Wednesday, September 28
RICH TOWNSHIP DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEEMAN CALVIN JORDAN AWARDED “THE 2022 TRAILBLAZER AWARD” BY THE COOK COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
(Richton Park, Illinois) On Thursday, September 22nd, the Cook County Democratic Party honored Rich Township Democratic Committeeman, Calvin Jordan, with the 2022 Cook County Democratic Party Trailblazer Award. Cook County Board President and Democratic Party Chairwoman Toni Preckwinkle led the chorus of Committeemen and other elected officials in verbally honoring the longtime democratic southland resident.
ALDERMAN STEPHANIE COLEMAN, CHICAGO MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT AND OTHER COMMUNITY PARTNERS BREAK GROUND ON A HISTORIC ENTREPRENEURIAL AND COMMUNITY HUB
Stephanie Coleman- Alderwoman of Chicago’s 16th Ward- was joined by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, developers, community leaders, various elected officials, and area residents as she embarked upon a revolutionary groundbreaking development that is expected to attract thousands to the Englewood area.
Lendistry wants to connect small business owners to capital
Everett Sands grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. His grandfather owned a tailoring shop and had an apprenticeship school. Sands’ affinity for math led him to finance.
Holistic living and wellness retreat back after pandemic hiatus
Twyler Jenkins founded I Am That Woman Movement in 2018 because she wanted to help women who wanted to find their ‘next,’ who need an extra push of encouragement or wisdom.
5 Year Anniversary of Pretrial Justice Reform in Cook County
Public Defender, Advocates celebrate 5 years after the General Order 18.8A helped decrease the number of people incarcerated pretrial without increasing violence
Community Safety Coordination Center Announces Expanded Home and Business Protection Program
The City’s Community Safety Coordination Center (CSCC) announced the launch of a new Income-Based Application that allows Chicagoans to obtain outdoor security devices based on income. This expansion builds on the success of the Home and Business Protection Rebate Application, which helps Chicago residents and business receive rebates up to certain limits for security devices obtained on or after June 6.
Celebrate Halloween at Museum of I-Scream
Ice cream, you scream, we all scream for the ultimate Halloween! In honor of the holiday, Museum of Ice Cream Chicago will transform into Museum of I-Scream, featuring the most shocking, unexpected tricks and the absolute sweetest, magical treats. From Sept. 30 through Oct. 31, spooks of all ages and flavors will grab their costumes and leave the world behind to rediscover what it’s like to be a kid again. I-Scream visitors will receive an ice cream mask and treat bag to collect unlimited candy as they melt into a world of pink skeletons, happy jack-o-lanterns and legen-dairy limited time games, tricks and treats!
MAYOR LIGHTFOOT LAUNCHES COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING PILOT PROGRAM
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, the Office of Equity and Racial Justice (OERJ), and the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) have launched the Community Wealth Building Pilot, a $15 million program to create opportunities for low-income residents to build wealth through shared asset ownership. The pilot program, supported by funding from the Chicago Recovery Plan, will address access to business ownership, home ownership, land stewardship,and commercial real estate.
Taking Steps Toward Homeownership
Buying a home may not be as out of reach as you think…even in this market
Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make in your lifetime, and the pressure is mounting for those looking to buy right now, with home prices fluctuating and mortgage rates at their highest levels in over a decade.
ILLINOIS JUSTICE PROJECT WORKS TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY
Ahmadou Drame’ is the Project Director at the Illinois Justice Project. Drame’ works to advance policies, programs and initiatives that reduce violence, gun violence and reduce incarceration.
Purpose Toys Unveils Amazon Exclusive “Crown and Coils” Styling-Head Set
DeeDee Wright-Ward, creator of viral “Naturalistas” Fashion Doll line and CEO of one of the largest Black-owned toy start-ups, Purpose Toys, has announced the expansion of the Naturalistas brand with the release of the Amazon Exclusive “Crown and Coils” Natural Hair Styling-Head set.
