Wednesday, June 30
SEAWAY BANK REOPENS TO THE PUBLIC
Seaway Bank, which has been a part of the Chatham community since the 1960s, is a division of the Self Help Federal Credit Union.
CDC Approves Return To Cruising
Tom Joyner’s Ultimate Party with a Purpose® supporting students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) sets sail in November.
Redfin Reports Pending Sales Continue to Slow--Still Up 29% from 2020
The breakneck pace of the housing market is beginning to slow heading into June, according to a new report from Redfin (redfin.com), the technology-powered real estate brokerage.
FOUNDER EXPOSES YOUNG PEOPLE TO WORLD OF TAP
Bril Barrett considers himself a taptivist. The founder of Making A Difference Dancing Rhythms and M.A.D.D. Rhythms Tap Academy spent his whole life wanting to be a professional tap dancer. “At a certain point, I decided that I wanted to try and help expose young people from the community like me to the art form, to offer it as a solution, or possibility for an option for them, as well,” he said.
MAYOR LIGHTFOOT AND KENNEDY-KING COLLEGE ANNOUNCE TECH LAUNCHPAD TO CLOSE INDUSTRY EQUITY GAPS
World Business Chicago to Provide ThinkChicago Tech Program for City Colleges Students; Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership Connects Job Seekers to Tech Careers and Employers to a Skilled Workforce
As part of Chicago’s effort to match thriving local tech firms with top-notch and diverse talent, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot joined leaders from education, tech, and workforce development sectors and announced new and expanded programs to help close the tech industry’s equity gaps, including the creation of a new Tech Launchpad at Kennedy-King College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago.
Lancôme Trésor Wins 2021 Fragrance Foundation Hall Of Fame Award
The Fragrance Foundation (TFF) held its annual awards ceremony to honor the year’s most prestigious fragrances and Lancôme Trésor won the 2021 Hall of Fame Award.
IIT PARTNERS WITH NEW ESPORTS ARENA
Esports and gaming have been gaining popularity, with gamers becoming celebrities and making money from esports. A new Esports arena, Surge by Smash Interactive, is set to open in Bronzeville and the Illinois Institute of Technology will leverage its esports and digital arts program to partner with the arena.
SBA Announces Funding Competition to Organizations Providing Federal Procurement Training to Veteran Entrepreneurs
The U.S. Small Business Administration recently announced that non-profit organizations and private sector firms are now eligible to compete for funding of up to $500,000 to deliver federal procurement training to veteran and service-disabled veteran entrepreneurs. The application period runs through July 12, 2021.
BrainGuide provides tools and resources
A new tool for Alzheimer’s and Dementia has been developed in partnership with UsAgainstAlzheimer’s. The BrainGuide provides resources to help combat the disease by identifying memory problems before people are diagnosed.
XSET Partners With Big Brothers Big Sisters Of America
XSET, the world’s fastest growing lifestyle gaming organization, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the nation’s most experienced mentoring organization, recently announced a new partnership designed to bring the excitement and passion of gaming to a whole new generation.
SHORE COMMUNITY SERVICES CELEBRATES 70 YEARS
For more than 70 years, Shore Community Services, Inc. has been servicing people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Beware of texts, emails requesting personal info
The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public to be on the alert for text and email scams asking for personal information. Over the last several weeks, IDOT has been made aware messages sent fraudulently on its behalf, attempting to defraud the public.
Neighborhood beautification effort
Members of the community recently joined Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) in welcoming Guaranteed Rate volunteers to West Humboldt Park for a neighborhood beautification effort on Saturday, June 12.
Wednesday, June 23
Getting Vaccinated Can Get You a Free Drink Under New Law
Businesses serving alcohol can now offer up a free drink to vaccinated patrons under a new law recently signed by Governor JB Pritzker. The measure also extends businesses’ ability to sell cocktails for pickup and delivery. “Not only will the vaccine protect you from getting sick — your free COVID-19 shot can now get you a free shot of your choosing or whatever drink suits your palate,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m pleased to sign this legislation into law to offer our hardest-hit businesses another lifeline as we recover from the pandemic.”
