Wednesday, January 26
Foot Locker, Inc and LISC announce funding for 16 organizations
Foot Locker, Inc., through the Foot Locker Foundation, and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) have announced grant funding for nonprofit community organizations that empower youth in Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities.
Obsidian Collection Offers Newly Minted NFTs of Rare Photos of Dr. Martin Luther King
The Obsidian Collection is evolving its consumer- facing digital photo portal, Obsidian Images, to offer NFTs of rare photographs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during his historic visit to Chicago in 1966. Captured by the legendary John Tweedle, the first African American photographer hired by a major metropolitan newspaper, the NFTs chronicle King challenging Chicago’s slumlords, institutional racism, and Mayor Richard J. Daley himself, as well as King speaking to a crowd at Soldier Field and a fundraiser for the movement at Chicago’s iconic International Amphitheatre that drew locals and celebrities alike, including Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte and Mahalia Jackson.
ILLINOIS TOLLWAY AWARDS $7.7 MILLION IN CONTRACTS FOR CONSTRUCTION IN JANUARY
2022 Capital Program includes $1.49 billion investment for 11th year of Move Illinois Program
The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors today approved two construction contracts totaling $7.7 million at its January Board meeting for work included in the Tollway’s $1.49 billion capital spending commitment for 2022. “Despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, our agency is continuing on track in our delivery of the Move Illinois capital program as we begin 2022,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director José Alvarez. “The Tollway remains in a strong position to continue to deliver critical investments into our regional infrastructure and economy.”
Assessor’s Office Refunds $15 Million To Cook County Neighborhoods
In figures released today, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi announced the collection of more than $15 million dollars over the past three years from people receiving tax exemptions for which they were not eligible. The office collected the funds from taxpayers who did not meet the state eligibility requirements and from estates of those who were recently deceased. Of the $5.1 million collected in 2021, $3.5 million was refunded back to communities in Cook County to pay for services such as schools, parks, libraries, and first responders.
Clinician wants to make therapy more accessible and inclusive
Sharonda Brown, also known as Nya B, grew up on the South side of Chicago in what she described as a chaotic home. There was substance abuse issues and alcohol issues. As a result of that, one of her behaviors was anger and she would get into fights. She ended up becoming a mother at 16 years of age.
GEM OF THE OCEAN BY AUGUST WILSON, DIRECTED IN A MAJOR REVIVAL BY CHUCK SMITH, BEGINS THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 22
Goodman Theatre kicks off the new year with a major revival of August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean—nearly two decades after the play premiered on the same stage. Resident Director Chuck Smith, who served as the original production’s dramaturg, directs a cast of seven—featuring Sharif Atkins (Citizen Barlow), Sydney Charles (Black Mary), Lisa Gaye Dixon (Aunt Ester), Gary Houston (Rutherford Selig), Kelvin Roston, Jr. (Caesar), A.C. Smith (Eli) and James A. Williams (Solly Two Kings). Originally directed by the late Marion McClinton at the Goodman in 2003, Gem of the Ocean is the play that chronically launches Wilson’s famed “American Century Cycle”—10 plays, each set in a different decade of the 20th century, that together chronicle 100 years of the African-American experience.
The Village of Hazel Crest President is running for Cook County 5th District Commissioner seat
Vernard Alsberry, Jr., has been the President of the Village of Hazel Crest for almost nine years. Now, he is seeking a new position, as the Cook County Commissioner representing the 5th District. In October 2021, the 5th District Cook County Commissioner Deborah Sims announced that after 27 years in the position she would not seek re-election.
Gyrls in the H.O.O.D. seeks to expand the H.O.O.D. House
Gyrls in the H.O.O.D. wants to expand their vision to have a home for young women in need. It wants to buy a building or a home to house more young women. Currently, Gyrls in the H.O.O.D. has an apartment where young women, ages 18 and older, are able to live rent free for one year and receive wraparound services. The goal of the H.O.O. D. House is to provide a safe space for young women to live, receive resources and improve their circumstances.
