Wednesday, November 29
ILLINOIS LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION (ILBCF) TO HOST POLICY SUMMIT THAT FOCUSES ON ELIMINATING CONTINUED SYSTEMIC RACISM
Through the yearly challenges of enhancing the upward mobility of the African American community through its collective legislative efforts in Springfield, the ILBCF understands firsthand the impactful but often moderate gains that have been achieved within the black experience. But with that same collective effort, the ILBCF also understands the enormous challenges and consistent roadblocks that continue to plague African American throughout Illinois. The conference will allow the leaders to engage in extremely difficult discussions that will expose, illustrate, and offer suggestions of resolve through legislation and grassroot organizing.
CITY OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES NEW SHELTER STAY POLICY, ADDITIONAL LANDING ZONE PERSONNEL AND NEW REGULATORY MEASURES
With the aim of accelerating resettlement efforts for new arrivals, the City of Chicago is announcing the next phase of the New Arrivals Mission. Three new efforts build upon the work that the City has been doing for the past year.
Olive-Harvey College Celebrates Its First Graduating Class of the Rivian Technical Trades Program
Olive-Harvey College (OHC) celebrated its first students graduating from the Rivian Technical Trades program after five months of study and hands-on paid training. The students will graduate from OHC and all have recently accepted positions with Rivian as automotive technicians.
The Executive Leadership Council Appoints Earl Granger, III as Chief Development and Impact Officer
he Executive Leadership Council (ELC) announced the appointment of Earl Granger, III as Chief Development and Impact Officer. The ELC is the preeminent global membership organization for Black current and former CEOs, senior executives and board members of Fortune 1000 and equivalent companies, top-tier entrepreneurs and global thought leaders. The organization advocates for advancing Black leadership by increasing the number of Black corporate CEOs, C-Suite executives and board members, and building the pipeline of the next generation of Black corporate leaders.
COMMISSIONER LARRY ROGERS JR., A SHINING EXAMPLE OF TRANSPARENCY, INTEGRITY, AND FAIRNESS
It is no secret that Cook County voters may often have diverse opinions of individual elected officials and the political spectrum as a whole. But it is refreshing to hear from voters of their positive experiences with select elected officials who within their respective views are stellar and upstanding government leaders.
Biden-Harris Administration Seeks Nominations for New Higher Education Program Integrity and Institutional Quality Rulemaking Panel
The U.S. Department of Education (Department) announced today that it will publish a notice in the Federal Register establishing a negotiated rulemaking committee that will meet to rewrite regulations that address some of the “nuts and bolts” of Title IV program integrity and institutional quality under the Higher Education Act. In the notice, the Department requests nominations for non-Federal negotiators and sets dates for negotiation sessions.
MCA Chicago announces Resonance Spring Performance Series
Each spring the MCA presents a series of performances that are shaped by a curatorial theme reflecting our contemporary moment. The 2024 series, which takes place from March 28 through May 12, focuses on the theme of “resonance” through works by four artists who explore the physicality of sound and voice: Anna Martine Whitehead, Samita Sinha, Laura Ortman, and 7NMS | Marjani Forté-Saunders and Everett Saunders. Together, the artists and their respective pieces form voices expressing the present power of protest.
CANDIACE RECHARGES FAN-FAVORITE SINGLE “FINE WHINE” OUT NOW
Rising R&B powerhouse CANDIACE refreshes her fan-favorite “Fine Whine” with an official re-release of the single. It graces her acclaimed 2022 full-length album, Deep Space (Deluxe Editon).
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL REACHES OVER $1 MILLION SETTLEMENT WITH MANUFACTURING COMPANY OVER USE OF NO-POACH AGREEMENTS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a settlement with Colony Display LLC (Colony) that resolves allegations Colony entered into no-poach agreements and engaged in wage fixing with three staffing agencies. The settlement requires Colony to pay more than $1 million to compensate temporary workers who were impacted by the unlawful activity.
