Monday, February 28
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas urges taxpayers to pay property taxes by tomorrow, March 1
First Installment Tax Year 2020 property taxes are due Tuesday, March 1, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas reminded taxpayers today.
Friday, February 25
Ketanji Brown Jackson Is the Supreme Court Justice We Need Now
It is with profound joy that I write these words today: Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has been nominated to become our nation’s first Black woman Supreme Court Justice. From a pool of outstanding Black women attorneys, jurists and legal scholars, President Biden has chosen Judge Jackson for her stellar credentials and brilliant legal mind. We are overjoyed by this nomination; now the Senate needs to move quickly to confirm her.
Thursday, February 24
National Kidney Foundation of Illinois to Host Virtual Black History Month Celebration as Part of Kidney Health For Life Campaign
HAPPENING TODAY!! The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois will host a free virtual Black History Month Celebration on Thursday, February 24, 2022, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. to provide another opportunity to help keep Illinoisans healthy. This BHM celebration focuses on empowering those most at risk for chronic kidney disease to take charge of their health by becoming aware of the risks, making simple healthy lifestyle changes, and learning how to advocate for themselves. African Americans are three times more likely to develop kidney disease.
Wednesday, February 23

AMAZON MAKES A HUGE ONE MILLION DOLLAR CONTRIBUTION TO MATTESON GRADE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Dr. Johnnie Thomas, Superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227 and Dr. Mable Alfred, Superintendent of Schools for Elementary School District 159, was joined by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin, State Senator Michael Hastings, Amazon Community Engagement Senior Manager Sarah Glavin, and other elected officials, in celebration of a combined one-million-dollar donation from Amazon to focus on growing the STEM programs within the districts.

Katten Welcomed Valerie Jarrett as Guest Speaker for Black History Month Event
Katten announced that Barack Obama Foundation Chief Executive Officer Valerie Jarrett was the keynote speaker during the firm’s Black History Month event that celebrated her remarkable civic contributions and career in public service.
ROSELAND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL CELEBRATES NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
Sealants make sense. Since opening in 1924, the Roseland Community Hospital, or RCH for short, has been offering comprehensive healthcare services to residents of Chicago’s far South Side neighborhoods, including outpatient services, a well-known Obstetrics Unit, Behavioral Health Services, a COVID-19 Clinic, a Medical Stabilization Unit, a special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children and a Mobile Dental Clinic.

Thousands Gathered To Bid Farewell To Mr. Chicago, “Bill” Williams
Over one thousand people gathered this past weekend to pay their respects to the man former Chicago Mayor Daley coined, “Mr. Chicago”, Mr. Bill Williams. The former Vice President of Chicago Convention and Tourism passed away on February 4th, at the age of 82 years old.

Honoring Black Achievement, and Doubling Down on the Work to be Done, During Black History Month and Beyond
February is Black History Month – an annual commemoration of the achievements of Black Americans and their remarkable impact on history. It’s a time to celebrate the cultural heritage shaped by generations of Black Americans, who for many decades have fought for equity – a fight that continues today

PRINCIPALS REPRESENT BLACK EDUCATORS IN SCHOOL SYSTEM
A group of Chicago Public School principals have come together to provide for their students and each other. Takeshi White James is the principal of the Avalon Park Elementary School, Kelly Thigpen is the principal of the Burnside Scholastic Academy and Michael Hinton is the principal of the Thomas Hoyne Elementary School.

A phenomenal Play Looks At Slavery And The Present Times
Richard Gallion started thinking about the concept for his play, “1800 vs. 2020,” seven years ago, with a question of “What If?” What If the enslaved people of the 1800s had a conversation with Black people who are living in 2020 and how would that conversation go.

SAKS DEBUTS DIGITAL-FIRST SPRING CAMPAIGN STARRING LUPITA NYONG’O
NEW YORK PRNewswire -- Saks, the premier digital platform for luxury fashion, debuted its digital-first spring 2022 campaign featuring Academy Award-winning actress, Executive Producer of Africa’s first superhero series for children “Super Sema,” and star of the upcoming “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Lupita Nyong’o. The seasonal campaign celebrates why fashion is fun again by showcasing the bright, bold styles of the season through an optimistic, fresh and timely storytelling lens.

A Play Writer Looks At Slavery And The Present Times
Richard Gallion started thinking about the concept for his play, “1800 vs. 2020,” seven years ago, with a question of “What If?” What If the enslaved people of the 1800s had a conversation with Black people who are living in 2020 and how would that conversation go.

