Thursday, March 31
ALDERMAN PAT DOWELL GRACIOUSLY RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT FROM MULTI-DENOMINATIONAL GROUP OF POPULAR CHICAGO AREA PASTORS
Dr. Horace Smith and Bishop Larry D. Trotter among mass group of clergymen
Over fifty Pastors from throughout Cook County traveled to Chicago’s Quinn Chapel to officially announce their endorsement of Alderman Pat Dowell to replace outgoing Congressman Bobby Rush. In January of 2022, Representative Rush announced his retirement from Congress after 30 years of service.
Mail Ballot Applications Now Available for Suburban Cook County Voters
uburban Cook County voters may now apply for their Mail Ballots in the June 28, 2022, Gubernatorial Primary Election through the Cook County Clerk’s Office website, according to the Office of Clerk Karen A. Yarbrough
Wednesday, March 30
ILLINOIS TOLLWAY AWARDS $56 MILLION IN CONTRACTS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN MARCH
Nearly $9.6 billion invested since start of Move Illinois Program
The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors approved 12 construction and professional engineering services contracts totaling nearly $56 million in March, including contracts that support new and growing construction businesses with opportunities to step up and become primes.
Chicago Public Schools Fills Key District Roles with Dedicated Leaders
Promotions to New Roles Shared Wednesday during Board of Education Meeting
As Chicago Public Schools (CPS) continues to serve more than 330,000 students this school year, the District announced Wednesday that some of its current leaders are stepping into top administrator roles. All are dedicated CPS professionals who have been promoted from within the District to take on new challenges and responsibilities. Three of these cabinet-level administrators are proud CPS graduates and two are parents of CPS students/graduates.
South Suburban College to Offer Summer Graphic Design Session to High School Juniors and Seniors
The Art and Design Department at South Suburban College (SSC) invites students, who will enter their junior or senior year of high school in the fall of 2022, to learn about the Graphic Design Program this summer. This hands-on opportunity will run from June 6 - 16, 2022 between 9 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Monday through Thursday on the South Holland campus in room 4431.
GODDESS STRENGTH COLLECTION BY CAROL'S DAUGHTER IS BACK
Carol's Daughter, a leading brand in the natural hair care space, is expanding its best-selling Goddess Strength Collection with two NEW formulas designed to nourish, replenish and strengthen hair – the Repairing Cocoon Mask and Pre-Poo Treatment. With "hair breakage" trending as one of the top beauty searches, the Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Collection is specially formulated with Castor Oil and other natural ingredients to build strength and length retention in the hair. Both products are designed to empower naturally curly, coily and heat-styled goddesses to reach new heights and lengths in their hair care journey.
Title and Brokerage Company Owner wants to make impact in community
Tuwanna Dennis is continuing the legacy of providing residential services in the building that was once the home to Dempsey Travis Realty. Dennis will house her Dior Realty Group, along with her other endeavors at 840 Impact, located at 840 E. 87th St.
Sistas Who Succeed Profile - TANYA MARIE MCLENDON
(Black PR Wire) In recognition of Women’s History Month, Women Grow Strong and Black PR Wire have collaborated to produce a series of media highlights to honor and recognize “Sistas Who Succeed!” Today, we are featuring Fashion Goddess and Designer, TANYA MARIE, CEO of Tanya Marie Design.
Oak Park Regional Housing Center Honors ‘Heroines of Housing’ in 50th Year
The Oak Park Regional Housing Center honored more than 50 women who have advanced fair and equitable housing as “Heroines of Housing” at a March 24 event at the Nineteenth Century Club that also celebrated the Center’s 50 years of service to the community.
Pappas: Certified notice out on 45,000 properties with unpaid taxes in Cook County
On May 12, 2022, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas will begin the sale of unpaid 2019 property taxes that were originally due in 2020.
National Campaign Supporting Vaccine Equity in Black Communities Partners with Alpha Kappa Alpha in Chicago
The W. Montague Cobb/NMA Health Institute, partnered with the Central Regional Conference of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® on Thursday, March 17, to co-host The Chicago Stay Well Community Vaccine Event at Malcolm X College in a continued effort to make vaccines more accessible to Chicago’s Black community. With mask mandates being lifted in every Chicago County except one, the urgency for vaccines remain high.
CALUMET CITY MAYOR JONES UNVEILS A RESOURCEFUL GUIDE FOR ITS SENIOR COMMUNITY
“Imagine a community in which someone can be welcomed and engaged and find accessibility and needed services at all stages of life. This is what the City of Calumet City strives to provide for its residents, as illustrated by a newly created planning document, "Aging-in-Community in Calumet City: A Strategic Guide." says Mayor Jones.
