Tuesday, May 31
Rail Merger Would Weigh Heavily on Poor and Black Communities
People of color are no stranger to shouldering more than their fair share of the burdens of modern society. It’s historically been the case. And the last two years – marked by the devastating pandemic, social unrest, including the most recent massacre in Buffalo, N.Y. among other racial injustices – have only underscored the disparate challenges faced by Black and other people of color.
OVER 300 RESIDENTS GATHERED TO WITNESS THE VILLAGE OF LYNWOOD DEDICATE NEW VETERANS MEMORIAL
Jada D. Curry- Mayor of Lynwood, Illinois- was joined by the Lynwood Village Board, Regional Elected Officials and over 200 residents as Lynwood will unveil its all-new Veterans Memorial that honors the many military veterans that have served.
Thursday, May 26
Chicago Center for Arts and Technology Celebrated its 5th Anniversary of providing job training, after school & summer programs for disadvantaged neighborhoods Janice K. Jackson of HOPE Chicago recei
The Chicago Center for Arts and Technology (CHICAT) celebrated its 5th Anniversary recently on May 12, 2022, with the “Looking back…Innovating Forward” Friendraiser! The event hosted by ABC 7’s Hosea Sanders awarded Janice K. Jackson, CEO of HOPE Chicago with the “Innovation in Education Award.”
Wednesday, May 25
PASTOR MICHAEL EADDY AND MAJOR RELIGOUS LEADERS TO JOIN TOGETHER FOR A MICHIGAN AVENUE PRAYER WALK
FROM MICHIGAN AVENUE TO UVALDE, TEXAS, BUFFALO, NY TO ORANGE COUNTY GUN VIOLENCE AND MENTAL HEALTH MUST BECOME THE #1 PRIORITY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FROM MICHIGAN AVENUE TO UVALDE, TEXAS, BUFFALO, NY TO ORANGE COUNTY GUN VIOLENCE AND MENTAL HEALTH MUST BECOME THE #1 PRIORITY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A coalition of Faith Leaders, Elected Officials, Community Leaders, Cook County residents, and businesspersons will join together in a Michigan Avenue March for Peace in Chicago. The march will kick off at 401 N. Michigan south to Millennium Park Chicago where they will convene a mass demonstration/prayer at the Bean exhibit.
29th Legislative District Representative Thaddeus Jones Receives Endorsement From Personal Pac
Thaddeus Jones- Illinois State Representative of the 29th Legislative District- is expressing his gratitude for recently receiving the endorsement of the Illinois Personal Pac. The announcement comes at a very challenging time as the right to protect women’s reproductive rights have been threatened by members of the United States Supreme Court.
Governor Pritzker Signs Hospital Assessment Program Expansion
On Tuesday, May 17, Governor JB Pritzker signed HB1950, extending and expanding the Hospital Assessment Program through 2026. The legislation helps ensure cash-flow predictability for hospitals, tying greater funding to higher Medicaid utilization to protect safety net hospitals. It also reclassifies certain hospitals to better align with payment and Medicaid needs, as well as offering tax exemptions and waivers to help hospitals recover from the effects of COVID-19.
1st District Candidate wants to build future for all
1st District Candidate wants to build future for all. Chris Butler, Senior Pastor of Chicago Embassy Church Network, is running for 1st Congressional District.
What’s a credit score and why is it important
Your credit score is a number that tells a story of who you are as a customer. The good news is that understanding how it works and monitoring it can help you take control of the story over time
Robbins Police Department has a new contract
Officers at the Village of Robbins Police Department have a new contract. The contract was signed on Thursday, May 12th. The contract includes a pay increase, as well as resources and equipment such as body cameras and tasers.
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater Selected to Receive Highest Level of Support from the University of Chicago’s Community Programs Accelerator
The organization is one of two nonprofits to earn this year’s designation, which comes with a $50,000 grant and up to three years of support
On May 18th, the Community Programs Accelerator at the University of Chicago announced that Deeply Rooted Dance Theater is one of two organizations joining the Accelerator’s 2022/2023 nonprofit cohort at the Core level. The organization will receive $50,000 in grant funding along with intense, focused, and customized support for up to three years.