TENNIS CHAMPION VENUS WILLIAMS JOINS REINSTEIN ROSS GOLDSMITHS TO LAUNCH THE NEW DIAMOND MATCH™ JEWELRY COLLECTION
Reinstein Ross, the distinguished jewelry brand renowned for its exquisite brushed gold creations in iconic custom gold alloys and rare gemstones, is proud to unveil its new partnership with tennis champion and entrepreneur, Venus Williams. Together, they are excited to introduce the Diamond Match™ collection. Redefining what everyday jewelry looks and feels like, Venus wanted to empower jewelry lovers to express their individuality through one-of-a-kind pieces.
League of Women Voters Honors Giannoulias with “Making Democracy Work” Award
The League of Women Voters (LWV) of Chicago presented Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias with its “Making Democracy Work” Award, recognizing his “committed and visionary leadership” that ultimately strengthens our democracy.
Black Girls Golf Elevates Diverse Women in Golf at This Year's Executive Member Retreat American Licorice Company is proud to be one of the sponsors for this event.
When diverse female professionals are brought together in sisterhood, amazing things happen. Just ask any of the women who attended this year's Black Girls Golf Executive Member Retreat.
THE JOFFREY BALLET PARTNERS WITH THE CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE BIENNIAL TO PRESENT “ALL OF MANKIND” BY ARTIST JAN TICHY
In partnership with the Chicago Architecture Biennial, The Joffrey Ballet announces the completion of Jan Tichy's installation, All of Mankind, on the windows of Joffrey Tower, which is home to The Joffrey Ballet and the Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet. Located in the center of downtown Chicago at 10 E. Randolph Street, The Joffrey Ballet is one of 14 venues taking part in CAB 5: This is a Rehearsal, a city-wide program including site-specific installations and presentations at ten outdoor City Sites and four cultural and civic institutions, including the Chicago Cultural Center, the James R. Thompson Center, the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts, the Chicago Architecture Center.
Disney100: The Exhibition Opens in Chicago
Disney100: The Exhibition opened on Saturday, Nov. 18th, at 2367 W. Logan Blvd. Disney100: The Exhibition features artifacts, memorabilia, props, artifacts and costumes from the Disney archives. There also are interactive installations, with audio and visual components. The exhibition has 10 themed galleries that shares the story of Walt Disney and how his philosophies he developed still inform everything that is done at the Walt Disney Company.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON APPOINTS SYDNEY HOLMAN TO SERVE AS DEPUTY MAYOR OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the appointment of Sydney Holman to serve as the Deputy Mayor of Intergovernmental Affairs. In this role, Holman will lead Mayor Johnson’s legislative priorities at the city, state and federal levels
An update on the Woodlawn Central Plan
The Woodlawn Central Master Plan was created as a part of a 2060 Plan by J. Byron Brazier. The plan was approved by the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development. Brazier took some time to speak with the Citizen Newspaper and give an update on the progress of the plan.
LUV Institute Gears Up for Wreath Sale
Music filled the headquarters on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving as young people and team members from the LUV Institute decorated wreaths. Wreaths of LUV has become an annual tradition for the organization. The decorated wreaths are sold to individuals, businesses and other organizations to be placed at homes, storefronts and along streets during the holiday season.
School District 162 opens Annex in Richton Park
A former roller-skating rink is getting a second life for use as a multipurpose structure for School District 162. The 23,000 square foot Annex is located at 4645 Sauk Trail in Richton Park. The Matteson School District consists of seven elementary schools and the Southland College Prep Charter High School.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON APPOINTS DR. OLUSIMBO IGE TO SERVE AS COMMISSIONER OF THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the appointment of esteemed public health leader Dr. Olusimbo “Simbo” Ige, MD, MS, MPH to serve as Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). Dr. Ige is currently the Managing Director of Programs at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and has previously served as the Assistant Commissioner for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
COMMISSIONER LARRY ROGERS JR., A SHINING EXAMPLE OF TRANSPARENCY, INTEGRITY, AND FAIRNESS
It is no secret that Cook County voters may often have diverse opinions of individual elected officials and the political spectrum as a whole. But it is refreshing to hear from voters of their positive experiences with select elected officials who within their respective views are stellar and upstanding government leaders.
