Friday, February 26
University Park Honors Black Leaders in Virtual Event
The Mayor’s Office of Special Events in University Park held its first ever virtual awards ceremony honoring black leaders who have given to their community. The virtual event was held through the village’s local cable station on Thursday, February 25. University Park Mayor Joseph E. Roudez III opened and closed the event with remarks and the evening’s Master of Ceremonies was Jeffery Cohn.
Retired NFL player Terrell Davis Talks About Health, Wellness & Defy, A Sports Performance Company Where He Is Co-Founder
Terrell Davis is a retired NFL player and Pro Football Hall of Famer and Super Bowl champion who had a short, but successful career. When Davis retired from the NFL, he became an entrepreneur.
Pappas: Cook County Board passes ordinance to bring transparency to TIF spending
Amendment to the Debt Disclosure Ordinance
The Cook County Board of Commissioners has enacted an ordinance that would increase disclosure in an area where it is long overdue — Tax Increment Financing districts, Treasurer Maria Pappas said in a statement released on Thursday, February 25, 2021.
Gov. Pritzker Announces $11 Million in Rebuild Illinois Capital Grants to Fuel Economic Development Projects Around the State
Shovel Ready Sites Funding to Support 11 Economic Development Projects and Create Over 800 Jobs for Communities Across the State
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded $11 million in Rebuild Illinois capital funds to support continued economic development across the state. Shovel Ready Infrastructure Capital Program grants will support 11 new capital development projects across the state, paving the way to projects that will create long-term investment in communities, while creating an estimated 824 construction jobs statewide.
Wednesday, February 24
Burn Survivor Who Avoided Looking at Scars in Mirror for 25 years Reveals Steps that Led to Healing in New Book
While most 18-month-old toddlers are learning to say their first words and perfecting their walking skills, Audra Bryant had much bigger issues to deal with at that age.
Plans to Unveil a Bust of Marcus Garvey in Ethiopia Revealed
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once called Marcus Garvey the first “man on a mass scale and level to give millions of Negroes a sense of dignity and destiny.” The founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), a fraternal order of Black nationalists, Garvey implored Black people to pride themselves in their race and return to Africa.
Pouring With A Purpose -- BLQK Coffee Donates 25% of Profits to Social Justice Initiatives
The recently launched BLQK Coffee is serving caffeine with a cause, having committed to pouring 25 percent of their profits into the support of social justice initiatives. Coffee lovers can now purchase the coffee online at BLQK.Coffee.
Influencer Launches Platform to Help Moms of Color Connect With National Brands
As we honor notable accomplishments of trailblazers from the past during Black History Month, it’s also important to recognize the leaders who are blazing trails today.
REALTOR WANTS MORE PEOPLE TO OWN PROPERTY
QuoVadis Gates, founder of Quo & Co. Real Estate Agents, is on a mission to put blue collar families in a position to help build generational wealth through the purchase of multi-unit properties. Gates, who grew up in Englewood, said by the time he graduated from Morehouse College, his neighborhood had been displaced because of Norfolk Southern Railway Company’s expansion. “That experience taught me why real estate, and specifically, ownership, is so important,” he said.
Momentum Builds for Coalition for Independent Work to Protect Flexibility & Independence for App-Based Drivers
The Illinois Coalition for Independent Work announced recently, that several new community groups, advocacy groups and racial equity organizations have joined the coalition to advocate for app-based drivers’ independence and improved access to benefits.
National Women’s Business Council Releases 2020 Roundtable Report
The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) has released its 2020 #LetsTalkBusiness Roundtable Series Report, a collection of testimonials from women entrepreneurs on current challenges and opportunities associated with access to capital, childcare, and patenting and trademark
Big & Tall Men’s Fashion Arrives at Your Doorstep - Literally
In an age when you can get nearly anything delivered to your doorstep, and when boxed subscription services such as Blue Apron and PopSugar have become household names, it was only a matter of time before subscription boxes for clothing would seem practical instead of odd, and experience massive growth.