Fifth Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing
The Department of Justice has extended the nomination deadline for the Fifth Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing.
Sean Combs Teams Up With Salesforce To Launch SHOP CIRCULATE, An All-In-One Digital Marketplace For Black-Owned Businesses
Combs Enterprises and Salesforce have teamed up to create SHOP CIRCULATE, a curated digital marketplace that allows consumers to discover and buy products exclusively created and sold by Black entrepreneurs.
5th annual Brown Girls Do Gymnastics Conference & Inaugural Isla Invitational Set for July
Brown Girls Do Gymnastics (BGDG) is an important narrative that has been championing a space for Black and brown girls who compete and introduce them to the world of gymnastics.
TIPS TO REDUCE ENERGY USE IN SUMMER
It’s summer and people will be turning on their air conditioners to beat the heat. ComEd’s Energy Doctor, Ed Krembuszewski, has tips on how to reduce energy use, which will help energy bill costs.
Social and Racial Justice Experts to Lead Building Communities of Belonging Discussion
Social, racial, and gender justice experts from three countries are lending their voices to a discussion about building inclusive, equitable school communities of belonging by making keynote addresses during the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (NCGS) Virtual Conference, Girls’ Schools: Building Communities of Belonging, which started on June 21 and will end on June 23.
Ghanaian artist unveils sculpture at DuSable Museum
Ghanaian artist Kwame Akoto-Bamfo unveiled his sculpture, Blank Slate Monument, outside the DuSable Museum of African American History, located at 740 E. 56th Place, on Saturday, June 19. The unveiling was part of the DuSable Museum’s Juneteenth Celebration, as well as the museum’s first time opening to visitors since it closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19.
Fleurs de Prairie Rosé Launches Third Annual Seeds Of Beauty Campaign
Fleurs de Prairie, the premium rosé wine brand, has announced the launch of the third annual Seeds of Beauty campaign, a program aimed at uplifting women who are making a difference by way of their passions, whether that be through art, design, food, writing and beyond.
MOTHER OF FOUR-YEAR-OLD CHAMPIONS AGAINST HAIR DISCRIMINATION
Ida Nelson’s four-year-old son Gus “Jett” Hawkins is the inspiration behind recent legislation that would ban schools from making rules about hairstyles, including those associated with race, ethnicity or hair texture.
IRS sending letters to more than 36 million families who may qualify for monthly Child Tax Credits; payments start July 15
The Internal Revenue Service has started sending letters to more than 36 million American families who, based on tax returns filed with the agency, may be eligible to receive monthly Child Tax Credit payments starting in July.
BLACK CULVER’S FRANCHISEE OPENS FIFTH CHICAGOLAND RESTAURANT
Baron Waller owns several Culver’s Restaurant franchises in the Chicagoland area. His first was in New Lenox. He said a positive experience at the Culver’s in Lansing was what peaked his interest in owning the Wisconsin-based restaurant known for its ButterBurgers and Cheese Curds.
COVID-19 Exacerbated Existing Inequities That Leave Black Women Behind Financially
The U.S. economy lost out on more than $507 billion in economic productivity as the attainment gap between Black and white women has widened since 1960, according to new analysis from S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). Drawing on census, labor force and GDP data, the report shows how Black women have been left with increasingly less room for educational and professional advancement, circumstances only worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
ORGANIZATIONS SERVE COMMUNITIES AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES
Sunshine Gospel Ministries is an organization focused on renewing the Woodlawn community through discipleship, mercy and justice. The work actually began in Cabrini Green years ago.
CEO NAVIGATES COMPANY THROUGH ACQUISITION
Sherina Maye Edwards, CEO of INTREN, is helping the utility specialty contractor company navigate its acquisition by MasTec, an infrastructure construction company.