Op-Ed / Hidden Scars
As Mental Health Awareness Month nears its close, it’s important that everyone who cares about the whole of Chicago and the whole of Illinois pay some extra close attention to the impact mental health and trauma has in underserved, disenfranchised and socio-economically challenged communities.
Sigma Beauty Is Serving Your Flawless Flush
Sigma is starting the summer strong with new and beloved shades of blushes, bronzers, and highlighters. These pressed powders are perfectly pigmented for a universally flattering flush of color and glow that lasts all day. Each shade of Blush, Bronzer and Highlighter is a part of Sigma’s Clean Beauty Program, meaning they’re free of harsh chemicals and made with the clean, safe ingredients you and your skin love.
Célébrez en Rosé Wine & Music Festival Coming to Chicago
A new event is coming for those who want to experience Summertime Chi and support Black owned wine makers. Célébrez en Rosé Wine & Music Festival is set for Saturday, June 25th, which is also International Rosé Day, at Burnham Park, 4100 S. Lake Shore Drive.
Knot My Boat Charters Offers Unlimited Access to Luxury on Lake Michigan
Knot My Boat Charters has fully rolled out its unique membership program, which provides access to luxury Lake Michigan boating, with no limit to the number of charters that members can book throughout the season. The company offers memberships and single-use rentals for a fleet of 15 sport and luxury yachts, ranging from 33-foot sport cruisers to 56-foot luxe yachts.
Program seeks to expand capacity of small businesses
World Business Chicago has created a program with the goal of expanding Black and Latino owned businesses on the South and West sides.
LYNWOOD MAYOR JADA CURRY AND THE LYNWOOD VILLAGE BOARD THRILLED OVER GOVERNOR PRITZKER’S RECENT VISIT AND CANVASS OF LYNWOOD
Jada Curry -Mayor of Lynwood -is expressing her gratitude to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton for their recent visit to the Village of Lynwood. Mayor Curry and members of the Lynwood Village Board were able to tour the duo throughout Lynwood showcasing the wonderful communities and people who make Lynwood a beautiful place to live.
ComEd Awards $280,000 in College Scholarships to 56 Illinois Students Pursuing Futures in Energy
Future of Energy Scholarship Fund launched this year to remove financial barriers, boost diversity and inclusion in STEM and energy careers
ComEd recently announced it will award $279,500 in scholarships to 56 local students pursuing college coursework in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and related fields this fall. The new Future of Energy Scholarships are part of ComEd's growing efforts to build a more diverse future energy workforce by removing obstacles for women and minority students pursuing STEM careers.
CENSUS BUREAU: ILLINOIS MAY HAVE BEEN UNDERCOUNTED IN 2020 CENSUS
The Census Bureau released new survey data Thursday suggesting the population of Illinois may have been undercounted by nearly 2 percent in the 2020 headcount. That was one of the findings of the Census Bureau’s Post-Enumeration Survey, or PES, something the bureau does after each decennial census to assess the quality of the census data. The results do not change the official population numbers of any state, nor do they affect congressional reapportionment, but they do help guide the bureau in its planning for the next decennial census.
Inductees Announced For The Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame June 2022 Induction
The Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame today announced the Inductees for its 2022 Black Music Month Ceremony – to be held on Saturday, June 18th in association with The Home Depot Backyard. The Black Music Month Induction will recognize and honor trailblazing artists, iconic entertainers, and luminaries who have impacted both Black culture and the community at large. The participation of The Home Depot Backyard is in conjunction with their annual Summer Movie Series & Juneteenth Celebration event.
MAYOR LIGHTFOOT, CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, CITY, STATE, AND COMMUNITY LEADERS BREAK GROUND ON A NEW ATHLETIC FIELD AT FARRAGUT CAREER ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot joined City, State, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and community leaders to break ground on a new turf soccer field at Farragut Career Academy High School. The project is part of a $16.6 million investment in the campus, set to be completed by Fall 2022. The improvements will help ensure Farragut continues to grow and thrive as an educational cornerstone in the Little Village community.
Local Runner’s Group prioritizes health and wellness
Terrance Lyles started running in 2006. He has participated in marathons from Chicago to Detroit, from Berlin, Germany to Negril, Jamaica. He wanted to share his love of running and find others who also loved it as much as he did, so he created the Men Run Deez Streets Facebook Group.