Walgreens Expressions Creative Art Contest Expands to High School Students Across the Country Program encourages teens to use creative expression as a means for coping with challenging situations
More than 10 years ago Walgreens launched its first Expressions Challenge program to encourage teens to use creative arts as an outlet to manage some of life’s stressful circumstances and to guide students to make better life choices. Offered only in Chicago and St. Louis, Walgreens worked with high school districts, teachers and guidance counselors to promote the contest to students grades 9-12.
Mayor Lightfoot and CDPH Announce Significant Improvement in Racial Equity in Vaccine Distribution Half of vaccine administered in the most recent week went to Black or Latinx Chicagoans
Racial equity has been the driving force behind the city’s COVID-19 vaccination roll-out and Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Public Health today announced significant improvement in the percentage of vaccine administered to Chicagoans of color. These improvements are the result of the City being laser-focused on ensuring equity in its COVID response and vaccine distribution, and the work it has been doing with many community partners including through the Racial Equity Rapid Response Team (RERRT) and its Protect Chicago Plus initiative.
Film Collection Honors Black History Month
Celebrating the talented Black actors and filmmakers in the TV and film world is an easy and enjoyable way to commemorate Black History Month. Among those noted stars is Vivica A. Fox, a leading lady in numerous blockbuster films.
LADIES OF VIRTUE SHOWS LOVE TO YOUNG BLACK WOMEN
For Valentine’s Day, Ladies of Virtue hosted an event to show young Black women how much they are loved. The mentoring program which aims to empower girls ages 9-18, provided 300 LOV boxes to young women on the South and West sides.
Feed the Soul Foundation Celebrates Partnership with Grubhub
Feed the Soul Foundation, the non-profit arm of Black Restaurant Week, LLC, celebrates their partnership with Grubhub. As a recipient of the food ordering and delivery platform’s Donate the Change program, Feed the Soul Foundation is benefiting from diner donations this month, as well as from Grubhub’s virtual concert series, Sound Bites.
SPEAKER SERIES EXPLORES STORYTELLING WITH DIVERSE VOICES
Mo G is a Chicago-based natural hair artist, known to many on Instagram as @ gotothemo. While she is doing people’s hair for hours, there is an opportunity for sharing stories, learning people’s stories and telling her own, as well as explaining the history of natural hair.
WOMAN CREATES DEVICE TO HELP PARENTS
Tiffany McCoy was trying to find a solution to keep her daughter’s tablet charged and to keep the tablet accessible while McCoy was driving. So, she came up with the idea of creating a booster seat companion kit.
Two Southland College Prep Speech Team Seniors Place First and Second in IHSA State Final Speech Tournament Events
Two Southland College Prep Charter High School seniors placed first and second in separate events of the Illinois High School Association virtual 2020-21 State Speech Championship tournament.
Tuesday, February 23
South Side Community Organizations Say the Chicago Fire Department Needs More Life Saving Apparatus Like Tower Ladder 34
Concerned Residents Say They Will Not Allow Politics or Budgets to Remove Their Special Tower Ladder from Engine Co. 72
Concern citizens from neighborhoods serviced by Tower Ladder 34, a specialized lifesaving apparatus housed at Engine Company 72 in the city’s South Shore neighborhood, are banning together to extinguish a burning issue inside the Chicago Fire Department (CFD}. Rally and Press Event Scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25, at 10:30 AM.
Wednesday, February 17
Honoring the Resilience and Progress of Black Americans
Capital One is deepening our partnerships to continue the fight for racial equity and drive meaningful change
“What we need is not a history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice,” Woodson said.
National Park Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Preserving Black History and Culture in National Parks
Established in 2001, with the support of the 15th Director of the National Park Service (NPS) Robert G. Stanton, the first African American NPS Director, AAEF’s mission is to connect all people to the role of African Americans in U.S. history through national parks.
