmaker and CROWN Act advocate Matthew A. Cherry announce an official partnership to ensure the next generation of Black kids develop a positive relationship with beauty. The partnership will kick off with a new collection of hair care products designed for kids with curls, coils, and waves, inspired by Matthew’s Academy Award-winning animated short film, Hair Love.
Author Dr. Cindy Trimm Releases New Book
The must-read book in the new normal. Unstoppable is the answer to going further than you ever thought possible and accomplishing more than you thought attainable within your lifetime!
Internationally acclaimed, bestselling author Dr. Cindy Trimm is set to release a new book, “Unstoppable: Compete With Your Best Self and Win!” Fresh off of her “End Your Year Strong” conference, Dr. Trimm shares tips on shifting your mindset from one of competition with those around you to focusing on the competition with yourself as the key to success.
Year in Review 2021
2021 was a year of uncertainty for the nation, the world shut down due to COVID-19 and American citizens were ordered to shelter in place until vaccines were available. Never in the history of America had such ever concurred, the Insurrection. As time would have it, we would see and experience traumatizing events one-after-another one. From the loss of prominent leaders to business closures, Job lost, school closures, from new discriminatory hairstyle choice legislation becoming law. There were ground breakings on monumental construction sites. Also, we watched with bided breath two guilty verdicts hand down in the George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery cases.
BLACK OWNED TEQUILA BRAND HAS LOCAL ROOTS
Uduimoh Umolu is the Chicagoan behind the tequila brand Jon Basil, which pays homage to his grandfather and the man who was instrumental in making Umolu’s father dream is coming to the United States possible.
SALUD CENTER OPEN IN SOUTH CHICAGO
The site of the former YMCA, located at 3039 E. 91st St., has returned to being a community center after Claretian Associates and Preservation of Affordable Housing partnered on a renovation project. The Salud Center opened on Saturday, Dec. 18, and includes 101 affordable senior apartments.
Landmarks Illinois Awards Grant Funding To 14 Preservation Projects
Landmarks Illinois has awarded $35,000 to preservation projects in Illinois through its three grant programs. The grants, given to 14 preservation efforts in more than a dozen Illinois communities, were all awarded between August and November of this year through the Preservation Heritage Fund, the Barbara C. and Thomas E. Donnelley II Preservation Fund for Illinois and the Timuel D. Black Jr. Grant Fund for Chicago’s South Side.
SENATOR HUNTER REFLECTS ON HER CAREER AND LOOKS AHEAD TO 2022 IN A Q&A WITH THE CITIZEN
Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter represents the 3rd District, which includes some of the poorest and richest neighborhoods in the City of Chicago. Healthcare has been one of her number one priorities, and she has sponsored and co-sponsored bills, like Senate Bill 1846 and House Bill 158.
Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation to Further Protect Reproductive Rights
Building on efforts to make Illinois a national leader in safeguarding reproductive rights, Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 370, repealing the harmful Parental Notification Act (PNA). Rescinding the PNA ensures that while a pregnant minor can choose to involve a family member or legal guardian in their decision to have or not have an abortion, vulnerable youth – such as victims of rape, incest, and domestic abuse – are not compelled to do so under the law.
Treasurer Frerichs Returns $90,000 to Shriners Hospitals for Children
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced the return of more than $90,000 to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago. The proceeds were turned over to the Illinois Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Program from the estate of Army veteran Ernest Ulrich, who named the non-profit as a beneficiary. Ulrich passed away in 1999.
Wednesday, December 22
Nearly $197 Million Delivered in Tax Cuts to 79,000 Families in 1st District in 2021
U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) announced that, with the final payment going out on December 15, the expanded monthly Child Tax Credit will have delivered a total of nearly $197 million in tax cuts to more than 79,000 families in Illinois’s 1st District in 2021. Rush voted for the expanded monthly Child Tax Credit (CTC) as part of the American Rescue Plan, which was signed into law by President Biden in March.
Jennifer Epps to take helm of major fund
With backing from major foundations, AFL-CIO and SEIU, “LIFT Fund” supports organizations that are pioneering worker community partnerships
Amidst a global pandemic and ever-increasing worker inequality, the need to effectively organize and uplift worker voices towards better and safer working conditions has become imperative. Worker centers and labor unions have an opportunity to step up to create unique partnerships that support new forms of worker organizing that ultimately lead to greater and sustained prosperity for workers.