PRINCE: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE MAKES WORLDWIDE DEBUT IN CHICAGO JUNE 9
Chicago will glow purple this summer when Prince: The Immersive Experience makes its worldwide debut on Thursday, June 9. Presented by Superfly in partnership with The Prince Estate, attendees will be invited to fully immerse themselves in the music and life of Prince. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 31, exclusively at PrinceTheExperience.com.
STANLEY NELSON AND JACQUELINE OLIVE SET TO DIRECT DOCUMENTARY
Award-winning filmmakers Stanley Nelson and Jacqueline Olive will direct The Color of Cola, an inspirational documentary that sheds light on the experience of an all-Black sales team, the first of its kind for any major corporation, tasked with tapping the African American market in the Jim Crow South. Based on Stephanie Capparell’s “The Real Pepsi Challenge: How One Pioneering Company Broke Color Barriers in 1940s American Business,” the documentary will take viewers on a journey marked by persistence and fortitude.
CALUMET CITY OFFERS FREE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS HIGHLIGHTING RESIDENT'S PRODUCTS & BUSINESSES
The City of Calumet City is offering businesses located within the City's corporate boundaries, an opportunity to record a FREE three-to-five-minute professional Public Service Announcement (PSA) highlighting their products, services, and benefits to our community.
Dance company to premier motion picture ‘Nine’
Praize Productions, Inc., a Bronzeville Dance Company, was set to perform their annual Spring theatrical production in March of 2020. Then, COVID-19 hit and they had to postpone the production. Now, PPI is back to show the production, which they have turned into the film, “Nine.” It will be shown at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, at the House of Hope, located at 752 E. 114th St.
Black Americans and the Worldwide Principles of Democracy
Anti-democratic authoritarianism is on the rise–both around the world and here at home. Sometimes it is easier to recognize overseas. That’s especially true at moments like this when Vladimir Putin’s military is killing civilians in Ukraine to feed his ambitions for greater power and is crushing any effort at dissent or truth-telling in his native Russia.
CHICAGO SCHOLARS HOSTS SERIES TO EMPOWER FUTURE WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS
Chicago Women Lift and Lead was created in 2021. Elizabeth Browne, Head of Entrepreneur & Family Office Partnerships at RedBird, had the idea for the series. She wanted to figure out how to ensure greater access and opportunity for women in business, especially women of color. With the series, 40 senior women leaders from different sectors and industries in Chicago are paired with a cohort of young women, who are recent graduates entering the workforce or set to enter the workforce. The young women have the opportunity for exposure to different career paths and mentorship from the 40 senior women leaders.
African American Woman Develops Unique Program to Help Level the Playing Field for 750,000 Minority Construction Firms
BE Group is ready to prepare minority construction firms in any city become bid ready
A decade ago, Suzanne Stantley realized that billions of dollars in construction projects were going on in communities throughout the country and that most African American businesses were not in the loop to bargain for, identify and connect with the right decision-makers. She learned these businesses’ inability to make connections impacted their ability to participate in the American dream, and she knew exactly what she had to do. She took her more than thirty-five years as a trained marketer and parlayed that into a venture that would bring companies, small and large, together to do business.
Mother uses pain for purpose of changing lives
Pamela Bosley’s son Terrell Bosley was a gifted musician and a music lover who played music at church. At the age of 18, Terrell was shot and killed on the grounds of a church in 2006. Bosley founded the Terrell Bosley Anti Violence Association. The goal of the organization is to change lives and bring about peace.
Friday, March 25
South Suburban College Seeking Teachers for College for Kids Summer Program
The Office of Continuing, Corporate and Community Education (C3) at South Suburban College (SSC) is seeking teachers to join the College for Kids teaching staff. This program will greatly enhance a child’s development this summer.
Black Men United and Political Leaders Sending Medical Supplies to Ukraine
Representatives of Black Men United, Ukrainian officials and political leaders are to gather at a south-suburban warehouse Saturday morning (March 26) to ship off medical supplies to Ukraine, whose people are suffering injury and death in the Russian attack.
Assessor’s Office Releases Data on Chicago Commercial Properties
First-of-its-kind reporting offers a transparent look at the Office’s mass appraisal methods
Assessor Fritz Kaegi announced the public release of data used to calculate the assessment of every individual commercial property located in the City of Chicago for Tax Year 2021 – the first time the Office has made this information available online.
Wednesday, March 23
Forest Preserves of Cook County Prepares for Spring 2022 Trout Fishing Season
More than 4,000 pounds of fish will be added to trout fishing lakes
The Forest Preserves of Cook County is pleased to announce the 2022 spring inland trout fishing season, opening on Saturday, April 2, at Axehead Lake (Park Ridge), Belleau Lake (Park Ridge), Sag Quarry East (Lemont), Horsetail Lake (Palos Park) and Green Lake (Calumet City).
