Friday, April 29
CHAMPS Male Mentoring Program Launches In Calumet City
Gold-Star Award Winning Mentoring Program invites families to the Calumet City Launch and to learn how to enroll their Boys and Young Men into CHAMPS Mentoring.
CHAMPS Founder & CEO, Vondale Singleton states, “We have been in conversations with city stakeholders for months and I am excited to make a greater impact on Boys and Young Men of Color in Calumet City and the surrounding areas. It is important that we get ahead of the summer and establish authentic relationships that can support their dreams and goals. We provide culturally relevant conversations, experiences that are manifested in positive outcomes for our youth.
Wednesday, April 27
Bonnie Jennifer Introduces New Gold-Filled Beaded Gemstone Rings for Mother’s Day
Every second Sunday in May, motherhood is commemorated by honoring the love, commitment and joy that mothers bring to families, as well as their contribution to society. Showing gratitude through cards, flowers, cooking and quality time are all part of the tradition, as is gift giving, to celebrate the superwomen in life. This Spring, former social worker turned jewelry designer, Bonnie Jennifer, is launching bright, stretchable gemston rings, with her signature gold-filled ball design, just in time for Mother’s Day. Perfect for everyday wear, the rings are stackable with a comfort fit, made for moms on the go.
LILYSILK Unveils Six Limited-Edition Gift Sets for Mother’s Day
LILYSILK, the world’s leading silk brand with a mission to inspire people to live spectacular, sustainable lives, is launching six special gift sets for Mother’s Day this year.
Cook County Sheriff’s Police Celebrate 100 Years of Service
The Month of April marks the centennial celebration of the creation the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department, an agency that has grown from patrolling Cook County with 32 sworn officers to a dynamic operation of nearly 500 officers devoted to promoting public safety, social services, and mental health.
Village President Fitzgerald Roberts: $2 million grant for new water main significant step forward for Dixmoor
Dixmoor is in line for $2 million in grants to be used for a new water main, which will ensure Dixmoor residents have access to reliable water service, according to Dixmoor Village President Fitzgerald Roberts
STAY WELL COMMUNITY VACCINE EVENTS OFFER LIFELINE
Vaccines have provided a lifeline for the Black community in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay Well Community Health Fairs and Vaccine Events have given Black people across the country an opportunity to get vaccinated and boosted.
Documentary looks at life of Mayor Harold Washington
April 15 would have been Harold Washington’s 100th Birthday. To celebrate Chicago’s First Black Mayor’s birthday, the city hosted events. A documentary, “Punch 9 For Harold Washington,” aims to show the life of the elected official.
Hundreds of Chicago Students Participate in a 3 Day Engineering Competition to Help Make Homes More Eco-Friendly and Develop a Robot Shuffleboard Game in This Year’s Fifth Annual ENpowered Games
Project SYNCERE (Supporting Youth's Needs with Core Engineering Research Experiments) will host its 5th annual ENpowered Games event on May 4th, 5th and 6th. This year there are two challenges; 1) Design and build Green Automations using Lego Roboticss, aimed at making homes more environmentally friendly and 2) Design a robot to play a unique game of shuffleboard. The ENpowered Games competition attracts hundreds of middle school students from across Chicago’s South and West sides, allowing them to showcase their knowledge and skills against other students, and may the best engineer win.
Salute Her Awards Celebrates Multi-Generational Excellence
In the true essence of Sisterhood, Café Mocha radio network celebrates Black women in their fullness on Sunday May 8, during the 12th Annual Salute Her Awards, presented by AARP and Toyota. Just in time for Mother’s Day, the show will stream across Café Mocha and SaluteHer.com social media channels. This year, Café Mocha will honor esteemed select Mothers who have been intricate in paving the way for those coming behind them as thought leaders within our community.