A “DREAMER” WHO REFUSES TO QUIT
Greg “Olskool Ice Gre” Lewis describes himself as a dreamer and he knows there are more dreamers like himself out there.
CPS Distributes Approximately 150,000 Take-Home COVID Test Kits
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) distributed approximately 150,000 take-home COVID test kits to more than 300 schools in communities that have been highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shop Style Shark Features Massive Christmas Sale
Woman-owned online fashion retailer Shop Style Shark announces huge Christmas sale event. At Shop Style Shark, our goal is to help our customers find everything they need in one place. And there is no better time than now to stock up on your favorite hot and trending styles. From Christmas Day to Dec. 29th, Shop Style Shark is offering customers 20% off everything in their online store.
MULTI ENTREPRENEUR CHANAY WALTON RE-LAUNCHES HER TRAVEL APP
Chanay Walton created My Pay Circle in 2019. It is an app that allows its users to organize trips and payments for group travel. When the pandemic hit and people stopped traveling, she decided to pivot and retool the app, with a focus on how travel would change post pandemic. Now, she is ready to re-launch the app in 2022.
WIND CREEK ILLINOIS IN HOMEWOOD – EAST HAZEL CREST TO HOLD CASINO LICENSE IN THE SOUTHLAND REGION
The Illinois Gaming Board voted that Wind Creek, LLC, is preliminarily suitable for an owner’s license for a casino in the South Suburbs. Wind Creek Illinois, operated by Wind Creek Illinois Hospitality, LLC, will be located in Homewood-East Hazel Crest
Silver Jeans Co.™ Releases All-new Infinite Fit Jean
Silver Jeans Co. uses innovative technology and sustainable eco-washes for the Infinite Fit collection.
The Infinite Fit jean features innovative denim technology, allowing for one size to fit up to four waist sizes, making it a supple, adaptive jean that will fit every day.
New App Dedicated to Saving the Lives of Black Women with Breast Cancer
Breast cancer doesn’t have a color but the journey, narrative, and experience of a Black woman surviving cancer are radically different from a white woman. Studies suggest Black women do not have the highest diagnosis of breast cancer incidence, yet they have a higher death rate than other races of women.
500 Black State Legislators Address Voting Rights and Other Issues in Atlanta
Over 500 Black State Legislators from across the United States left the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) Annual Legislative Conference last weekend recommitted to addressing voting rights, health care, education, and other important issues that are impacting African American communities. Presently, more than 20 states have passed laws that will make it harder for millions of Americans to vote.
How will churches and ministries look Post-Pandemic?
United Theological Seminary Doctor of Ministry Program is offering a new Focus Group entitled, “A Generational Approach for Today’s Urban Ministry in the Next Normal.
THE MORGAN PARK COMMONS RECEIVES PART OF MORE THAN $1 BILLION INVESTMENT IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The Far South Community Development Corporation and The Preservation of Affordable Housing are partnering on Morgan Park Commons, a 12-acre redevelopment, located at 115th and Halsted. The Morgan Park Commons is one of 24 developments that will receive part of the Department of Housing’s more than $1 billion investment in affordable housing.
Café and coworking space provide economic empowerment
Tracy Powell and Nikki Bravo have opened the successful Momentum Coffee & Coworking at Millennium Park located at 11 N. Michigan. This new location builds upon the business owners’ mission to grow and develop new and emerging businesses in the Black community.
Warner Bros. Hosts ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ DJ Battle
On Saturday, Warner Bros. sponsored a “Red Pill vs Blue Pill”, Matrix-themed, DJ Battle at Orlando’s Culture Fest in anticipation of the upcoming release of The Matrix Resurrections with thousands in attendance . The battle featured DJ Dr Doom (93.3 Th e Beat) and DJ D Strong of (104.5 The Beat) along with rappers Ayche (Tampa, FL) and Kevy Dat Deal (Tallahassee, FL). The audience danced and sang to the music with a lighthearted happiness filling the air.Team Red Pill, DJ Dr. Doom and Kevy Dat Deal, were crowned as winners of the battle by the end of the night.
Friday, December 17
MAYOR LIGHTFOOT AND CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCE COMPLETION OF EXPANSION TO OFFER SUNDAY LIBRARY HOURS IN ALL CHICAGO COMMUNITIES
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Chicago Public Library (CPL) Commissioner Chris Brown today announced the expansion of Sunday library service to an additional 24 locations on Sunday, December 19, 2021. With these branches now opening on Sunday afternoons, every community in Chicago has access to library services seven days-a-week. This extension of service hours delivers on Mayor Lightfoot’s pledge in June of 2019 to expand library hours to Sundays and her commitment to complete the expansion by the end of 2021.