REGGAE PIONEER JIMMY CLIFF RELEASES ACOUSTIC MUSIC VIDEO FOR “HUMAN TOUCH”
LOS ANGELES PRNewswire -- World-renowned musician, actor, singer, songwriter, producer, humanitarian, and global music legend Jimmy Cliff releases a heart-felt acoustic music video for his latest single, “Human Touch.” The GRAMMY Award winning artist offers the new visual in time to celebrate February’s Black History Month.
$1.5 Million in Grants Available for Grassroots Organizations
The Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities’ 2022 Chicago Fund will award $1,000 to $10,000 grants to support community-led efforts that make neighborhoods safer.
Innovative telling of West African man’s life on exhibit at DuSable Museum
Olaudah Equiano was a young West African boy living his life when he was kidnapped and enslaved. He eventually bought his freedom and wrote a bestselling memoir, “The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano,” in 1789.

BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Partners with Culture Genesis to Expand Black Girl Magic Across Digital Media with the Launch of the BGR!TV Digital Network
(Black PR Wire) LOS ANGELES-- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Beverly Bond, founder and CEO of the award-winning global women’s empowerment brand BLACK GIRLS ROCK!®, announced a partnership with media tech company Culture Genesis for the newly launched BGR!TV—an omnichannel digital-media network that includes BGR!’s OTT streaming platform, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and other digital media.

S.T.R.E.A.M. GLOBAL INNOVATIONS MAKES STEAM CAREERS ACCESSIBLE
Whether it’s shooting off rockets or learning about airplanes, Niamani Knight sees S.T.R.E.A.M. Global Innovations as an interactive educational theme park for kids.

SHEcovery assists organizations with pandemic recovery
The Chicago Foundation for Women realized there would be an outsized affect of the pandemic on women and girls of color. As the months went on, the organization made an effort to spend more money and invest more money in recovery efforts to help frontline workers and organizations led by women of color, with the creation of SHEcovery.
Friday, February 18

Strong 2021 keeps critical upgrade of Chicago’s natural gas delivery system on budget, with work on schedule
The Peoples Gas program to modernize Chicago’s antiquated natural gas delivery system made strong progress in the fourth quarter of 2021 and ended the year on budget and on schedule.
Thursday, February 17
JenCare Senior Medical Center To Host Virtual Doc Talk
You are invited to attend and bring a friend, relative or neighbor to the JenCare Senior Medical Center Virtual Doc Talk. You are encouraged to come prepared with your questions.

COOK COUNTY AND CEDA ANNOUNCE LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLD WATER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Office of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA) announced recently a new program to assist low-income residents with water utility bills.
EMERGE!™ A Fashion Runway Show hosted an epic return to the runway during New York Fashion Week February 2022 Legendary Designer Karl Kani received Fashion Innovator Award
Show gave special tribute to icon Andre’ Leon Talley
The leading emerging designer runway show established to be a catalyst and provide a national platform for independent and emerging designers returned to an in-person live runway show during New York Fashion Week on February 15, 2022 at Broad Street Ballroom (41 Broad street – New York, NY). The Show was taped for a new series called “A Road to Emerge!” which will highlight the behind the scenes of a fashion show.
Chicago Community Loan Fund Launches “Communities of Color Fund” to Serve Chicago’s South and West Sides, Five Suburban Counties
Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF), along with key investors, has created a $25 million loan fund to support African American, Latino and other business developers of color. The Communities of Color Fund was added to CCLF’s lending capabilities as another tool to address racial equity in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods throughout Chicagoland with a strong emphasis on Chicago’s South and West sides and suburban markets that lack access to low-cost capital.
Wednesday, February 16
PRESIDENT PRECKWINKLE AND THE COOK COUNTY LAND BANK AUTHORITY ANNOUNCE THE TRANSFORMATION OF 1,000 VACANT AND ABANDONED PROPERTIES INTO HOMES, OFFICES AND COMMUNITY SPACES ACROSS THE REGION
The Cook County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA) announced today that through its programs, community developers have now renovated 1,000 previously vacant and abandoned homes in Cook County, returning them to productive, tax-generating use.

SHARON CHUTER AND PULL UP FOR CHANGE TEAM UP WITH NEW BEAUTY BRANDS
Following a successful launch in February 2021, in which over $400,000 was raised and deployed to eight emerging black business founders at Essence Festival of Culture, Sharon Chuter and her non-profit organization, Pull Up For Change are re-launching the Make It BLACK campaign for Black History Month 2022 with new beauty partners.
New Updates to College Scorecard Make Tool More Useful for Students and Families
The U.S. Department of Education released updates to the College Scorecard that make the tool more useful for students and families weighing college options.