Bottom Line Receives $15 Million Grant from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott
Bottom Line (BL), a nonprofit organization dedicated to educational equity, has announced a $15 million grant from philantBottom Line is a nonprofit organization that works to eradicate the gaps in degree attainment rates by income and elevate racial equity and economic mobility for students of color. Bottom Line partners with degree-aspiring students of color as they get into college, graduate, and go far in life, by providing them with the individual support they need to persist, earn a degree, and successfully launch their careers. The organization’s model is recognized for its rigorous, externally validated proof-of-impact on college enrollment, persistence, and graduation.
LOUIS WISHES YOU A COOL YULE’ SET FOR RELEASE OCTOBER 28th
Much like Santa Claus himself, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong devoted his life to “the cause of happiness,” as he once put it, bringing joy to audiences around the globe every time he put his trumpet to his lips or crooned with his instantly-recognizable, gravelly voice. Yet, while Satchmo’s holiday recordings have become standard yuletide fare, he never released a Christmas album during his lifetime. Now, for the very first time, Louis Wishes You A Cool Yule – out October 28th via Verve Records/ UMe, presents Armstrong’s holiday recordings as a cohesive body of work, marking his first-ever official Christmas album.
CSU Celebrates History of Illinois Black Legislators with Exhibit Rededication Event
CSU Welcomes Community Leaders, Elected Officials, Past & Present Legislators for an evening of celebration
Chicago State University hosted a rededication of its Illinois Black Legislators exhibit with an on-campus event in the Gwendolyn Brooks Library. Attendees included local leaders and special guests who took part in an opening event, panel discussion and ribbon cutting ceremony.
Jackson State University preserves visual legacy thanks to Getty Images Grant
The first image Jackson State University Archivist Darlita Ballard scanned as part of the inaugural Getty Images Photo Archives Grant for Historically Black Colleges was of royalty: A photo of a JSU queen.
FOUNDATION FOR SARCOIDOSIS RESEARCH LAUNCHES CLINICAL TRIAL EQUITY INITIATIVE
The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is proud to announce the launch of the Ignore No More: ACTe Now! (Advance Clinical Trials for Equity in Sarcoidosis) campaign. The goals of this campaign are to increase representation of Black American sarcoidosis patients in clinical trials, raise awareness of disparities that exist in sarcoidosis, identify the challenges and barriers that contribute to lower participation by Black Americans in clinical trials, and to provide recommendations that foster a more inclusive approach to recruiting patients for clinical trials and research
Girls Like Me Project, Inc. Activates Ultimate Girl-Empowerment Experience on the 11th Annual Chicago Day of the Girl at Historic South Shore Cultural Center
Girls Like Me Project, Inc. announces the 11th Annual Chicago Day of the Girl. The annual flagship event brings together over 100 girls annually to celebrate sisterhood on the International Day of the Girl at the historic South Shore Cultural Center on October 11th from 10 AM until 3 PM. The theme for the free event is “I Belong.”
Illinois Rust Belt to Green Belt Act would spur clean energy wind project
Illinois State Representative Marcus Evans introduced HB 4543 in January 2022. The Illinois Rust Belt to Green Belt Pilot Program Act would be a step in moving Illinois toward more clean energy.
Chicago Debates Celebrates 25 Years
Cook County Public Defender Sharone Mitchell got involved with Chicago Debates while he was at Morgan Park High School. He fell in love with the activity, and it created so many benefits in his legal profession and throughout his life. He came from a household that valued current events and he loved to talk and speak, so debate was attractive to him.
THE JOFFREY BALLET KICKS OFF 2022-23 SEASON WITH BEYOND BORDERS
The Joffrey Ballet proudly launches its 2022-23 season with Beyond Borders, a mixed repertory program that pays tribute to the Jof frey’s maverick legacy with works by artists of its past and present. A highlight of Beyond Borders is sure to be a second new work commissioned from in-demand choreographer Chanel DaSilva in addition to the return of favorites by critically acclaimed choreographer Liam Scarlett and beloved Joffrey co-founder Gerald Arpino marking the start of his centennial celebra - tion. Pushing the boundaries of dance and classical ballet, Beyond Borders will be presented at the historic L yric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, in ten performances only, from Oct. 12-23.
