Wednesday, November 24
Chef Johnson shares recipes from her heart
Chef Rene Johnson created her cookbook, “From My Heart to Your Table,” during the pandemic. It was a way to keep her business Blackberry Soul relevant and to bring Chef Rene and Blackberry Soul into people’s homes. She also wanted to include vegan and vegetarian dishes in the book so her family and clients could have the same Chef Rene Johnson and Blackberry Soul experience.
American Legacy Network Adds Black History Uncovered Collection
American Legacy Network (ALN) announced that now through January 31, the BLACK HISTORY UNCOVERED film collection is available for streaming on the network. The collection features films that highlight important individuals, events and organizations in Black history. The addition of this collection to ALN is the most recent in the effort of the streaming service to highlight and document Black history and culture. ALN Founder and CEO, Rodney J. Reynolds, is excited to add to the company’s streaming options.
Black Shop Friday Partners With Target To Support Black Business Owners
Non-Profit Initiative Created to Help Chicagoans to “Shop Black” on Black Friday
Black Shop Friday and Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) announce its new partnership and expanded campaign which encourages Chicagoans to shop at Black owned businesses on the Friday after Thanksgiving, commonly referred to as Black Friday. One of the biggest shopping days of the year, Black Shop Friday is making it easier to identify and shop at more than 700 local Black-owned businesses. To view the full list of shops and community resources participating in Black Shop Friday, visit BlackShopFriday.com.
NICOR GAS AND THE GOODR FOUNDATION DISTRIBUTE GROCERIES IN THE SUBURBS
Nicor Gas has a goal of feeding 250,000 families in the Illinois area. They reached out to the Goodr Foundation, an Atlanta- based hunger relief and food waste solutions company that hosts pop-up grocery stores, to help with their endeavor.
StatusPRO Aims To Set Sports Standard In XR
Black Co-Founders Leading a Culturally Diverse Technology Company
StatusPRO, a sports technology and gaming company that combines player data and XR (augmented reality and virtual reality) to create a suite of training and fan engagement products for enterprise and consumers, today released the list of strategic investors and industry leaders that have joined KB Partners, TitletownTech, Greycroft, Verizon Ventures, Haslam Sports Group, 49ers Enterprises, and SC Holdings in investing in StatusPRO. LeBron James, Naomi Osaka, Drake, Maverick Carter, Jimmy Iovine, Paul Wachter, and a host of professional athletes round out those named. These strategic investors reflect the range of industries and sports that StatusPRO’s technology is positioned to impact.
LISC CHICAGO ANNOUNCES OPENING OF APPLICATIONS FOR 28TH ANNUAL CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT AWARDS TO RECOGNIZE NEW BUILDING PROJECTS WITH COMMUNITY IMPACT
The 2022 Awards Will Honor Top Community Development Projects and Architectural Achievements, including the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design
LISC Chicago today announced the opening of applications for the 2022 Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards (CNDAs) and The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design, which will be accepted through December 13, 2021. Now entering its 28th year, the CNDAs annually recognize the essential role that both nonprofit and for-profit developers play in building communities throughout Chicago.
NYINI LUXURY and Mina Stones Launches the Arewa Medallion Collection
Spreading the Arewa message of unity and making a difference
NYINI Luxury, a leading brand management company focused on supporting women and minority-owned businesses has joined forces with Lotanna Amina Okpukpara, founder of Mina Stones to launch The Arewa Medallion Collection, benefiting Pact.
LOCAL VOICE AND DIALECT COACH DENISE WOODS HAS A WAY WITH WORDS
Chicago native Denise Woods reminisced about growing up and spending Sunday afternoon with her mom and sister. They sit around the table and would imitate the people who were at church service. They would laugh, talk and they would become the people. It was the start of Woods’ journey to becoming a dialect and voice coach.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE FORD WEIGHS IN ON REDISTRICTING, CENSUS
Illinois State Representative LaShawn K. Ford has been a member of the General Assembly for almost 15 years. He has been a part of voting for two congressional maps. Those maps are based on public hearings and legislators voting on the maps. Those maps are the result of the 2020 Census data.