Pell Grant Increases Denied to Students at Career Colleges Under Build Back Better Bill
Denial will affect thousands of Black students unless quick change is made
A recent increase in the Pell Grant awarded to low-income college students who need financial help paying for their tuition or other educational needs will not be going to the nearly one million students who choose career and proprietary schools.
Potential buyer identified for James R. Thompson Center
JRTC Holdings will enter negotiations with state for $70 million purchase
Plans are moving ahead for the sale of the James R. Thompson Center at 100 West Randolph Street in Chicago. Gov. JB Pritzker announced on Wednesday plans to enter into exclusive negotiations with JRTC Holdings, LLC, for the purposes of acquiring and redeveloping the Thompson Center that houses office space for 50 state agencies and more than 2,800 state workers.
Wednesday, December 15
Scripps Networks appoints Cheryle Harrison head of Bounce
Cheryle Harrison has been appointed the head of Bounce, the nation’s popular entertainment television network serving African Americans.
Dozens Of Families In Chicago Heights Are Provided Winter Coats, Food and Health Awareness Education
Highlighting the needs of struggling families, the faith community and government came together on Friday to provide food, winter coats and health awareness education.
Forbes Names Riverside’s Charlotte Smith for This Year’s 30 Under 30 List
Forbes magazine chose Charlotte Smith, a Riverside, California native, for this year’s 30 Under 30 list for her work in media relations at Google. Smith and her colleagues appear in this month’s issue of Forbes magazine (in stores starting December 15, 2021).
Jekalyn Carr Returns To Host The Annual Stellar Tribute To The Holidays
Just in time for the holidays, Stellar TV announces the airing of its holiday special, “Stellar Tribute to the Holidays,” proudly presented by Verizon. Returning host Jekalyn Carr celebrates the magic of the season with heartwarming holiday memories and jovial performances. Among them, Kierra Sheard Kelly soulfully belts out ‘O Come O Come Emannuel,’ Mali Music brings a fresh take to “Little Drummer Boy,” Charles Jenkins introduces his original holidays songs ‘Christmas Music’ and ‘Christmas Hop,’ and Natalie Grant is going to bring some ‘Joy to the World’ with her performance.
7-Eleven Teams Up With Creative Powerhouse Kerwin Frost
Created to Carry His Favorite 7-Select™ Snacks and Drinks, Streetwear Style Icon Kerwin Frost’s Exclusive “Snack Attack Uniform”
Snacking has never looked cooler. 7-Eleven, Inc., the premier name in convenience-retailing, is extending its collaboration with entertainer, DJ, talk show host, comedian and designer Kerwin Frost, to create an exclusive limited- edition outfit designed exclusively with snackers in mind. Aptly called “Kerwin’s Snack Attack Uniform,” the ensemble features a jacket, pants and t-shirt complete with 18 total pockets custom-designed to hold Kerwin’s favorite 7-Select™ snacks and beverages.
NAACP’s ‘COVID. KNOW MORE’ initiative continues to stand as Black America’s best defense
With the onset of the winter months, still another variant and infections again on the rise, evidence abounds that COVID-19 isn’t finished plaguing us yet, and normalcy’s still a long way off
This month, the nation marked a foreboding, record death toll: More than 5,230,000 deaths worldwide as a result of COVID-19. It’s a sad, painful and tragic milestone that signals the obvious: The coronavirus pandemic—here in the U.S. as well as around the globe—is far from over, and simply isn’t going away anytime soon.
Burrell Communications Names Terrence Burrell Interim Chief Creative Officer
Burrell Communications Group, one of the world’s leading multicultural marketing communications agencies, announced Terrence Burrell will take the helm as Interim Chief Creative Officer. In this role, Terrence will lead the agency’s creative teams in developing strategic and impactful work that moves clients’ business forward.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s National Educational Foundation Awards $125,000 Founders’ Centennial Scholarship
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, an international women’s service organization, and the Zeta National Educational Foundation, Inc. (ZNEF) announced that Janae Smith-Williams was awarded $125,000 as the recipient of its Triumphant Founder Pearl Anna Neal Centennial Scholarship. Applications for ZNEF 2022 scholarships for high school seniors, college and graduate students is now open at https://z-nefscholarships. smapply.org.