QUEEN AMANI RENAS - PROTECTOR OF NUBIA VOL. 1 - IS NOW AVAILABLE
Chicago – The fiercest protector of Nubia is finally making her long-awaited debut in the media. Queen Amani Renas - Protector of Nubia Vol. 1, the debut project from Lymari Media, the three-issue comic series focusing on the Queen that ruled the ancient Nubian Empire from 40 BCE - 10 BCE and prospered the Nubian empire for generations. The first issue is now available for digital download, with a print edition following shortly after.
CHICAGO’S MOST RENOWN HOMELESS ADVOCATE CANDICE PAYNE AND HER “ACTION FOR A CAUSE ORGANIZATION” CONTINUES CUTTING EDGE PHILANTHROPY
Candice Payne-Founder and CEO of Action for a Cause- will be joined by Chicago Alderman Pat Dowell, Homeless Advocates, Homeless Clients, not for-Profit Executives, other Chicago Aldermen, State Officials and residents Administrators, Elected Officials and Community leaders as she will present to the public her all new Organic Smoothie RX Loop Store. However, like other ventures in which Ms. Payne has engaged upon, this shop will address various issue impacting Chicago’s Homeless community.
DIXMOOR RECEIVES $2 MILLION FOR NEW WATER MAIN PROJECT
The Village of Dixmoor’s water infrastructure issues have been well documented from water main breaks to boil orders and shut offs. On Friday, April 15, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and Cook County Commissioner Deborah Simms, joined Congresswoman Robin Kelly and Paul Culberson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District Commander, to present a $2 million check to Dixmoor Mayor Fitzgerald Roberts for a new water main project.
South Suburban College National Champion Basketball Team Earns Coach and Player of the Year Honors
The South Suburban College (SSC) Men’s Basketball Team won the college’s first-ever National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Championship on March 19, 2022. They also earned the distinction as the first team in NJCAA DII history to go undefeated. Head Coach John Pigatti and the team visited the Regular Meeting of the South Suburban College Board of Trustees on April 14 to present their trophies and announce their newest national accolades including National Coach and Player of the Year awards.
Hipcamp and REI Partner to Champion Women’s Mental Health via #WeHikeToHeal for Second Year
For the second consecutive year, Hipcamp and REI will partner to sponsor Outdoor Journal Tour’s #WeHikeToHeal, a month-long outdoor wellness initiative focused on improving mental health outcomes for women across the United States. This continued partnership marks the brands’ shared commitment to promoting access to the outdoors and encouraging diversity in outdoor spaces.
HARVEST FOODS GROUP PRODUCTION FACILITY SUPPORT NEW CITY INDUSTRIAL GROWTH AND EXPANSION
On Tuesday, April 19, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced Harvest Foods Group will construct a food production facility in New City, creating and retaining over 250 jobs in the INVEST South/West corridor. The $60 million food production facility will be at a long-abandoned industrial site in New City and provide public improvements for nearby businesses and residents.
WORK OF MARGARET DANNER SUBJECT OF POETRY MAGAZINE FEATURE
Srikanth Reddy had never heard of Margaret Danner before hearing poet Ed Roberson recited Danner’s “Elevator Man Adheres to Form,” during a panel at the Newberry Library. The poem blew his mind. Reddy started to learn more about her.
ART ON THEMART TO DISPLAY NEW PROJECTION FEATURING ARTWORK BY CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS SENIORS
Art on theMART is adding a new projection to their previously announced Spring Program that will feature artwork from eight soon-to-graduate Chicago Public Schools (CPS) seniors. The artwork for the projection, consisting of self-portraits, was collected in conjunction with CPS’s All-City Visual Arts program. Following a selection process, eight CPS seniors who submitted to the All-City High School Visual Arts Exhibition were selected to have their work featured on the façade of theMART. Students’ artwork was selected based on a score given for technical skill, craftmanship, originality and student voice.
Prince: The Immersive Experience aims to show artists’ many dimensions
Prince: The Immersive Experience is coming to Chicago in June, thanks to the company that created The Friends Experience and The Office Experience.