THE 100 CLUB OF ILLINOIS NEW BOARD APPOINTEE WANTS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
John Scott has been named to the board of the 100 Club of Illinois. He intends to use his appointment to be a bridge between the organization and the community. Scott spent more than a decade with the Chicago Public Schools, working in community engagement and governmental affairs, as well as the Chicago Board of Education. He worked directly with president of the Board and its members.
Study: Chicago App-Based Drivers Earn More than Double the Chicago Minimum Wage
New study shows app-based drivers average over $36/hour when working, while still favoring flexibility
The Illinois Coalition for Independent Work has released new data showing that, in addition to offering drivers flexibility to make extra money when and where they choose, the average hourly earnings for Chicago drivers today is $36.63, well above the $15/hourly minimum wage in Chicago.
Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago Appoints New Curatorial Leadership
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) announces the appointment of two new leaders to their curatorial team, René Morales as the James W. Alsdorf Chief Curator, and Jamillah James as Manilow Senior Curator. Both Morales and James will assume their roles at the MCA in January 2022.
Eiteljorg’s Fifth Third Bank Jingle Rails returns
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art welcomes back families during the holidays with the opening of the Fifth Third Bank Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure Nov. 20, as well as the reopening of the museum’s family discovery area that has been newly reimagined. Now in its 12th holiday season, Jingle Rails includes a spectacular new addition: a recreation of San Francisco and its hills, trolleys and landmarks, such as Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 and more.
Friday, November 19
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle recognizes former Hazel Crest Mayor Bill Brown
Bill Brown former Mayor of Hazel Crest receives honor from County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
Wednesday, November 17
Owners of Several Chicago-Area Convenience Stores Charged With Defrauding Low-Income Food Program for Women and Children
The owners of several Chicago-area convenience stores have been charged in federal court with scheming to defraud a low-income food program for women and children.
Next Day Animations Runs Scholarship Program for Young Women of Color
Next Day Animations, an award-winning explainer video company, is reopening the Illustrating Awesomeness Scholarship for the fifth consecutive year. Illustrating Awesomeness is a scholarship opportunity for young women or gender non-conforming individuals of color who are actively working to change the world.
New Study Shows 2019 Cook County Property Tax Assessments Met Standards for Accuracy and Equity
First revaluation of market values by Assessor Fritz Kaegi examined by third-party industry association
Property tax assessments of homes and commercial properties in the northern suburbs of Cook County met standards for assessment accuracy, uniformity, and equity in 2019, according to a first-of-its-kind study by the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO), released today by Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi.
Abbott Launches New Initiative to Drive Diversity in Medical Research
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced the launch of a new initiative designed to help create a more inclusive clinical trial ecosystem through new approaches to training, education, and improving the clinical research infrastructure within the U.S. This effort builds on Abbott’s commitment of engaging populations who have historically been under-represented in medical research and will improve health by increasing access to innovative treatment options available within the trials process and increasing insights around how different groups respond to new therapies.
THE CHAMPS MALE MENTORING PROGRAM MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN BLACK AND BROWN BOYS AND YOUNG MEN
It was a mentor who helped Vondale Singleton get to where he is today. To repay that mentor, he created CHAMPS Male Mentoring Program.
Caterpillar Foundation Donation Creates Innovation Entrepreneurship Curator
$2 Million Grant Awarded to the National Museum of African American History and Culture
The Caterpillar Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) and a founding donor of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), is proud to announce a new collaboration with NMAAHC and the creation of the first-ever Caterpillar Curator of African American Innovation and Entrepreneurship through a $2 million grant.