Lt. Governor Stratton Launches Agricultural Equity and Food Insecurity Initiative
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton today launched the Agricultural Equity and Food Insecurity Initiative, called #AgConnectsUsAll. We know there are disparities in who enjoys the benefits of, and who has access to, the opportunities the agriculture industry has to offer in this country—including in Illinois. We also know that food insecurity impacts far too many people in all 102 counties of Illinois, especially children and the elderly.

GOVERNOR, AG ADDRESS EXPRESSWAY SHOOTINGS, ORGANIZED RETAIL CRIME
Two of the state's top officials each held news conferences Monday morning to outline current and proposed responses to increasing crime, including expressway shootings and organized retail thefts.

Lawyer wants to create more visibility for Black legal professionals
Rana Coleman has been passionate about the law since she was 12 years old. She always knew she would end up in this field. She has been working in the legal field for 15 years.

ORCHESTRA PARTNERS APPOINTS KIM HUNTER TO INDEPENDENT CORPORATE ADVISORY BOARD
Orchestra Partners announces the appointment of Kim Hunter to the Independent Corporate Advisory Board, effective immediately. Hunter brings strategic integrated marketing communications expertise, deep prior experience in growing professional services firm, as well as an entrepreneurial mindset with proven experience with innovation. Following the appointment of Mr. Hunter, the Board will comprise five directors. He will be serving a three-year term, which is subject to shareholder approval.
A. Philip Randolph “Gentle Warrior Awards” Returns as a Gala Cocktail Reception
The only museum of its kind to celebrate community leaders who uphold the labor movement; agents of change Presented by Wintrust, the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum (NAPRPPM) will mark its 27th anniversary by hosting the “Gentle Warrior Awards” Gala Cocktail Reception. The museum’s premiere fundraiser will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, Hyde Park Bank, 1525 East 53rd St.

WITH A STIRRING AND INSPIRATIONAL SPEECH, JONATHAN JACKSON ENTERS RACE FOR FIRST DISTRICT HOUSE SEAT
Jonathan L. Jackson, an activist, businessman and educator, is a strong and outstanding candidate to become the next congressman representing Chicago’s South Side and the entire Illinois 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Chicago Eco House Founder creates agrarian society from vacant lots
Quilen Blackwell’s journey took him from Madison, Wis. to Thailand to Milwaukee and finally to Chicago, where he founded an organization that takes vacant lots and turns them into solar farms that grow flowers. The flowers Chicago Eco House grows provide an economic solution for poverty where the farms are located.

Richard King Mellon Invests in Black Founded Ed-Tech Startup
RK Mellon Foundation makes a project-related investment in a Black father-son-led company that aims to increase diversity in STEAM fields so disadvantaged populations are included in the future of work. Damola and Wole Idowu - engineers, creatives, educators, and entrepreneurs - founded Toyz Electronics at Carnegie Mellon University’s Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship in Pittsburgh, Penn
Black Child Clothing Introduces Their 300 Signature Collection
Black Child Clothing, a clothing company out of Chicago, Ill., is excited to announce the launch of their 300 Signature Collection. This collection was designed to commemorate the 300 Freedom Suit Cases that were filed in the St. Louis Circuit Court House from 1814 to 1860, a time period when it was illegal for a slave to be found literate. The designs on the 300 Signature Collection display replicas of authentic slave signatures from these 300 Freedom Suit Cases.

A Local Austin Community Business Provides Fresh Produce And Jobs For Youth
In the early days of COVID-19, Rodney Williams hosted peace circles for young people who live in the Austin community. Schools were closed because of the pandemic and Williams wanted to check-in on the young residents in the neighborhood.

LIFEWTR® Spotlights and Uplifts Black Creatives
Quilen Blackwell’s journey took him from Madison, Wis. to Thailand to Milwaukee and finally to Chicago, where he founded an organization that takes vacant lots, turns them into solar farms that grow flowers. The flowers Chicago Eco House grows provide an economic solution for poverty where the farms are located.

Black Christian Couple Makes Global Impact On Social Media
Josiah and Kristin Smith are a married couple, living in California, who are navigating the entertainment industry as Christians. God has opened a lot of doors for them. Kristin reports on sports and entertainment news for CBS2 in Los Angeles and Josiah has found success on social media and online with his clean comedy.