Monday, April 25
Diversity Learning Solutions Launches Inaugural DEI Industry Design Thinking Summit
“Reinventing Your DEI Thinking”
Diversity Learning Solutions (DLS) will host its inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Industry Design Thinking Summit on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The summit will feature a stellar line-up of executives and business leaders who will share their insights on best practices and engage in bold thinking on how to disrupt the status quo to drive cultural change to accelerate the work of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and community.
Wednesday, April 20
State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin Announces Passage of Stroke Education Bill
To spread stroke awareness in Chicago’s Southland community, Governors State University's College of Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health Department Human Services have partnered to spread stroke awareness for high-risk communities in the Southland.
Lily-Lark Expands Fashion-Forward Skin Protection with New LARK Line of UPF 50+ Parasols
Just as summery days begin to return, there’s a new form of skin protection under the sun. Lily- Lark’s new diffusion line of UPF 50+ parasols, Lark, will pair high design with affordability. The Lark parasol will sport a collection of 10 curated, artist-designed prints. Lily-Lark’s original signature line will introduce its own lineup of 8 new prints for Summer 2022.
President Obama Participates in Obama Foundation Career Development Series with High School Students on Chicago’s South Side
Recently, President Obama spoke with 450 students in the auditorium of Hyde Park Academy High School as part of the Obama Foundation Futures Series, conversations designed to expose high school students to different professions within various industries. The series seeks to deepen the students’ understanding of career pathways through intimate conversations with accomplished leaders about their experiences and valuable learning lessons.
Community organizations receive portion of $2.7 million for development projects
Community Desk Chicago distributed three community organizations a portion of $2.7 million to help them build capacity to do development projects on the local level. South Shore Chamber of Commerce Community Development Corporation, Teamwork Englewood and Puerto Rican Cultural Center are the recipients of the money from The Neighborhood Initiative (NDI).
“AGELESS DIVA, ENJOYING LIFE ON NATURE’S TIMELINE,” is BEATRICE WATSON
Poetic Storyteller’s favorite reference, when it comes to age. For those that feel bound to follow Man-Made chart of Time and Age, do your own math. She came of age in Detroit Michigan, during the Mid Fifties and lives her adult life in Chicago. “For as long as allowed, I will approach each day as, No Better Time to fulfill my God Given Purpose.” Proclaims this vibrant, resilient woman, rich in age, Blessed in experience and wisdom. This New Age take on life, has led Beatrice, with the support of her daughter Mia, to embark upon a campaign called “Ageless Divas, Women of Purpose,” a project that hopes to motivate women of all ages to take charge of their own destiny, by discarding the stigma and psychological pressure that society places on women based on physical attributes and predetermined years of useful viability.
Metropolitan Water Reclamation Board recognizes Hazel Johnson
Hazel Johnson was an environmental activist who lived in Altgeld Gardens on the city’s south side. In 1979, she founded the People for Community Recovery. A New Orleans native, she fought environmental racism and is considered the Mother of the Environmental Justice Movement.
24 Rising Black Professionals Step Forward: TALI Celebrates Graduates of Its New “Emerging Leaders Program”
On Friday, April 1, at the Carnegie Museum of Art, The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) was pleased to present the first graduating class of its newest leadership development program – the Emerging Leaders Program. The Emerging Leaders Program provides critical support for high-potential Black leaders of tomorrow and is designed to help prepare them for advancement. Twenty-Four ELP graduates commemorated a transformative step in their professional journey by completing the program. Celebrating alongside the graduates were Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and Keynote Speaker Marsha Jones (TALI Board Chair and Executive Vice President/ Diversity and Inclusion Executive of PNC). In addition, leadership from TALI and Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business spoke along with cohort members who provided introductions and reflections.
David Moore wants to bring transparency to the Secretary of State Office
David Moore, 17th Ward Alderman, announced his intention to run for Illinois Secretary of State in 2021. Since then, Moore has been connecting with people across the state of Illinois to gain support for his campaign.