State Supreme Court pauses transition to new appellate districts
Order comes after Pritzker signed the new map into law
The Illinois Supreme Court will delay its transition to implement new appellate court boundaries that were created by a recently approved judicial district map until further notice.
Wednesday, June 16
MARKETPLACE SETS OUT TO BE GOLD STANDARD FOR INCLUSIVE BEAUTY
Bridget Harris, Nathalie Day and Camille Walker are co-founders of Aurum79Beauty, a marketplace for beauty and wellness products owned by men and women of color.
The Cook County Assessor’s Office Re-Opens for In-Person Appointments
The Cook County Assessor’s Office announces the resumption of in-person visits by the public to its downtown and branch offices, in accordance with Cook County’s reopening plan on Monday, June 14, 2021. All in person visits are by appointment only and will require a mask, physical distancing, and a health screening. These requirements apply to the downtown location as well as the Markham and Skokie branch offices. Bridgeview is currently closed due to construction.
DISCOVER CUSTOMER CARE CENTER HOSTS OPEN HOUSE
The Discover Customer Care Center, located at 8560 S. Cottage Grove, hosted an open house on Monday, June 7. People were able to tour the 25,000 square foot temporary space, which includes the call center, conference rooms, training center, cubby spaces and a kitchen.
EEOC Provides Additional Information On Vaccinations
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently posted updated and expanded technical assistance related to the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing questions arising under the federal equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces New Effort to Reduce Violent Crime
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland recently announced a new Department of Justice effort to help protect communities from the recent increase in major violent crimes.
Prominent Black Attorney Wins Multiple Awards for His Digital Children’s Series and Podcast Addressing Police Brutality and Systemic Injustice
Attorney Zulu Ali has been recognized with six Communicator Awards through the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA).
Instacart Introduces 30-Minute Grocery Delivery
Instacart recently introduced “Priority Delivery,” a new experience that unlocks faster grocery delivery for customers across the U.S. and Canada, according to a press release.
CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY’S PREP PROGRAM WINS $10,000 GRANT
Chicago State University’s Pre-Freshman Program in Engineering (PREP) won second place and a $10,000 grant in the 2021 Ford Gives Back Freedom Award.
Efforts To Make This “The Safest Summer Ever"
The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is traditionally the most dangerous time for teen drivers, with a 21 percent spike in teen traffic fatalities. Traffic safety officials often refer to it as “the 100 deadliest days.”
COOK COUNTY CLERK TALKS ABOUT YEARS OF SERVICE
Karen Yarbrough oversees one of the largest consolidated clerk’s offices in the United States as the Cook County Clerk. She is the first African American woman to serve in this position.
KEETA’S PLACE PREPARES GIRLS FOR WOMANHOOD
Lakeeta Williams founded Keeta’s Place in 2020 with the goal of providing a space for girls, 12-18, to learn life skills, so they can grow into adulthood. Williams said Keeta’s Place has always been on her heart. And, when she turned 37, she asked God what to do. When the answer was to start Keeta’a Place, Williams said she wasn’t ready because she didn’t think she had the time. Then, the pandemic hit.
Thursday, June 10
REAL MEN COOK® TO CELEBRATE 32nd YEAR TRIBUTE TO FATHERS TO BE PRESENTED VIRTUALLY, ON-SITE AND GLOBALLY
Real Men Cook® – Urban America’s premiere Father’s Day charity event -- will be held on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 20 from 3-6 PM CST. It is the 32nd year the highly anticipated celebration will be held. The gala food fest will be held on three different platforms: On site, virtually and globally. Each will be bound by sponsoring non-profit Real Men Charities’ mission: to emphasize fatherhood and father engagement as well as family wellness.