(BPRW) Racial Equity Video Anthology launched to spread insight and inspiration from grassroots leaders making change
(Black PR Wire) Thank you to everyone who joined for this year’s State of Black Philanthropy. Together, we honored and uplifted Black generosity, leadership, and community impact. We experienced the deep wisdom, power, and insights of community leaders and creatives building momentum for a more equitable and just Greater Miami.
Black Fashion Designers Create The Perfect Spring Looks
The Black Fashion Week| USA runway event returned for its 7th annual fashion week over the weekend ending Black History Month and Celebrating Women’s History Month in Chicago, IL. The event took place in Chicago, IL where it all began 7 years ago with a vision to highlight designers of color, promoting and exposing their brand aesthetics to the general public nationwide in key metropolitan cities.
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL BLACK BANK FOUNDATION
Major League Soccer announced recently that it would leverage a historic $25 million loan from a syndicate of Black banks, marking the first time any sports league has participated in a major commercial transaction exclusively with Black banks. Facilitated by the nonprofit National Black Bank Foundation (NBBF), the partnership is the latest significant step in a series of ongoing efforts by MLS in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion space.
CTA Hosts Meeting Regarding Future Contracted Work as Part of the Proposed Red Line Extension Project
Agency brings together local vendors and suppliers to discuss business opportunities with a special emphasis on Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation
As part of its commitment to extend contracting opportunities to the communities it serves, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), hosted a virtual meeting for local small businesses and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) to learn more about upcoming contracting opportunities as part of the proposed Red Line Extension (RLE) project.
NEW SYNERGY FOR BLACK WORLD PROGRESS
Black Americans urged to join African-Caribbean initiative
Hope is on the horizon for a Black world renaissance. This is the expected outcome of an agreement reached by member-states of the African Union (AU) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at their virtual first summit. The agreement calls for boosting trade, investment and technology among them to uplift their people from poverty, malnutrition and illiteracy they inherited from slavery and colonialism. With the world now opening for in-person transactions, Barbados and Ghana are urging the two bodies to begin to implement the summit’s agreement.
Otis Redding Foundation Announces New Center for the Arts & Amphitheater
The Otis Redding Foundation is excited to announce the planned 9,000 square foot Otis Redding Center for the Arts and Amphitheater located in a place that is famous for its musical talent and heritage. It is envisioned as a central destination for youth educational programs in music and the arts.
Clerk's Office Conducts Ballot Lottery for June 28, 2022 Gubernatorial Primary Races
Cook County Clerk Karen A. Yarbrough and the Clerk's Office Election Team held ballot lotteries in a public drawing March 21st to determine candidate ballot positions for countywide races in the June 28, 2022 Gubernatorial Primary Election.
UChicago launches scholarships and comprehensive support for students and scholars impacted by war in Ukraine
Initiative to include mentoring, streamlined application process and Center in Paris programming to help students pursue higher education
As part of a comprehensive effort to support students and scholars impacted by the war in Ukraine, the University of Chicago announced today that it will provide full-tuition scholarships for undergraduate students affected by the invasion.
Advocates Applaud the Advancement of Sen. Duckworth's Legislation Restoring the FCC's Full Authority to Address the High Cost of Phone Calls for Incarcerated People and Their Families
On Tuesday, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee moved the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2021 (S. 1541) out of committee after a markup. Introduced last year by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D–Illinois), the bill advanced with an amendment agreed to by prison-phone-justice advocates and the National Sheriffs’ Association. The bill would restore the FCC’s authority to regulate all prison and jail calls and stop prison-telecom corporations from charging incarcerated people and their loved ones predatory rates.
Musician creates opportunities for Black jazz musicians
Ernest Dawkins was always drawn to music. He considers himself a Scientist of Sound. Dawkins can recall a time when 63rd, 47th and 43rd Streets were filled with night clubs. He would go to the Regal and see the Motown Revue. The music was accessible. It was being played in the community and had a communal feel.
THE 40TH ANNUAL CHICAGO MUSIC AWARDS SET FOR APRIL 2
The 40th Annual Chicago Music Awards and milestone celebration will make history by honoring the best of Chicagoland entertainers in all genres of music. The biggest event night in music in Chicago will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at the Congress Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, 520 S. Michigan Avenue.
SoFar Sounds creates intimate music experience
SoFar Sounds offers music lovers an opportunity to experience live music in intimate settings, but there’s a catch. The concertgoers don’t know the venue until 36 hours before the show and they don’t know the lineup of artists until they are at the show.
Scams Can Happen to Anyone. Here Are the Most Common Ones and How to Protect Yourself
Chances are you know someone who has been a victim of fraud or scam. As a result of the pandemic, fraudsters are finding new ways to find victims. The good news is that there are simple ways for consumers to stay safe and fight back
Study finds resident input is key to Woodlawn’s redevelopment
A Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) study about the redevelopment of Woodlawn has found that input from the residents was key to redeveloping the community and ensuring residents weren’t displaced when redevelopment occurred.
