Wednesday, March 31
City of Chicago Launches Reporting and Enforcement Program for the Senior Safety Ordinance
Chicago Department of Buildings and Chicago Department of Public Health recently announced the launch of the 311/Online reporting and enforcement program for seniors to report non-compliance of the Senior Safety Ordinance, sponsored by Alderwoman Maria Hadden.
BLACK BUSINESSWOMAN STRIVES FOR AUTHENTICITY IN ALL THINGS
Farissa Knox is the founder and CEO of RLM Media, WhatRUWearing Productions, as well as an author, producer and entrepreneur based in Chicago. Knox has been making an impact in the industry, with her mission to nurture authentically diverse cultures.
INITIATIVE GIVES YOUNG PEOPLE IN FOSTER CARE DIGNITY
When S. Maria White found out that when children who age out of the foster care system at 18 years old, are given a garbage bag for their belongings, she knew she had to do something. So, she started the Roll Out In Style Suitcase Initiative to collect suitcases for those young people.
McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Mentors Program Speeds Up as Bubba Wallace Comes on Board
McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Mentors program is driving into a new industry – the world of competitive racing – in the fourth episode of its digital content series featuring NASCAR driver and advocate Bubba Wallace.
OOOH WEE IT IS OPENS LOCATION IN CHATHAM
Mark Walker parlayed his successful Oooh Wee Sweet Tea business into a carry out restaurant in Burnham, Ill., last October. Now, Oooh Wee It Is has a location at 33 E. 83rd St. Walker said he spent a lot of years in Chatham, his family home is in the neighborhood. He said when the opportunity to purchase the location became available, he jumped on it. The site was once Mather’s More Than a Café.
Southwest Airlines expands northwest from MIA for springtime
After launching its first Miami flights last November, Southwest Airlines recently expanded its route network from Miami International Airport by adding daily service to four more destinations: Atlanta; Dallas; Denver; and Nashville. The new routes increase Southwest’s already strong presence at MIA to a total of 16 daily flights.
85% of women have witnessed harassment and online violence, finds new research from The Economist Intelligence Unit
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has released a new study supported by Jigsaw, a unit within Google that forecasts and confronts emerging digital threats, delving into the prevalence and impact of online violence against women on a global scale. “Measuring the prevalence of online violence against women” reveals that nearly 40% of women surveyed have been harassed online whilst the vast majority (85%) have witnessed harassment or other forms of online violence.
Black Female Entrepreneur and Group of Female Investors Disrupt The CBD Industry
A new CBD wellness line of products by Cannabelo Inc., which is a black female-owned company and founded by Steph Cence, recently launched its online store, www.ilovepurely.com, highlighting all natural, vegan, gluten-free CBD gumdrops – derived from hemp. Cannabelo, Inc. says the secret to making CBD products that work is using real ingredients + quality hemp.
Hair Wigs and Extensions Market Size to Reach Revenues of over USD 13.3 Billion by 2026
The hair wigs and extensions market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 13% during the period 2020−2026, according to a report by Arizton Advisory and Intelligence, an innovation and quality-driven firm which offers cutting-edge research solutions to its clients.
Public Engagement Phase of “Chicago Monuments and Public Art Project” lets Chicagoans join the conversation about monumental sculptures, artworks and commemorative plaques
The City of Chicago, in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), Chicago Park District (Parks) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS), recently launched the Chicago Monuments Project website at chicagomonuments.org, which kicked off the public engagement phase of the Chicago Monuments Project that will conclude in April. The new website identifies monumental sculptures, artworks and commemorative plaques on the public way and in Chicago parks selected by the Chicago Monuments Project Advisory Committee for further review. Chicagoans can join the conversation by submitting feedback through the website, virtual events and one-on-one conversations.
Golden Globe Winner Idris Elba Signs Multi-Book Deal With HarperCollins Children’s Books
Iconic and multi-award-winning actor, musician, filmmaker, and activist Idris Elba has signed a global multi-book deal with HarperCollins to publish a range of children’s books launching in 2022.
Southland races to watch
7 days left before history is made in the Southland. This election season will yield a lot of first for African -Americans on many levels of government in the Southland. Watch these races Tuesday, April 6 in the Southland.
Rep. Robin Kelly Announces Introduction of the Prevent Gun Trafficking Act
Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), Vice Chair of the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce, announced the introduction of H.R. 2280, the Prevent Gun Trafficking Act, to combat illegal gun purchases and transfers.
Mayoral Candidate Says He’s Ready To Take On Both Roles
Thaddeus Jones was the first African-American alderman in Calumet City when he was elected in 1996. Jones’ campaign got a major boost after the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that he was eligible to be on the Feb. 23 primary ballot.