South Suburban College Baseball Wins 14th Division I Regional Championship
The South Suburban College Baseball Team captured their 14th Regional Championship on Saturday, May 14th, following a hard fought 12-inning victory over Region-IV Tournament host Triton College by a score of 9-8. The Bulldogs improved their season record of 41-17 – the 13th time they have reached the 40-win mark in school history .
Young Women in Illinois Can Apply to Build and Race Electric-Powered Racecars in ComEd EV Rally
Rally offers participants scholarships and opportunity to build careers in STEM
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, ComEd is excited to introduce its latest summer STEM program, the ComEd EV Rally! Young women in Illinois can now apply to the ComEd EV Rally, a competition that challenges teens to build electric-powered racecars. Thirty young women will work with ComEd women engineers to build high-tech racecars and race them in Chicago as they explore career pathways in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
City and State Partner on New Program to Offer Immediate Treatment For Opioid Use Disorder
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. and Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR) Director Laura Garcia announced today the launch of a new pilot program to offer immediately available medication to Chicagoans to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Medication- assisted recovery (MAR) involves the use of FDA-approved medications for the treatment of OUD and with the launch of the MAR NOW pilot program, a new hotline will make treatment more accessible than ever.
Tuesday, May 24
Sheriff’s Office’s Community Resource Center Serves as Bridge to Connect Teens to Services Amid National Mental Health Crisis
As the number of juveniles in need of mental health services continues to increase, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind teens and their loved ones that the Sheriff’s Office’s Community Resource Center (CRC) stands ready to help connect them to the services they need to thrive.
Friday, May 20
COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER DENNIS DEER GATHERS NUMEROUS ELECTED OFFICIALS AND WESTSIDE MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS IN ANNOUNCING EXPANSION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Dennis Deer-Cook County Board Commissioner of the 2nd District- was joined by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, numerous elected officials, Cook County Mental Health Officials, and various not for profit Mental Health Executives as he publicly appealed to general public to become aware of the new and expanded mental health services being provided by Cook County Health.
Thursday, May 19
3rd ANNUAL CHICAGO LEARNING DAYS, CHICAGO'S PREMIER CITYWIDE LEARNING FESTIVAL RETURNS MAY 19 - 22.
Chicago Learning Days is a 4-day citywide learning festival to connect youth and families to learning and working opportunities and features 80+ free, virtual and in-person, hands-on learning events. From local schools, museums, libraries, companies and more, learning is happening everywhere.
Wednesday, May 18
President Preckwinkle Announces Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot
Cook County Bureau of Economic Development announces Request for Proposal applications for organizations interested in program administration and outreach assistance for the Cook County Promise Guaran
Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced the Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot. The pilot is the nation’s largest publicly funded guaranteed income initiative at $42 million, and Cook County is the first government to commit to a permanent program after the completion of the pilot.
7th Congressional District Candidate has been on frontlines and in the trenches
Kina Collins is running for the 7th Congressional District against incumbent Congressman Danny Davis and Denarvis Mendenhall. Collins answered questions about issues she believes are important to the community and her experience as a part of the community and how it has translated to the creation of policies.
VILLAGE OF MATTESON ON AN UPSWING
The Village of Matteson seems to be on a rebound in the last couple of years. The Village is projecting approximately $2 million being received from revenue and sales tax of recent developments which include Amazon, Pete’s and Sam’s coming into the Village.
21c MUSEUM HOTEL CHICAGO HOSTS JAZZ AND SPOKEN WORD POETRY EVENT
21c Museum Hotel Chicago is thrilled to host a free jazz and spoken word poetry event in collaboration with Free Fyre’s Rebirth Tour at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 22. Organized by Free Fyre, a collective of artists, performers and spoken word poets, the Rebirth Tour will travel nationally to cities across the country, including Chicago. Through jazz music and poetry, the Rebirth Tour will retell the story of the Harlem Renaissance, conveying the impact and influence of these artistic mediums on Black culture.
Rep. Kelly Visits Kankakee County Farm with President Biden
On Wednesday, May 11, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) visited O’Connor Family Farms in Kankakee, Illinois with President Biden and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. President Biden announced actions his administration is taking to support American farmers, reduce food prices, and feed the world.