SIU Carbondale and City Colleges of Chicago to Strengthen Access for Transfer Students
Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) is partnering with City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) to better support students and increase access to higher learning. Saluki Step Ahead gives City Colleges of Chicago graduates who earn an associate degree automatic admission to SIU’s online accounting, business and administration, criminology and criminal justice, psychology, health care management and radiologic sciences programs.
Book details residential caste and ways to abolish it
Dr. Sheryll Cashin’s book, “White Space, Black Hood: Opportunity Hoarding and Segregation in the Age of Inequality,” explores America’s residential caste system. Through her career, Cashin wondered why there were communities with great abundance, with the best of everything, and communities of great need, where people seemed trapped and subjugated. The book is the culmination of two decades of grappling with that issue.
Entrepreneur creates skincare line to address skin issues
Alexis Washington wanted to create a skincare line. It was put on the back burner when she started having children and started her career as a nurse. A few years ago, she started a haircare line with a friend. She separated from the haircare line and wanted to focus on her dream of having a skincare line. In October 2020, she began the process of creating Lexury Skin.
South Suburban College Opens Late Spring Class Registration
The South Suburban College (SSC) Adult Education Department has extended the enrollment period for its free High School Equivalency (HSE/GED) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. The late spring session is scheduled from April 18 through June 16, 2022. Most of the Adult Education programs are offered both full-time and part-time at the Main Campus in South Holland or at the Oak Forest Center. There are daytime, nighttime and online course options available.
CHICAGO-AREA COMMUNITIES RECOGNIZED FOR SOLAR ENERGY ACHIEVEMENTS
Ten new Chicago-area communities have achieved national recognition for encouraging the growth of solar energy. These communities were awarded designation under SolSmart, a program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy that helps local governments reduce barriers to solar energy use for homes and businesses.
South Suburban College Men’s Basketball Team Completes Historic Season with National Championship
The South Suburban College (SSC) Men’s Basketball Team won the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Tournament on Saturday, March 19, 2022. The Bulldogs defeated Davidson-Davie Community College 79-63 at the Mary Miller Center in Danville, Illinois, to cap off a 33-0 season. They entered the tournament as the #1 seed as the national leader in points allowed, blocks and steals. The Bulldogs became the first NJCAA championship winner in school history in any sport. They also earned the distinction as the first team in NJCAA DII history to go undefeated.
Tuesday, March 22
South Suburban College to Unveil Men’s Basketball Championship Banner Saturday
The South Suburban College (SSC) Men’s Basketball Team won the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Tournament on Saturday, March 19, 2022. The college is inviting the community to celebrate with the team at a special Bulldogs Championship Banner Unveiling on Saturday, March 26 at 12 noon at the SSC Fieldhouse. All media and fans are encouraged to attend to view the banner, enjoy light refreshments, and hear from players, coaches and special guests.
Wednesday, March 16
REPRESENTATIVE BOB RITA SCORES A MAJOR WIN CREATING LAW THAT WOULD SAVE LIVES ALONG DEADLY STRETCH OF 127TH STREET
Robert “Bob” Rita- Illinois State Representative of the 28th Legislative District- scored a significant victory this week in his fight to combat a dangerous, deadly section of roadway near a popular park in the south suburban community of Blue Island. But under his proposed legislation, other alike communities will become safer as well.
Black Female Developer Driving Impact on Chicago’s South Side
Brittini Flatley aims to redesign the blueprint for residential reentry with the Halim A. Flowers Center
Making a true impact is difficult for any individual, and it is especially difficult for young black females working in development, but that isn’t stopping Brittini Flatley from pursuing her goal of providing a new blueprint for what residential reentry centers should look like. Using her career in real estate development as a springboard, Flatley is hoping to corroborate a new alternative system developed in Colorado under the Second Chance Center, Inc. that will dramatically reduce the recidivism rate by providing a multi-use center to help recently incarcerated individuals readjust to life outside of prison. The development, planned for the south side of Chicago, will be called the Halim A. Flowers Center
Hope Chicago Organization provided free tuition to 4,000 students on South and West sides
Malik Banbridge always wanted to be a funeral home director. He has been talking about going to college for some months. His mother, Sharon Smith, has been out of work for a year, but didn’t want to spoil his dream. She prayed that something would happen. Her prayers were answered when Hope Chicago announced that it would provide free tuition to students at Al Raby High School where Malik is a senior.
Pat Dowell Filed Candidate Petitions for Illinois 1st Congressional District
Pat Dowell filed more than 2,200 signatures on her petitions to run for the Democratic nominee for First Congressional District Representative in Illinois. Since her team was fully prepared and arrived early to get in line, Dowell was first among the other candidates in this race to turn in her petitions at the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield on Monday, March 7.