Hyde Park Academy High School partners with The People’s Music School
The People’s Music School provides free music instruction at four different sites in Chicago. The main site is located in the Uptown area. The program reaches about 750 young people, in grades K-12, mostly in after school programs, but it also has programs that supports teachers in the Chicago Public Schools to enhance music education.
Lily Frilly Launches Second Product Partnership with Walmart
Lily Adeleye, the pint-sized powerhouse and CEO behind Lily Filly, is launching her second product partnership with Walmart. The line will include a range of bows and hair accessories for girls of all ages and serves as an aspirational charge for little girls all over the world to reach for the stars.
Chicago Department of Public Health unveils ‘OneChiFam’ Website, a Comprehensive Resource for All Chicago Families
Bringing a baby home is one of the most exciting and joyous times in a parent’s life. But it also comes with a lot of challenges and questions, ones that continue as children and families grow: How much should my baby eat? When will my baby sleep through the night and why is my baby crying? What immunizations does my pre-schooler need and how much screen time is too much for my teen?
Clubhouse Media Group, Inc. Announces Finalized Promo Deal With Jordyn Woods
Clubhouse Media Group, Inc. (OTCMKTS: CMGR) (“CMGR”), an influencer-based social media firm and digital talent management agency, today announced that they have finalized a promo deal with model and former best friend of the Kardashian/Jenner family, Jordyn Woods, through their partnership with The Reiman Agency. The deal inks a 12-month feature on a prominent platform.
Legislation to make 127th Street safer for pedestrians and vehicles
Illinois State Representative Bob Rita, D-Dist. 28, introduced legislation at the end of January that would make 127th Street safer. Now, the legislation has passed and is set to be signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker.
Oakton Community College Formally Dedicates New PharmaCann Cannabis Cultivation Lab
Oakton Community College formally dedicated its new 2,900-square-foot cannabis cultivation facility as the PharmaCann Cannabis Cultivation Lab during a ceremony held recently with college officials, PharmaCann representatives and community leaders in attendance. The recently opened facility and the new PharmaCann Scholarship for Cannabis Education were funded through a $600,000 PharmaCann donation.
Landmarks Illinois issues call for nominations for 2022 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards
Landmarks Illinois is now accepting nominations for the 2022 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards. Nominations for the annual awards program are due June 1, and can be submitted using Landmarks Illinois’ online nomination form.
Education Department Continues Push to Invest in Highly Effective Educators and Address Teacher Shortage
The U.S. Department of Education is continuing to take action to support and invest in the teaching profession and address the teacher shortage many schools and districts across the country face. The Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) grant program is now accepting applications for efforts that increase the pipeline of highly effective educators.
THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO CROWN FAMILY ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP
The Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) and the University of Chicago Crown Family School for Social Work, Policy and Practice announced a new partnership to examine how city governments around the world are using housing policies to promote wealth building in communities that are majority people of color. This research will inform the department and others on what governments are doing to address and reverse decades of disinvestment and predatory housing practices that have prevented communities of color from building generational wealth through homeownership.
‘Green Jobs Now: Illinois’ - Data-Driven Report by WorkingNation Examines the State’s Growing Green Economy
WorkingNation, a nonprofit news organization reporting on the future of work, today released “Green Jobs Now: Illinois” – multimedia reports and original data showing how green jobs affect Illinois’ economy and how upskilling the workforce in green ways could drive economic growth.
MAYOR LIGHTFOOT, CDOT, AND BACP ANNOUNCE MICROMOBILITY EXPANSION TO INCLUDE CITYWIDE SCOOTER PROGRAM
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Commissioner Gia Biagi, and Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Commissioner Kenneth J. Meyer announced the selection of three companies to operate shared scooter programs across the city, with 3,000 scooters starting operations later this spring. In addition, the Divvy bike-share system will add 1,000 scooters, creating the first docked bike and scooter system in the nation. All enhancements are anticipated to launch in early May 2022.