CONTINUING THE LEGACY! TODD MCDONALD NAMED PRESIDENT OF LIBERTY BANK AND TRUST
Todd joined Liberty in 2003 after earning an undergraduate degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and ultimately a Master ’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in 2013. In his nearly two decades of service to Liberty Bank he has held positions in mortgage, marketing, consumer and commercial lending, Human Resources, Asset Liabilities Committee (ALCO), Credit, SIC Committee, and the board of directors of Liberty Bank. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy where he developed national partnerships that have produced several new revenue streams, helped raise $30 million in tier 1 capital (which allowed Liberty to cross $1 Billion in Assets) and refined existing initiatives around the bank and within the Liberty Financial Holding Company .
Organization looks at ways to increase racial equity in healthcare
The Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) includes 210 hospitals across Illinois. It has long been committed to improving and strengthening access to healthcare in the State. During 2020, with COVID-19 and the murder of George Floyd, IHA wanted to take bold steps to address racial health inequities. It established a committee on health disparities, which is comprised of 25 hospital CEOs from across the state.
Cook County President outlines new investments
Toni Preckwinkle was elected as Cook County Board President in 2010. Since then, there has been a concerted effort to transform County government. The goal was to be fiscally responsible, transparent and improve the services offered by the County.
H&M BRINGS GILDED GLAMOUR TO THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART’S COSTUME INSTITUTE BENEFIT
Extravagance, glitz and glamour are the themes for H&M’s one-of-a-kind looks, created exclusively for this year’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Benefit in New York City. The looks, designed by H&M’s in-house design team, are inspired by this year’s exhibition theme, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion”, which explores the sartorial narratives that chart the evolution of American style paying homage to America’s Gilded Age – the 19th to mid-late 20th century. For each look, H&M’s designers pulled inspiration from the evolution of American style and designs of this era, focusing on the grandiose nature of the time.
BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER CONTINUES THE 2022 FOUR PLAY SEASON OF EXCELLENCE
Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor continues the 2022 Season of Excellence: The Season of Healing and Joy with the world premiere of Grandma’s Jukebox, written and directed by Michelle Reneé Bester. The production runs May 21-June 26, 2022. The opening is Sunday, May 29 at 3:00pm.
South Suburban College Partners to Offer Free Manufacturing Skills and Training Bootcamp
South Suburban College (SSC) and the Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC) have partnered to offer a free Manufacturing Skills and Training Bootcamp. This 80-hour, 5-week program prepares individuals for college-level manufacturing programs and rewarding careers.
South Shores Works Presents Its 5th Annual Community Summit SHORE YOU’RE RIGHT!
South Shore Works, a Planning & Preservation Coalition will hold its 5th Annual Community Summit, at Adam Clayton Powell School. The summit, as in previous years, is convening to strategize and plan tactics to address years of disinvestment and destructive public policy. South Shore residents are aggressively fighting to elevate and revitalize their community, while seeking development that will not result in the displacement of current residents.
Progress in first quarter of 2022 keeps critical upgrade of Chicago’s natural gas delivery system on budget and on schedule
The Peoples Gas program to modernize Chicago’s antiquated natural gas delivery system made steady progress in the first quarter of 2022, keeping overall work on budget and on schedule.
‘Finding Happy’ highlights Bounce’s upcoming originals slate
Bounce, the popular broadcast and multi-platform entertainment network serving African Americans, today unveiled its upcoming original programming schedule. The lineup features an all-new original series about Black women that is written, produced, directed by and starring Black women, “Finding Happy.”
THE 100-YEAR-OLD RETIRED CAREER EMERGENCY ROOM NURSE HONORED BY ELECTED OFFICIALS, CLERGYMEN AND SOUTH SUBURBAN RESIDENTS
Thaddeus Jones-Mayor of Calumet City, Illinois- was joined by the Calumet City Council. Regional elected officials, and residents as they will gathered to honor and celebrate the 100th Birthday of Cook County’s oldest retired nurse, Ms. Eula Bell Lofton. Ms. Lofton was honored during a recent Calumet City City Council meeting and at her birthday party that was held at the Victory Centre in Calumet City.