Tamra Moore Joins King & Spalding’s Healthcare Team as Partner
King & Spalding announced that Tamra Moore has joined the firm as a partner on the Healthcare team in the Washington, D.C., office.
Illinois native returns to Chicago stage
Morgan Siobhan Green’s first memory of being on stage was performing “Macbeth” in the fourth grade. She remembers feeling bigger than herself. Being on stage, a person gets to live bigger than one would in their actual life. Now, she is playing Eurydice in “Hadestown.”
A Traveling Exhibit highlights art used during Anti-Black Violence Movement
Janet Dees had the seed for “A Sight of Struggle: American Art against Anti-Black Violence” six years ago when she began her position as the curator of Northwestern University’s Block Museum of Art. Steven and Lisa Munster Tananbaum, the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Block Museum.
UGG TEAMS UP WITH SESAME WORKSHOP ON A LIMITEDEDITION COLLABORATION
Southern California-based global lifestyle brand UGG® (a division of Deckers Brands [NYSE: DECK]) announces a collaboration with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street. The UGG x Sesame Street collection features cozy kids’ icons like the UGG® Neumel, Bixbee, and Fluff Yeah, adding fun design updates inspired by beloved characters. Available in sizes for infants, toddlers and kids, this collection will be available exclusively through UGG.com and Kids Foot Locker in North America
LINSEY DAVIS TO RELEASE NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK ‘HOW HIGH IS HEAVEN?’
New York – Emmy award-winning ABC News Correspondent, ABC News Live Prime Anchor, World News Tonight weekend anchor and best-selling author Linsey Davis, is announcing the release of her new children’s book How High is Heaven?, hitting shelves and online retailers on Tuesday, Feb. 15. The new release will be her fourth children’s book, following previous best-selling titles The World Is Awake, One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike than Different, and Stay This Way Forever
Rep. Kelly Announces $1.4 million Housing Grant for City of Kankakee
Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly (IL-02) announced that the City of Kankakee has been awarded a $1,426,306 grant to help improve housing through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Healthy Homes Production Grant Program.
MAYOR LIGHTFOOT ANNOUNCES 7 WINNERS OF CHICAGO WORKS COMMUNITY CHALLENGE
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced more than $10 million in infrastructure improvements selected through the Chicago Works Community Challenge. These projects will reinforce the roles of seven public facilities as neighborhood anchors throughout the city.
SCHOLASTIC ANNOUNCES PICTURE BOOK “I AM RUBY BRIDGES”
WRITTEN BY CIVIL RIGHTS ICON RUBY BRIDGES
Scholastic is proud to announce the publication of I Am Ruby Bridges, a beautiful and momentous new picture book written by Civil Rights icon Ruby Bridges and illustrated by #1 New York Times bestselling artist Nikkolas Smith. On sale September 6, 2022, this must-have poetic reflection marks the first time that Bridges shares her powerful and trailblazing story from the perspective of her six-year-old self – providing a personal and intimate look through a child’s lens at an experience that changed the face of history and the trajectory of the Civil Rights movement.
USPS Issues New Forever U.S. Flag Stamps
The U.S. Postal Service has released a new set of U.S. Flag Forever stamps. The enduring symbol of freedom and national pride — in stamp form — is available at Post Office locations nationwide today.
Friday, January 21
Golub Capital, Chicago Booth, and the Chicago Urban League Launch Social Impact Partnership to Serve Communities of Color
The third Golub Capital Social Impact Lab will launch later this year at Booth’s Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation
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.
Thursday, January 20
Assessor’s Office Refunds $15 Million To Cook County Neighborhoods
More than a thousand non-eligible persons’ benefits removed
In figures released recently, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi announced the collection of more than $15 million dollars over the past three years from people receiving tax exemptions for which they were not eligible.