Friday, April 15
NOM Week is Approaching And Medical Student Agilda Dema Discusses Her Child Neurology Career Path
Agilda Dema understands that environmental circumstances factor into a person's health. When she was deciding a preferred career path, she wanted hands-on training and an opportunity to think and treat patients as a whole.
Thursday, April 14
There Is No Room For Racial Bias or Racial Profiling In Our Justice System
Justice is a verb, an action word, and as such we must take action to remove racial bias and racial profiling in our justice system. In our criminal justice system, we must engage and expand new methodologies such as restorative justice, adult and juvenile redeploy, pretrial fairness and programs that restore, reinvest, and renew our communities, while protecting our communities.
Statement by SBA Administrator Guzman on Agency’s New Equity Action Plan
“The SBA’s Equity Action Plan reaffirms our agency-wide commitment to breaking down longstanding barriers to ensure underserved entrepreneurs can access the capital, networks, resources, and opportunity they need to realize their American dream of business ownership,” said Administrator Guzman.
Wednesday, April 13
Bally’s Corporation engages community in casino bid
On Wednesday, April 6th, Bally’s Corporation hosted a community engagement event at the site of its proposed Chicago Casino, which is located in the River West community, where the Chicago Tribune’s printing facility was once housed.
BRONZEVILLE TRAIL TASK FORCE PUSHING FOR ELEVATED PARK TRAIL
Kenwood Embankment, Elevated Trail Park Gets Green Lighted, Bronzeville Trail Would Be Similar to Bloomingdale Trail
Within Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s recently announced vision for a connected city-wide network of trails and corridors is a plan to include the Kenwood embankment in Bronzeville, the site of an abandoned railway and “L” line. The sizable parcel of land, roughly two miles long, would be an impressive addition as an outdoor linear park trail for walking, biking, and jogging.
Diversity Learning Solutions Launches Inaugural DEI Industry Design Thinking Summit
“Reinventing Your DEI Thinking”
Diversity Learning Solutions (DLS) will host its inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Industry Design Thinking Summit on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The summit will feature a stellar line-up of executives and business leaders who will share their insights on best practices and engage in bold thinking on how to disrupt the status quo to drive cultural change to accelerate the work of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and community.
Biden-Harris Administration Extends Student Loan Pause Through August 31
The U.S. Department of Education (Department) announced an extension of the pause on student loan repayment, interest, and collections through August 31. While the economy continues to improve and COVID cases continue to decline, President Biden has made clear the continuing need to respond to the pandemic and its economic consequences, as well as to allow for the responsible phase-down of pandemic relief.
WOMAN’S FLORAL DELIVERY SERVICE SUPPORTS FLORAL FARMERS
Because of the work Boone was doing with her social justice and impact venture, INTER:SECT, she needed that outlet. She started to retreat into flower arranging as a way to cope and reset her thoughts so she could continue to do that work.
Illinois Legislature Passes First-In-The- Nation Dementia Training For EMTs
During the last week in March, after a unanimous Senate vote, the Illinois legislature passed House Bill 4388, an initiative of the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter to ensure that all emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics receive regular dementia training. This first-in-the-nation training requirement will help paramedics recognize the signs and symptoms of dementia as well as be able to effectively communicate with people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Mother and Roseland Resident continue to offer young people a safe place
Diane Latiker is the mother of eight children. Latiker wanted to make sure her youngest daughter graduated from high school and went to college. She started taking her daughter and her friends to different places. It turned into something else.
Fresenius Medical Care Appoints Dr. Amaka Eneanya as Head of Strategy and Operations for Company’s Global Medical Office
Fresenius Medical Care, the world’s leading provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases, announced today the appointment of noted clinical researcher and nephrologist Nwamaka (Amaka) Eneanya, MD as Head of Strategy and Operations for the company’s Global Medical Office.
14 DESIGNERS NAMED TO DORCHESTER INDUSTRIES DESIGN LAB
Theaster Gates, the world-renowned artist behind Theaster Gates Studio, Dorchester Industries and Rebuild Foundation, and Prada Group announced the 14 members of the inaugural cohort for the Dorchester Industries Experimental Design Lab.