Chicago Urban League Meets Fundraising Goal
Iconic R&B Male Group Boyz II Men Performs Live with Surprise Appearance by Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds
At a pivotal 60th year, the Chicago Urban League’s Golden Fellowship Dinner lived up to its reputation of being one of the hottest tickets in town. On Saturday, more than 1,000 of the Chicago’s corporate, civic and community leaders gathered at the Hyatt Regency Chicago to party with a purpose while successfully raising more than $1.6 million in support of the organization’s programs. Iconic R&B group Boyz II Men took the stage, surprising the crowd with a special appearance by Grammy- award winning singer/songwriter Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds.
Coach Introduces “Give A Little Love” Holiday Campaign
Plus, a special episode of Coach TV in collaboration with Coach Family
Coach introduces “Give A Little Love,” its campaign for the holiday season featuring Jennifer Lopez, Michael B. Jordan, Kiko Mizuhara and a special episode of Coach TV with an extended cast of Coach Family featuring their friends and family members.
BLACK ADOPTION MATTERS PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR BLACK FAMILIES
Deborah Farmer and Tamara Brown want to support Black families going through the adoption process with Black Adoption Matters.
Tamron Hall Teams with Court TV For New True-Crime Series
Daytime EMMY Award-winning TV Host, Journalist and Author Tamron Hall will host a new, weekly true-crime series on Court TV, the popular multi-platform network devoted to live, gavel-to-gavel coverage, in-depth legal reporting, and expert analysis of the nation’s most important and compelling trials.
Property Tax Savings for Veterans from the Assessor’s Office
In honor of Veterans Day this past Thursday, the Cook County Assessor’s Office (Assessor’s Office) expressed gratitude to those who hav e served our nation.
GOP, ADVOCACY GROUPS SUBMIT CHANGES TO LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT MAPS IN COURT
Plaintiffs in three lawsuits challenging the new legislative district maps that Democrats pushed through the General Assembly earlier this year have submitted their proposed changes, which would create more Latino and Black-majority districts in Cook County and the Metro East region.
THE CULVER’S RESTAURANT OPENS IN PULLMAN
A Culver’s Restaurant opened at 111th and Doty Ave. on Monday, Nov. 8, with the distinction of being the first new stand-alone sit-down restaurant in the community in more than 30 years. It is just one more part of a renaissance in the 9th ward that began with Walmart opening on 10900 Doty Ave., then Planet Fitness, One Eleven Food Hall, Method and Amazon. The 4,300 square foot restaurant includes 124 indoor seats, patio seating and a drive-thru. The restaurant brings 70 jobs to the community.
FPSA Is “All In” With Its Defeat Hunger Campaign
Bringing the eight-year campaign total of 1.6 million meals to Chicago’s families in-need.
The Foundation of the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FFPSA), has once again teamed up with the Food Processing Association’s members to work with the Greater Chicago Food Depository on 2021 DEFEAT HUNGER Campaign. This is the fifth time that the Association has initiated an effort to help those in need in Cook County. The Defeat Hunger campaign was created in 2013 with the goal of helping to feed the hundreds of thousands of Cook County residents the Food Depository serves every year
THE VILLAGE OF LYNWOOD UPDATES ITS RESIDENTS AFTER SIX MONTHS OF THE NEW ADMINISTRATION
Mayor Jada D. Curry has been the President of the Village of Lynwood since May 2021. Since that time, her administration has improved procedures for departments, as well as created efficiencies to ensure records are consistent.
THE WILLIE’S WARRIORS LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE PRESERVES REV. WILLIE T. BARROW’S LEGACY
The Reverend Willie Taplin Barrow believed that if you educate a women, you educate a nation. Barrow wanted to bring women together so they could test their strength, empower themselves and empower others to change the world.