City Colleges of Chicago establishes the Timuel D. Black scholarship
The Timuel D. Black Scholarship celebrates the life and legacy of the long-time City Colleges faculty and administrator and civil rights activist
As the city of Chicago continues to reflect on the life and legacy of Timuel D. Black, City Colleges of Chicago will establish the Timuel D. Black Scholars Program for adult learners. Scholarships will be awarded to adult learners based on current and/or past civic and community engagement who have aspirations to drive change in their communities.
Donors needed now to address historically low blood supply
Nearly two years into the pandemic, everyone has earned a holiday break with their family and friends. But as the nation gathers again for celebrations this season, the American Red Cross, which provides 40% of the country’s blood, is facing historically low blood supply levels.
Mirrors & Misconceptions Series At The Stony Island Arts Bank
Rebuild Foundation, the arts, education and cultural development organization founded by artist Theaster Gates, and Court Theatre, the professional theatre of the University of Chicago, are partnering to present Mirrors & Misconceptions, a two-day activation at the Stony Island Arts Bank featuring poetry readings, gallery talks, collage activities, extended exhibition hours and more beginning December 17, 2021. This special series of events will mark the last weekend that the multi-site “Toward Common Cause” exhibition, a collaborative presentation in partnership with the Smart Museum of Art, is on view at the Stony Island Arts Bank.
Two Chicago Organizations set to receive $200,000 in funding from Bank of America
The Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program will reward two West side organizations with needed funding. The Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council and the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation will receive $200,000 in flexible funding, as well as leadership training for its executive director and an emerging leader in the organization.
Bally’s Eyes Two Locations For Chicago Casino
Bally’s Corporation has two of three proposals for a Chicago casino license. One location is at the McCormick Place Truck Marshalling Yard, in Bronzeville, the other is in River West at the site of the Chicago Tribune printing center.
In The Case of Whose Is It?
I recently read a blurb on social media where a Cook County judge who was recently appointed to a judicial vacancy and is now a candidate for election to that same judicial vacancy indicated that he is running to keep “his seat” as a judge.
CALUMET CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM AND EXPANSION OF HOURS AND SERVICES
Thaddeus Jones- Mayor of Calumet City, Illinois- is announcing major changes to the Calumet City Public Library. Among the welcomed changes include opening the doors of the library on Saturdays in the first quarter of 2022, along with a current overhaul of library leadership and expansion of some services. In addition, the Library, which formerly closed its weekly hours of operation at 4:00 PM, is now open until 7:00 PM.
Tuesday, December 14
Edwardsville chief on Amazon warehouse: ‘It was definitely one of our worst days’
Gov. Pritzker approves disaster proclamation for 28 counties in wake of tornadoes
In the wake of Friday night storms that left six dead at an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, a disaster proclamation was issued Monday for 28 counties in southern and central Illinois. The proclamation will bring personnel or equipment from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to assist with storm recovery.
Sunday, December 12
Coarse Culture’s Skincare Line helps with dry skin and hair
VaLanDria Smith-Lash was 14-yers old when she started Coarse Culture, a skincare line of whipped shea butter. She started the company because she wanted to help her mother, who was diagnosed with Lupus, find skincare that would soothe her dry skin and scalp.
Hoops in the Hood promotes peace and provides safe space
A basketball program has been able to bridge the gap between young people from the South, North and West sides of Chicago.
Noire Impact Collective looks to connect people to resources and career opportunities
When Sydney Holman started a position as a staff member of the Illinois Speaker of the House, she noticed there was a lack of representation of people of color and women of color in leadership. She wanted to create an avenue for job opportunities and professional development. She started hosting dinners in Springfield and reached out to her professional network of women of color there.
Thursday, December 9
Ministers Don’t Want the Water Reclamation District to be absent of West Side representation
Current West Side Commissioner Barbara McGowan has been on the water reclamation district since 1998. She announced over the summer that she will not be seeking re-election. Her seat will be available with candidates all over the county vying to fill it. Pastor Ira Acree of Greater St John Bible Church and his supporters feel that he is the most competent and prepared leader from the west side to replace her.
The Always Giving Back Foundation and Walmart To Host 2nd Annual Bike Giveaway This Saturday, December 11, 2021
Bikes to be donated to the Ashburn and Auburn-Gresham residents
Christmas will come early for 200 children during The Always Giving Back Foundation’s 2nd Annual Bike Giveaway on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 11 a.m. at 7545 S. Western Avenue in Chicago’s Ashburn community. Residents with children living in the 60620 zip code will receive one free bike ranging from 12-20 inches intended for kids 2-10 years of age, until supplies last.