Advocating for change
Howell said she believes that God has told her time after time that writing is her purpose in life. “I found if I could find a way to creatively express myself, other people have similar stories and we’re all more similar than different whether we want to acknowledge that fact or not,” she said. “God’s been diligent in reminding me of my purpose, even if I end up in other occupations, doing other things, he finds a way to get me back in track.”
Governor Can and Should Stop Predatory Lending in Illinois with the Stroke of His Pen
If we want to build economic stability in communities that have been devastated by the deadly COVID pandemic and its destructive economic wake, we must first shore up protections against practices that strip the meager wealth of those very communities. That’s why I call on Governor Pritzker to swiftly sign SB 1792, the Predatory Loan Prevention Act, and bring down 297% interest rates on payday and car-title loans to 36%.
NEW MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH CENTER SET TO OPEN IN HARVEY
Black women are dying at a rate three times higher than that of white women both during and after pregnancy, according to a Spring 2020 Berkley Public Policy Journal article.
Honoring Black Doctors During Black History Month
Throughout the month of February, the American Urological Association (AUA) and Urology Care Foundation join is joining the nation as we formally celebrate the many contributions of African-Americans to American society and culture.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America Names H Walker as Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Officer
Boys & Girls Clubs of America has named H Walker as its new Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Officer, underscoring the organization’s ongoing commitment and legacy of building opportunity and great futures for kids and teens. Walker will be charged with building upon the diversity, equity and inclusion strategy and creating new initiatives for Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide and key organization partnerships.
Experience a Historic Civil rights Moment in Augmented Realityon a Smartphone
Created by Lenovo in partnrship with the DuSable Museum of African American History
To participate, point your smartphone at any MLK street sign in the U.S. to unlock an opportunity to watch Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his groundbreaking speech and an immersive experience where you can walk up to 3D sculptures inspired by those who may have been present during that pivotal moment in history.
How One Merchant Tapped into Small Breweries Making a Big Difference
To identify the latest trends in their categories, Walmart merchants typically turn to line reviews, trade shows and market visits. But sometimes, they find new suppliers and cool products the way the rest of us do: on social media. That was the case for Walmart craft beer merchant Adrienne Freeman when she discovered San Antonio-based Weathered Souls Brewing Co.
Know Your History, Know Your Risk: Saving Black Lives From Breast Cancer
According to Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, the inequities laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic have long been experienced by Black women with breast cancer.
Artist showcases greatness of Black creatives
Brandon Breaux is a local, contemporary multidisciplinary artist known for his work with musical artists, including Chance the Rapper and Leon Bridges. Now, Breaux’s work is part of a Rebuild Foundation exhibit celebrating Black creatives. “28 Days of Greatness” is a project Breaux conceived and includes 28 digital portraits, one for each day of February, of people who exemplify Black excellence.
In celebration of Black History Month, Hallmark Mahogany Gives Away One Million Cards
Hallmark Mahogany, the greeting card brand that has honored and celebrated Black culture for more than 30 years, recently announced the launch of a giveaway of one million greeting cards in celebration of Black History Month.
HELLO BABY HELPS CHILDREN LEARN AND PLAY
Hello Baby, located at 600 E. 61st St., was founded by Debbie Frisch, who wanted to provide resources to children and to caregivers. Frisch said she saw how much harder it is, as a single mother, when there are not adequate resources when it comes to social services.
OLYMPIA FIELDS TRUSTEE ENERGIZED, PRIMED AND READY FOR STRETCH RUN IN THE RACE FOR VILLAGE PRESIDENT
DESIREE WATKINS HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND UNMATCHED EXPERIENCE Desiree believes that her current role as Village Trustee as well as her successful corporate career has positioned her to become the next Village President. She has long held a vision of people first when working in civic positions and wants to be the person to create positive and deliberate change in her community. She believes in a local government that works for the people. Watkins is firm in her philosophy that resourcefulness and relationships is key to bringing the needed change. Watkins adds, “I am not a career politician, as a matter of fact I’m not a politician at all but I’m doing politics due to the lack of leadership of those in office who choose personal interests over the community”.