NKF Celebrates Black History Month
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is excited to celebrate Black History Month by highlighting the health equity initiatives accomplished throughout the year such as the formation of NKF’s first-ever Health Equity Advisory Committee (HEAC) reaching its one-year anniversary and the recommendation for a race-free approach to eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), which is an equation that determines a patient’s level of kidney function. People living with kidney disease, particularly those who identify as Black or African American, need to be aware that this new race-free equation may have an impact on their kidney disease care.

Black Women on Boards Launches New Accelerator and Founding Partners
Black Women on Boards (BWOB), a new global organization that removes the invisible obstacles that Black female executives face when pursuing board membership, announced a new cohort-based board accelerator program for its members with the support of founding partnerships with DCVC, Diligent, Felicis Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, and Sapphire Ventures.

August Wilson’s words come to life in ‘Gem of the Ocean’
There is no substitution for August Wilson’s words. No improvisation. The playwright’s words are a song. There is a melody to the language. If you don’t know the words, you won’t get close to the melody.

REALM PICTURES AIMS TO DISRUPT HOLLYWOOD’S ELITIST BUSINESS MODEL
The power brokers of Hollywood have long been the omnipotent gatekeepers to the entertainment industry. According to Realm Pictures International, it’s time to shatter that stranglehold and open the industry to outstanding undiscovered talent, particularly women and artists of color.

Uplifting Black Men Conference invites students, community members to lift their voices
The seventh annual Uplifting Black Men Conference, to be held virtually on Saturday, Feb. 19, borrowed its theme of “Lift Your Voice” from a beloved source: the hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” widely considered the Black national anthem.
Friday, February 11
The Park Forest Toastmasters Club Wants You As A Guest At Their Upcoming Virtual Celebration
On behalf of the Park Forest Toastmasters Club 1717 “Please, Be Our Guest” to the virtual celebration on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. We are celebrating 67 years as a Chartered Toastmasters International Club servicing the community of Park Forest and beyond
Thursday, February 10

CTA Service Enhancements Made Permanent on Four Bus Routes Serving Chicago’s South, West Sides
Following successful experiments, CTA is permanently adopting the #31 and #157 routes, and realigning the #52 / #94 routes along Kedzie and California Avenues
The Chicago Transit Board today approved permanent changes to three bus experiments aimed at improving service for communities on Chicago’s South and West sides. The permanent changes make bus travel more convenient and provide stronger bus-rail system connections for riders of the #31 31st, #52 Kedzie, #94 California and #157 Streeterville/Taylor routes.
Wednesday, February 9

THE MOBILE MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE (MMOT) TO BE ON DISPLAY IN CALUMET CITY TO PROVIDE EDUCATION, INSPIRE UNITY AND DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE
MAYOR/REPRESENTATIVE THADDEUS JONES, ALONG WITH THE SIMON WIESENTHALS CENTER, SUCCESSFULLY SECURED GRANT FUNDING FOR THE CREATION OF THE MOBILE MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE
The MMOT is an extremely valuable and important mechanism that teaches the history of both the Holocaust and the Civil Rights movement. While its most powerful tool is teaching and promoting tolerance amongst all races, the MMOT also inspires people to combat racism, anti-Semitism, bullying, hate intolerance; the MMOT promotes human dignity.
CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO IMPLEMENT SHORTER ISOLATION & QUARANTINE
Five-Day Isolation & Quarantine for New Cases Began Feb. 1
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will begin to implement the most recent federal, state and city isolation and quarantine guidance, moving from a period of 10 to five days for those staff or students who test positive for COVID-19 or are unvaccinated close contacts
Rising Above COVID-19
Overcoming the Mental and Physical Effects of the Virus
Holding back tears, Morrell Staten shared his poignant story about his and his wife’s COVID-19 journeys last year, speaking in late 2021 at the Cobb Institute-We Can Do This/Stay Well Community Health Fair at Cass Tech High School in Detroit. Staten and his wife both tested positive for the virus at almost the same time, making it a very challenging period for their family.

Basketball player wants youth to reach high levels of success
George Blakeney, Jr. founded the You Can Foundation because of his love for people in general, but children specifically. He loves giving back. He would give the shirt off his back to help other people have a better day or make people smile.

Ecommerce children’s clothing line introduces its Black History Month collection
Elora Finds, a brand known for its one-of-a-kind, brilliant, colorful, handcrafted African fabric and styles for children, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Black History Month collection. “Kindness, Humility, Bravery, Joy.”