Biden-Harris Administration Takes Actions to Support Students’ Basic Needs and Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19 at Colleges and Universities
New resources include $198 million in American Rescue Plan funds to support college students, particularly at community colleges and rural institutions
The U.S. Department of Education (Department) announced today, more resources for students and institutions to help reduce barriers to success in higher education, particularly those created and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic—including the Omicron variant.
Wednesday, January 19
THE DIVERSITY ORG ORGANIZATION LEVERAGES SUPPORT TO EXPOSE STUDENTS TO CAREERS
The Diversity Org partners with schools around the country and hosts workshops with the goal of combating racial and social issues and get students to be more aware, inclusive, and inspired to create equality. Since 2014, The Diversity Org has engaged with more than 40,000 students.
Mayweather Boxing + Fitness Goes Global
Mayweather Boxing + Fitness, the best-in-class group boxing and fitness concept developed by undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, is proud to announce the opening of its first international locations in St. Petersburg and Moscow. These are the first of at least 50 new studio locations planned throughout Russia in the next five years
BREWMASTER TO GAIN INSIGHTS ON BEERMAKING WITH SCHOLARSHIP
Jay Westbrook’s journey is one that has taken him from working in the corporate world to bartender to brewmaster. Now, Westbrook will be honing his skills as one of three recipients of the Illinois Brewers Guild’s first Diversity in Brewing Scholarship.
OSF Ventures launches third and largest venture capital fund
PEORIA, Ill., PRNewswire -- OSF Ventures has launched its third capital investment fund, the largest since it initiated this program in 2016. The $100 million fund will be used to continue a strategy that links investments to key priorities of improved patient care, outcomes and greater operational efficiency. The third fund brings total assets under management in the venture program to $250 million.
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL BLACK BULL RIDER COMPETES AT TOP LEVEL
Ezekiel Mitchell wanted to be a bull rider. He was always fascinated by the rodeo and the sport of bull riding. His father was a ‘Horse Dentist’, and he would go to shows with him. When the opportunity presented itself at the age of 15 for him to compete as a bull rider, he took it.
ESCAPING THE ODDS PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS FORMERLY INCARCERATED
Aaron Smith grew up on the city’s South side in a home that valued education. Smith always knew he would go to college. When he fell into the drug and street culture it changed the trajectory of his life. He was going to college and even graduated, with a business degree, but he also was selling drugs. This led him to get arrested, indicted and sent to federal prison for 12 years.
Scripps Promotes Content Strategist Marcus Riley
Marcus Riley has been promoted to senior director of content strategy and inclusive journalism for the Local Media division of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP), a new role that will help all Scripps television stations better connect with their audiences.
Urban Autism Solutions receives $20,000 grant from the Albert Pick, Jr. Fund
Urban Autism Solutions has received a $20,000 grant from the Albert Pick, Jr. Fund to support STEM-focused learning opportunities at Growing Solutions Farm. The grant will help the farm maintain its busy production schedule while providing high-quality instruction to young adults with autism and related challenges who learn about urban agriculture and acquire transferrable job skills at the farm.
Froliage Is Redefining Black Hair Care
Black hair is not simply jus hair, and Froliage knows it. Born from the urgency to create safe, accessible hair care products for black hair, Froliage is officially launching to revolutionize the hair care industry.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas changes 2022 Scavenger Sale to benefit bidders and communities
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ 2022 Scavenger Sale will look different as the Treasurer’s Office takes steps to help small developers, homeowners and investors rebuild neighborhoods and create generational wealth.
FAITH LEADERS HOLD HUNGER STRIKE TO BRING AWARENESS TO VOTING RIGHTS LAWS
The hunger strike includes 25 faith leaders from across the country. The goal was to urge Congress to pass the voting rights legislation on Monday, Jan. 17th, which is the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Tuesday, January 18
Property Tax Assessments Released for Hyde Park Township
Attend an Upcoming Virtual Workshop to Learn More
The 2021 reassessment cycle is almost complete as property owners in Hyde Park Township received their reassessment notices last month. Hyde Park is the last township to be reassessed in the City of Chicago, completing the triennial reassessment cycle under the leadership of Assessor Kaegi.