Wednesday, March 24
COMCAST COMMITS TO INVESTING ONE BILLION OVER NEXT 10 YEARS
On the 10th anniversary of its Internet Essentials program, Comcast today announced it would invest $1 billion over the next 10 years to help further close the digital divide and give even more low-income Americans the tools and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The announcement coincides with the release of a 10-year Progress Report showing that, since 2011, the company, working in collaboration with its network of thousands of nonprofit partners, has connected a cumulative total of more than 10 million people in America – including around 880,000 in Cook County alone – to broadband Internet at home, the overwhelming majority of whom were not connected prior to signing up. Cook County is the number one county in the nation for cumulative connects.
MENTAL HEALTH URGENT CARE MODEL COMES TO CHICAGO
Mindful Urgent Care recently launched in the Fulton Market neighborhood and provides mental health treatment for adults, teenagers and children ages 12 and older.
Black Homeowners Earned $59,000 in Home Equity in 2020, Compared With $50,000 for White Homeowners
People who bought homes in primarily Black neighborhoods in 2019 gained a median $59,000 in home equity last year, compared with $50,000 for people who bought homes in primarily white neighborhoods, according to a new report from Redfin (redfin.com), the technology-powered real estate brokerage. Equity grew more for people who bought homes in primarily Asian and Hispanic neighborhoods—by $79,000 and $67,000, respectively.
CANDIDATE SHARES VISION FOR OLYMPIA FIELDS
Desiree` Watkins, trustee of Olympia Fields, is a candidate for president of the Village of Olympia Fields. Watkins said she is a public servant who is running as president for the people.
SKILLED WORKERS PROGRAM LAUNCHES WOMEN-ONLY COHORT
Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny) recently began an all-women’s cohort of its popular Communities Builders program. Project H.O.O.D. is a not-for-profit organization established by Pastor Corey Brooks in 2012.
Virtual events highlight Illinois women in government and in business during Women’s History Month
The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) is celebrating women in leadership in recognition of Women’s History Month.
Move Over Sharks: New Book Black Angels: The Wealth Edition Teaches Beginners How to Become Angel Investors
Popular TV shows like “Shark Tank” and “The Profit” have put angel investors front and center. But, according to Dr. Shanté Williams, angel investing is not only for the rich and famous sharks. Her highly-anticipated book “Black Angels: The Wealth Edition” is a practical guide that reminds readers that they don’t have to be millionaires to start angel investing.
Foot Locker Names Melody Ehsani Creative Director of Women’s Business
Foot Locker recently named Melody Ehsani Creative Director of their women’s business. She will be leveraging her new position to amplify the Foot Locker brand to the female consumer as a leader in the streetwear world through content and product development.
CHICAGO HEIGHTS CITY CLERK RUNS FOR BLOOM TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR
Lori Wilcox, Chicago Heights city clerk, is running for Bloom Township Supervisor. Wilcox said she wanted to run for supervisor because township government is the only body of government that directly touches the residents.
Walgreens Expressions Challenge Provides Outlet for Teens Dealing with COVID-19 and Other Mental Stresses
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. This year, for the first time ever, Expressions is being offered nationally. Submissions are being accepted now through March 31, with 12 winners from three categories to be awarded $2,000 each. Winners will be selected and announced in May 2021.
SENATOR SIMS REFLECTS ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
The Criminal Justice Reform Bill, HB 3653, also known as the Safe-T Act, was signed into law in February. Elgie Sims, Jr. who serves as state senator for the 17th Illinois Senate District, sponsored the bill.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
Pandora LIVE Powered By Women Featuring Gwen Stefani & Jazmine Sullivan
Pandora Rev recently announced that it will celebrate Women’s History Month with a special virtual event, Pandora LIVE Powered By Women, featuring performances by Gwen Stefani and Jazmine Sullivan. Hoda Kotb from SiriusXM’s TODAY Show Radio (ch.108) will host the evening and be joined by the performers as well as special guests Lauren Aliana and Becky G. for a roundtable discussion focused on the themes of the holiday. Pandora LIVE Powered By Women will take place on March 30 at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT, and listeners can RSVP for free at https:// pandoralivepoweredbywomen. splashthat.com/PR
Thursday, March 18
Phone bank with Pappas and Chatman of ABC 7 Chicago returns $12.5 million to property owners
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said today that her office is sending checks totaling $12.5 million to homeowners who called the “Black and Latino Houses Matter” phone bank she hosted with ABC 7 Chicago on March 11-17, 2021.