HYDE PARK SCHOOL OF DANCE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS WITH THE NUTCRACKER
DECEMBER 8–10 AT MANDEL HALL- Celebrating 30 years of training, performance, and community, Hyde Park School of Dance brings together fans of ballet, modern, and hip hop with its annual presentation of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Performances are December 8–10 at Mandel Hall on the University of Chicago campus, 1131 E. 57th Street, Chicago.
Forty Acres Fresh Market Breaks Ground on Space
Liz Abunaw began her quest to provide quality, affordable produce to residents in Austin in 2018 when she launched Forty Acres Fresh Market. She recently broke ground on a brick-and-mortar space for the endeavor and took time to answer some questions.
Reps. Davis and Feenstra Honor American Education Week
Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL) and Representative Randy Feenstra (R-IA) introduced the Upskilling and Retraining Assistance Act (H.R. 6401) and the Upward Mobility Act (H.R. 6402) to modernize the tax code to help lower the cost of education for workers and help employers recruit and train a skilled workforce.
Dressed by the Best for a Chicago Winter
In preparation for a Chicago winter, founders of Treadmill Mentality Foundation Jevon Carter and Taylor Houston partnered with Enchanted Backpack to provide 250 Roswell B. Mason Elementary School students with winter necessities such as coats, hats and gloves. In addition to the contributions from the Treadmill Mentality Foundation, the Chicago Bulls have donated 250 beanies, ensuring that each student is prepared for the upcoming winter months, and Enchanted Backpack provided essential school supplies, books, athletic equipment and art supplies as a part of its Mobile Van Program, marking Roswell B. Mason the 312th school they have partnered with in the Chicagoland area.
Gov. Pritzker Announces Plan to Improve Asylum Seeker Emergency Response
Governor JB Pritzker announced that the State will invest an additional $160 million via the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis presented by the arrival of over 24,000 asylum seekers from the U.S. Southern Border.
Tuesday, November 28
Treasurer Maria Pappas unveils online tool that shows where property tax dollars go as Dec. 1 tax due date looms
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas today unveiled an innovative online tool that for the first time calculates year-to-year changes for each property tax bill and shows where tax dollars go.
Damage from the September Storms and Flooding? Apply for Federal Assistance
Cook County residents affected by the severe storms and flooding of September 17- 18, 2023, may now call or go online to register for disaster assistance from FEMA. If you have insurance coverage, first file a claim. If you have uninsured or underinsured losses, contact FEMA by going online to disasterassistance.gov, downloading the FEMA app or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. When calling the FEMA Helpline, multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).
Wednesday, November 22
CHA announces new “Restore Home” initiative; major capital effort will rehabilitate nearly 200 vacant apartments in small and medium buildings in 2024-25
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) announced the new Restore Home initiative at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. The initiative is part of the agency’s proposed 2024 budget and capital plan, which will be considered at a special board meeting in December.
FROM ADVERSITY TO VICTORY: DIXMOOR VIKINGS 11U AND 10U TEAM EYE SUPER BOWL GOLD IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA
The Dixmoor Vikings 11U and 10U Pop Warner teams are gearing up for an exhilarating opportunity as they head to the prestigious Pop Warner Super Bowl in Orlando, FL. This remarkable achievement comes on the heels of the team’s incredible performance, having clinched the National Runner-Up position after narrowly missing out on Nationals last year.
ROBBINS EAGLES 13U TEAM MAKES HISTORIC BREAKTHROUGH, ADVANCING TO AYF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 40 YEARS
In a historic moment that resonates beyond the field, the Robbins Eagles 13U Team has shattered barriers and secured their place in the American Football League (AYF) National Championship for the first time in the program's four-decade history. Led by Head Coach Justin Harris, this remarkable achievement symbolizes a journey of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering determination
Sheriff’s Office and Housing Authority of Cook County Distribute Free Turkeys to Cook County Residents
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office joined the Cook County Housing Authority on Tuesday to provide free turkeys to south suburban residents, just in time for Thanksgiving.