LAKESIDE ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES BID PACKAGE RELEASE FOR HISTORIC OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER PROJECT
Lakeside Alliance is committed to awarding at least 50% of subcontractor packages to diverse businesses
Today, Lakeside Alliance, builders of the Obama Presidential Center, announced the release of bid packages for work on the Obama Presidential Center project. The scopes of work include roofing, resilient flooring & carpet, wood flooring, and asphalt paving. The dates for when work will begin on site for these packages range from the third quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2025. This will be the second-to-last bid package release for the project, with one additional release happening in February 2022.
Friday, January 14
HAWKS TO HONOR LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. AT THE MLK DAY GAME PRESENTED BY CHASE ON MONDAY, JAN. 17
Club Invites Ticketholders to Special Pregame Panel presented by Chase and to Visit the New “MLK Wall”, A Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King’s Life and Legacy as well as the Team’s 2020-21 MLK
The Atlanta Hawks recently announced their plans for the team’s annual MLK Day Game presented by Chase, which will take place at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 17 against Milwaukee. As part of the team’s annual celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy, the club will unveil the team’s new ‘MLK Wall’, which will provide an educational experience on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., located by Atlanta Social on the Terrace level at State Farm Arena.
Wednesday, January 12
A VERTICAL GREENHOUSE Coming to the Pullman Community
The Pullman location be will between 105th and 107th and Maryland. The hydroponic greenhouse will bring 55 jobs to the community. Construction is set to begin this year with a 2023 completion date.
Fare Thee Well, Archbishop TuTu
South Africa's anti-apartheid leader, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, has transitioned to eternity and joins colleagues like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. The worldwide outpouring of tributes to Archbishop Tutu must cause us to embrace his preaching Christ's salvation and ensure that social justice prevails simultaneously. Rightly, South Africa's president, Cyril Ramaphosa, called him a "leader of principle and pragmatism who gave meaning to the Biblical insight that faith without works is dead."
How Chicago’s New Chase Community Managers Can Empower Your Financial Journey
Have you ever worked with your local bank branch team, virtually or in-person? From opening a bank account or line of credit, to exploring mortgage financing options and small business loans, your new Community Manager the Chase branch at 6650 S Stony Island Ave., is tuned in to the South Shore/Woodlawn community’s financial wellness needs and ready to help you achieve your next milestone.
Athleisure and Vintage-Inspired Fashion Top Eyewear Trends in 2022
Approximately 164 million adults in the United States wear glasses to see clearly, according to The Vision Council, and that number is expected to rise, making spectacles a key accessory in 2022.
Mental Health Experts Share Lessons from the Pandemic Ahead of Launch of 2022 Walgreens Expressions Challenge
The pandemic of 2020 changed the world forever. It taught mental health experts some vital lessons and reinforced to Walgreens how the company’s Expressions Challenge is important for the mental health of students
JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT: King Pleasure© Exhibit set for April 9
The family of Jean-Michel Basquiat recently announced that internationally acclaimed architect David Adjaye OBE is the exhibition’s designer. He is the founder of Adjaye Associates, which operates globally, and designed The National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, DC. The exhibition’s identity has been created by Abbott Miller of visionary design firm Pentagram. He has previously collaborated with cultural clients including the Guggenheim Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Museum.
DoSomething.org Partners with Climate Justice Activist for a PSA
NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- As we enter a new year, we are running out of time to curb the harmful, lasting impact of climate injustice and environmental racism in North America and around the globe.