Thaddeus Jones announces re-election bid
Giving honor to God who makes all things possible. For the past 11 years as your State Representative, I have taken the struggles, successes, and core values of women to Springfield and fought to sustain and enhance the accomplishments that has propelled women to higher roles in government and business. But I have also added to my mission to protect the rights of women by ensuring that our society protects a woman’s right to choose.
CANDIDATE WANTS TO RESTORE 1ST DISTRICT TO GLORY IT ONCE HAD
Jonathan Swain is a self-described son of the South Side. He was Born in South Shore, reared in Hyde Park and attended school in Chatham. He also played sports in Roseland. He and his wife bought their first two houses in Auburn-Gresham.
Thursday, May 12
ROBBINS MAYOR ENDORSES PAT DOWELL FOR THE 1ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
“I firmly support Alderman Dowell’s campaign for Congress. She exemplifies what our community needs as the next representative of the 1st Congressional District. I am thoroughly impressed with her extensive career in neighborhood planning in which she had enjoyed tremendous success prior to being elected as a Chicago Aldermen.” says Mayor Bryant.
DOLTON TRUSTEE LIVING WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS TO LEAD SOUTHERN COOK COUNTY’S LARGEST MARCH AGAINST MS
Edward Steave- Village of Dolton Trustee- will be joined by local and regional elected officials, healthcare advocates, Dolton residents and Southland residents as they gather to march for awareness and raise dollars to fight Multiple Sclerosis. (MS)
Wednesday, May 11
ROBBINS MAYOR AND POLICE UNION TO PUBLICLY SIGN CONTRACT ENDING LONG TERM ERA OF POLICE WORKING WITHOUT AN AGREEMENT
Darren Bryant- Mayor of Robbins, Illinois- will be joined by the Robbins Village Board, Robbins Police Personnel. Police Union Officials, and residents as they gather to witness the public signing of the new police contract. The signing marks the end of an era in which Robbins Police have been grossly under paid, forced to work in unsafe conditions, and little to no support from previous administrations.
DoorDash Announces the Inaugural Cohort of Accelerator for Local Goods Participants
In March, DoorDash debuted the Accelerator for Local Goods – an educational program designed to uplift local consumer packaged goods businesses owned by entrepreneurs who are women, transgender, immigrants, or people of color.
CANDIDATE HOPES TO BRING INVESTMENT BACK TO COMMUNITY
Dr. Stephany Rose Spaulding grew up in the 1st Congressional District. She attended Ralph H. Metcalfe Elementary School and Morgan Park High School. It was during her time at Clark-Atlanta University that she met a professor who told her that academia would be a good fit for her
National Urban League 21 Pillars Tour stops at Chicago State University
Students from middle school and high school listened attentively as the National Urban League President Marc Morial talked to them in the gym at Chicago State University. His comments had been preceded by Chicago Urban League President and CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson and Chicago State University President Zaldwaynaka (“Z”) Scott, Esq.
City Colleges of Chicago Celebrates the Resiliency of Nearly 1,700 Graduates
City Colleges of Chicago students often conquer obstacles in pursuit of their education, and these last two years have been especially challenging. The resilience and persistence of City Colleges students was on full display Sunday, May 1, 2022, as Chicago’s future walked across the stage to receive the well-earned associate degrees they completed during the pandemic.
Capital Impact Partners Welcomes 15 Local Developers of Color into New Accelerator Program
Program is sponsored by a grant from the Amazon Housing Equity Fund and will support real estate developers of color focused on bringing more affordable housing to the Washington metropolitan region.
5 CPS High Schools Among Top 100 in Nation
Chicago Public Schools proudly announces that five of its high schools placed among the top 100 in the nation, with Walter Payton College Prep ranked as the No. 5 high school in the country, based on the 2022 Best U.S. High Schools list from U.S. News & World Report.
ILLINOIS HAS TANGLED HISTORY WITH ABORTION DESPITE RECENT LIBERAL PUSH
A leaked draft of an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court decision that could overturn the landmark 1973 case Roe v. Wade reignited a political debate over whether access to abortion is a constitutional right or something that can be regulated by the states.