Sheriff Dart Warns Public of Phone Scam
Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart is alerting the public to a recent phone scam in which the caller claimed to be an employee of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and called from a number disguised to appear as though it was from the Sheriff’s Office.
Black owned media procurement bill passes House
An amendment to the Illinois Procurement Code would increase the percentage that Black-owned media receives from state agencies in media purchases. Currently, the Illinois Procurement Code allows for state agencies to set aside 10% of their media purchasing for Black media. The HB0378 would increase that number to 20%.Illinois State Representative Thaddeus Jones, D. Dist. 29, introduced the Illinois House Bill 0378 on Jan. 29, 2021. On March 3, 2022, it was voted on in the Illinois House and passed 72-23. Now the bill is in the Senate awaiting a vote.
Shaw University’s “Platinum Sound” Marching Band is Featured in National Advertising Campaign
For decades, Platinum Sound Marching Band has been a staple at Shaw University, one of the oldest Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation. To support Platinum Sound’s tradition of bringing joy to sports fans and the local community, McDonald’s USA and its local Owner/Operators surprised the Band with a $100,000 grant on Feb. 19 during the University’s Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament (CIAA) send-off ceremony.
Film explores activism, includes healing component
In 15 minutes, Maxwell Emcays was about to produce an activism film with redeeming qualities. His short film, “Jail,” was inspired by the community work he has been doing in the city. Emcays has been doing a lot of community and grassroots organization activism work. He has experienced some of the challenges of working with the established city’s political and business structure. When Kanye West’s “Donda” came out, the song, “Jail,” sparked Emcays to tell a narrative to discuss the challenges he experienced. Emcays wanted some type of healing and holistic message for his film.
Apply NOW for The NextEra Energy Scholarship
FPL is committed to supporting our communities to help make them better places to live, work and raise a family. One way we do this is by supporting education programs that enrich students’ experiences, as it relates to science and math programs, and which many times help break down barriers to opportunity. This new scholarship will help further our state’s future leaders as they pursue a higher education.
KISS Colors & Care Partners with Jayda Cheaves for Ambassadorship
KISS Colors & Care, an innovative, high-performance textured hair care brand from KISS Products Inc., is thrilled to announce its partnership with entrepreneur and influencer Jayda Cheaves for the brand’s women’s collection in 2022.
Illinois State Treasurer’s Office returns $250,000 to Spelman College
Grace Scipio wanted to give back to her alma mater, Spelman College, when she died. The Chicago Public School teacher was a native of Georgia and attended the University of Chicago for her Master’s Degree. She died in 2019, the $250,000 was in a savings account. With the help of Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs’ office, the money has been returned to Spelman College.
The Auditorium Theatre Presents An Evening with Renée Elise Goldsberry
The Auditorium Theatre announces An Evening with Renée Elise Goldsberry at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Making her Chicago concert debut at the Auditorium, Renée is best known for her role as Angelica Schuyler in the musical phenomenon Hamilton. She is a multi-gifted actress and singer who has delivered award winning performances both on Broadway and on screen. For one night only, Goldsberry performs a high-energy spiritual journey reminiscent of a good old-fashioned revival, singing pop, soul, and Broadway classics. Following the performance there will be a celebration on the Auditorium Theatre’s iconic stage with cocktails, buffet, desserts, and live music. All proceeds benefit the Auditorium Theatre, a nonprofit National Historic Landmark. Tickets are available for only the performance or the performance plus post-show party.
A Career in construction changes woman’s life
Lashundria Dewberry was looking for a career change. She knew she didn’t want to work as a security guard forever. In the back of her mind, she always had a career in construction as an ideal option. In 2015, she decided to pursue a career in construction and go through a four-month training program. Now, she is a journeyman laborer for Union Local 76 Cement.
UMe Reissues Five Classic Uptown Records Albums
Celebrating one of the most storied labels in R&B and hiphop, Universal Music Enterprises reissues a suite of five classics from Uptown Records available now. The label proudly presents the definitive versions of these albums with unreleased tracks, remixes, and more. Guy’s The Future (Expanded Edition), Heavy D & The Boyz’s Big Tyme (Expanded Edition), Jodeci’s Forever My Lady, Jodeci’s Diary of a Mad Band (Expanded Edition), and Christopher Williams’s Changes (Expanded Edition) are available to listen to
MAJOR RELIGIOUS LEADER TO MAKE POWERFUL ENDORSEMENT IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RACE TO REPLACE REPRESENTATIVE BOBBY RUSH
Bishop Larry D. Trotter-Senior Pastor of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church of Chicago- will be joined by hundreds of congregant sand fellow ministers as he will make public of his endorsement of 3rd Ward Chicago Alderman Pat Dowell to replace outgoing Congressman Bobby Rush of the 1st Congressional District of Illinois.