CHICAGO’S BLACK CHURCH COMMUNITY MOURNS ONE OF THE GREATEST GOSPEL MUSIC DIRECTORS/PRODUCERS IN THE NATION
JAMES LOTT SUCCUMBS AT 53 YEARS OF AGE
Bishop Larry D. Trotter-Senior Pastor of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church of Chicago- will be joined by 1000 Gospel Music Artists, Musicians, Chicago residents and fans of Gospel Music as Chicago Gospel Music Industry Icon James Lott will be laid to rest. Lott died on Saturday at Trinity Hospital after a battling an illness over the past few months
Wednesday, June 9
Mayor and Police Announce Summer Safety Strategy
Mayor Lori Lightfoot, along with Chicago Police Department Superintendent David Brown and other community stakeholders announced a new safety strategy for the summer.
More Americans in Living Wage Jobs for Third Straight Month, says Ludwig Institute
More American workers continue to move into living-wage jobs, with the percentage of Americans classified as “functionally unemployed” dropping to the lowest level since December 2019, according to the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity (LISEP).
MOORE SAYS DELAY THE VOTE BEFORE CHANGING THE NAME FROM COLUMBUS DAY TO INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY
Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore wants the Cook County Board to delay the vote before changing the name of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day until the Five Tribes acknowledge their part in the enslavement of Africans and recognize Freedmen as members of the tribes.
WOMAN’S JOURNEY INSPIRES AND EMPOWERS OTHERS
Karli Butler is an acid attack survivor and inspirational speaker, who shares her journey and shows what resilience looks like. Butler was attacked twice in 2006. Once in March and again in May. She sustained third degree full thickness burns during the second attack. It would change the course of her life.
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Establishes New Advisory Committees
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has established five new advisory committees in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.
Allyship is Key to Creating Inclusive Workplaces
Public coverage of systemic racism has challenged businesses to promote cultures of inclusion, often utilizing allies who serve as collaborators to support historically underrepresented individuals and communities.
UNCF Chicago hosts virtual UNCF “A Mind Is...” Gala Supporting HBCUs and Students
The annual Chicago UNCF “A Mind Is...” Gala is moving online this year and is set for Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 6:00pm (CST). This annual event is one of Chicago’s signature fundraising galas and premier social events of the year. Due to the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the gala has been reimagined as a digital experience packaging together an extraordinary virtual affair.
Vereen and Gossett Cement their “Roots” as Fellow Inductees Frazier and Avery join them in the American Black Film Institute’s Hall of Fame
On Saturday June 19th, decades of talent rule the day, as The American Black Film Institute hosts it June- teenth celebration, inducting Hall of Fame nominees, Oscar-winning actor Lou Gossett Jr., along with multi-faceted Tony award-winning actor Ben Vereen. The induction will take place at the American Black Film Institute’s 2021 Juneteenth celebration, to be held virtually and in-person, with a live simulcast.
Actor and venture capitalist partners with Black-owned beauty brand
Mielle Organics recently announced the celebration of their 7-year anniversary. The global beauty brand commemorated their milestone with a $5.99 blow-out sale in May and also announced that actress and venture capitalist Keshia Knight Pulliam as Mielle’s new Global Education Ambassador.
TIPS FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS TO INCREASE FINANCIAL LITERACY
Jasmine Black started BrainChild Business Consulting in 2017 because she always knew she wanted to be able to own her own business and work for herself. What she didn’t know was that she would be able to start the boutique marketing and consulting agency as early in her career as she did.
Organization continues to instill purpose, passion and perseverance
Ladies of Virtue is celebrating its 10th year of mentoring and supporting young women and girls. Jamila Trimuel, founder of Ladies of Virtue, started the organization in 2011, with the goal of preparing girls ages 9 to 18 for leadership.