Viola Davis Dons LILYSILK for People Magazine Cover and Deadline Contenders Event
LILYSILK, the world’s leading silk brand with a mission to inspire people to live spectacular, sustainable lives, has dressed Viola Davis, the renowned actress who currently stars as Michelle Obama in the new Showtime series The First Lady, for both the latest cover of People magazine and Deadline’s Contenders Television event held in Los Angeles on Monday, April 11.
SOUTHLAND PREP SENIORS CELEBRATE BEING ALL IN
On Tuesday, May 3rd, seniors at Southland College Prep Charter High School celebrated the fact that all 115 have been accepted to college and have received $62 million in merit-based scholarships. The 2022 Senior Class is the ninth graduating class at the school, which had its first graduating class in 2014. The 2022 Senior Class students were sophomores when the pandemic began and went through virtual learning, hybrid learning and in-person learning during the last two years.
South Suburban College Partners to Offer Free Manufacturing Skills and Training Bootcamp
South Suburban College (SSC) and the Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC) have partnered to offer a free Manufacturing Skills and Training Bootcamp. This 80-hour, 5-week program prepares individuals for college-level manufacturing programs and rewarding careers.
Carl Jones Jr. named Comcast’s Regional Vice President of External and Government Affairs
Carl Jones Jr. has been named Vice President of External and Government Affairs for Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region, which spans Illinois, Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan. In his new role, Jones will lead the region’s Community Impact team, which is responsible for community investment activities, including the company’s extensive digital equity initiatives, and its Government Relations team, which is responsible for all franchising activity, compliance and government and third-party relations.
South Suburban College Recognizes High School Students at Annual Video Competition
South Suburban College (SSC), with the assistance of Career Development Systems (CDS), hosted the 15th annual High School Video Competition on Thursday, April 28, 2022, in the Kindig Performing Arts Center. The competition showcases talent from high schools as well as provides tours of the college’s facilities, including the television studio, audio studio and new multimedia lab, built Spring 2022.
The Anti-Cruelty Society’s BARK event returns to the lakefront
After a pandemic hiatus for two years, BARK is back, live, in the park. Dogs are leading their humans to The Anti-Cruelty Society’s BARK event on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Stadium Green at Soldier Field located at 1410 Museum Campus Drive. Rain or shine, thousands of animal-lovers and their dogs will spend a fun morning raising funds and awareness for The Anti-Cruelty Society, Chicago’s oldest and most comprehensive animal welfare organization. This is the 28th year for BARK, making this the oldest dog party in Chicago!
Bally’s Corporation chosen as Chicago Casino License holder
On Thursday, May 5th, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that Bally’s Corporation would receive the casino license for its proposed casino at the Tribune Publishing Center, located at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street in the city River West neighborhood.
ISSA RAE TO SERVE AS 2022 AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL AMBASSADOR
On Monday, May 2, American Black Film Festival Ventures LLC announced that multi-hyphenate star Issa Rae (Insecure) will serve as festival ambassador for the 2022 American Black Film Festival (ABFF). The festival, widely recognized as a leading platform for Black content creators, returns live to Miami Beach June 15-19 followed by virtual events from June 20-30 on ABFF PLAY, https://abffplay.com/, the festival’s custom-designed online platform.
A Chicago Italian Beef institution rolls out new items
Buona Beef began in 1981 by Joe and Peggy Buonavolanto. Forty years later, there are 26 restaurants in locations and it still owned and operated by the third generation family members.
Exhibition showcases history and modern times
The Washington Park Camera Club uses photography to document the world around the people behind the lens. A digital video exhibition titled “South Park Then and Now” showcases images from the club, juxtaposed with historical images of South Park, which includes Jackson Park, Washington Park and Midway Plaisance.
Chicago Botanic Garden Celebrates 50th Birthday
The Chicago Botanic Garden has experienced extraordinary growth over the last five decades and it is marking its 50th birthday in 2022 with Flourish: The Garden at 50. Starting Friday, May 13, and running through Sunday, Sept. 25, members, visitors, and program participants are invited to celebrate 50 years of the Garden connecting people to the natural world.
Wednesday, May 4
Chicago Humanities Festival Starts This Week
Chicago Humanities Festival presents a fully in-person line-up for 2022 Spring Festival, which will run through Sunday, May 22, and feature conversations with headliners like attorney and educator Anita Hill, filmmaker John Waters, comedian Sarah Cooper, Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon, political philosopher Francis Fukuyama, actress Selma Blair, deaf activist Nyle DiMarco, and former US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.