Friday, September 23
The DuSable Museum Presents “DRUM TALK” –THE ANNUAL BOOK AND LITERARY FAIR
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center will present its annual “Drum Talk,” Book and Literary Fair on Saturday, October 8, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event will include “The Banned Black Book Exchange,” during which guests are invited to bring a “banned book,” which they may exchange for another “banned book” of their choosing.
PARADE OF FOUR-LEGGED ANIMALS TO MARCH TO THE SITE OF THEIR FUTURE HOME IN LYNWOOD, ILLINOIS
Jada D. Curry – Mayor of the Village of Lynwood – will be joined by over 500 Village Officials, FCC Church members, regional elected officials, and Lynwood residents in welcoming in the groundbreaking ceremony welcoming the future FCC Equestrian University to the Village of Lynwood.
Wednesday, September 21
Chicago Philharmonic Opens 22/23 Symphonic Series with William Grant Still’s Afro-American Symphony
The Chicago Philharmonic Society proudly opens its 33rd Season with William Grant Still: Afro-American Symphony at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Scott Speck, the orchestra performs Still’s Symphony No. 1 (Afro-American Symphony) for the first time, as well as music by Price, Márquez, Villa-Lobos, and a Chicago premiere by Donna Milanovich Composer in Residence Jonathan Bingham.
ACCESSORIES DESIGNER WENT FROM FINANCE TO FASHION
Ruby Buah started KUA Designs by accident. She didn’t go in wanting to start an accessories business. She was a financial analyst and started taking jewelry making classes. She was hooked and blown away.
PROJECT HOPE CONTINUES TO HELP PREGNANT AND PARENTING TEENS
The Marillac St. Vincent Family Services’ Project Hope is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. The signature program provides pregnant teenage girls and young women, ages 12-25, with the necessary resources for them to be healthy during pregnancy and become better parents once they give birth.
TWO NEW DEVELOPMENTS PENDING APPROVAL ON THE FAR SOUTH SIDE
Two new developments have chosen the Far South Side. A full-service grocery store on 130th and Eberhardt and a 101-room full-service hotel at 111th and Doty. The business owners and 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale are hopeful both developments will approved by the Department of Planning and Development and construction will begin.
CONSUMER ALERT: ComEd, Better Business Bureau Report Another Rise in Mobile Payment App Scams Following Summer Heat Wave ADMISSIONS
When temperatures rise or fall to extremes, and electricity use increases, ComEd and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) have observed scammers taking advantage of these conditions to bilk customers out of their hard-earned money.
GRAY MATTER EXPERIENCE TEACHES ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH A BLACK LENS
Britney Robbins had dreams of starting a teenrun magazine when she first arrived in Chicago 12 years ago. She pivoted and founded The Gray Matter Experience six years ago, with the goal of exposing Black high school students and young adults to entrepreneurship.
TREASURER CONYEARS-ERVIN, BMO TO HOST BUILDING WEALTH TODAY FOR TOMORROW FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT WEEKEND
Two-day event will help Chicagoans access financial resources and tools, connect with job opportunities
On September 30th and October 1st, Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and BMO Financial Group will host the “Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow Financial Empowerment Weekend” at the UIC Forum. The event combines the Treasurer’s two signature events - the Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow Financial Empowerment Summit and the Financial Services Career Fair. The weekend will be a unique opportunity for Chicagoland residents to gain insights into the current financial trends, build relationships to obtain job opportunities within the financial services industry, join workshops on saving money, buying a home or starting a business, and much more.
African Pride Launches GROW Initiative as a Rallying Cry for Today’s African American Women
African Pride, an award-winning haircare brand known for addressing the needs of all hair types with premium, natural ingredients, is proud to announce the launch of its new initiative, GROW – a platform that celebrates their core consumer’s unique individuality and expands the possibilities on her path of evolution.