‘Let The Kingdompreneurs Speak’ Available on Amazon
Just in time for Christmas, Jabez Books Writer’s Agency has released a new wealth-building resource tool, “Let The Kingdompreneurs Speak,” for the faith-based community. In 24 hours after its release, the book was a best seller on Amazon in 3 categories: Under Hot New Releases (ebook), it was #1 in Christian Business and Professional Growth; and overall a best seller (ebook) -- #1 in Christian Professional Growth, #3 in Christian Business and Professional Growth, and #10 in Personal Success in Business.
Leaders reflect on DR. KING’S IMPACT
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has been an influence and inspiration for people from elected officials to community activists. A prolific speaker and civil rights leader, Dr. King was born on Jan. 15, 1929. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was first observed as a federal holiday in 1986.
Congressman Rush will not seek reelection
Congressman Bobby L. Rush, who has represented the 1st Congressional District since 1993, announced that he would not be seeking reelection after 30 years of service. He made the announcement this past Tuesday, Jan. 4, at the Roberts Temple Church of God, located at 4021 S. State St.
Illinois continues to lose population
Census estimates show state lost more than 113,000 in one year
According to the data, 122,460 people moved from Illinois to other states during the period from April 1, 2020, to July 1, 2021, while only 5,766 people moved into the state, a net loss of 116,694.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas changes 2022 Scavenger Sale to benefit bidders and communities
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ 2022 Scavenger Sale will look different as the Treasurer’s Office takes steps to help small developers, homeowners and investors rebuild neighborhoods and create generational wealth.
ComEd Microgrid Completes Final DOE Milestones
ComEd announced it has successfully completed final testing requirements of a $4 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy TechnologiesOffice to study how microgrids can increase energy security and resilience and support the integration of clean energy – important needs as the climate crisis causes more severe weather events. The tests were conducted on ComEd’s Bronzeville Community Microgrid on Chicago’s South Side.
Initiatives seeks to expand access for Black and Latinx innovators
Chicago Innovation began 21 years ago to spotlight the Chicago region as an innovation hub, and to celebrate the organizations that were innovating, launching new products and services, with an awards ceremony. Now, it is a year-round community initiatives with more than 36,000 people who participate.
The Discover Customer Care Center of Chatham progress is on track
Discover made a commitment to hire employees within a five square mile radius of the center. There are currently more than 200 employees. The initial goal was to hire 130 people by the end of 2021. That goal was accelerated.
Wednesday, January 5
Illinois Managed Care Organizations Take a Lead Role to Improve Pregnancy Outcomes
Many people find it difficult to consider a joyful event like welcoming a new baby into the world as becoming a family tragedy. Sadly, statistics on maternal-infant mortality show pregnant women and newborns in the United States have a significantly higher risk of death or poor health outcomes as compared to women and newborns in other developed countries.
State Surges Mass Vaccination Operations Statewide
Governor JB Pritzker has directed the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to enhance its partnerships with local health department mass vaccination operations throughout the state to help meet the growing demand for the COVID-19 vaccine booster. The State of Illinois is more than doubling personnel and adding at least 100 people to regional sites – administering vaccinations, preparing vaccine doses for clinic personnel, and doing data entry.
Chicago Nonprofit Secures $1M Donation
Chicago nonprofit Lorenzo’s House, an organization that works to empower families navigating younger-onset Alzheimer’s through innovative, specialized programming for both the person diagnosed, their care-partner-spouse and children, is capping off its eventful first year of operation by announcing a $1 million donation from an anonymous donor.
Dr. Derrick B. Wells releases new book
Live Happy: 365 Daily Practices For A Happier Life
Dr. Derrick B. Wells releases his newest book Live Happy which takes readers to the core of transformation and to the heights of happiness. Wells shares 365 bite-size ideas, techniques, strategies, philosophies and skills to help readers take the actions needed for an easier path to success. Live Happy lays the blueprint for mental and emotional wholeness using principles that have helped thousands of people overcome pain, fear, procrastination and confusion.