Wednesday, March 17
WOMAN CREATES GROUP TO ENGAGE WOMEN IN NIGERIAN DIASPORA
Lola Omolola decided to create a Facebook group for women in the Nigerian Diaspora after young girls were kidnapped by armed guards in Chibok, Nigeria in 2015.
Chicago Restaurant Week Returns In 2021
Choose Chicago recently announced the return of the highly anticipated, 14th annual Chicago Restaurant Week from Friday, March 19 to Sunday, April 4, 2021
DOLTON MAYORAL CANDIDATE EYEING VICTORY
Tiffany Henyard, trustee at large for the Village of Dolton, has won the Democratic primary for the mayor’s race there. Henyard will face independent candidate Ronnie Burge on Tuesday, April 6.
New Book Examines the Evolving Meaning of Civil Rights in America
A new book by American Bar Foundation (ABF) Research Professor Christopher W. Schmidt examines the history of America’s fight over the meaning of civil rights. Published by Cambridge University Press, Civil Rights in America: A History is the first book to trace the evolution of the term “civil rights” in America from the Civil War through today.
ORGANIZATION ADVOCATES FOR INVESTMENT IN BLACK COMMUNITIES
Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy recognized two local leaders during its annual Connecting Philanthropy and Community program, which took place in February. Corliss Garner and Jonathan Peck were honored for their work, which exemplifies a commitment towards advancing equity for Black communities in the city.
FORMER TARGET SITE TO BECOME DISCOVER CUSTOMER CARE CENTER
Discover will turn the former site of Target, located at 86th and Cottage Grove, into a 100,000 square foot customer care center. It is expected to bring around 1,000 full time jobs to the community by 2024.
Leading CEOs Champion Equity for the Black Community in Accessing COVID-19 Vaccines
Six of the nation’s largest non-governmental, non-profit membership organizations recently announced the launch of a vaccine equity and education initiative. The effort aims to help Black Americans make informed personal decisions about vaccination by providing them with accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccines from medical professionals and health officials and combating misinformation about the vaccines
Business owner uses fashion jewelry and brutal honesty to help heal emotional pain
What do earrings, eye lash extensions, and emotional growth all have in common? Emotional Support Advocate, Kia Waters, correlates the latest fashion trends with her weekly Web Series: Healing, Wine, & Storytime, a pillar of her EarringEverything brand.
Karat Launches “Brilliant Black Minds” to Unlock Opportunities for Black Software Engineers
Karat, the world leader in technical interviewing, recently announced Brilliant Black Minds, a program to improve access, fairness, and inclusion across the technology industry. The program, which formalizes Karat’s commitment to providing Black software engineers with $1 million in practice interviews, kicked off last year and is growing to support more computer science students and professional engineers in 2021.
PRESIDENT-ELECT OF LYNWOOD MAKES HISTORY
Jada D. Curry made history on Tuesday, Feb. 23, when she was elected as President- elect of the Village of Lynwood. When Curry is sworn in, she will be the first African American woman to hold that office.
Illinoisans can turn over a new leaf on cannabis past
Systemic racism, as an abstract concept, has been much discussed over the last year. If anyone needs an example of where systemic racism actually lives in practice, look no further than the war on drugs of the last four decades. While people of all races illegally grew, smoked and sold marijuana, it was Black and Brown people who were much more likely to be arrested and incarcerated for it. Communities of color across the board have borne the disproportionate impact of this ill-conceived and ill-enforced policy.
Wednesday, March 10
SOUTH SIDE LEADERS HONORED ON MARCH 18
Chicago Foundation for Women is recognizing the leaders of two Englewood-based organizations for its 2021 Impact Awards.
Pappas and ABC 7 Chicago to host “Black and Latino Houses Matter” on March 11, a phone bank to help Cook County homeowners with their property taxes
Treasurer Maria Pappas and ABC 7 Chicago will host “Black and Latino Houses Matter” on March 11, 2021, a phone bank to help Cook County homeowners find refunds, apply for property tax exemptions and avoid the Tax Sale, Pappas said today.
Designing A Better Chicago
Mark Your Calendars, Nominations Due By March 12th
If there was ever a time to recognize and support individuals and organizations using design for civic good, it’s now. Designing a Better Chicago, a collaborative initiative organized and supported by NeoCon® and theMART, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and the Design Museum of Chicago, is now accepting nominations for its second annual Design Impact Grant Program. The 2021 initiative will provide $25,000 in project-specific grants to individuals and organizations using design or design principles to directly address pressing issues in Chicago communities.
