Wednesday, July 28
National African American Reparations Commission Praises Human Rights Report
Says it Will Bolster Reparations Movement
The National African American Reparations Commission (NAARC), an authoritative voice for the U.S. and global reparations movements commended the U.N. Human Rights Council on its landmark report released this week.
M.A.D.E. Foundation Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary
A vision in the middle of the night is what prompted Theo Hill to found the M.A.D.E. Foundation in 2001. Hill was a professional basketball player and left the profession. He was looking for something to do. He tried working in corporate America and found it wasn’t for him.
CHILD TAX CREDIT BENEFITS FAMILIES IN THE 1ST DISTRICT
Lana Waters is an employee and parent of a child in programs at Ada S. McKinley. She was bartender who became unemployed when restaurants and bars closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While her child was attending the child center, she was offered a job opportunity with Ada S. McKinley, as a contact tracer. “Ada S. McKinley has put me in more than one training class and modules to give me knowledge about COVID-19, as far as vaccinations,” she said.
AYO Foods expands offerings and partner with ‘Top Chef’ alum
AYO Foods recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. When Fred and Perteet launched the brand, they wanted to share the flavors of West Africa. It began with three dishes, in the frozen food section, and has expanded to six frozen food dishes and two hot sauces. The Spencers also have partnered with “Top Chef ” alum Eric Adjepong to create two new dishes.
PEOPLE’S TRUSTEE IS NOW THE PEOPLE’S MAYOR
When Tiffany Henyard was a Village of Dolton Trustee, she was known as the People’s trustee. Now, as Mayor, Henyard is known as the People’s Mayor, listening to residents’ concerns, and working with departments within the Village and Township to make sure the residents are taken care of.
After a year of devastating COVID-19 impacts, and with the threat of deadly variants emerging, NAACP’s ‘COVID. KNOW MORE’ research shows that African Americans must stay vigilant, and informed
Baltimore — The numbers are indisputable: Over the past year, the coronavirus pandemic has wreaked deadly havoc upon Black communities nationwide, and has touched lives close enough that most African Americans know personally of someone who has succumbed to it, or are otherwise connected to someone who has.
RAPPER, SINGER, DRUMMER WANTS PEOPLE TO DO WHAT MAKES THEM HAPPY
Bianca Shaw grew up on the West side of Chicago and has been doing music her whole life. Inspired by the artist Bow Wow when She saw him rapping on Television; and thought if he could do it, so could she. Bianca wrote her first rap at the age of 11 years old and performed it at summer camp to a very pleased crowd.
CTA NAMED TOP LARGE U.S. TRANSIT AGENCY; PRESIDENT CARTER NAMED TOP TRANSIT EXECUTIVE
Annual awards from American Public Transportation Association recognize CTA’s investment in modernization and service improvements; exceptional performance during pandemic, and Carter’s decades of lea
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has received the highest honors in the North American public transportation industry: the Outstanding Public Transportation System Award and the Outstanding Public Transportation Manager Award, from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
Cook County Assessor’s Office Recognized for Digital Innovation
National Association of Counties praises the office’s online advancements
The Cook County Assessor’s Office (Assessor’s Office) has been recognized with a 2021 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its work in moving its paper-driven operations onto more user-friendly digital platforms.
‘INDIE SOUL JOURNEYS’ SHOWS SPIRIT OF PERSEVERANCE
John Jointer has worked on “Indie Soul Journeys” for the last eight years. Jointer was a fan of the music created by independent artists first. He wasn’t moved by the commercial music he was hearing on the radio, so he started to “dig in the crates.” He was searching for different music and sounds that personally spoke to him as well moved him.