Wednesday, December 8
Congresswoman Robin Kelly outlines the Build Back Better Act
The Build Back Better Act was passed by the House on Friday, Nov. 19. H.R. 5376 extends the Child Tax Credit, expands Affordable Healthcare and invests in gun violence prevention.
Cancer Patients Overlooked in COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
Almost two-thirds of U.S. states failed to prioritize cancer patients for COVID-19 vaccinations, despite recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), according to a study being presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
South Suburban Businesses Rally Around a Greek Organization to Raise Money for Student Scholarships
Richton Park , IL November 9th) -- Richton Park Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi will host the first Kasino and Kicks, a Sneaker Ball and Casino Style fundraiser event for college scholarships and educational programs Saturday December 11th from 7pm until midnight at Holiday Inn Midway, 7353 S. Cicero, Chicago, IL 60629.
Scott M. Mills Appointed to Chief Executive Officer of BET
Appointment Reinforces ViacomCBS’ Strengthened Position as the Industry’s Largest Commissioner of Black Premium Content
ViacomCBS (NASDAQ: VIAC, VIACA) announced that Scott M. Mills has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer of BET, the nation’s leading provider of quality content from Black creators. The announcement was made today by President and CEO of ViacomCBS, Bob Bakish, and Chairman and CEO of Showtime Networks, David Nevins.
Own Sets Premiere Date For New Drama ‘The Kings Of Napa’
Series Set To Premiere Tuesday, Jan. 11
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced the first look at juicy new drama, “The Kings of Napa” from acclaimed writer and executive producer Janine Sherman Barrois (“Claws,” “Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker”) and Warner Bros. Television, to premiere on OWN Tuesday, Jan. 11, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Group Black and SHE Media Partner to Launch Group Black Network
Both companies seek to direct ad spending and growth opportunities to historically under-served publishers
Group Black, the home for Black-Owned media properties, and SHE Media, a mission-driven publishing collective with a focus on elevating independent media, announced the joint launch of the Group Black Network. This partnership brings more than 250 premium Black, Women-Owned SHE Media publishers to the Group Black Network, and provides a direct channel to deploy advertising investments to said publishers — increasing visibility and earning opportunities. Group Black can leverage the entire SHE Media Collective to drive higher revenue for multiple publishers within packaged deals.
Hair Extensions Brand Makes U.S. Debut with Teyana Taylor
Darling, the number one hair extensions brand out of Africa focused on textured hair needs of Black women, announced their U.S. market launch and debut partnership with music sensation, Teyana Taylor. Darling specializes in the elevation of beauty and illumination of confidence, helping women to own their power with the reassurance of great hair.
Habilitative Systems, Inc.’s First “Race and Health Equity Awards” Recognizes Healthcare and Community Leaders’ Contributions
Making Inroads to Equal Access and Eliminating Disparity in Quality Healthcare
Habilitative Systems, Inc., will recognize outstanding individuals Dec. 9 for their work and contributions in tearing down the barriers to equal access and quality healthcare at the HSI Board of Directors’ inaugural “Race and Health Equity Awards” reception. The event will honor healthcare executives and community leaders who are committed to eliminating inequities within the African-American community.
The Barbara Bates Breast Imaging Center opened at Mt. Sinai Hospital
“I thank God that I’m still around to see the room. It just made me think, I want to do more. The room is wonderful, I want to make the room epic. What else can I do? I want to keep going,” Bates said.
U.S. Department of Education Announces $20 Million in American Rescue Plan Grants
Advancing its commitment to equity, meaningful consultation, and relief for Tribal Nations, the U.S. Department of Education announced approximately $20 million in grants to Tribal Educational Agencies (TEAs) to meet the urgent needs of students in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The American Rescue Plan Act’s American Indian Resilience in Education (AIRE) grant program will fund culturally relevant projects—that include at least one of the activities from section 6121(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965—designed to assist and encourage Native American children and youth to enter, remain in, or reenter school at any grade level from Pre-K through grade 12. These activities include a broad range of direct education, health, and workforce preparation services for Native students, their teachers, and their families.