Cancer Advocates React to Governor’s Budget
Today, Gov. J. B. Pritzker released his proposed budget for Illinois. Shana Crews, director of government relations in Illinois for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), made a statement in reaction.
Wednesday, February 10
Comcast RISE to Award $1 Million in Grants to BIPOC-Owned, Small Businesses in Chicago and Cook County
Eligible businesses in Chicago and Cook County can apply March 1 – 14 for a $10,000 grant; 100 recipients will be selected.
The Comcast RISE Investment Fund is focused on small businesses that have been in business for three or more years with one to 25 employees. “Comcast RISE is designed to give BIPOC-owned small businesses tools to not only survive the pandemic, but thrive afterward,” said Jeff Cobb, Regional Vice President of Comcast Business. “We’re pleased to be able to make these resources available in Chicago and Cook County, which is home to one of the most pandemic-impacted small-business communities in the nation.”
Comcast Launches Black Experience on Xfinity Channel, Endorsed by African American Film Critics Association
Comcast NBCUniversal is excited to announce the launch of Black Experience on Xfinity, a first-of-its kind destination of Black entertainment, movies, TV shows, news, and more. Curated by industry leaders, Black Experience will feature high-quality content from many of Xfinity’s existing network partners, at no additional cost, while investing millions of dollars in fostering and showcasing emerging Black content creators. The channel is the only one of its kind endorsed by African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), the world's largest group of Black film critics that gives annual awards for excellence in film and television.
ORGANIZATION WANTS GREATER RECOGNITION FOR JEAN BAPTISTE POINT DU SABLE
Black Heroes Matter is continuing their fight to gain more recognition for Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the Haitian settler who is known to many as the founder of Chicago.
PERSONAL TRAINER WANTS PEOPLE TO BE HEALTHY AND COMPLETE
Joy-D Williamson is a certified personal trainer who has developed a 12-week program to help people improve their quality of life by becoming healthier.
LINDA-DENISE FISHER-HARRELL NAMED ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) today announced that former company member Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell has been named Artistic Director of the contemporary dance company effective March 1, 2021.
American Families’ Desire to Save For Their Children’s Future Increases During the Pandemic, According to New Research Survey
UNest, the first-of-its-kind mobile app that helps parents invest in their children’s future financial wellness, has announced the results of a survey that it commissioned focused on family savings through the pandemic. The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll and Caliber Intelligence on behalf of UNest, has shown that despite new financial strains from COVID-19, parents conclusively place their children’s future as their most pressing savings goal.
AUTHOR SEEKS TO EMPOWER YOUNG BLACK GIRLS
Tamera Elyse Trimuel is using her voice to empower and inspire young Black girls with her book, “Dear Black Girl, You Are IT!” Trimuel, a senior at Marion Catholic High School, said the same message she had when she started her business, when she was 9-years-old, is the same message she has now. She said the message matured with her. Her business, Tamera’s Treasures, had the tagline, “Treasure the girl in you.”
Target and Levi Strauss & Co. Expand Partnership, Announce Limited-Edition Collection
Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT recently announced a limited-edition collection with Levi Strauss & Co. (NYSE: LEVI), featuring an assortment of home and lifestyle items and marking Levi’s® first Home partnership.
Dave Chappelle Tests Positive for COVID; Cancels All Shows
Comedian Dave Chappelle tested positive for the coronavirus just before a recently scheduled comedy show. As a result, Chappelle’s upcoming appearances were canceled, a spokeswoman said.
ORGANIZATION USES SPORTS TO MAKE POSITIVE IMPACT
LaVonte Stewart, founder of Lost Boyz, Inc., grew up in South Shore and uses his love of baseball to support and empower young people.
SPRAYGROUND RELAUNCHES HARRIET TUBMAN BACKPACK AFTER PRESIDENT APPROVES NEW $20 HARRIET BILL
Global backpack and influential streetwear brand Sprayground, has relaunched its highly popular Harriet Tubman inspired backpack, in celebration and recognition of Black History Month, following President Biden’s recent announcement to revive a plan for $20 Harriet Tubman bill.