Nicor Gas enables equitable economic opportunity
Initial investment supports minority-led nonprofits focused on advancing education, job training, entrepreneurship and economic development
Nicor Gas is committing to enable equitable economic impact opportunities across Illinois through organizations and efforts that advance education, job training, investments in entrepreneurship and economic development programs. In support of this focus, Nicor Gas is making an initial two-year, $100,000 commitment to the United Neighborhoods Equity Fund, an impact fund administered by United Way of Metro Chicago.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson And Teremana Tequila Reveal The Mana Mobile And Launch The Great American Mana Mobile Road Trip
The Mana Mobile Will “Bring the Mana” to Main Streets, Military Bases, Fire Stations and Local Events in Towns Across the Country
Teremana, Dwayne Johnson’s small-batch handmade tequila, announces The Great American Mana Mobile Road Trip. Inspired by The Rock’s famous phrase “MANA. GRATITUDE. TEQUILA.”, the Mana Mobile will travel the country, visiting towns, communities, and cities to “Bring the Mana.”
Channing Capital Management Launches Its First Mutual Fund
On July 1, Channing Capital Management, LLC (Channing) launched its first publicly traded mutual fund, the Channing Intrinsic Value Small-Cap Fund (Ticker: OWLLX). The investable universe is primarily domestic small capitalization stocks with a focus on quality companies that the portfolio management team believes to be attractively valued.
Stem Global Action Launches To Advance K-12 Stem Education Across The U.S. And The World
SGA cites data showing Blacks, Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Hispanics are 27% of U.S. population, but account for only 11% of the country’s science and engineering workers
Dr. Calvin Mackie today launched STEM Global Action (SGA), a campaign and network of affiliates that will pursue the advancement of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education for children, parents and communities. SGA prioritizes raising awareness of the benefits of STEM education and providing STEM learning opportunities to K- 12 students in low-income and communities of color to address societal inequities by creating pathways to quality jobs and careers.
SIU ESTABLISHING NEW DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM FOR EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN EDUCATION
This fall, Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s School of Education is launching a new doctoral fellowship program with an emphasis in educational equity and social justice.
Thursday, July 22
Local Faith Base Organization Continues Its Mission Of Making A Difference In Young Boys Life’s Through Mentorship Program And Family Activities
Concerned Christian Men Organization, Holds A Breakfast Gathering Monthly Featuring Local Notable Speakers
George West understands firsthand the impact an organization can have on someone’s life. At seven-years-old, his mother introduced him to the Concerned Christian Men, a faith-based, non profit organization that mentors young boys starting from third grade. He participated in the program through high school and volunteered in his 20s, growing in faith and knowledge and truly feeding his mind, body and spirit.
FORMER CHICAGO ALDERMAN AND COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER ROBERT SHAW SUCCUMBS AT AGE 83 TO CANCER
WAS THE CO-CHAMPION OF THE PASSAGE OF MAKING BLACK HISTORY A MANDATORY SUBJECT TO BE TAUGHT IN ILLINOIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
FORMER CHICAGO ALDERMAN AND COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER ROBERT SHAW SUCCUMBS AT AGE 83 TO CANCER “ONE OF THE GREATEST PRO-AFRICAN AMERICAN POLITICIANS TO EVER LIVE” WAS THE CO-CHAMPION OF THE PASSAGE OF MAKING BLACK HISTORY A MANDATORY SUBJECT TO BE TAUGHT IN ILLINOIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS “TODAY I’VE LOST MY MENTOR, MY FATHER FIGURE AND AN UNWAVERING FRIEND” SAYS FORMER SHAW SPOKESMAN SEAN HOWARD
Wednesday, July 21
CTA Ridership Jumps More Than 55 percent Since Start of Year
Ridership across the Chicago Transit Authority’s rail and bus system has more than doubled since the start of the year and continues to grow, officials said today, as public transit continues to play a vital role in the city and region’s reopening.