CITY TREASURER WANTS TO INCREASE DIVERSITY IN THE FINANCE INDUSTRY
City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin recently hosted a webinar entitled, Youth in Finance and Investment, as part of her Mondays with Melissa series. During the discussion, financial and investment experts talked about roles and opportunities within the financial sector.
What Illinois can learn from the Texas energy crisis
Energy experts look toward prevention, efficiency for state
When parts of Texas’ independent power grid went offline recently due to unusually extreme cold weather in the south, the amount of expected energy production lost was equivalent to the amount of electricity used to keep the lights on in the entire state of Illinois.
Transportation access provides vaccinations for vulnerable communities
Millions of people lack access to essential resources — including healthcare — simply because they can’t get a ride.
President Biden Taps Meharry Medical College President for COVID Task Force
Meharry Medical College President and CEO Dr. James Hildreth has been named by President Joe Biden as a member of his COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force.
Exelon Utilities CEO Honored with BEYA Chairman’s Award for Contributions to STEM
Exelon Utilities CEO Calvin G. Butler Jr. was honored February 13 with the BEYA Chairman’s Award during the organization’s annual BEYA STEM conference, hosted virtually.
High School Sisters Launch New “Vaccinated While…” Clothing Line To Combat Vaccine Skepticism
High school students Zoe and Jordan Sims Rhodes, recently launched a new fashion and accessory line, Vaccinated While... Part of a campaign aimed at raising vaccine experience awareness among impacted communities and across social media, the “Vaccinated While…” branded clothing, face masks and accessories are now available for purchase at https://www.redbubble.com/people/VaccinatedWhile/explore
HIGHER EDUCATION AGENCIES ENCOURAGED BY STEADY FUNDING FOR EDUCATION AMIDST PANDEMIC CHALLENGES
Despite budget woes stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. JB Pritzker recommended several increases for programs to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in his budget address.
ARTIST RAISES MONEY THROUGH HOODIE COLLABORATION
Local artist, Maxwell Emcays, created Demand Justice as an art activism project. In February, he collaborated with 26 organizations throughout the city of Chicago to create hoodies. The sale of the hoodies resulted in raising $10,000 for those organizations.
20 Million Years Of Life Lost To COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed more than 20 million years of life across 81 countries, according to a new analysis of the disease’s mortality through all of 2020. That’s an average of 16 years of lost life per death.
MATTESON ON THE ECONOMIC RISE
Chalmers-Currin has been president of the Village of Matteson for three and a half years. Prior to that, she was a trustee for the Village for eight years.
PIGMENT INTERNATIONAL PRESENTS SAVING DEMOCRACY:
Saving Democracy – An Artistic Exploration
“There are some years that ask questions and some years that answer.” So said author and cultural anthropologist, Zora Neale Hurston. When we look back on the year 2020 it will be hard to tell which this year was. Already enduring a once in a century viral pandemic, the long-simmering cauldron of Black anger and resentment toward an America that has ignored our grievances came to a head in 2020 in response to the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. Floyd was the match that lit the tinderbox of centuries of grievances too numerous to mention.
ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF THADDEUS JONES DECLARING HIM THE OFFICIAL WINNER OF THE CALUMET CITY MAYOR’S ELECTION
Illinois State Representative Thaddeus Jones- Current Mayor-Elect of Calumet City, Illinois- is now the official winner of the recent February 23rd election. This has now been confirmed by the Illinois State Supreme Court.
Tuesday, March 9
Building on the Impact of Tiger Woods, University Park to Name First Black Firm to Manage A Golf Club in Illinois
On Monday, officials from the village of University Park, located some 40 miles south of Chicago, will officially name the CHW Management Group of Columbus, Ohio to oversee its popular golf course, the University Park Golf Club. With that announcement, CHW Management becomes the first and only Black firm to manage a golf course in Illinois, and one of just a handful of Black firms to manage golf courses in the U.S. CHW Management is also headed by a woman, making Sonia Coffee, one of the few women-led management companies serving the estimated $84 billion golfing industry.
City of Chicago Announces Comprehensive Vaccination Outreach Campaign Targeting Seniors
As the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) continues to vaccinate all individuals eligible in Phase 1b against COVID-19, which includes seniors age 65+ and essential workers, it is launching several new initiatives specifically for seniors to receive the vaccine. To date, one in three Chicagoans age 65+ has received a first dose of vaccine.
Monday, March 8
What Black America Needs to Know About COVID-19 and Vaccines
Government, community and faith-based leaders join forces to champion the fight against COVID-19
The new year has brought with it, more daunting challenges in the African American community’s fight against COVID-19. More transmissible variants of the coronavirus which have emerged are swiftly sweeping their way across the United States. This latest trend in the almost year-long pandemic is especially troubling for Black people who are 4 times more likely to be hospitalized and 3 times more likely to die of COVID-19 than white people.