Business leader wants book to inspire people
Steve White credits his success to God. He believes God sets a plan for everyone. He had a strong mother who sacrificed tremendously. He also received a hand up from people in the way of opportunities. It is why he wrote the book, “Uncompromised.” It is a love letter to all the people who gave him a hand up. He wants to share the book with as many people as he can. It is his hope that those people who read the book can lead a life of impact and legacy.

Holding on to Their Faith
Strengthening Black Families Living with Dementia
When Fayron Epps was growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana, worship services weren’t limited to Sundays. I attended church every day of the week, with my grandmother. That’s just how it was.” Inside those familiar four walls is where Epps recognized the power of the Black church.
World Business Chicago Celebrates Key Economic Achievements
World Business Chicago, the city’s economic development agency, has rolled out a bookish new marketing campaign centered around the term “pro-Chicago” to highlight key economic achievements in 2021, including record- breaking VC investments, the expansion and growth of local and international companies, and economic development-related awards and accolades

The Endeleo Organization wants to redevelop 95th Street Corridor
A local organization wants to revitalize the area along the 95th Street Corridor, from Cottage Grove to Halsted, to include much needed businesses for the community’s residents. The Endeleo Institute was founded in 2011 to empower the community to improve the health, education and economic outcomes to allow for a better quality of life by repurposing existing assests.

A Local Entrepreneur moves with faith creating a successful e-commerce Business
Nikkita Randle created Twisted Egg Roll first as a catering business, with savory and sweet options. Starting out, she would do corporate catering and pop-ups, while working a full-time job. She has expanded Twisted Egg Roll into an e-commerce business and the egg rolls also are sold in specialty grocery stores.
Exelon Completes Separation Of Constellation
Constellation has begun “regular way” trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market Wednesday, Feb. 2, under the symbol “CEG.”

Cubs Charities Black History Month Leaders
Coach Tristan Hannah began coaching with Cubs RBI in the winter of 2020. After graduatingfrom college Tristan says he knew coaching was going to be the right fit. “I played for Cubs RBIwhen I was in high school, and after doing my research on where the program currently was, IknewthatIwantedtobeapartofthisprogramagain.

Urban One, Inc. Announces the Promotion of Colby Tyner to SVP Programming
David Kantor, CEO of Urban One’s Radio One and Reach Media Divisions, announced the promotion of Colby Tyner to Senior Vice President, Programming Radio One and Reach Media.

A LOCAL BOUTIQUE OWNER USES SOCIAL MEDIA TO ENGAGE CUSTOMERS DURING THE PANDEMIC
Melanie Whaley is a researcher; a networker and she keeps her eyes and ears to the ground. As the owner of Essential Elements, located at 1640 E. 87th St., she had to pivot when the pandemic hit.

Vision Films Highlights Slate of New Releases Honoring Black History Month
Vision Films’ extensive slate offers a variety of feature length films, across multiple genres, highlighted for Black History Month. All films are available on VOD and on DVD in the US, Canada, and many international territories. Of particular interest for February 2022, Vision Films’ collection includes timeless documentaries, romantic comedies, historical fiction, faith, and family-friendly fare that address cultural perspectives whether through truth-telling, comedy, or fantasy.
Tuesday, February 8

Roquan Smith Pays it Forward Chicago Bears All-Pro Linebacker Shows Support for Local Homeless Services Provider on Chicago’s South Side
Good things do really happen to people who share their hearts and resources with those who have little. At least that’s what we all like to believe. In this case, the day that Chicago Bears All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith became aware of Matthew House Chicago, and the men and women the organization serves, he decided that he is the man who has resources to make those good things happen.
Friday, February 4

The Bolingbrook Black History Month Awareness Club Presents: The 24th Annual Black History Month Celebration Uses Education to Elevate
In Honor of Black History Month, Bolingbrook Black History Month Awareness Club will organize its 24th Annual Black History Month Celebration Saturday, February 12, 2022, from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Bolingbrook High School, 65 Raider Way, Bolingbrook, IL 60440.
Wednesday, February 2
National Equity Fund (NEF) Announces a Record $2.2 Billion in Investments for 2021
In 2021, National Equity Fund (NEF) had its strongest performance throughout its 35-year history. The nonprofit raised and deployed a record-breaking $2.2 billion in affordable housing investments, which included a record $1.23 billion in LIHTC investments and a record $930 million in affordable housing preservation lending. In total, these investments created and preserved 13,550 affordable homes in 2021