CancerIQ Raises $14M Series B Funding to Improve Access to Innovations in Cancer Early Detection and Prevention
CancerIQ, the platform powering early cancer detection and prevention across broad patient populations, announced it closed a $14 million Series B financing round co-led by Merck Global Health Innovation Fund (Merck GHI) and Amgen Ventures. McKesson Ventures, OSF Ventures (the investment arm of OSF HealthCare, a current CancerIQ customer), as well as CancerIQ’s Series A lead investor, HealthX Ventures, also participated in the Series B round
Friday, March 11
Cook County Clerk’s Office to Lead Estate Planning & Property Fraud Prevention Informational Forum March 24
Cook County Clerk Karen A. Yarbrough and Commissioner Bridget Degnen will host an educational forum on March 24 to share information that will help residents better understand the Estate Planning process and instruct them how to safely transfer their home, car, or bank accounts without fees or lengthy court delays
Wednesday, March 9
STATE REPRESENTATIVE THADDEUS JONES SUCCESSFULLY PASSES HB-0378 OUT OF THE ILLINOIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AFTER YEARS OF WITNESSING THE STATE SPEND MILLIONS IN ADVERTISING DOLLLARS THAT BYPASSED BLACK OWNED MEDIA COMPANIES, REP JONES STANDS UP FOR BLACK MEDIA
STATE REPRESENTATIVE THADDEUS JONES SUCCESSFULLY PASSES HB-0378 OUT OF THE ILLINOIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THIS BILL REQUIRES A MANDATE FOR BLACK OWN MEDIA NOW THE BILL HEADS TO THE SENATE. REP. JONES SAYS AFTER YEARS OF WITNESSING THE STATE SPEND MILLIONS IN ADVERTISING DOLLLARS THAT BYPASSED BLACK OWNED MEDIA COMPANIES, REP JONES STANDS UP FOR BLACK MEDIA
New Tool Makes It Easier for ComEd Customers to Take Control of Their Bills and Energy Use
With the launch of its Smart Assistance Manager (SAM), ComEd has made it easier for families and individuals to access customized financial assistance options, as well as programs to help them manage their electric bills.
A Music lover brings live music events to communities
Music is Margaret Murphy Webb’s life. While growing up her father owned a record shop and her mother had her and her sister singing in church. Murphy-Webb loves the freedom of jazz. The ability to create while a person is performing a song. Each person of the jazz ensemble can go outside of the realm, while staying in key, and the result is a beautiful composition.
Applications Open for Chicago Public Schools Seniors to Join Innovative Teaching Prep Program
Applications are open for Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) Teach Chicago Tomorrow program, a structured pathway for CPS graduates who want to return to the District as educators. CPS hires approximately 140 CPS graduates as teachers each year, and through Teach Chicago Tomorrow the District has set a long-term goal to triple the number of CPS grads hired annually to more than 500.
Black-owned, Black-led Franchisee Group Gets the “Big O” from Ben & Jerry’s
The three Black leaders of Primo Partners want to use their business to dismantle white supremacy.
‘Olivia Takes a Mental Health Day’ aims to help children
A new book aims to help children identify and verbalize their feelings and have more of a mind-body connection. The book, “Olivia Takes a Mental Health Day,” follows Olivia, a young girl who gets a medical diagnosis while having to deal with other stressful situations.
Rep. Davis, Sen. Durbin, and Rep. Schneider Champion Bill to Help Illinois Recover from the Pandemic by Waiving Interest on Federal Unemployment Loans
Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL) joined with Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL) to champion the Continued Waiver of Interest on State Unemployment Loans during the Pandemic Act. This legislation would extend the waiver of interest payments on federal unemployment loans during the pandemic to help Illinois and other states financially as they support their constituents and respond to the dual economic and health crises.
BIPOC-led organizations call for equity in funding
The Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC)-led organizations on the South and West sides are calling for equitable funding when it comes to funding community organizations in the grant process.
Revelations Entertainment Named as Executive Producers for ‘2 Richards! The African Company’
Revelations Entertainment’s Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary announced that they will be executive producers on director Kamilla Blanche’s upcoming documentary “2 Richards! The African Company.”
New Honda Docuseries Celebrates the Legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB), the nation’s premier showcase for Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands and dance teams, announced its new four-part docuseries, Driving the Legacy of HBCUs, premiered on Saturday, Feb. 26. The docuseries will explore various aspects of the HBCU experience, using performances, interviews and notable alumni to tell the HBCU story. The series also will highlight Honda’s longstanding relationship with and support of the HBCU community.