Jermaine Dupri Takes JD’s Vegan Ice Cream Nationwide
The complete portfolio of plant-based frozen desserts will be available in select Walmart stores and on Walmart.com
GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist, producer, and vegan entrepreneur, Jermaine Dupri, along with partner Big Innovations Group Inc., are proud to announce the expansion of JD’s Vegan ice cream. Shortly after the initial launch of JD’s Vegan, the brand announces the release of new flavors including Chocolate My Way, Key Lime Pie, and (404) Cookies & Cream, which will make their way into Walmart freezer aisles alongside already available JD’s Vegan flavors, including Welcome to Atlanta, Peach Cobbler, Apple Butter, and Strawberry Sweetheart.
Biden-Harris Administration Extends Student Loan Pause Through May 1
The U.S. Department of Education announced a 90-day extension of the pause on student loan repayment, interest, and collections through May 1, 2022. The extension will allow the Administration to assess the impacts of the Omicron variant on student borrowers and provide additional time for borrowers to plan for the resumption of payments and reduce the risk of delinquency and defaults after restart. The Department will continue its work to transition borrowers smoothly back into repayment, including by improving student loan servicing.
Oak Street Health Announces Leadership Changes
Oak Street Health, Inc. (NYSE: OSH, or the “Company”), a network of value-based primary care centers for adults on Medicare, announced that Chief Operating Officer (COO) Geoff Price will serve in the newly formed role of Chief Innovation Officer. Oak Street Health’s current President, Brian Clem, will move to the COO role.
Applications are being accepted for the next graduating call of the Chicago Scholars
The Chicago Scholars has opened the application process for its 2027 graduating class. Students who are first generation and from under resourced communities and in their junior year of high school are encouraged to apply.
Social Media Creators Partner With Jenni for Exclusive Macy’s Collection
Social media influencers and viral fashion creators Denise Mercedes and Maria Castellanos launched a limited-edition exclusive capsule collection with Jenni, a Macy’s (NYSE:M) private brand, called Style Not Size.
Nationally known hot sauce uses peppers from local gardens
Dan Fitzgerald and his business partner John Crotty started Small Axe Peppers Hot Sauce because they had acquired land and created a community garden. It was their first foray into the community garden and urban farming scene, something that the Bronx is robust for. The problem they ran into was that while the gardens were doing amazing things on the grassroots level in their communities, they had to depend on city grants and out of pocket expenses to fund what they were doing.
FDA OKs Pfizer Pill as First At-Home COVID Treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday, Dec. 22, approved the emergency use of Pfizer’s new antiviral pill Paxlovid in people who are at high risk for severe COVID-19. It’s the first approved treatment for COVID-19 meant to be taken at home.
Blues Renaissance Man creates camp for children
Fernando Jones describes himself as a Bluesman and a Renaissance man. He started playing the guitar in 1968 and plays other instruments. He knows what it is like to play music with other kids, so he started a program called Blues Camp International in 2010.
30th Anniversary Bounce Trumpet Awards to air Jan. 17 Show
Bounce, the nation’s popular entertainment television network serving African Americans, will present the 30th Anniversary Bounce Trumpet Awards -- a night of inspiration, history and crowd-rousing performances celebrating African American achievements and contributions -- on Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 17, at 8 p.m. ET.
Four Local Organizations received a share of $175,000 from PepsiCo
PepsiCo distributed $175,000 to four organizations as part of its recently launched Pathways to Readiness and Empowerment Program. Teamwork Englewood and Girls in the Game are two of the organizations that received the money.
The Bronzeville Children’s Museum Hosted its Annual Kwanzaa Celebration Following COVID Mandates
The king entered the room and greeted everyone with “Habari Gani” to which people responded Kujichagulia. Bronzeville Children’s Museum, located at 9301 S. Stony Island Ave., hosted a Kwanzaa celebration on Monday, Dec. 27. The museum was founded by Peggy Montes, who also serves as its president. It has been located on Stony Island since 2008.