Friday, November 12
Sustainable BioWorks, LLC Announces 17 Acre Eco-Friendly Anaerobic Digester Facility
Sustainable BioWorks, LLC (SBW) will host a community meeting to announce its plan to build a 17+ acre eco-friendly anaerobic digester (AD) facility at the former Waste to Energy Facility in Robbins, Illinois. This meeting will take place Friday, November 12, at 5:30 p.m. at Progressive Missionary Baptist 13525 Keeler Ave, Robbins, IL 60472
Wednesday, November 10
COVID-19 Undermine Women’s Retirement Security
the pandemic and their financial stress. Forty-two percent of women workers experienced one or more impacts to their employment as a result of the pandemic, including reduced work hours (28 percent), reduced salaries (13 percent), furloughs (9 percent), layoffs (8 percent), and/or early retirement (3 percent).
Southland College Prep Charter High School Hosts Free Vaccination Clinic for Kids 5-11
Southland College Prep Charter High School will host Saturday vaccination clinics for children 5 to 11, providing an opportunity for an entire family to be vaccinated, beginning November 13, 2021.
Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship exhibition Shifting Boundaries opens Nov. 13
Riveting works on view by five Native artists selected for prestigious Fellowship
Visitors will experience compelling, thought-provoking works of contemporary Native art in the new exhibition Shifting Boundaries, open at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art from Nov. 13 to Feb. 6. Five contemporary artists who are Native American or First Nations were chosen for the prestigious 2021 Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship. Shifting Boundaries features examples of the Fellows’ work that include innovative paintings, prints, mixed media and installations.
Mayor Lightfoot Announces Historic Investment In Tree Equity
$46 million out of the $188 million in environmental justice and climate action budget will go to planting and maintaining 75,000 trees over 5 years
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot highlighted a historic expansion and reorientation of the city’s tree-planting operations, funded by $46 million in city funding. As part of the Mayor’s new tree equity strategy, the city will plant 75,000 trees across the city over the next 5 years. This represents a doubling in tree planting over the previous year. The tree equity strategy will prioritize the planting of trees in historically marginalized and underserved communities, equitably conveying ecosystem benefits to communities disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis. This effort will help meet the City’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement, environmental justice, and equity.
Savoy Magazine Announces The 2021 Most Influential Black Corporate Directors
Savoy magazine announced the release of its 2021 Most Influential Black Corporate Directors listing in the upcoming fall issue. Savoy’s fall issue features a directory of 704 directors serving on the boards of public companies. As the leading business magazine reporting on African American success and achievement, Savoy’s Most Influential Black Corporate directory is a prestigious listing of executives, influencers, and achievers active on the boards of the world’s leading corporations and organizations.
The City of Chicago Encourages Chicagoans to Get Vaccinated and “Protect their Health on the 12th”
The City of Chicago is doubling down on efforts to get all Chicagoans vaccinated following last week’s federal approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children, ages 5 to 11. City health and education leaders Tuesday shared updates on the best way Chicagoans can connect with lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines – and encouraged everyone to get vaccinated and “protect their health on the 12th.”
PROMINENT AND POPULAR CHICAGO BASED ATTORNEY NOW SEEKING TO BE ELECTED TO JUDGE OF THE 5TH SUB CIRCUIT
Timothy Wright- Prominent Chicago based Civil Attorney and International Affairs Champion- is announcing his anticipated campaign for Judge in Chicago’s 5th Sub Circuit of Cook County. Attorney Wright made this decision after reviewing the results of a recent listening tour throughout the district as well as his exploratory committee.
H&M Teams Up With Actor John Boyega On Men’s Collection
H&M is proud to announce the upcoming release of Edition by John Boyega, a more sustainable menswear collection worn by one of the world’s most inspiring actors and changemakers. The new Edition collection features autumn’s key looks constructed from recycled, organic and innovative materials, such as Vegea™ — a vegan alternative to leather, partly made from waste from the winemaking industry. Edition by John Boyega will be available at hm.com and in selected stores 28 October.
Marketing and PR Firm speaks to the culture
Sherman Wright and Ahmad Islam took their years of experience in marketing and public relations and created Ten35 in 2016. The marketing and public relations firm speaks to the culture by reflecting it in its employees.