Saks Celebrates Fall Fashion With Next-Gen Superstar Chlöe Bailey
Saks, the premier digital platform for luxury fashion, announces its Fall 2022 campaign starring singer, songwriter, producer and actress, Chlöe Bailey. With this campaign, Saks celebrates fall fashion trends from noteworthy designers and emerging brands that are changing the industry landscape. Saks is encouraging customers to take liberties with style and bend the rules, honoring their individuality by finding pieces that best suit and elevate their lives. The campaign pushes for self-expression and inspires customers to be bold in their fashion choices and stay true to their personal taste with offerings from must-have everyday pieces to statement items.
Illinois State Treasurer’s Office IT Team Among the Best in the World in Recent Competition
Cybersecurity Efforts Deny 7.5 Million Attacks in a Typical Hour
The tech team at Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ office is one of the world’s best, a recent cybersecurity competition showed.
Tax Rebate Payments Begin for Millions of Illinoisans
Income and property tax rebates will begin being sent to an estimated six million qualified taxpayers beginning today, September 12. The rebates are the result of Gov. Pritzker’s Illinois Family Relief Plan, which also provided grocery, gas, and school supply tax savings in addition to the direct payments.
THE PRESIDENT OF PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE TALKS ABOUT HIS VISION FOR COLLEGE
Michael D. Anthony, Ph.D., has been the president of Prairie State College since October 2021. Anthony is also the first Black president of the College. Dr. Anthony’s undergraduate experience at North Carolina State University set the tone for his career in higher education. His last year there, he was the student government president and a board of trustee member.
The Return of the Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic Produces a Positive Impact
MIAMI, PRNewswire -- Nearly 40,000 fans congregated at Hard Rock Stadium for the sophomore return of Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic, Presented by Ready Life (DOBC), Sunday, Sept. 4, for the much-anticipated rematch between HBCU powerhouses Florida A&M (FAMU) and Jackson State University (JSU)
POET, JOURNALIST, TV PERSONALITY AND AUTHOR KEVIN POWELL NAMED WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE AT PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY
Prairie View A&M University announced the appointment of the highly-regarded poet, journalist, TV personality and author Kevin Powell to serve as its second writer-in-residence of the Toni Morrison Writing Program.
Chicago Public Schools to Roll Out New Student-Informed Menu Items
Smoothies, baked potatoes with chili and cheese, and veggie pasta salad are among some of the new menu items that Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will roll out in school cafeterias this school year, following summer taste testing sessions with students, educators and community members. While not as formal testing aimed to help improve the daily fare on food trays across the District.
Hyde Park Art Center and The Seldoms dance company announce free public
Hyde Park Art Center is partnering with experimental dance company The Seldoms to announce a series of free weekly performances and conversations in conjunction with the Toolbox @ Twenty exhibition. The unique multidisciplinary art installations activated by new choreography celebrate the group’s twenty years of performance in Chicago and globally, on view September 24 – November 13.
RICH TOWNSHIP STUDENT NASIR BAILEY EARNS THE TITLE OF #1 HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLER IN THE NATION
Rich Township High School is proud to announce that one of its very own has gained the title of “#1 Wrestler In the Nation.” This past weekend Nasir Bailey took part in Flo Wrestling’s “Who’s Number One” match. This event is a special national competition where the top two ranked high school wrestlers at several weight classes are invited out to compete. The notable competition gives athletes the right to be considered the best in the nation.
Tuesday, September 20
U.S. Treasury Funding Gives Black-owned Bank Boosts in Helping Minorities and Lower-Income Communities
The year 2022 has proven to be a big year for B. Doyle Mitchell Jr., president and CEO of Industrial Bank, based in the nation's capital. Not only has he celebrated a milestone birthday this year, but funding from the federal government and a community partnership may help to take the district’s Black-owned bank to the next level.