TESSA THOMPSON IS THE NEWEST FACE OF ARMANI BEAUTY
Armani beauty is pleased to announce American actress Tessa Thompson as the newest face. Thompson will feature in both the campaigns for the iconic LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION and the new LIP POWER, shot by Swedish photographer Mikael Jansson.
Golub Capital, Chicago Booth, and the Chicago Urban League Launch Social Impact Partnership
Golub Capital, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and the Chicago Urban League are launching a partnership that will play a foundational role at the new Golub Capital Social Impact Lab (“Golub Capital Lab”) at Chicago Booth’s Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation. The Golub Capital Lab, through a significant five-year commitment from Golub Capital, will provide training and professional development to amplify the impact of leaders of high-potential nonprofits serving communities of color.

The story of a Black 18th century composer comes to stage
Not too many people are aware of Joseph Bologne, a Black 18th Century Master Composer who was a crusader for the abolition of slavery. But, a theater concert piece titled, “The Chevalier,” is hoping to change that.

ABC OWNED TELEVISION STATIONS CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH ‘ON THE RED CARPET STORYTELLERS SPOTLIGHT’ FEATURING BLACK STORYTELLERS, A MULTIPLATFORM SLATE OF STORIES CELEBRATING BLACK CULTURE AND
ABC Owned Television Stations announced recently, the multiplatform slate of its Black History Month content with news stories, placing a focal point on voting rights and election reform while celebrating Black cultures, heritage, and communities. Led by the Race and Culture Content team embedded at all eight stations, the journalists will shine a light on current circumstances that are making it increasingly difficult to vote. Most Black History Month stories, news coverage and premium content are available on ABC Owned Television Stations’ newly launched 24/7 streaming channels, in addition to airing across linear in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Raleigh-Durham and Fresno, and its connected TV apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.

Sourcebooks Partners with EBONY Publishing
Sourcebooks, an innovative and entrepreneurial Midwest-based publisher and the largest woman- owned book publisher in America, is partnering with EBONY Publishing, the publishing arm of the iconic Ebony brand, a leading and trusted voice in areas of social justice, entertainment, and African American culture.
MAYOR LORI E. LIGHTFOOT, CHICAGO FIRE FOOTBALL CLUB, CHICAGO HOUSING AUTHORITY BEGIN TALKS FOR NEW NEAR WEST SIDE TRAINING FACILITY
Sports performance center and training fields proposed for vacant land in the Roosevelt Square neighborhood on the Near West Side; community meetings begin in March.

ESSENCE CELEBRATES THE POWER OF BLACK LOVE AND BUSINESS
ESSENCE’s January/February 2022 Black History Month issue champions the power of Black love and business by featuring power couple Pinky Cole, CEO and Founder of popular vegan fast food chain Slutty Vegan, and Derrick Hayes, CEO and Owner of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. In the cover story, Hot in the Kitchen, ESSENCE talks to the business owners about everything from food, community, their love for each other, second chances and how they turned their multimillion-dollar businesses into a family affair.

Tivity Health Appoints Stephanie Davis Michelman to Board of Directors
Tivity Health, Inc. (Nasdaq: TVTY), a leading provider of health improvement solutions, announced the appointment of Stephanie Davis Michelman as an independent director to its Board of Directors. Michelman, most recently Vice President/General Manager, of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics (Estée Lauder Companies), has over 15 years’ experience driving growth and profitability in public and private companies, working to expand several of the most well-known consumer brands.

A Local Author Capitalizes On A Photo Being Worth A Thousand Words
It all started with a photo of Ahmand Smith dressed as a character that would lead to him creating Kodi Blackman and, writing the book, “Kodi Blackman The Eclipse.”

Art exhibit highlights Black joy and the path to it
Artist Adeshola Makinde was watching “Summer of Soul,” a documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, and he heard Nina Simone singing, “Young, Gifted and Black.”

Sound Voyage takes music lovers on a journey
Erik L. Jones grew up in a household with a love for music. He became an avid jazz fan. He has a deep love of music that is more global but also knows the importance of highlighting local artists, which he does through his work with Kusanya Café and The Blue Sapphire Experience.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PODCAST GOES ‘INTO THE DEPTHS’
Tara Roberts loves the water and the ocean, but she had never really thought about diving. Not until she visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, and saw a picture of a group of Black women in wetsuits on a boat.