Herb’N Eden Receives $1.2M Investment to Leverage Growth Opportunities
Herb’N Eden, an all-natural bath and beauty company, based in the Metro Atlanta area, has closed a $1.2M investment for business growth. Quinton and Terran Lewis founded Herb’N Eden in 2015 to bring natural skincare products to the forefront of the market. Mercantile Venture Capital led the investment with participation from The Core Venture Studio.
Disney’s The Lion King Triumphantly Returns to Chicago
By popular demand, Disney’s The Lion King will return to Chicago for the fifth time since 2003, having played over 68 weeks over its previous four engagements. The North American touring productions of The Lion King have been seen by more than 20 million theatergoers. Having already played more than 90 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly returns to Chicago. This 9-week engagement at the Cadillac Palace Theatre begins November 17 and plays through January 14, 2023. Groups are now available for 10+ by calling 312-977- 1710. Current Broadway In Chicago subscribers can add to their packages by calling 312-977-1717. Individual tickets for The Lion King will go on sale to the general public later this year. For more details, visit BroadwayInChicago.com.
Chicago State University joins the Discover College Commitment
Discover Financial Services is partnering with Chicago State University to expand its Discover College Commitment program. Full-time Discover employees in Chicago, who are enrolled at Chicago State University or want to enroll at the university, are eligible to have their education financed by the company.
TERRON BROOKS RELEASES “THE SOUL OF BROADWAY - DELUXE ALBUM” AVAILABLE APRIL 29
Terron Brooks, two-time NAACP Award nominated singer-songwriter, actor and writer celebrates the theater on his new release The Soul of Broadway – Deluxe Album, available on all music platforms Friday, April 29.
As Americans Struggle Financially Amid the Pandemic, New Report Shows Private Donations Pouring in across Illinois and U.S.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of six attorneys general expressing grave concerns about recent reports of the National Football League’s (NFL) hostile workplace culture. Recent reports indicate that more than 30 former employees have now come forward and described a pervasive culture of sexism and widespread workplace discrimination within the NFL including, but not limited to, sexual harassment, targeted retaliation, and harmful stereotyping. In a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Raoul and the coalition call on the league to take swift action to improve workplace conditions and protect female employees.
Tuesday, April 12
Poll Workers needed in suburban Cook County For June 28 Gubernatorial Primary Election
Do Your Part for Local Democracy – Become an Election Judge Today!
Suburban voters can do their part for local democracy and earn some cash in the process by registering to serve as an Election Judge for the Cook County Clerk’s Office in the June 28, 2022 Gubernatorial Primary Election.
Monday, April 11
5G and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Could Help End the Digital Divide
The last two years have underlined what we already knew: the digital divide in America is real and has consequences for millions of Americans. An affordable, reliable connection is imperative in participating in the 21st century economy, and those families relying on mobile-only access are falling behind. Often, they cannot attend class online or seek a career opportunity that offers the possibility of working remotely. And as more services, job applications, and infrastructure moves online, the gap is only widening.
Thursday, April 7
Art Exhibition by Erin Smego on Display at South Suburban College
The South Suburban College (SSC) Art & Design Department is pleased to present an exhibition of work by Erin Smego entitled, “Secondhand Aesthetics”. This art exhibit is currently on display in the Dorothea Thiel Gallery through the closing artist reception on Wednesday, April 27 at 1:00 p.m.
Sheriff Dart Announces Anti-Carjacking Legislation
Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced legislation recently requiring auto manufacturers to create a 24/7 recovery hotline to help law enforcement quickly track stolen vehicles
RICH TOWNSHIP COUNSELORS ARE RAMPED UP!
Over the two years the Rich Township Counseling Department has spent tireless hours becoming RAMP certified!