Author writes book about experience with mother’s Alzheimer’s journey
Author Cheryl Watkins, PhD, has always liked words and phrases, the way they sound and how people put them together. When she came up with the title of her book, the word that resonated was “her.” There was something about that word and she knew it had to be in the title, she called it “Releasing Her: Wrestling Peace from the Jaws of Alzheimer’s.” The book details Watkins’ five-year journey of caring for her mother who had Alzheimer’s Disease.
“The Next ‘50s & ‘60s Pop, Soul And Doo-Wop Star” Seeks Talent
Starting today, aspiring Acapella and vocal group harmony singers are invited to audition for The Next ‘50s & ‘60s Pop, Soul and Doo-Wop Star worldwide talent search. The effort will culminate with a national PBS special in 2022 commemorating the classic 1950s and 1960s pop, soul and doo-wop eras in American musical history.
Comcast Increases Xfinity Internet Speeds in the Chicago Region
Several million households to benefit from faster speeds to power their increasingly connected homes
Comcast announced today that it has increased the speeds of its most popular Xfinity Internet tiers, providing an extra boost for several million customers across its Greater Chicago Region, which spans Central and Northern Illinois, Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan.
Resources Exist For Tenants Facing Eviction
The Illinois eviction moratorium ended on Oct. 4, which means renters are at risk of losing their housing if they do not pay rent. The moratorium was placed during the COVID-19 pandemic to help people that were not able to pay rent due to job loss because of shutdowns and quarantines.
City Of Chicago Receives Five Development Proposals For City’s First Integrated Casino-Resort
Selected proposal will be granted Chicago’s sole casino owner’s license
Bids were due on the City of Chicago’s request for proposal (RFP) for its first integrated casino-resort on Friday, Oct. 29. Five proposals were submitted for consideration in developing a world-class casino-resort and entertainment experience in Chicago with the goal of being awarded the city’s sole casino owner’s license.
Commissioner Sims backs Gordon for her soon to be vacated Cook County Board Seat
The Cook County Commissioner Deborah Sims has represented the 5th District for 27 years. She announced that she would not seek re-election when her current term is up in 2022. Sims has made it clear that she wants her seat to be filled by a Black woman. She has chosen Monica Gordon.
The MATCCH Foundation a Creates Community-Based Healthcare Model
Last year after attending a George Floyd protest, Isaac Palmer, Jr., along with a friend, were inspired to make change in the Black community. They knew they couldn’t change the actions of police, they couldn’t reach the mayor, but they did know healthcare.
Wednesday, November 3
CHICAGO ROADMAP COLLABORATION MAKES PROGRESS
Chicago Public Schools and City Colleges of Chicago collaborated in 2020 to create the Chicago Roadmap to support students on their path to and through college as they make their way to their careers. Now, a year later, a progress report is out that highlights best practices and implementation of programs.
ComEd Launches New Job Training Program
ComEd has announced the CONSTRUCT Business Operations Academy, a new pilot program to increase the pool of qualified minority candidates for entry-level administrative and project coordinator roles in the utility, construction and related industries. The program is administered by YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and is funded by ComEd and INTREN.
CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING PLAN CLEARS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Illinois lawmakers gave final approval in the early hours of Friday morning to a new congressional redistricting plan that divides the state into 17 districts, one fewer than it currently has due to its loss of population since the 2010 U.S. Census.
The Village Of Matteson Is One Of The Finalist For The Southland Casino
The Village of Matteson has been named a one of two finalists for the Southland Casino. The Village of Matteson made a presentation to the Illinois Gaming Board on October 13th. The Village Homewood is the other finalists. There were four applicants for the South Suburban Owner’s License. Charles Schmadeke, chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board said it was not an easy task and each applicant had positive attributes. He added, the decision was based upon the Illinois Gaming Board’s statutory duties and standards that have been set.