Jesse White Issues Reminder: Electronic Automobile Insurance Verification Program Has Begun
Program cracks down on uninsured motorists Those who receive letters MUST contact their insurance company or agent; DO NOT visit a Driver Services facility
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding drivers that electronic verification of automobile insurance has begun and vehicle owners who are unable to prove insurance will face a license plate suspension and $100 reinstatement fee
State to pick overdue marijuana dispensary winners by Aug. 19
More than 200 other craft growing, infusion, transportation licenses awarded
More than a year after new marijuana dispensary licenses were scheduled to be distributed per the state’s 2019 adult-use legalization law, the governor’s office announced the initial lottery and two new ones will happen by the end of August.
LOVE FRIDGE A FOODSHARING COLLECTIVE PROVIDES FOR COMMUNITY
Augustana Church, located at 5500 S. Woodlawn, now has a Love Fridge, the food-sharing collective. The goal of the Love Fridge is to provide food for those in need, as well as give those who want to donate food a chance to give back to the community.
PERFORMING ARTS AT THE HEART OF GLOBAL GIRLS, INC.
Marvinetta Woodley Penn taught high school English and theater for 19 years, she stopped teaching and traveled. She said, she realized something was missing in the girls she taught, and she missed working with the girls, so she founded Global Girls, Inc. Twenty- one years later, Global Girls, Inc. is still giving girls a voice and helping them realize there is something inside of them they can share with the world.
STATE REP. FORD TALKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING
Illinois State Representative Ford at 48, went in to get a Colonoscopy and requested a Prostate Cancer screening. The first doctor told him at his age, he didn’t need it. But, Ford said, because of the death of Chadwick Boseman, he wanted to get the screening. Ford received a Prostate Cancer diagnosis and underwent treatment. Now, he is encouraging other Black men to get screened.
Redbox Entertainment Acquires Exclusive Domestic Rights To Nick Cannon’s ‘SHE BALL’
The Multihyphenate Wrote, Directed, Produced and Stars in the Sports Comedy Available in Theaters and On Demand August 6
Redbox Entertainment has acquired the North American distribution rights to SHE BALL, a feature written, produced, and directed by Nick Cannon. The film will be released simultaneously in theaters and widely available On Demand including Redbox on August 6.
ComEd Goats Take Break from Managing Vegetation to Cruise on the Chicago River
ComEd uses goats to clear grass and brush under power lines – a safer and greener way to help keep energy reliable
ComEd’s four-legged employees took a break from eating vegetation under power lines in Pekin, Ill., for a boat cruise on the Chicago River.
Checking in with Mayor Curry on Day 71
In April, Jada Curry made history as the first African American woman to serve as President of the Village of Lynwood. Curry’s place in history was not lost on her when she was sworn-in on May 11. Two months later Curry is learning what it will take to make Lynwood self-sustaining and creating a welcoming environment for the Village’s residents.
Leo Burnett Pilots Creative Boot Camp at Chicago State University
In partnership with Marcus Graham Project, creative executives forge a fresh pathway for underrepresented talent; enrolled students secure internships within Publicis Groupe
Five students from Chicago State University, Illinois’ sole four-year Predominantly Black Institution for higher education, began summer internships this week across Publicis Groupe, including at Leo Burnett Chicago, Arc Worldwide, and ThePub; and one of their classmates has accepted a full-time position at Publicis Health Media. The connection is the culmination of a decades-long partnership, and pro bono work through the Pencil Project, most recently with a boot camp creative curriculum during the Spring semester, with support from Marcus Graham Project.
Thousands Of Dollars Awarded To Black Males For Achieving Academic Excellence
Chicago Organization Awards Scholarships To Twenty-Two Black Males Impacted By Gun Violence
The Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation (ETSF) is awarding scholarships to 22 African-American young men, Sunday, July 25, 2021. The ‘Yet, Still We Rise’ Scholarship Fundraiser, Gala and Silent Auction will highlight the academic achievements and success of young black males in the Chicago area.