Book Bans Are an Attack on the Freedom to Read, Teach and Learn
Truth is a threat to authoritarianism. Reading is a path to truth. That’s why the freedom to read is essential to the freedom to learn. And that’s why the freedom to learn is often attacked by those who abuse power and those who cling to it.
Local Churches Join Forces to Host Vaccine, Health and Fitness Event Matteson, Illinois
Two Matteson churches have joined forces to provide COVID vaccinations, flu shots and wellness screenings for the community this fall. The Redeeming Love Apostolic Church and St. Paul Lutheran Church will host the “All In: Jumping Into Fall” event at noon Saturday, Sept. 24, at 6201 Vollmer Road.
In visit to Illinois, VP Harris rallies voters around abortion rights
Vice President Kamala Harris came to Chicago Friday to rally voters who support abortion rights and urge them to turn out in the upcoming midterm elections.
Chicago-based, non-profit, Experiences That Matter Foundation, announces 4-stop mobile tour to provide free eye care and eyewear to youth in underserved communities, in partnership with VSP Vision Eye
Chicago, Illinois (September 20, 2022) – Dinai Yelverton, social entrepreneur and Founding Board Member of the Experiences That Matter Foundation, has announced their second installation of the 2020 Perfect Vision Campaign.
Friday, September 16
Chicago’s Third World Press Celebrates 55 Years of Publishing
There is a reason why in 2022 Americans are still learning about the many contributions of individual Black people for the first time. For centuries, the history of America has been to tell his-story and keep African American contributions hidden.
Thursday, September 15
MPEA Issues Once-In-A-Lifetime RFI for Re-Imagination of Lakeside Center
Request for Information will gather ideas to revitalize the iconic Lakeside Center and provide an attractive new revenue generator for MPEA, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois
The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) today issued a Request for Information (RFI) for potential redevelopment of all or part of Lakeside Center, the east building of McCormick Place, North America’s largest convention center.
Wednesday, September 14
Comcast RISE to Award $1 Million in Grants to Small Businesses Owned by Women and People of Color in Cook County
Comcast recently announced it will award $10,000 grants to 100 small businesses owned by women and people of color in Cook County through its Comcast RISE Investment Fund. Cook County is one of five locations selected for this new round of the grants program. Other locations include Miami, Oakland, Seattle and Washington D.C. Comcast will award a total of $1 million in grants in Cook County alone – $5 million across the five locations – in this round. This brings the total amount of Comcast RISE Investment Fund grants awarded to $21 million nationwide to date. This is the second time Comcast has opened the fund to Cook County businesses.
Second Generation Black Women-Led PR Firm Leverette Weekes Nationally Certified as Women’s Business Enterprise
-- LEVERETTE WEEKES, a public relations agency, is pleased to announce that it has been nationally certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Leverette Weekes is led by president and CEO Meredith Moore.
Chicago Public Schools Announces First Day Attendance Rates for the 2022-23 School Year
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced that more than 93 percent of students attended the first day of classes on Monday, August 22nd, up from 91 percent on day one last year. The uptick follows the District’s strategic effort to offer robust summer programming, from academic recovery classes to those aimed at helping students accelerate, as well as enrichment courses, career exploration and grade-level transition camps.
Mahalia Jackson Court opens to public
Mahalia Jackson, a native of New Orleans, called Chicago home from 1927 until 1972. During that time, she won Grammy Awards and sang at the March on Washington. She was known as the Queen of Gospel Music and the World’s Greatest Gospel Singer. She was a resident of the Chatham neighborhood.
JANIE AND JACK DEBUTS ‘PAJAMAS FOR GOOD’ PROGRAM WITH ROOM TO READ PARTNERSHIP IN SUPPORT OF WORLD LITERACY DAY
Children’s fashion brand Janie and Jack® debuted their PJs for Good program, an ongoing initiative focused on partnering with organizations that do good in their communities. The program has launched with Room to Read, a leading global nonprofit for children’s literacy and education, coinciding with the Fall 2022 launch of the brand’s Good Night by Janie and Jack pajama collection. For the month of September, which is National Literacy Month and includes World Literacy Day on September 8th, Janie and Jack will donate one book for every pajama sold. They also invite customers to donate directly in stores or online at checkout.