Civil Rights Leader Dr. Harry Blake’s Legacy Lives on at Shreveport Health Fair to Support COVID-19 Vaccinations
For Lashonda Diouf, a long-time member of Mount Canaan Baptist Church, the recent Stay Well Harry Blake Empowerment Health Fair & Vaccination Event held a special place in her heart.
Landmarks Illinois seeks nominations for 2022 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois
Landmarks Illinois, a statewide historic preservation advocacy nonprofit organization, is now accepting nominations for its 2022 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. Nominations are due Monday, Jan. 10.
Nicole Murray A Business development professional helps entities build with intention
As founder of Agape Collective, Agape Creative Boutique and Mogul Nation, Nicole Murray looks to align with businesses, groups and individuals to work with them and add value. She believes personally and as a business ethic when people seed things with real, positive intention, it grows organically.
The Far South Chicago Coalition Launches The Far South Quality-Of-Life Plan
The Far South Chicago Coalition (FSCC), local business owners, community leaders, activists, organizers and sponsors will host the 2021 fundraising event, “Moving Forward Together,” on Saturday, November 20, to raise funds for the Quality-Of-Life Plan (QLP) for the South Side of Chicago, led by the Far FSCC. The coalition is composed of caring community leaders, business owners and engaged residents working together to create a thriving community that will exemplify the gold standard of Chicago neighborhoods. The event featured guest speakers, lunch, entertainment and will celebrate the progress made and announce plans for the future.
Bally’s Chicago: Built By, Of, And For The Community
When Bally’s decided to bid on the opportunity to open a world-class casino in Chicago, their first priority was making sure their proposal was a reflection of the rich history and heritage across Chicago. So, they met with community organizations as well as diverse business owners and other Chicagoans interested in being involved in what will become its flagship casino resort – Bally’s Chicago.
Woodlawn Central Plan is to create cultural destinations
A master plan has been created for the community of Woodlawn that leverages Apostolic Church of God’s land and creates opportunities for development.
John the Author Discusses latest release 30+
John Baker, known as John the Author, participated in his first talent show when he was in the fourth grade, singing Dwayne Wiggins, “What’s Really Going On (Strange Fruit).” Now he is set to release his fourth full length album, tentatively titled, “30+.”
South Suburban Chicago (IL) Chapter of The Links, Inc. win a $20,000
The South Suburban Chicago Chapter of The Links, Inc., was awarded $20,000 in funding from the Central Area of The Links, Inc., to participate in the Black K.A.R.E. project.
Millions of dollars of stolen goods recovered in ‘organized retail crime’ bust, AG says
‘First major bust’ of statewide task force came after man arrested on gun charge
An unrelated arrest by the Chicago Police Department on Sunday led to a state task force this week seizing millions of dollars’ worth of goods stolen from retailers in what Attorney General Kwame Raoul described as an organized retail crime operation.
Monday, December 6
FLEX-N-GATE /JACKSONVILLE JAGUAR OWNER SHAHID KHAN AND EARLY WALKER PRESIDENT OF "I'M TELLING DON'T SHOOT,TO PROVIDE BIG ASSISTANCE TO “OPERATION COVER CHICAGO”, APPEALING TO CHICAGO STEP UP AND HELP
“SANTA CLAUS IS ON THE WAY!!”
Early Walker- President of “I’m Telling Don’t Shoot” and Jacksonville Jaguar/FLEX-N-Gate Owner Shahid Khan- along with Chicago Operation Cover Chicago Founder, Pastor Kenyatta Smith, Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore and Flex-n-gate staff will come together and announce a major Christmas Toy Give Away to benefit the widely popular Operation Cover Chicago (OCC) Toy Drive.
Saturday, December 4
THE DOVETAIL PROJECT’S PROGRAM SETS OUT TO IMPROVE YOUNG FATHERS’ LIVES
Vernon Owens, Director of Programs of The Dovetail Project, with a graduate of the program aimed to make young fathers better men and better members of their communities. Photo provided by Aileen Bedeau.
Friday, December 3
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. LAUNCHES ‘GIVE AND GO TO FIGHT CANCER’ AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TODAY WITH ESPN AND V FOUNDATION
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the world’s oldest intercollegiate Fraternity founded by African American men, along with ESPN and the V Foundation begins its “Give and Go To Fight Cancer” campaign today
Wednesday, December 1
1 MILLION EVS: INSIDE THE STATE’S PLAN FOR ELECTRIFYING THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR
With a pair of major policy victories in hand, Gov. JB Pritzker traveled to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, at the beginning of the month and shared a vision for his home state: “Illinois intends to become the best place in North America to drive and manufacture an electric vehicle.”