RICH TOWNSHIP TO HOST COOK COUNTY’S LARGEST APPRECIATION LUNCHEON FOR SENIOR MOTHERS
Calvin Jordan-Rich Township Committeeman and Democratic Committeeman- will be joined by Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin, Senator Michael Hastings, Rich Township Board of Trustees, and South Suburban Mayors will lead hundreds in celebrating our “Senior Mothers” for their contributions and sacrifices in bringing forth diversity in Southern Cook County.
Pappas: More than 37,000 properties will be part of Cook County’s Tax Sale running from May 12 – 18; more than half owe less than $1,000 in back taxes
Check your properties before sale starts May 12
Check your properties before sale starts May 12th. Approximately $175.6 million in unpaid 2019 property taxes are overdue on 37,176 properties in Cook County. The properties include homes, businesses and vacant land throughout Chicago (17,709 properties) and Cook County suburbs (19,467 properties). Less than $1,000 is owed on 19,350 properties
Candidate for First Congressional District touts public service, lived experiences
Karin Norington-Reaves is a longtime resident of Chicago and has lived in Chatham for 20 years. During those years she has seen the change and the challenges of a community, which she said felt like suburbs in the city, move into a space of violence, where people have been afraid and are leaving. She didn’t want to leave.
Community Advisory Board Helps Biogen Promote Diversity in Clinical Research
Diversity i clinical trials. It's about all of us.
Fifteen years ago, at the age of 42, Israel Robledo was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Shocked, he spent the next nine months coming to terms with his diagnosis. “I was married. I had three girls at home. I was working as a schoolteacher. And I was thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, my life is over,’” he says. “I only knew about older people having Parkinson’s.”
REPRESENTATIVE THADDEUS JONES APPLAUDS ARRESTS OF RECENT EXPRESSWAY SHOOTINGS DUE TO THE INSTALLATION OF LICENSE PLATE READER CAMERAS HOWEVER, REP. JONES CAUTIONS GENERAL PUBLIC TO NOT GET TOO RE
Illinois State Representative Thaddeus Jones- of the 29th Legislative District- is appealing to the general public to remain observant and cooperative as it relates to the ongoing expressway shooting crisis. Representative Jones is making this appeal amid the great news that the recent installation of expressway cameras has led to several arrests.
LOLLAPALOOZA ANNOUNCES LINEUP BY DAY
Lollapalooza has revealed the Lineup By Day for its 2022 edition and has confirmed that 1-Day General Admission, GA+, VIP and Platinum Tickets are on sale at www.lollapalooza.com. Fans will be treated to more than 170 performances, nine stages, and four full days of music, Thursday-Sunday, July 28-31, in Chicago’s Grant Park.
Improving Representation in Breast Cancer Clinical Trials & Developing Better Medicines for All
The devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly on communities of color, has been a painful reminder of the racial and ethnic disparities that have long existed in our country. In the United States, Black people tend to have higher rates of chronic and progressive conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer, and face greater obstacles when it comes to prevention, detection, and treatment. This is especially true in the breast cancer space.
Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Illinois’ Third Ratings Upgrade in 10 Months After 20 Year Drought
Moody’s Cites “Solid Tax Revenue Growth,” “Financial Reserves” and “Its Strongest Fund Balance in Over a Decade” in Upgrading State’s General Obligation Bonds and Build Illinois Bonds
United Partners with OneTen to Help Create One Million Family-Sustaining Jobs for Black Talent Over 10 Years
United Airlines announced a new collaboration with OneTen, a coalition of leading chief executives and their companies committed to creating one million family-sustaining careers for Black talent with opportunity for advancement over the next 10 years. The collaboration with OneTen comes as United has already hired more than 6,000 people since January and expects to hire an additional 8,000 this year alone – with the goal to add 50,000 people to United in the next five years.