American Library Association wants people to read, sign-up for library card
Banned Books Week will take place from Sunday, Sept. 18th - Saturday, Sept. 24th. The American Library Association wants to celebrate the freedom to read.
NEARLY 60 HIGH SCHOOL GRADS FROM CHICAGO’S SOUTH & WEST SIDES GRANTED $210K IN SCHOLARSHIPS FROM UNION LEAGUE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS
As the 2022-23 academic year begins, 57 current and recent high school graduates hailing from Chicago’s South and West sides have received $210,600 (total) in financial scholarships granted by Union League Boys & Girls Clubs, it was announced today. Twenty-two (22) recent high school graduates, in addition to 35 currently enrolled students at Northwestern University, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, among others, are on the road to success thanks in part to the financial and developmental support provided by the students’ involvement in Union League Boys & Girls Clubs serving the Pilsen, West Town, Humboldt Park, South Lawndale and Englewood communities, among others.
Northeastern Illinois University Hosts Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor as Presidential Lecture Series Speaker, Sept. 15
Northeastern Illinois University is pleased to announce the speaker for the newly relaunched Presidential Lecture Series will be acclaimed author, historian and scholar Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor. “An Evening with Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor,” will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15th, in the Auditorium on the Main Campus, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. in Chicago. The lecture will also be livestreamed on neiu.edu/ lectures.
Restauranteur wants people to Eat to Live
A new restaurant has opened in the Woodlawn community and its mission is to bring healthier eating options to the people on the South side.
Great Lakes Credit Union Supports Chicago Area Students with Donation of 14,000+ Needed School Supplies
As part of its strong social responsibility, Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) held its annual school supply drive this summer to help support students in its communities prepare for a successful year ahead. The drive collected much-needed classroom items for 14 local schools, a number of which have a predominantly low-income student base. From June 1 to July 23, GLCU employees and members donated over 14,000 school supply items to aid these students in their academic journeys, including 500 notebooks, 612 folders, and 2,936 pencils.
Gov. Pritzker Announces New Illinois State Police Metro East Regional Headquarters
Governor JB Pritzker along with state and local leaders announced the location of a new state-of-the-art Illinois State Police (ISP) Metro East Regional Headquarters and the release of capital funding to begin the design process. The regional multi-mission facility will house ISP patrol, investigations, communications, and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) resources. Strategically relocating patrol and investigative personnel will increase preventive patrol presence, help solve violent crime, and improve regional safety.
Creator wants people to be in ‘Daily Motion’
Olayemi Champion-Odusola M.D. has created a project, “Daily Motion,” that she hopes will enable people to start having conversations about subjects that are sometimes thought about as taboo.
The Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation Announces the Launch of the Dr. Huey P. Newton Center for Research & Action in Downtown Oakland
In the 1980’s, Black Panther Party co-founder Dr. Huey P. Newton envisioned a research center that would shape the ongoing Black freedom struggle. He wanted it to be a community meeting place, a place for thought-leadership and engagement, a place where the ideals of the Black Panther Party could be uplifted and engaged with in an impactful way. Unfortunately, Huey’s life was cut too short, and this crucial vision was never realized for him and the community he loved so dearly.
Organization puts community at center of change
Dr. Dominica McBride wanted to create communities that are cohesive, inclusive and thriving. Growing up, she lived in a small town where she experienced two different conditions: a very inclusive, welcoming town, and the other was overtly racist. She wanted people who were impacted by structural racism, classism and sexism, to experience a more just world. In 2013, she founded BECOME.
McDonald’s Invests in 40 Local Chicago Nonprofit Organizations Dedicated to Supporting Opportunity Youth
McDonald’s Corporation announced today it will invest in 40 Chicago-based nonprofit organizations that are addressing some of the city’s most pressing needs for Opportunity Youth through its Chicago Community Impact Grants Program, developed in partnership with The Chicago Community Trust (the Trust).