The Museum of Science and Industry ushers in the holiday season with tree lighting
Most of Sheila Wesonga’s life when she attended Museum of Science and Industry’s Christmas Around the World, there was an Kenyan Tree. In the 2010’s, there wasn’t a Kenyan tree at the Museum anymore. A friend encouraged her to bring the tree back, since she loves Christmas and loves decorating for Christmas.
Sony Corporation of America Donates $1 Million To NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
Sony Corporation of America, Sony Electronics Inc. and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. announced they have made a $1 million donation to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF). This donation is part of a larger social justice campaign and comes from Sony’s Global Social Justice Fund on behalf of Sony Group Corporation.
Victor George Vodka Owner Awarded $2.4 Million
Black-owned Victor George Spirits announced the Fort Lauderdale Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board voted unanimously to provide $2,450,000 to help fund construction cost of a 15,000 square foot facility that will house a distillery, restaurant, cigar bar, whiskey lounge, co working space and a rooftop bar and lounge located on historic Sistrunk Boulevard.
Acorns Money Pie Live comes to Chicago
Money and finance talk is never easy. But talking about money and finance with wine and pizza, makes it a little more palatable. That was the concept behind Acorns Money Pie Live at Juice @ 1340 recently.:
Matt Forte distributed Thanksgiving meals to families On The Cities Southside
Matt Forte believes that giving back is necessary. God has afforded him a lot in life, and he wanted to be able to do something from his heart. With that in mind, Forte, along with the What’s Your Forte Foundation, partnered with Progressive Baptist Church to provide Thanksgiving meals for families in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Iconic Supermodel Iman Launches First Fragrance, Love Memoir
HSN®, a leader in livestream shopping and video storytelling, announced the highly anticipated launch of entrepreneur, philanthropist and iconic supermodel Iman’s debut fragrance, Love Memoir. This new scent is a tribute to her epic romance with her husband, David Bowie, and an intimate reflection of their tender relationship. It is a bottled homage to the mutual devotion of a universally celebrated couple, and like both fine perfume and true love, its story requires a touch of divine alchemy. The fragrance is available exclusively on HSN.com.
‘Love & Hip-Hop’ Star Karlie Redd Signs Multi-Million Dollar Album Deal
Reality TV ‘Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta’ star Karlie Redd has signed a global multi-million dollar album deal with famed “cryptocurrency label” Legacy Records. To celebrate the partnership, Legacy Records hosted an exclusive red-carpet dinner event Thursday, Nov. 11, at Spice House Restaurant in Atlanta.
An Eco-friendly waste facility is coming to Robbins
A 17- plus acre Anaerobic Digester facility is set for the site where the Waste to Energy facility once stood in Robbins, Ill. The Anaerobic Digester is expected to open in late 2023 and bring 135 full-time jobs to the Village. Sustainable BioWorks, LLC, is redeveloping the site, located at 13400 S. Kedzie Ave.
Illinois Tollway Awards $109 Million For Construction Contracts
Nearly $9.4 billion invested since start of Move Illinois Program
The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors today approved three construction contracts totaling nearly $108.8 million at its November Board meeting. So far, nearly $709 million in contracts has been approved by the Tollway Board in 2021, as part of the tenth year of the Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion Move Illinois capital program.
Jahkil Jackson and “Project I Am” wants to end homelessness
Jahkil Jackson was five years old when his aunt took him to the viaducts to see how homeless people lived. It was Jahkil’s first experience with the homeless, but it wouldn’t be his last. From that experience he decided to create Blessing Bags filled with essential items. Now at the age of 14, Jahkil has his own nonprofit organization and encourages others to give back.
The Chicago Department Of Housing Announces Over $100 Million In New Housing Assistance
The City’s latest Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will provide up to 18 months of rental assistance for renters and landlords who have experienced a financial hardship during the COVID-19 p
Today, the Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) announced a new application period will open on Monday December 6, 2021, for its latest round of rental assistance for tenants and landlords financially impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. This second Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) application round, which will close at 11:59 PM on Saturday December 18, 2021, includes $102 million from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and will offer up to 18 months of rental assistance and utility payment assistance for impacted renters. To date, the City of Chicago has provided over $110 million in direct financial assistance and legal services to impacted Chicagoans since the onset of the pandemic.