Wednesday, January 27
Andrade Lands Job As Commissioner of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot recently announced Nancy C. Andrade as the Commissioner of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR). Andrade, who brings years of experience with the City as a legal advocate, will oversee operations of the Commission, which has been the task for Acting Commissioner Kenneth Gunn.
Happiness Expert Tells How to Achieve Exceptional Joy, Purpose, and Fulfillment after a Disastrous 2020
What happened to Trish Ahjel Roberts two years ago may very well help people who are coping with the lingering effects of 2020.
Study Shows Identifying Empathy Is Key to Increasing Diversity in Medicine, Improved Patient Care
Long before COVID-19, decades of societal, systemic inequalities have contributed to health disparities and educational inequities for ethnic minorities and communities of color
RAINBOW PUSH TALKS ABOUT EQUITY IN EDUCATION
Rainbow Push Coalition and PUSH Excel hosted a virtual town hall to celebrate the birthday of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., titled, “Shaping America’s Education Agenda: Seeing Dr. King’s Dream Through.”
CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM LEGISLATION PASSES IN SPRINGFIELD
The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus passed legislation meant to eliminate systemic racism. The legislative package included a bill to address disparities in education and workforce development, eliminate healthcare disparities, as well as criminal justice reform, violence reduction and police accountability.
All taxpayers now eligible for Identity Protection PINs
The Internal Revenue Service has expanded the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to all taxpayers who can verify their identities.
Despite Economic Uncertainty, Businesses Must Increase Salaries to Remain Competitive, New Report Finds
Despite the uncertain economic outlook for the first quarter of 2021, businesses will need to increase salaries by up to 3.5 percent for high-demand roles in order to remain competitive in the race for top talent, according to a new report by Randstad US.
Veteran Investor Damien Dwin Launches Lafayette Square with $100 Million Financing from Morgan Stanley
Damien Dwin, a Black American businessman, philanthropist and veteran investor, recently announced the official launch of Lafayette Square Holding Company (“Lafayette Square”), an impact-driven, minority owned investment platform.
Jennifer Lopez Launches JLo Beauty
Jennifer Lopez has introduced JLo Beauty, a skincare collection developed by Ascendant Beauty LLC, a joint venture between Guthy-Renker and BRX GR LLC.
Straight To View: Nielsen Begins Tracking Premium Theatrical Films Being Distributed On Streaming Platforms
Nielsen (NYSE: NLSN) recently announced that it is launching its Theatrical Video On-Demand (TVOD) measurement service as a way to capture viewing to movie releases that are directly available to consumers to rent or purchase on demand through streaming/MVPD platforms.
Bar owners express frustration over liquor license process
Bar owners in Harvey are claiming that there is an inconsistency in policies when it comes to an excise tax for liquor. And, even after some claim to have paid the fees, reportedly, they still have not received their liquor licenses.
Permanent vote-by-mail expansion moves to House floor
GOP members say measure should require more security
The House Executive Committee advanced an election bill that would make permanent some of the expansions to mail-in voting that were passed for the 2020 general election.
ICE CREAM CONNOISSEUR CREATES ARTISAN ICE CREAM BUSINESS
What started out as a way to make extra income after being laid off due to COVID-19, has turned into a lucrative business venture for Ida Nelson.
Chicago Prepares For 2021 Meetings Return with Healthy Meetings Chicago
This interactive, digital platform showcases what an attendee will experience when arriving for a meeting, convention or event in 2021 at McCormick Place and highlights the campuss’ health and safety
In collaboration with the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), Choose Chicago is proud to launch Phase 1 of Healthy Meetings Chicago, a digital platform currently available for viewing on a desktop or laptop, showcasing the health and safety advantages of hosting future meetings and events at Chicago’s McCormick Place Campus.
Wednesday, January 20
Pritzker issues marijuana pardons, State Police clear eligible arrest records
ISP expunges over 490,000 state arrest records, local counties still working on clearing logs
Gov. JB Pritzker issued 9,219 pardons for low-level marijuana convictions recently while announcing the Illinois State Police had expunged all eligible records at the state level for marijuana related arrests.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul Urges Illinois Residents To Be Alert For COVID-19 Vaccine Scams
Attorney General Kwame Raoul recently urged residents throughout Illinois to be on alert for scams related to the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.
CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT RECEIVES $10K
Christmas in the Wards and Chicago Football Classic each awarded Chicago Park District $5,000 for programs that focus on children during an event at Soldier Field.
Six Workforce Trends to Watch in 2021
The Center for State and Local Government Excellence (SLGE) helps local and state governments become knowledgeable and competitive employers so they can attract and retain a talented and committed workforce.
HALSEY SET TO LAUNCH about-face Make-u(p) without rules
Created by multimedia, award-winning artist and bestselling author Halsey, about-face is a multidimensional color beauty brand which is set to launch direct-to-consumer via www.aboutface.com on January 25, 2021.
COMMUNITY ACTIVIST USES INSTINCTS TO CREATE INITIATIVES
Jahmal Cole has been dedicated to making a difference in the community with his organization My Block, My Hood, My City. As founder and CEO, Cole is intrinsically motivated to improve the quality of life for the block clubs of Chicago.
Dr. Anthony Fauci to Speak at University of Chicago on March 4
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health will join the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy on March 4 for a conversation hosted by its dean, Katherine Baicker, who will award Dr. Fauci the 2020 Harris Dean’s Award.
New survey finds 70% of consumers improved home during COVID-19, more than half used smart devices
A new study released recently by Xiaomi, a global leader in smart devices, found that since March 2020, 70% of consumers have reported making changes in their living environment due to spending more time at home during the pandemic, and more than half (51%) have reported purchasing at least one smart device during that period.
Domestic violence survivor creates app
The National Domestic Violence Hotline began collecting data on the impact of COVID-19 on domestic violence victims and survivors in March 2020.
Research shows that charter schools are improving student achievement
Political interests, teachers unions and legislators are thwarting new and existing charter schools, and parents and students must use every available tool to fight back, argues a new research brief released recently by the Pacific Research Institute, a California-based, nonpartisan think tank.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER CREATES MOTIVATIONAL CLOTHING LINE
Monique Atkins created Deeply Rooted ’07 as a way to help the community, with a focus on disadvantaged youth and families. She said everybody is rooted within their own culture and she wanted to express that through her brand.
INSURRECTION FOLLOWS CONTINUUM OF CONFLICT
On Wednesday, Jan. 6, after a speech by Donald Trump at the March to Save America Rally, insurrectionists stormed the United States Capitol. Elected officials have detailed their experiences from that day, a day in which Congress was in session to certify the election of Joe Biden as President of the United States. Weeks later, people are still trying to make sense of what happened and to understand what led to it.
Tuesday, January 19
HUNDREDS GATHERED THIS PAST MONDAY TO WITNESS 102 YEAR OLD WOMAN RECEIVE THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Catherine lived through the Great Depression of 1929-1933. The Depression was no fun. They hardly had food to eat and searched the fields looking for something, anything to eat. The sun was hot and scorched the vegetables and fruit. Somehow, they always had something to eat, whether they liked it or not. They didn’t have a radio, television, running water or indoor plumbing.
Friday, January 15
Comcast RISE Awards More Than 50 Small Black-Owned Chicago-Area Businesses with Marketing and Technology Resources
Multi-year Program Opens Eligibility to Small Businesses Owned by Black, Indigenous and People of Color
Comcast today announced more than 50 Black-owned small businesses in the Chicago area have been selected among the first round of Comcast RISE award recipients. The Chicago-area recipients are among more than 700 businesses nationally that will receive consulting, media and creative production services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or technology upgrades from Comcast Business, based on their specific needs.
Wednesday, January 13
HEALTH JOURNEY CAUSES WOMAN TO INSPIRE OTHERS
AnDrea Lyn Dixon’s health journey inspired her to help others to choose healthier options. Now, she has created the Eat Your Veggies Box, full of quality produce that people can have delivered to their homes.
Almost 9 Million Blacks Ready To Take the COVID Vaccine
A new study conducted by BlackDoctor.org (BDO), the leading health and wellness site for Black Americans with over 20 million monthly reach, shows that approximately 8.7 million Blacks are now more receptive to taking the COVID vaccine, and the hardline stance of vaccine hesitancy is decreasing substantially.
Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce Conference A Huge Success
The Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce (ILBCC) hosted two days of insightful symposiums and impactful workshops during its annual convention, themed “Surviving the Pandemics Virtual State Convention.” While the current climate has forced most organizations to scale down operations considerably, the Chamber has been able to continue providing services and fulfilling many of its 2020 initiatives.
Fenty Skin Global Retail Launch
“I ALWAYS WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO GREAT SKINCARE AND GREAT BEAUTY PRODUCTS. BRINGING FENTY SKIN TO SEPHORA AROUND THE WORLD, PLUS BOOTS AND HARVEY NICHOLS, MEANS PEOPLE EVERYWHERE WILL NOW HAVE THE ABILITY TO ENJOY THE RETAIL EXPERIENCE OF FENTY SKIN, IN ADDITION TO FENTY BEAUTY, ALL UNDER THE SAME ROOF.” – RIHANNA
Ariel Investments Named a Best Place to Work by Pensions & Investments
Ariel Investments, LLC, recently announced that it has been named to Pensions & Investments’ annual list of the Best Places to Work in Money Management. This is the second time the firm has received this honor.
The Loretto Hospital to Hold Third Annual Partner’s Reception to Reaffirm Commitment to Equity and Access in Healthcare
The Loretto Hospital will hold its annual Partner’s Reception on January 13, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The program will be held virtually this year but given the featured guests and programming, it promises to be the best Partner’s Reception yet. Attendance to the event is open to media by registering at www.lorettopartnereception.eventbrite.com
SOCIAL SERVICES CENTER PARTNERS WITH LYFT TO PROVIDE RIDES
Centers for New Horizons, Inc., located at 4150 S. King Drive, has partnered with Lyft to offer transportation to those who are seeking jobs and job training.
BLACK FASHION WEEK FOUNDER CREATES BLACK BOUTIQUE GUIDE
Melody Boykin, founder of Black Fashion Week, wanted to highlight Black-owned fashion boutiques in the Chicagoland area. So, she decided to create “The Little Black Boutique Guide Book,” which will debut in February.
Contests encourage students to use their creative talents to promote radon awareness
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is urging residents to take time in the coming weeks to test their home for radon as part of Radon Action Month. Radon related health risks are preventable with a simple home detection test.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT COACH MOTIVATES JOB SEEKERS
Stephanie Heath is a career development coach who has seen both sides of the job market, as someone seeking opportunities and as someone who recruits candidates for opportunities.
OPENING OF SCHOOLS TO IN-PERSON LEARNING CAUSES CONCERNS
On Monday, Jan. 4, Chicago Public School teachers were set to return to school to prepare for in-person learning in classrooms that have been physically closed since March due to COVID-19. While CPS asserts schools are safe for teachers, students and faculty to return, teachers and parents of students are concerned about safety, as COVID-19 numbers have not decreased significantly enough to signal heard immunity.
Tuesday, January 12
South Side Community and Healthcare Providers Urge the State to Act on Health Transformation During Lame Duck Session
At the rate the virus is spreading, January will be the deadliest month of COVID-19 in the United States, with minority communities shouldering the brunt of the consequences. Community leaders, South Side clergy and healthcare providers in Chicago are urging legislators not to wait to put more healthcare resources into these communities. Now is the time to recognize the disparities, and do something about it.
Wednesday, January 6
Assessor's Office Releases Comprehensive Report On North Suburban Cook County
As part of an ongoing commitment to transparency, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi announced today the publication of a report on the reassessment of north suburban Cook County. The release of the report marks the first time the Cook County Assessor’s Office (CCAO) has provided a comprehensive look at how the property tax base is created in each community. It is also the first time in more than a decade that the CCAO has issued an annual report.