Macy’s Celebrates the Brilliant Vision of Black Creatives With the Return of Icons of Style
Macy’s celebrates Black creatives with the return of Icons of Style, a collaboration with Black visionaries to help move the fashion world forward. GooGoo Atkins, Areeayl Goodwin, Matthew Harris, Jerome LaMaar, Ade Samuel and Stella and Blaise Bennett will create limited- edition seasonal collections throughout 2022 to inspire customers to embrace their personal style. Featuring exclusive designs for brands found only at Macy’s, each creative artfully designed a fashion-forward capsule of musthave items, inspired by their unique perspective and dynamic style. The first capsule of Icons of Style is available now on macys.com, the Macy’s app and select locations nationwide.
Rep. Robin Kelly Introduces Health Equity and Accountability Act
On Tuesday, April 26th, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA). HEAA is a comprehensive and strategic legislative roadmap that aims to eliminate racial and ethnic health inequities. This is the only legislation that directly addresses the intersection of health inequities with race and ethnicity, as well as immigration status, age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, language, and socio-economic status.
JOHN LEGEND CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF “LOVE IN LAS VEGAS”
Twelve-time GRAMMY Award-winner, multiplatinum artist, activist, and EGOT (Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony) winner John Legend celebrated the launch of his Las Vegas residency, “Love In Las Vegas,” at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Groups create presence on Red Line to deter crime
On Friday, April 22nd, Executive Director of Violence Interrupters, Inc., Tio Hardiman, along with members of Watch Guard, Elite Security, and other organizations with a focus on crime prevention and security, patrolled Red Line trains from the 35th Street Station to the 95th Street Station.
Cook County Assessor wants more equity and transparency from office
Kari Steele is running for Cook County Assessor. She decided to run because she believes the property tax system in Cook County needs to be reformed. The person who runs the Cook County Assessor’s Office should be someone who is a consensus builder, a communicator, who will listen to stakeholders’ input and implement the necessary changes. Currently, Steele president of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. She touts a record during her more than 10 years at MWRD of bringing people together.
“SAVE THE HAMPTON HOUSE” CAMPAIGN RECEIVES HISTORICAL LANDMARK STATUS
The Save The Hampton House initiative, an effort led by the late Chairman Fred Hampton’s son, Chairman Fred Hampton Jr., and his mother, Akua Njeri, announced today that the application for the Hampton House to be formally recognized as a historical landmark has officially been approved by the Maywood Village Board. The application was submitted in partnership with Preservation Chicago and Participant, the leading media company dedicated to entertainment that stands at the intersection of art and activism, as part of the yearlong impact campaign tied to the multiple Academy Award-winning film, “Judas and the Black Messiah.”
14 CPS Students Each Receive $40,000 Scholarship and Internship Offer from Amazon to Pursue Undergraduate Degree in Computer Science
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is proud to celebrate 14 Class of 2022 seniors who have each earned Amazon Future Engineer Scholarships of $40,000 over four years. The recipients include four Jones College Prep students who received the good news Wednesday during a surprise presentation while taking a senior class photo at Chicago’s iconic Buckingham Fountain on Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive
16th District Illinois Senate Candidate ready to start day one
La’Mont R. Williams is running for 16th District of the Illinois State Senate. The seat is currently occupied by State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins. Collins is running for the United States Congressional seat that 1st District Congressman Bobby Rush is vacating.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL: ILLINOIS RECEIVES OVER $800 MILLION FROM TOBACCO MANUFACTURERS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Friday, April 22, announced Illinois has received more than $804 million from tobacco manufacturers as part of the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). In addition to receiving its annual MSA payment, more than $258 million, Illinois has also received more than $546 million tobacco manufacturers were recently required to release. The funding had previously been withheld from annual MSA payments to the state.
Spelman College Names Helene Gayle, MD, Globally Recognized Public Health Leader, its 11th President
The Spelman College Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Helene Gayle, MD its 11th president. Spelman College has a long, proud history of excellence and global leadership in the education of women of African descent and is committed to addressing racial inequities in education ensuring equitable opportunities for students of all economic backgrounds. Dr. Gayle’s presidency will begin on July 1.
Doctor uses social media to educate community
Dr. Erica E. Taylor, along with the Chicago Department of Public Health, have launched a bi-weekly Instagram Live show called Dr. Taylor’s Table. The show will focus on health disparities, health and racial equity, wellness as well as the social determinants of health.