Fisher to retire; Craven to be next leader of Illinois Press Association
One familiar face at the Illinois Press Association is retiring and another will succeed him. IPA Board of Directors Chairman Don Bricker today announced that Sam Fisher is retiring as the organization’s president and CEO, effective Sept. 1. Fisher has been the IPA’s leader since 2017.
Police Commander Watson talks about handling crime in the 3rd District
Roderick Watson has been Commander of the 3rd District since December 2020. In that time, he has developed a strategy, Together We Can, a holistic approach to handling crime in the District, which encompasses Woodlawn, South Shore and Greater Grand Crossing.
Wednesday, July 14
AWARE for All- Midwest is a program that aims to educate communities about clinical trials and how to participate.
The AWARE for All - Midwest event is being held on Thursday, July 22nd from 4:30-6:00 PM CDT. This free 90-minute webinar offers attendees the chance to hear personal stories from clinical trial participants and healthcare professionals.
Rep. Kelly Advances $20 Million in Infrastructure Projects for Illinois Communities
House-Passed Bill Includes All Five of Congresswoman Kelly’s Transportation and Infrastructure Projects Requests, Money to Replace Lead Pipes
Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) announced $20 million in funding to support transportation and infrastructure projects in Chicago, Cook County, The Village of Matteson, Will County, and Kankakee County.
City Hall Open To The General Public
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced recently, that after 16 months, City Hall has reopened to the public. This announcement marks another milestone as the City of Chicago recovers from the impact of the pandemic. All visitors will still be required to wear masks and social distance appropriately while they are in the building.
Filmmaker’s sitcom available on Amazon Prime Video
Calvin “Caliko” Coleman used to share his experiences as a family man on social media. People told him those stories should be a sitcom. Coleman decided to develop a sitcom, “The Coleman Show,” and now it is available on Amazon Prime.
ComEd Reports Continued Growth in Clean Energy Job Training and Placements
Training focused on increasing representation of people of color, women and other groups in Illinois’ clean energy workforce produced in 2020 the highest number of graduates and job placements since the programs began in 2017. The annual report on training programs funded by the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) was submitted by ComEd today to the Illinois Commerce Commission and showed 94 percent of trainees, or 684, graduated and secured employment, up from 72 percent, or 433, in 2019.
SONG EMPOWERS GIRLS AND WOMEN TO HAVE A QUEEN MENTALITY
Joryin Pender is a singer, songwriter and plays the guitar. She wanted to write a song to empower dark skin Black girls with her song, “Queen Tone.”
AUSTIN EATS STRIVES TO PROVIDE FOOD AND EDUCATION
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic Austin Coming Together wanted to provide food and other resources to community residents who were hit hard and needed assistance. Austin Eats was born out of that and a year later, it has expanded to include a film screenings.
“Sundress and Sandals” Concert Coming to Cross Pointe Park July 23
On Friday, July 23, multiple Grammy Award-winning and World Renowned Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Isley Brothers will be live in concert at Cross Pointe Park, 2801 W. 167th Street, in Hazel Crest.
Wells Fargo Announces Artist-in-Residence to Join Efforts to Support Diverse- and Women-Owned Small Businesses
Business Wire - Wells Fargo is expanding its existing efforts to support diverse- and women-owned small businesses by welcoming graphic designer and illustrator Sophia Yeshi as the bank’s first-ever artist-in-residence. For her first project as the Wells Fargo Artist in Residence, Yeshi reimagined the “Open” sign as a bold statement to symbolize the perseverance of millions of small business owners through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic – as well as the long road ahead to full recovery. The new “Open” sign is available for download at wellsfargo.com/ together and later this summer, small business owners can pick up a sign at any Wells Fargo branch while supplies last.
Responsibly sourced diamonds get a closeup at the Sustainable Style Awards
De Beers Jewellers & De Beers Forevermark responsibly sourced diamonds shined at the fourth annual Sustainable Style Awards. Actor Tati Gabrielle, wearing diamond jewelry by De Beers Jewellers, and actor Jaime King, adorned in diamonds by De Beers Forevermark, were among the Hollywood stars and fashion elite who gathered to celebrate the best and brightest in sustainable style.