A Local Chicago Couple creates a plant-based detergent
Sylvia Emuwa noticed her daughter was having an allergic reaction to the diaper, so she decided to cloth diaper. To successfully cloth diaper, a specific detergent suitable for the cloth is needed. Emuwa also wanted to be earth-friendly, but she found those products didn’t clean the cloth diapers well enough.
Chicago Urban League Names Jessica R. Harris Chief Development Officer and Promotes Calmetta Coleman to Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Development Officer, Harris will be responsible for developing strategies to accelerate philanthropy, grow and diversify the League’s funding base, and secure major and planned gifts for the organization. She will report directly to President and CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson. Harris joins the Chicago Urban League from Cara Collective, where she was most recently Director of Advancement and responsible for a personal portfolio of $1 million of institutional funders and individual donors, as well as supervising and coaching team members who secure roughly $1 million of additional institutional support and $1 million of major and annual fund gifts.
CITY COLLEGES OF CHICAGO WAS SELECTED BY AMAZON AS AN EDUCATION PARTNER FOR CAREER CHOICE PROGRAM
City colleges of Chicago will provide Amazon hourly employees access to credit and certification education pathways at all seven colleges. Amazon’s Career Choice program provides full tuition to learn new skills for career success at Amazon or elsewhere
Wednesday, March 2
Propel Center Announces $1,000,000 in Student Scholarships
The Propel Center, the global HBCU technology and learning hub intended to level the playing field and open greater doors of opportunity for HBCU students, today announced the launch of its Propel Student Impact Scholarships, with support from Apple and Southern Company. The new scholarship program, directed at HBCU students who are interested in pursuing careers in entrepreneurship, arts & entertainment, agri-tech, social justice and health, is open to rising sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students alike.
Organization wants to bolster the community
The Greater Chatham Initiative was founded five and a half years ago to bolster workforce and economic development in the community. The organization was founded to address the number of Black residents from the community who were leaving, because jobs were not available, and it caused destabilization.
Bill seeks pay raise for tipped workers
Sponsor says it is a step out of poverty for millions of working families
A bill in the Illinois House would do away with the sub-minimum wage paid to waitresses, bartenders and other tipped service workers. Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, introduced House Bill 5139 last month. If the bill becomes law, workers who supplement their wages with tips will receive the state’s minimum wage starting on Jan. 1, 2025, in addition to their tips.
Federal Affordable Connectivity Program Provides Eligible Low-Income Households $30/month Towards the Cost of Internet Service
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible low-income households a credit up to $30 a month toward the cost of Internet service ($75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands). Participants in the program can apply the ACP credit toward the cost of participating plans from a variety of Internet Service Providers, including Comcast’s Internet Essentials program and all the company’s Xfinity Internet plans, as well as mobile services. Households that choose plans totaling $30 or less will essentially receive their service for free.
School Districts receive donation from Amazon
Amazon has donated $1 million to two school districts in the South Suburbs to foster STEM careers. Matteson Elementary School District 159 and Rich Township High School District 227 received the donation on Tuesday, Feb. 22nd.
Commemorative Coin Debuts to Celebrate Juneteenth National Independence Day
Juneteenth Unlimited, LLC is excited to introduce the release of a commemorative coin to celebrate a new Federal holiday - Juneteenth - inspired by the African Diaspora, Black American history and the fight for freedom. Made of one troy ounce of .999 fine silver, this inspirational coin is for anyone who wants a valuable keepsake to memorialize this significant new holiday.
Clothing Brand, Elle Olivia, Launches to Empower Young Female Voices of Color
Marty McDonald, founder of Boss Women Media, launched her newest venture with children’s clothing brand, Elle Olivia. The brand, named in honor of McDonald’s young daughter, will launch with a selection of clothing for babies and toddlers, as well as items for mothers. In addition, Elle Olivia will feature a book written by McDonald, Mama We Made It.
Education Department Announces $35 Million Competition to Improve Teacher Quality
Program Aims to Recruit, Prepare, Retain and Support Teachers with a Focus on Equity, Diversity, and Increasing the Educator Pipeline
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. release video for “Silly Love Songs”
“Silly Love Songs,” the Paul & Linda McCartney classic, has been released by 7-time Grammy Award Winners, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. in a new music video tribute from the couple's bestselling EE1 BMG album, “blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons,” a "Civil Rights are Human Rights" recording project, honoring Black History Month.
Author’s book uses Enneagram Test to help with relationships
Dr. D. Darrell Griffin has been doing work around the Enneagram Test since 2007. Griffin believes the more people know about themselves, the better they can be in relationships with other people. That is the premise of his book, “Building a Better You: Using the Enneagram to find Purpose, Healing, and Success in Relationships,” which is out now.
MUSEUM’S HISTORIC BLACK CREATIVITY PROGRAM RETURN
Black Creativity and its signature Juried Art Exhibition is open now through April 17 at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI). MSI has hosted the annual celebration for more than 50 years. This exhibition is included with Museum entry.