LAW ENFORCEMENT ADDRESSES CAR JACKINGS ON SOUTH SIDE
Law enforcement and local elected officials have been warning residents to be on alert as vehicular hijackings, also known as car jackings, have been on the rise in the last month. A forum, hosted by the Chicago Police Department and which included 4th District Commander Robert Rubio, provided residents with information
PayPal Announces Additional $5 Million Grant Program for Black-Owned Businesses as COVID-19 Crisis Continues
PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL) recently announced an additional $5 million grant program that will further the company’s support for Black-owned businesses in the U.S., which have been disproportionately affected by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new grant program is an extension of the $10 million PayPal Empowerment Grant program for Black-owned businesses that PayPal announced in June as part of the company’s $530 million commitment to support Black-owned businesses, strengthen minority communities and fight economic inequality.
PRETTYPARTY And Fashion Nova To Launch New Hair Products Line
PRETTYPARTY, LLC (https://prettyparty.com, @prettypartybty), recently announced that it’s introducing, SOULe by PRETTYPARTY, a new line of youthful, salon-quality, affordable do-it-yourself hair extensions and other hair products developed in conjunction with Fashion Nova, one of the world’s leading fashion lifestyle brands. SOULe by PRETTYPARTY hair products will be available through a new beauty section of Fashion Nova’s website, and will also be sold directly by PRETTYPARTY.
GoodGirlPR Launches New Jazz/Pop Project with Christina Jones and Kimiko Ishizaka
GoodGirlPR has announced an untitled collaboration between Christina Jones and composer/pianist Kimiko Ishizaka to be released this year. The album will consist of original, heart wrenching songs – all in the name of saving love. Further collaborators are Corey Allen (arranger & producer) who has previously worked with the Manhattan Transfer, Chuck Mangione, and Lou Rawls, as well as Latin Grammy winner Allan Leschhorn (sound engineer).
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION MAINTAINS DURING PANDEMIC
Two friends, LaShaun Jackson and Omar Moore, envisioned opening an educational institution while in college at Southern Illinois University. Jackson, along with Moore, founded Creating Inspirational Realities Collectively Lifting Everyone (CIRCLE) Foundation and Innovations High School, located at 17 N. State St. Now, during the pandemic, the high school has been able to maintain student attendance and grades.
DO YOU HAVE UNCLAIMED PROPERTY? FIND OUT ON I-CASH
In 2015, when Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs took office, he committed to making the office more efficient by utilizing technology and streamlining the unclaimed property process. Five years later, the I-Cash program has returned $1 billion to Illinois residents and their families.
NEW INITIATIVE PROVIDES FOR BIPOC ARTS AND CULTURE ORGANIZATIONS
A new initiative has launched to support Black Indigenous People of Color-identified arts and cultural organizations in Chicago, with $16.5 million. Chicago’s Cultural Treasures is a four-year initiative, with a mission to reach arts and culture groups that aren’t always included in funding, through capacity building and technical assistance, as well as general operating grants.
COVID-19 and face masks: To wear or not to wear?
Many countries around the world recommend that people wear masks in public as part of their strategy to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. MedicalNewsToday.com looks at why some people do not wear masks and discusses what scientific evidence says about wearing them.
Which properties have the biggest property tax increases since 2000? If you didn’t vote… Don’t complain.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas today released a study which reveals the properties in Chicago and the suburbs with the largest property tax increases since 2000, dramatic examples of how the tax burden has soared on homeowners and businesspeople.
Local Chicagoans Mourns The Lost of 109 Year Old Rosie Lee Atchison
Mrs. Rosie Atchison, who was born on August 15, 1911, in Bolivar, Mississippi, and passed away on November 23, 2020.
Tuesday, January 5
The Edward G. Irvin Foundation, Inc. Food Pantry opens Monday, January 18, 2021 in West Woodlawn (Chicago) as a weekly Pantry at the Edward G. Irvin Foundation Achievement Center located at 500 E. 67t
The Edward G. Irvin Foundation Achievement Center (Achievement Center), formerly a Jane Addams Hull House Association affiliate, known as Parkway Community House, had a long and rich history in Chicago, first in the Bronzeville Community and later the Woodlawn Community.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19 THE 5TH ANNUAL NATIONAL DAY OF RACIAL HEALING
The 5th Annual National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH), Tuesday, January 19, is a day for organizations, community groups and individuals across age, race, and ethnicity to come together in unity and solidarity to collectively heal and build the relationships necessary to create a more just and equitable world.