PULLMAN WALMART REOPENS
Walmart, located at 10900 Doty Avenue, host a grand reopening showcasing its new look on Friday, July 9. Walmart staff were joined by elected officials, higher education administrators, clergy and other community stakeholders.
LAW ALLOWS MAYOR TO ALSO SERVE AS STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Legislation in the Illinois General Assembly has made it legal for sitting lawmakers to run for local elected office. Illinois Senate Bill 825 allows Calumet City Mayor Thaddeus Jones, who also is an Illinois State Representative for the 29th District, to serve in both roles.
Metra to offer weekend express service on Electric Line for Auto Show
Metra will again offer weekend express service on the Metra Electric Line from Blue Island to the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place to give south suburban residents a fast and easy way to get to the annual car extravaganza. The show runs from Thursday, July 15 to Monday, July 19.
Monday, July 12
LANE CLOSURES SCHEDULED FOR DEERPATH ROAD BRIDGE BEAM PLACEMENT ON THE REAGAN MEMORIAL TOLLWAY (I-88) IN AURORA
Temporary, overnight closures will include full traffic stops for bridge beam placement
Temporary, overnight lane closures will be scheduled this week on the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I‐88) in Aurora for bridge beam placement as part of the Deerpath Road Bridge Reconstruction Project. The temporary closures on I-88 are necessary to safely accommodate the placement of bridge beams over the Tollway. Bridge beam placement will be scheduled during overnight hours to minimize the impact on Tollway customers.
Thursday, July 8
DOLTON FIRE FIGHTER ROBERT MORGAN SUCCUMBS AT AGE 50
VETERAN FIREFIGHTER PASSED AWAY SUDDENLY WHILE VACATIONING IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Tiffany Henyard-Mayor of Dolton, Ill—is announcing the sudden death of 21-year veteran Dolton Fire Engineer Robert Morgan who passed away while vacationing in the Dominican Republic. Morgan was 50 years of age and served as a Fire Engineer for the department. He was discovered in his hotel room this morning (7/7). The official cause of death has yet to be determined.
Wednesday, July 7
INDIE FILMMAKER’S FEATURE LENGTH DOC AVAILABLE ON HBO MAX
The documentary “Growing Up Milwaukee” begins with footage of the 2016 Sherman Park Riot and the words of Muhibb Dyer, co-founder of Flood the Hood with Dreams, from a 2007 Poetry Unplugged. Then Dyer, in current times talks about the media and statistics and the reality and truth of young Black men and women in Milwaukee.
Deeply Rooted’s Summer Dance Intensive Concludes With In-Person Performances July 16–17 At Sheraton Grand Hotel
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater’s Summer Dance Intensive (SDI), which takes place in a hybrid format combining in-person and virtual instruction this year, culminates with in-person performances of new works at 7p.m. Friday-Saturday, July 16-17, at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, 301 E. North Water St.
NEW MAYOR OF ROBBINS READY TO ORGANIZE
Darren Bryant was sworn in as Mayor of Robbins in May and already has big plans for the Village. At 29, Bryant is the youngest African American Mayor to hold office in the entire state of Illinois. But Bryant has been a public servant since he was 23, when he served as Park District Commissioner.
Preservation of Aff ordable Housing Acquires Island Terrace Apartments near Obama Center
Continuing its 12-year mission to preserve affordable housing opportunities in the changing Woodlawn community, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) announced it has finalized the acquisition of Island Terrace Apartments from PNC Bank. Located at 6430 South Stony Island, across from the planned Obama Presidential Center, Island Terrace has 240 apartments for a broad range of incomes and household sizes.