Cook County Juneteenth Joint Coalition Launches “Juneteenth Illinois” Initiative; Hosts a Week-Long Celebration of Events, June 14 – 18
Cook County’s celebration of Juneteenth 2021, kicks off officially next week as a part of “Juneteenth Illinois,” an initiative commemorating June 19, announced Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer (2nd District), who is heading up the effort. Juneteenth Illinois is a collaboration between Cook County, the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago and it marks the first celebration of Juneteenth by the County since it became an official holiday in December of last year. Visit www.juneteenthIllinois.com
Friday, June 4
Kappa Alpha Psi, Theta Zeta Alumni and Richton Park Alumni Association Team Up to Swing for Education
The organization will team up with Richton Park Alumni Chapter for the anticipated post COVID-19 event. The event will raise funds for Richton Park Alumni Chapter’s Kappa League. Kappa League is a national program of Kappa Alpha Psi. The purpose of the Kappa League is to provide high school males with opportunities to exercise leadership, engage in scholarship, explore college, and establish careers.
Wednesday, June 2
AARP Urges Older Americans Struggling to Access and Aff ord High-Speed Internet to Enroll in New Emergency Broadband Benefi t Program
A recent AARP survey found many Americans age 50+ struggle to access and afford high-speed internet.
TARAJI P. HENSON’S FOUNDATION CONFRONTS MENTAL HEALTH IN THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF) – a nonprofit organization founded by award-winning actress Taraji P. Henson – launched a public awareness campaign recently to address the mental health impact the education system places on students, particularly Black students ages 12-22.
Librarian of Congress Receives Blackwell Award from Hobart and William Smith Colleges
During the 2021 Commencement exercises at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden became the 42nd recipient of the prestigious Elizabeth Blackwell Award. She also delivered the Commencement Address and received an honorary degree.
Eliza Christoph Luxury, Ethical Fashion Brand Launched to Embody a Kenyan Sensibility With Color, Pattern, & Sustainability
Chic, urban, sophisticated, vibrant, and inspired Eliza Christoph enters the fashion zeitgeist on a mission. Founded by Kenyan-born and NYC-based Liz Njoroge, the newly launched brand is an homage to her homeland and an upscale nod to its betterment.
Grubhub And Restaurant Strong Fund Program Gives $2 Million To Help Restaurants Reopen
Grubhub, a leading food-ordering and delivery marketplace, and The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund recently announced the latest phase in their commitment to supporting restaurants: the Restaurant Stronger program, a new initiative to provide $5,000 grants to eligible independent restaurants.
BLACK STUDENT ENROLLMENT IS DOWN, STAKEHOLDERS WORK TO TURN THE NUMBERS AROUND
Equity Working Group, convened by Chicago State University’s President Zaldwaynaka Scott, Esq., has come up with an action plan to close the 29 percent drop in student enrollment among Blacks in Illinois’ higher education system.
FOUNDER OF THE HOPE IS FOUNDATION CREATES ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP
David Robertson is the founder of the Hope Is Foundation, an organization that aims to expand local communities’ capacity to respond to the health, educational and economic needs of the community.
More Than 85 Percent of Black Homicide Victims Killed With Guns, Study Finds
Guns are by far the most common weapon used to kill Black homicide victims in America, according to a new study by the Violence Policy Center (VPC). The study found that 86 percent of Black homicide victims nationwide were killed with guns. Of these, two thirds were killed with a handgun.
JONES LEADS PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION AGAINST HOSPITAL’S PLANS
Thaddeus Jones, mayor of Calumet City, says that downsizing and the potential closing of St. Margaret Hospital would affect residents of his city.
HOSPITAL SEEKS STATE INVESTMENT TO REMAIN OPEN
West Suburban Medical Center, located at 3 Erie St., in Oak Park, has been in the community since 1914. Now it is seeking financial help from the state of Illinois to keep its doors open. According to a press release, the medical center has treated more than 38,000 patients in its Emergency Department and more than 140,000 patients annually.
NECESSITY BECOMES THE MOTHER OF INVENTION
Iris Nichole Patterson describes herself as a lover of entrepreneurship. She owns a behavioral health practice and also owns Iris Botanicals Natural Haircare Line.