Military veterans, here’s information that may be helpful to know about your health benefits
Individuals eligible for Medicare, including veterans, have an important decision to make before Tuesday, December 7, the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period (AEP) deadline. Selecting the plan best suited for your individual health needs is a critical decision, as the plan you select is the coverage you’ll have for all of 2022, with few exceptions. For Medicare beneficiaries who also receive health care benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), there’s even more to consider.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to share government transparency and social equity initiatives at real estate and tax conference in the Dominican Republic
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas will discuss how advancements in the Treasurer’s Office have increased transparency and efficiency while promoting social equity during a conference next week in the Dominican Republic.
Reflecting on the impact of our commitment in Chicago
Last October, I was honored to share the stage with Mayor Lightfoot and We Rise Together, representing JPMorgan Chase as the bank announced a $600 million commitment to increase homeownership for 3,000 Black, Latino and Hispanic families in Chicago. This announcement was part of a larger, five-year $30 billion national commitment the company made to advance racial equity. To be a part of such important work was a professional and personal highlight for me, having grown up in the Chicagoland area and witnessing first-hand the inequities for people of color in the community.
Nielsen’s 2021 African American Consumer Report Explores Black Culture
Nielsen continues to dedicate itself to telling the story of the power of Black audiences, their diversity, and the representation of the collective Black community. According to “Seeing and Believing: Meeting Black audience demand for representation that matters,” the newest report in Nielsen’s Diverse Intelligence Series, the U.S. Black population has a complex and powerful legacy that continues to shape countries and cultures around the world. Yet, when it comes to representation in media, the complexity that creates the richness of their experience is often lost, and when present, undervalued.
Alicia Keys To Perform Special for SiriusXM and Pandora
SiriusXM announced today that 15-time GRAMMY ® Award winning artist Alicia Keys will return to her hometown, New York City, to perform at the world-famous Apollo Theater in Harlem for a special, intimate, and exclusive invitation-only concert for SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners on Thursday, Nov. 11. The special performance in Keys’ hometown is a part of SiriusXM and Pandora’s Small Stage Series.
Sweaty Betty and Halle Berry’s Collaboration is Back
Sweaty Betty, global activewear and lifestyle brand, is thrilled to announce its second collaboration with Hollywood icon Halle Berry and her wellness brand, rē•spin. The fall drop of The rē•spin Edit focuses on effortless layers in time for the cozy season, with an understated color palette of soft greens, warm creams and deep, earthy blacks inspired by Halle’s love of nature. The limited-edition, 24-piece collection closely reflects Halle’s personal style, with the flattering fits and innovative details with which Sweaty Betty is synonymous.
Retreat continues To Give Representation To Purveyors Of Color
For so long, there was a lack of representation across the culinary industry. With Theaster Gates’ commitment to uplifting Black and Brown entrepreneurs in the arts across the board, it has been very important for him to create, make and activate space, especially at the Retreat Currency Café.
Initial Allocation of 2021 Emergency Rental Assistance is 100 Percent Disbursed
Governor JB Pritzker today announced that $505 million of the initial tranche of Illinois’ 2021 emergency rental assistance from the federal government has been distributed, as Illinois leads the nation in getting this funding out the door faster than any other state. More than 57,000 households have now received assistance through the Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP). With Illinois’ initial 2021 allocation of rental relief funds fully paid out, IHDA will open a new round of assistance funded by a separate federal bill on Monday, Nov. 8.
Girls Like Me Founder Wants To Instill Pride in Black Girls
LaKeisha Gray Sewell began the Girls Like Me Project after volunteering in her son’s classroom in 2008. She observed the young girls in the class were exhibiting negative behavior. She decided to host a ladies’ lunch for the girls, who were in fourth grade, as a way to break up the mean girl behavior and develop a sense of responsibility and love for each other.
Homeownership Is The Key To Wealth Creation
Steven Hunter has made it his mission to help more people on the South and West sides of Chicago to become homeowners. Hunter, the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the McDonald’s Corporation, has seen the power of homeownership and wealth creation.