HUD, HHS-HRSA, Rainbow Push Coalition, Family Christian Health Center, Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief And Capital Realty Group Collaborate To Increase Access To COVID-19 Vaccination Among HUD Assist
Federal officials from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) alongside Family Christian Health Center; Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Rainbow PUSH Coalition; and, Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief were at Concordia Place Apartments, a HUD-assisted multifamily housing complex owned and operated by Capital Realty Group, to provide COVID-19 vaccinations and other resources as a part of a joint agency effort to increase access to COVID-19 vaccinations among disproportionately impacted communities, including HUD-assisted households. Concordia Place Apartments has over 720 HUD-assisted residents of which nearly half are under the age of 18.
LOCAL CAREER COACH HELPS ORGANIZATIONS NAVIGATE THROUGH THEIR OUTCOMES
Dr. Angela Swain helps organizations achieve their outcomes. She is passionate about leadership development. She uses her experience and knowledge with one-on-one coaching, talking to business leaders to get to the heart of what they want to see and achieve in their organizations.
JAZZIN’ RETURNS AT SHEDD AQUARIUM FOR FIVE EXCITING EVENINGS
Popular Midweek Event Series Offers Incredible Music, Skyline Views and Surprise Animal Moments
The, Shedd Aquarium announces the highly anticipated return of Jazzin’ at the Shedd, an evening event series punctuated by live, local jazz talent, unbelievable animal moments and fantastic city skyline and firework views. The limited series will include five Wednesday evening events starting Wednesday, August 4 and ending on Wednesday, Sept. 1.
VIOLIFE® Teams up with RZA to Launch Grant Program to Promote Plant-Based Eating
Upfield US announced a new grant program, Plant Grants, aimed at promoting plant-based eating through charitable funding, education, and mentorship. This first year is being sponsored by Violife®, an Upfield brand and portfolio of 100 percent vegan cheeses and spreads, in collaboration with legendary hip-hop artist and long-time vegan, RZA. The 2021 Plant Grants program will focus on helping community-based Black-owned restaurants recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic recognizing that these businesses are often the economic and cultural centers of their communities. The program will provide funding to support re-investment in the business, an introduction to plant-based ingredients, and coaching on menu development from two plant-based chef pioneers, Lemel Durrah and Laricia Chandle to inspire Black-owned restaurants to add more plant-based dishes to their menus or convert well-loved recipes to plant-based.
Serena Williams Jewelry’s New Collection — Unstoppable Brilliance — Will Benefit Accion Opportunity Fund to Help Rebuild Black-owned Small Businesses
In July of last year, tennis icon and fashion designer Serena Williams introduced her now-iconic Unstoppable diamond jewelry collection. Its success has inspired a new collection called Unstoppable Brilliance. This highly curated line of fashionable enamel and diamond necklaces will once again benefit Accion Opportunity Fund in their efforts to support Black-owned small businesses.
FOUNDER WANTS TO NORMALIZE MENTORING
Kelly Fair, founder and executive director of Polished Pebbles, has been in education for more than 20 years. She is a trained speech pathologist and worked with the college prep programs at Christ Universal Temple.
The Atlanta Voice publisher elected for second term as NNPA’s First Vice Chair
The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) announced that the organization elected Janis L. Ware to serve as its First Vice Chair for a second term.
CONGRESSMAN DAVIS CELEBRATES EXPANDED CHILD TAX CREDIT
Monday, June 21, was designated Child Tax Credit Day. Congressman Danny Davis, D. Dist. 7, joined community stakeholders to talk about the importance of an expanded child tax credit. The Child Tax Credit was part of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan signed by President Joe Biden in March. The expanded tax credit would give $250 per month, per child, between the ages of 6 to 17, and $300 per month, per child, younger than 6. Families who make less than $75,000 annually are eligible for these payments, which are set to begin, July 15.
Thursday, July 1
Rep. Kelly Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Help 9-1-1 Operators
“Our nation’s 9-1-1 call takers and emergency dispatchers take calls from people experiencing some of the most distressing and desperate moments of their lives,” said Rep. Kelly.