Profiting From Your Passions to Create Unlimited Income While You Sleep
If you’re looking at turning your passions into dollars, dropshipping is one of the best ways to sell products online without having any inventory to create passive income, according to Asia Abston at Absolutely Abston
Robbins Mayor lays out plans for Village
A water crisis. Little economic development. A food desert. No workforce development. These are some of the challenges facing the Village of Robbins. But, Robbins Mayor Darren E. Bryant is committed to facing those challenges head on and improving the prospects of the Village.
Illinois lawmakers must create legal balance between owners, renters of storage units
During and since my time as an active-duty officer in the Army, I have devoted much time and energy to protecting military service members from financial predators. Last year I focused on the passage of the Predatory Lending Prevention Act (PLPA), and the nationwide repeal of a Comptroller of the Currency rule that protected payday lenders using evasive schemes to get around state-imposed usury rate caps. While those efforts were successful, there is more to do.
Black men find a safe space with The Healing Organization
Tristan Lewis and Andrew Smith created the Healing, a non-profit organization with the mission to normalize wellness and mental health for Black men. It was created as a response to 2020, with the global pandemic, racial injustice and civil unrest.
Center Seeks Community Partner for Home Visiting Program
To improve Chicago children’s chances for success in life from the very start, the University of Chicago’s Center for the Economics of Human Development (CEHD) seeks to partner with an experienced childhood organization to launch an ambitious home visiting program supporting Chicago’s parents and families.
An Englewood Organization founder wants to keep kids on right track
Latanya Johnson has been a one-woman army for the last nine years. As the founder of Latanya and the Youth of Englewood, Johnson has provided for young people in Englewood by hosting recreational, educational, mentorship and entrepreneurship programs, as well as community and holiday events.
National Public Housing Museum Exhibit Explores Englewood’s Land Sale Contracts and Segregation
A groundbreaking exhibition sponsored by the National Public Housing Museum, the nation’s first cultural institution dedicated to interpreting the American public housing experience, sheds new light on an unsavory Chicago real estate practice in the ‘50s and ‘60s: Selling homes to Black families using Land Sale Contracts, which imposed excessive monthly payments on buyers — many of whom lost their properties. LSCs bred segregation and redlining, cheating families out of equity built through home ownership.
Sheriff Dart Testifies Before Senate on Solutions to Carjacking Surge
Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart testified today before a U.S. Senate Committee about the Chicago area’s disturbing rise in carjackings and his work with automakers on innovative, comprehensive solutions.
National Kidney Foundation of Illinois Celebrates World Kidney Day
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) will celebrate World Kidney Day on March 10, 2022 with a full day of activities and events at the Emil & Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center at Chicago State University, 9501 South M.L. King, Jr. Drive in Chicago from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
New, Easier-to-use Applications for Property Tax Savings are Now Available
Everything Homeowners Need to Know
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi announces property-tax-saving exemptions for the 2021 tax year are now available online in a new, streamlined application
Tuesday, March 1
IDPH Director Ezike to step down March 14
Pritzker declares March 1 ‘Dr. Ngozi Ezike Day’ in Illinois
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike will resign on March 14 after three years leading the agency and two years navigating a deadly pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 32,000 Illinoisans.
BLACK EXPERIENCE ON XFINITY TO OFFER $1 MILLION IN GRANTS TO EMERGING BLACK FILMMAKERS IN CELEBRATION OF ITS ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Channel Includes the Ultimate in Black Storytelling And is the Proud Home to the Largest Curated Independent Black Film Collection On Demand
Black Experience on Xfinity offers one-stop access to a collection of content that showcase the breadth of Black culture. Available at home on Xfinity X1 and Flex, and on-the-go with the Xfinity Stream app, the Black Experience on Xfinity will entertain, educate, and uplift, featuring Black actors, writers, producers, and directors. At home, Xfinity subscribers can visit channel 1622 or simply say “Black Experience” into the Voice Remote. And for the first time, consumers nationwide will be able to enjoy the ultimate in Black storytelling with the availability of the Black Experience collection on Comcast’s new XClass TV, easily accessible through the platform’s home screen and voice remote.
EARLY WALKER AND INTERNATIONALLY RENOWN RECORD LABEL CEO WHO DISCOVERED DRAKE AND LIL WAYNE, TO LEAD TOWNHALL DISCUSSION ON CHICAGO VIOLENCE
Early Walker- Founder of “I’m Telling, Don’t Shoot” will be joined by the J Price, President and CEO of the “Rap-a-Lot” Record label, in leading a unique coalition of Civic, Entertainment, law enforcement, government, and youth in a town hall meeting on Chicago violence. Thursday, March 3rd @ 2:00 PM at Fenger High School, 11220 S. Wallace, Chicago, Illinois.