Argonne Puts Climate Impact in Cities Under the Microscope with New Collaborative Study
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory and a team of academic and community leaders, including City Colleges of Chicago, $25 million over five years to advance urban climate science by studying climate change effects at local and regional scales. The results of this new research will inform communities to build resilience to future effects of climate change.
Museum of Ice Cream Chicago invites visitors to get back to cool with 20% off tickets
It’s back to school season, but summer doesn’t have to end here! To keep the fun going, Museum of Ice Cream Chicago is serving up 20% OFF weekday ticket purchases through September with code BACKTOSCHOOL. Visitors can scoop up sweet savings to explore a playground of boundless creativity with 12 dessert-inspired installations and unlimited frozen treats!
Illinois’ Leading Latinx-serving Organizations Unite with Elected Officials and Advocates to Highlight Need for More Violence Prevention Funding
Recently the, Latino/a/x violence prevention organizations and leaders came together to discuss the underinvestment in public safety in Latino/a/x communities throughout Illinois and advocate for sustainable funding and resources that close the gap and are commensurate with the need.
Tuesday, September 13
Editorial: Forget Legacy; The PGA Tour Is All About Money and Monopoly
“We’re all about legacy.” That’s what PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan told reporters earlier this year while attempting to differentiate his tour from the Greg Norman-helmed LIV Golf league, which promised players guaranteed money and bigger purses than the PGA Tour, and is making its Chicago debut at Rich Harvest Farms golf club in Sugar Grove this week. According to Monahan, history, tradition, and legacy are far more important than money on the PGA Tour. Unfortunately, even the most casual observer can see the commissioner is full of what makes the proverbial Bermuda grass grow.
Monday, September 12
National Kidney Foundation of Illinois to Host a Community Health Talk on Kidney Disease at Saint Sabina Catholic Church on September 18th
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois will host a Community Health Talk (CHT) on Sunday, September 18, 2022, on kidney disease at Saint Sabina Catholic Church, 1210 West 78th Place in Chicago. The Reverend Michael Pfleger is senior pastor. This event from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
Thursday, September 8
Kayla Tucker Adams Recognized by National Association of Black Journalists with 2022 Patricia L. Tobin Media Professional Award
Public relations executive Kayla Tucker Adams was recently honored by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) with the 2022 Patricia L. Tobin Media Professional Award during the Hall of Fame Luncheon in Las Vegas.
Wednesday, September 7
Share Our Strength Partners with Local Organizations to Boost Enrollment in Enhanced Child Tax Credit
“It takes more than food to fight hunger,” said Lillian Singh, Senior Vice President at Share Our Strength. “The enhanced Child Tax Credit helped parents afford basic necessities like groceries, child care and transportation. Equity is central to our approach to ensure this benefit reaches those who need it most.”
Pandora democratizes diamonds with U.S. and Canada lab-created diamond launch
Pandora, the world’s largest jewellery brand, announces that Diamonds by Pandora is available in the U.S. and Canada. Featuring lab-created diamonds grown in the U.S. and crafted with 100% recycled silver and gold, the new collection combines design and sustainability and makes diamond jewellery – the epitome of luxury – accessible to more people.
Obama Foundation Outpaces City Goals for Diverse Hiring, Awarding 52 percent of Contracts to Diverse Vendors
On Wednesday, Aug. 24, the Obama Foundation released its first annual workforce report highlighting that the organization is on track to meet its ambitious workforce business diversity goals for construction. With just 18 percent of the spend utilized to date, 52 percent of contracts have been awarded to diverse vendors. While workforce hiring has only just begun, 32 percent of the early workforce comes from the South and West Sides, a key priority for the Foundation to focus on specific communities rather than citywide residents.