Wednesday, April 6
CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY’S HEALTH SCIENCES SIMULATION LAB RECEIVES CRITICAL FUNDING FOR LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
Chicago State University (CSU) is pleased to announce the award of $450,000 from the FY22 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. This critical financial investment will be dedicated to the purchase of science laboratory equipment for the University’s Health Sciences Simulation Lab.
Bank of America Honors Five Leaders Creating Change for People and Communities of Color
Bank of America announced the inaugural honorees of its Neighborhood Builders: Racial Equality Award, a new recognition that honors individual leaders who are advancing racial equality and economic opportunity in Black, Hispanic-Latino, Asian American, and Native American communities. The five honorees are being recognized for their extraordinary contributions to break down systemic racial barriers and create opportunities for people of color across the country.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A RECOVERY COACH? Pathways Now Available at Malcolm X College including one to Help Fight the Opioid Epidemic
Like many other states, Illinois faces a shortfall in trained behavioral health workers. Strengthening the behavioral health workforce requires alignment of resources and pathways. Through grants, Malcolm X College now offers pathways to certification in Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) at no cost to participants.
Touré Roberts Writes A New Personal Navigation Guide
Bestselling author, businessman, producer, and popular inspirational leader Touré Roberts today announced that his third book, Balance: Positioning Yourself to Do All Things Well, will be released on April 26, 2022.
PROJECTS RECEIVE FUNDS TO SUPPORT EQUITABLE TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT
Elevated Chicago in partnership with the City of Chicago and Enterprise Community Partners have provided 11 Equitable Transit Oriented Development Policy Pilot Projects throughout the city as portion of an $160,000 microgrant. Each of the projects received up to $20,000 in microgrants and technical assistance to support construction near transit stations.
Mag Mile Capital Completes $4.69 Million Loan for Multifamily Apartments
Mag Mile Capital happily announced that Rushi Shah, Principal and CEO; Prabhat Jayara, Vice President of Originations; and Fran - cisco Nacorda, SVP of Originations all recently completed a $4,690,000 five-year loan to help a client secure a luxury multifamily residence located right in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast district.
Seven Tips for Managing Caregiver Stress During National Stress Awareness Month This April
Stress can damage your health if you do not manage it properly—especially if you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness. As part of National Stress Awareness Month this April, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is providing seven tips to help caregivers manage their stress.
Angela Stevens New Brand Ambassador for KOSA Professionals
Professionals announces new brand ambassador as Emmy award-winning hairstylist, children’s book author, and mentor Angela Stevens. As a leader in the hair and beauty industry, KOSA Professionals partnership with Angela Stevens will assist in educating consumers on how to style their hair with the revolutionary tools that are safe for all hair types.
RTA, CTA, Metra and Pace launch joint transit advocacy campaign ‘Forward for All’
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) today announced the launch of the “Forward for All” campaign to show that transit is essential to the recovery and ongoing vibrancy of the Chicago region, contributing to our economy and environment and enabling opportunity in ways and at a scale nothing else can.
Woman-owned business benefits from CTA program
Adrian Mobley started Air & Wellness Safety Training in 2014 to provide safety training services. Along the way, she learned there was a need for other services that she could provide in addition to safety training. She also wanted to hire people in her community of Englewood and get them into unionized jobs.
Balu Organics Play Ball Pits Creates a $1 Million Business for Black Mom
When parents see how much fun toddlers have playing and diving into Balu Organics foam ball play pits, they know they have to get one for their little ones, too.
MAYOR LIGHTFOOT KICKS OFF CHICAGO’S 2022 CONSTRUCTION SEASON
On Wednesday, March 30, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot joined CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi and City employees to officially commemorate the start of the 2022 construction season. This event also launched the 2nd year of the Chicago Works jobs and infrastructure plan, a needs-based data-driven funding plan that focuses on investing in communities through infrastructure. The plan seeks to spur recovery and improve the quality of daily life in every neighborhood across the city by prioritizing equity, safety, and efficient project delivery.