Making It Plain: What Black America Needs to Know About COVID-19 and Vaccines
Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in Multigenerational Homes
frican American grandparents play a significant role in the homes across America. The 2020 Neilson African American Report, research found that 5 percent of African American grandparents live with their grandchildren and 40 percent of those grandparents are the main caregivers for their grandchildren. Twenty-nine percent of African American households are more likely to have children under 18 compared to 27 percent of all U.S. households according to the report.
Thursday, March 4
ComEd Urges Customers to Act Now to Take Advantage of Millions in Bill-Assistance Dollars
As the one-year anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic nears, ComEd recognizes that families and businesses are still dealing with continued financial challenges and urges customers with past-due balances to call the energy company so that they can be connected to available financial assistance.
Wednesday, March 3
DJ TALKS ABOUT COVID PIVOT, MUSIC AND WHAT’S NEXT
Duerell Jones used to play around with DJ equipment for years, but it wasn’t until 2008 that he really got serious about being a DJ. He put himself on a schedule and practiced for 20 hours a week in his basement.
FLOSSMOOR RESIDENT SEEKS PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEE SEAT
Monica Gordon, director of government affairs and community relations at Chicago State University, has announced that she is running for a seat on the Board of Trustees for Prairie State College, Illinois Community College District 515.
Relativity Partners with Rise Academy at Chicago State University
Relativity, a global legal and compliance technology company, recently announced that it has forged a new partnership with Rise Academy, Chicago State University’s (CSU) first-year student success program.
City Treasurer’s Office Creates a Scorecard for Broker Dealer Selection Process
In her first year, Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin’s office revolutionized the way cities invest in, and contract with, financial institutions.
Gun Industry and NRA Target Blacks and Latinos as First-Time Gun Owners and Future Pro-Gun Advocates, New Violence Policy Center Study Details
In response to stagnation in the traditional white male market, the gun industry and National Rifle Association (NRA) are now targeting Blacks and Latinos as potential new gun buyers according to a new study from the Violence Policy Center (VPC).
‘It’s Exhausting Being Resilient All the Time’ -- Women of Color Feel Overworked and Helpless During Pandemic
While everyone has been affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic to a degree, the extent is exponentially worse for women of color. The United States economy lost 140,000 jobs in December 2020. Shockingly, women lost 156,000 jobs while men gained 16,000. In January, another 275,000 women vanished from the workforce. While the overall unemployment rate fell to 6.3% last month, it rose to 8.5% for Black women aged 20 and older, while Hispanic women were at 8.8% and white women the lowest at 5.1%.
ComEd aims to create presence in Chatham
Chatham Education and Workforce Center, located at 640 E. 79th St., opened in January. ComEd sponsored the resource room and funded the computers in the room
The Home Depot to Donate $1 Million to Support Campus Improvements at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
The Home Depot ® will contribute $1 million in grants to support campus improvements at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its annual Retool Your School program, for which voting is now open.
Entrepreneur Eric Seals is growing Digifé with a focus on diversity in storytelling
When Eric Seals made the jump from freelance videographer to business owner, he knew exactly what kind of equipment and cameras were needed to be successful. But he was less sure about his needs when it came to accountants, lawyers, insurance and bankers.
From Ferguson To Chicago: New Salvation Army Commanders Make Black History
In June 2007, new Salvation Army Chicago leaders, Lt. Colonels Lonneal and Patty Richardson made history. They became the first African American Divisional Commanders to lead an area for The Salvation Army in the Midwest when they were appointed to oversee The Salvation Army Midland Division headquartered in St. Louis. Now this dynamic husband and wife team has come to Chicago focused on tackling some of the growing needs of disenfranchised communities who have been the victims of a double pandemic.
ORGANIZATION FOUNDED BY POLICE OFFICER HELPS THOSE IN NEED
Future Ties started out with a thought by its founder, Jennifer Maddox, a police officer for 25 years. Maddox was patrolling area 312, which includes Parkway Garden Apartments, and was getting so many calls for service that she wanted to do something to reduce the number of calls in a way that would be impactful to the residents. She said it was something she wanted to do, but wasn’t sure how to get it started. PAGE
LEADER USES ALLIANCES TO CREATE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
David Rojas, Jr., was the first in his family to go to high school, go to college and start a business in Chicago. His story is what led him to found The Alliance 98 in 2019. The Alliance 98’s aim is to tackle unemployment for 16 to 24-year-olds in the city of Chicago.