30th Annual Green Tie Ball Returns Saturday, Sept. 17
The Green Tie Ball, benefiting Chicago Gateway Green, is one of Chicago’s longest-running and most anticipated gala events. This year, it will take place from 6 p.m. to midnight at Chicago Sports Museum, 835 N Michigan Ave.
CLINK WINE FESTIVAL SHOWCASES BIPOC WOMEN IN WINE AND SPIRITS INDUSTRY
Chrishon Lampley had an idea to start a wine festival because she knew what was missing in the wine and spirits industry. Lampley is the owner of Love, Cork, Screw. She connected with Joyce Dawkins, founder of She ROCKS It: Celebrating Women Who Rock, and they collaborated on creating CLINK Wine Festival, which will take place from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18th, at Wilder Mansion in Elmhurst.
ComEd Celebrates First Graduating Class of New Job Training Program
ComEd announced the first-ever cohort of the ComEd Craft Academy program has graduated, with nine participants demonstrating the knowledge and physical competencies required to enter the craft workforce, comprised of roles in the skilled trades, including entry-level positions such as line workers and construction workers. The Craft Academy launched earlier this year to expand training opportunities for prospective skilled trades workers, a key focus of ComEd’s plan to grow its workforce to meet the demands of the clean energy transition underway in Illinois.
Le Village Cowork Invests in Early Childhood Educators with Equitable Wages and Comprehensive Benefits
Le Village Cowork, a childcare and coworking space, is working to address the so-called teacher pay penalty. At Le Village all early childhood educators receive living wages, paid time off, healthcare coverage, paid family leave, free enrollment for one child after six months, and continuing education opportunities.
Social app wants to bring humanity back to social media
A new social app wants to inspire transparency, normalize moods and recreate the human experience online. The target group is Gen Z, teenagers and young people, between the ages 15-25. Inpathy was founded by Ziarekenya Smith, an entrepreneur based in Detroit, Mich.
New Manga about Samuel “Blitz” Bazawule highlights his creative roots
The Vilcek Foundation has published a new manga biography celebrating the creative roots of Ghanaian-born artist Samuel “Blitz” Bazawule. A musician, visual artist, filmmaker, and novelist, Bazawule received the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Music in 2013. The Vilcek Foundation Prizes recognize outstanding immigrants and honor immigrants’ contributions to the arts, culture, and society in the United States.
LUV INSTITUTE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
Cosette Nazon-Wilburn founded the Love, Unity and Values (LUV) Institute in 2012 with the purpose of helping young people who were struggling with socio-emotional learning competence. To celebrate the organization’s 10th year, LUV Institute is hosting a Parade of Hearts Tour.
CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER WANTS TO SUPPORT GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONS
Dr. Maurice Swinney was recently named Chief Innovation Officer for Chicago Beyond. Swinney, who was in education for 21 years, was the first Chief Equity Officer for Chicago Public Schools.
RAOUL, U.S. SECRET SERVICE HOST TRAINING AIMED AT PREVENTING TARGETED SCHOOL VIOLENCE
Attorney General Kwame Raoul partnered with the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s office in hosting a training designed to prevent targeted acts of violence in schools. The event is part of a series of trainings on behavioral threat assessment that are presented by the NTAC to help prevent mass casualty attacks.
RAPID RESPONSE FUND AWARDS 63 ORGANIZATIONS
Candice Washington founded Brown Books and Paintbrushes in 2017 to educate young children about Black culture through art, literacy and cultural programming. Brown Books and Paintbrushes was one of 63 organizations Chicago Beyond awarded money to as part of its Rapid Response Fund.
Friday, September 2
ComEd Encourages Income-Eligible Customers to Apply for LIHEAP Utility-Bill Support
LIHEAP Action Month used to highlight Sept. 1 opening of new application season, along with ComEd bill-assistance programs available to customers
August is Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Action Month and ComEd encourages income-eligible customers to be ready to apply for utility-bill assistance when the new program year begins Sept. 1. For fiscal year 2022, $8.3 billion in LIHEAP funding was provided by the federal government – the most ever to help Americans meet their energy needs.