LEGISLATION IMPROVES ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE AND REMOVES BARRIERS
Samantha Olds Frey, CEO of the Illinois Associatio of Medicaid Health Plans, talked about the Telehealth package that was passed in Illinois last year. The legislation was a culmination of things learned from the pandemic and public health emergency to ensure people have coverage for telehealth, on the commercial side and on the Medicaid side. Now, there is a focus to define what types of professions can provide telehealth.
Lafayette Square Appoints Onay Payne as Managing Director of Real Estate
Lafayette Square, an impact investment platform, announced that Onay Payne has been appointed Managing Director of Real Estate. In this newly created role, Payne will oversee the firm’s real estate division, which will utilize long-term capital and coordinated services to support the revitalization of neighborhoods in historically marginalized communities through municipally significant redevelopments as well as the creation and preservation of affordable housing.
CDOT ahead of schedule as the City launches Year Two of the “Chicago Works” Program
On Wednesday, March 30, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot joined CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi and City employees to officially commemorate the start of the 2022 construction season. This event also launched the 2nd year of the Chicago Works jobs and infrastructure plan, a needsbased data-driven funding plan that focuses on investing in communities through infrastructure. The plan seeks to spur recovery and improve the quality of daily life in every neighborhood across the city by prioritizing equity, safety, and efficient project delivery.
Entrepreneur provides affordable career development services
Catherine McNeil has turned her career coaching passion into two organizations. The CHBM Services is a for-profit business and the Disruptive, Inc. is a non-profit. McNeil wanted to offer affordable career development services through CHBM, and the same services free of charge to single parents ages 18-40. She started CHBM in 2015 and Disruptive in 2019.
APRIL IS ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH
April is alcohol awareness month which means many organizations across the nation increase their already significant efforts to educate the public and raise cognizance about alcoholism, its causes, effects, and proper treatment.
Book looks at yoga and ways it can be used as an act of resistance
Dr. Stacie C.C. Graham was introduced to yoga by a friend that was a physical therapist, who suggested she start using yoga to relieve pain in her shoulders that was causing headaches. She practiced for several years before she learned about the practices of South Asian origins.
The Chicago Chapter of Jack & Jill of America’s 75th “DuDiamond” Anniversary Gala Highlights Historic Partnership with DuSable Museum
In celebration of service to family and community, the Chicago Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. will host its 75th Anniversary Fundraiser and Gala at the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, April 23, 2022 beginning at 6:30 PM.
Tuesday, April 5
Chicago Urban League Receives $27,000 “Lift Zone Opportunity Fund” Grant from Comcast to Support Digital Skills Training
Lift Zones provide safe spaces where students can access the Internet for schoolwork and adults can come to build digital skills
Comcast announced today that it has awarded the Chicago Urban League a $27,000 “Lift Zone Opportunity Fund” grant. The grant will support digital skills training at the organization’s Lift Zone, which Comcast opened onsite in January 2021. Lift Zones are WiFi-connected safe spaces where children can get online to do schoolwork and adults can get online to learn new digital skills, search for jobs and access an array of services.
Monday, April 4
Peoples Gas to commemorate the new baseball season in Chicago with first-of-its-kind recognition for the White Sox and Cubs
To honor the start of a new baseball season in Chicago, Peoples Gas will dedicate two new gas mains to the city’s home teams — one on the north side for the Cubs, on April 6th, and one on the south side for the White Sox, on April 8th. Former Sox player, the great Ron Kittle, will attend the installation of the huge pipe on the south side, serving as the job site’s honorary construction foreman.
Friday, April 1
CHICAGO ALDERMAN DAVID MOORE, CITY LEADERS, FAMILY, AND CLERGYMEN TO CELEBRATE AND REMEMBER THE BEAUTIFUL KAYLYN PRYOR
David Moore-Alderman of the 17th Ward of Chicago- will be joined by Chicago Elected Officials, Clergymen, Chicago Police, residents, and the family of slain popular model Kaylyn Pryor in a special street naming in her honor.