CHIEF OF JUVENILE JUSTICE BUREAU PROVIDES INSIGHT INTO CARJACKING CASES
With the recent rash of vehicular hijackings, Maryam Ahmad, chief of the Juvenile Justice Bureau in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, is providing some insight into what goes into the prosecution of juveniles in vehicular hijacking cases.
Friday, February 5
As Americans Struggle Financially Amid the Pandemic, New Report Shows Private Donations Pouring in across Illinois and U.S.
As unemployment continues to rage and families struggle to make ends meet, individuals, businesses, and non-profits are stepping up to help those who have been most hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic; namely the poor, African-Americans and Latinos. Donations of money, time, and in-kind services are being given as cash-strapped state and local governments struggle to provide a safety net at a time when more people need it more than ever. Record charitable giving is aiming to abate damages from the coronavirus, which has hit those hardest who could endure it the least
ADVOCATES FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS JOIN WITH THE ILLINOIS NETWORK FOR PRETRIAL JUSTICE IN SUPPORT OF ENDING MONEY BOND THROUGH THE PRETRIAL FAIRNESS ACT
The Illinois General Assembly voted on a package of criminal justice reform measures proposed by the Illinois Legislative Black caucus. Anti-gender-based violence advocacy organizations support the passage of the Pretrial Fairness Act (HB 3653 SFA2), which is included in this package. The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence (“The Network”) and the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation proudly joined Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts and the fellow member organizations of the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice (INJP) to call for an end to money bail and an overhaul of the state’s pretrial criminal legal system.
ILLINOIS TOLLWAY PREPARED FOR WINTER STORM AND DANGEROUSLY COLD TEMPERATURES
Storm cleanup will be followed by Zero Weather Road Patrols to assist drivers
Drivers who becomes stranded or need aid along the Tollway system should dial *999 for assistance and remain in their vehicle until help arrives.
FREQUENT RAPID MASS TESTING IS KEY TO PROTECTING ETHNIC GROUPS AS WE START TO OPEN UP ECONOMIES
There is clear evidence that people from ethnic minority groups are almost three times more likely to contract Covid-19 and five times more likely to experience serious outcomes, according to the UK Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST). Frequent rapid mass testing is vitally important to help protect ethnic minorities and those more vulnerable to contracting Covid-19.
After A Stressful 2020, Doctors May Need A New Mission Statement In 2021
If healthcare providers and their office staffs fall short in providing patients the service and care they deserve, there could be a reason. Their practices may lack a finely tuned mission statement to keep everyone in the organization on track as they strive to make the patient experience – and the workplace itself – a happy one. Of course, it also might be that a mission statement exists, but is outdated or never quite worked anyway because it opted for impenetrable verbiage over clarity.
Wednesday, February 3
ORGANIZATION FOUNDER LEVERAGES RELATIONSHIPS TO UPLIFT COMMUNITY
Pha’Tal Perkins, founder of Think Outside Da Block, is a resident of Englewood. Perkins said growing up in an underserved community, he went towards the streets. But, one day he woke up and didn’t see forever in that life
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSES PUBLIC SAFETY AFTER CAR JACKINGS
“A judge can only do what he’s been sanctioned by the law to do, so we have to create an environment for them. We need to recreate the laws and that takes every level of government working together to get this done,” she said.
COVID-19 Fears Are Causing Americans To Avoid The Doctor’s Office
According to a new national survey recently released by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI), nearly 40 percent of Americans still do not feel safe going to the doctor’s office while coronavirus (COVID-19) is still a risk.
LOOP INVESTING TECHNOLOGIES CEO CREATES APP
Sean LeDree is using his more than 15 years of financial expertise to create access opportunities to those in underserved and underbanked communities.
Generation Brings Opportunities to Communities Hit Hardest Amid the Pandemic
Generation USA, a workforce development nonprofit transforming the education to employment ecosystem, offers reskilling and training programs at no cost to the unemployed with priority admissions for Black and Latinx communities, as well as women— the communities who have been hit hardest amid the resurgence of the pandemic in late 2020.
CTA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SCHOLARSHIP
The Chicago Transit Authority is continuing its commitment to provide a path for economically disadvantaged youth through the CTA Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund.
Black-owned, Education-first Kids and Family Banking App Goalsetter raises $3.9M Seed Round led by Astia
Goalsetter, a Black-owned kids and family finance app that provides a next-generation, education-first banking experience for U.S. kids and teens, recently announced its seed capital raise of $3.9 million.
EMERGE A FASHION RUNWAY SHOW
On February 16, 2021, The leading emerging designer runway show established to be a catalyst and provide a platform for designers, will celebrate its 10th Anniversary during New York Fashion Week with a virtual fashion event. The Show themed “A Decade of Diversity on the runway” will feature top emerging designers from the United States as well as Africa. The virtual event will stream on GFNTV.com and on www.Emergerunwaynyc.com 6:00PM CST/7:00PM EST. GFNTV is a premiere online video network, which also streams live on various platforms including ROKU & Apple TV.
Michele Ghee named CEO of EBONY & JET MAGAZINE
Bridgeman Sports & Media has installed Michele Ghee as CEO of iconic brands EBONY & JET. This historically rooted brand celebrates 75 years of chronicling Black life in America. With that, it now embarks on its future with Ghee boldly holding the reigns. A brand known for unapologetically documenting the courageous contribution of Blackness to the American landscape, its new CEO states, “Everything we say will come through the lens of Black journalists. We will ensure there is a safe space for Black journalism to thrive. I’m a little Black girl from Oakland, CA. I’m not apologizing for any of it. Our voices matter. We are History in the making!”
Unmet Need for Afterschool Programs Skyrockets in the Black Community
Satisfaction with afterschool programs has reached a new high among African American parents, but unmanageable costs and limited access are preventing many Black students from participating. The result is tremendous unmet demand for afterschool in the Black community. In fact, for every Black child in an afterschool program today, three more are waiting to get in.
Assessor Kaegi Reminds Property Owners that Many Exemptions will Auto-Renew this Year Due to COVID-19
Exemption applicants can now file online at Assessor’s website
In the next couple of weeks, hundreds of thousands of households will receive mail from the Assessor that confirms the auto-renewal of the exemptions placed on their homes. All exemptions will be applied to the second installment property tax bills issued in summer of 2021.
Faith and Community Leaders Express Thanks to Illinois Legislators for Putting People Before Politics
The healthcare disparities that exist in Black and Brown communities are profound, systemic, and growing. Just look at the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on communities of color as evidenced daily in the numbers of those who test positive, are hospitalized, and are dying from this insidious virus.
Restaurateurs Announce Joint Openings of Black-owned Businesses Red Star Restaurant and Sip & Savor Coffee Shop in Matteson
Collaboration Brings Together “Best of Both Worlds” for Black communities in the Southland
“It’s extremely important for black businesses to remain visible for our youth, consistent for our customers, and helpful towards the community” said Pugh. “My goal has always been to create jobs and change communities
ILLINOIS STATE TREASURER SAVES FAMILIES MONEY IN COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS
Illinois State Treasurer’s Office has been able to save Illinois families $100 million in Bright Directions and Bright Start College Savings Plans since 2015. It also has been able to more than double the assets in accounts for students to go to college.
Tuesday, February 2
Pay First Installment Cook County property taxes through May 3 with no late fee
Tax bills should start arriving in the mailboxes of the owners of about 1.8 million homes, businesses and land, Pappas said.
Monday, February 1
MATTESON MAYOR’S 8 YEAR FIGHT TO LAND MAJOR GROCERY STORE COMES TO A SUCCESSFUL ENDING
The grand opening of the 85,000 square feet fully renovated store represents and puts a successful conclusion to President Chalmers-Currin’s 8-year fight to land a full line grocery store to Matteson.