Azazie and The Bachelorette Star, Charity Lawson, Collaborate on Ultimate Bride-to-Be Holiday Gift Guide
Azazie, the leading direct-to-consumer bridal and special occasion dress brand, is thrilled to announce that Charity Lawson, beloved star of The Bachelorette, is joining forces with the brand to curate the Ultimate Bride-to-Be Holiday Gift Guide. Whether you're treating yourself or showing affection to your dearest friend as she embarks on her journey to 'happily ever after,' dive into Charity's expertly curated selections by the ultimate Bachelorette herself!
Chefs Join Together Providing Meals to the Community Fridge during the Holiday Season
Heather and D’Andre, along with volunteers from Evanston Community Fridges, stock the refrigerator and pantry outside the Soul & Smoke location at 1601 Payne St., Evanston year-round. The need increases during the winter and the holidays, and to address demand this year, they asked Chef Sarah Stegner of Prairie Grass Cafe & co-founder of Chicago Chefs Cook to help organize additional contributions to the pantry.
JANELLE MONÁE JOINS MILK TO CELEBRATE FEMALE MARATHONERS IN NYC
Milk, as in real dairy milk, proudly returned to New York bringing back the '26.2 You're Gonna Need Milk for That' campaign in an effort to support and sponsor every woman running the marathon over the weekend.
Lt. Governor Stratton Convenes Thought Leaders and Policymakers at the Illinois Legislators Retreat Centered Around Education
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton convened the Illinois Legislators Retreat, in partnership with the Hunt Institute, early this week. Members of the General Assembly and resource experts discussed the early childhood workforce, K-12 reading and mental health, educator diversity and diverse postsecondary experiences.
FENDER HONORS BRUNO MARS WITH ARTIST SIGNATURE STRATOCASTER® GUITAR
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announces the launch of the Bruno Mars Stratocaster®, a limited-edition celebration of the chart-topping artist, multi-instrumentalist, performer, songwriter and producer Bruno Mars. The Bruno Mars Stratocaster® guitar pays tribute to his trailblazing career, dazzling showmanship, and mastery of genre through the power of guitar. Bruno Mars' catalog is defined by air tight songwriting, stunning musicianship and a fearlessness in the face of genre and at the foundation of this iconic body of work is a fundamental appreciation of versatile musicality. The Bruno Mars Signature Stratocaster® has classic appeal with highly optimized features that keep the modern player in mind. Mars envisioned an instrument with class that could still appeal to the most technically driven shredders—and this signature guitar is just that.
Biden-Harris Administration Premiers Public Service Announcement Elevating the Teaching Profession
The U.S. Department of Education launched its campaign to elevate the teaching profession and promote educator diversity. The campaign titled “Teachers: Leaders Shaping Lives” is headlined by a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) developed in partnership with TEACH.org and One Million Teachers of Color. The goal of the PSA is to inspire more talented people—especially those from underrepresented communities—to become teachers, while also elevating the teaching profession and celebrating our teachers. The PSA premiered on LinkedIn’s LinkedIn Live and will appear in media markets across the country via television, radio, and social media. To watch the PSA, click here.
ANNOUNCING WINNERS OF THE JOFFREY ACADEMY 14TH ANNUAL WINNING WORKS
The Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, presents five world premieres in the culmination of Joffrey's national call for ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American) artists to submit applications for the Joffrey Academy's Winning Works Choreographic Competition. In addition to an added weekend of performances, new to this year's program is the selection of a first-ever Chicago-based choreographer as a fifth candidate, set on the students of the Joffrey Conservatory Program, a preliminary training program for aspiring Trainee dancers ages 14 to 18. This year's Competition winners— Jainil Mehta, Martha Nichols, Manoela Gonçalves, Houston Thomas, and Chicago-based winner Xavier Núñez (Recipient of the Zach Lazar Winning Works Fellowship), each will choreograph an original work created for the Joffrey Academy Trainees and Studio Company, to a commissioned score by a chosen composer collaborator.
GYMGUYZ Unveils Online Personal Training Studio to Meet Demand for Enhanced Virtual Fitness
As demand for access to at-home fitness programs continues to soar, GYMGUYZ, the world's largest in-home and on-site personal training franchise, has announced its all-new, online training sessions, streamed from a state-of-the-art fitness facility.
Major new AUDITORIUM PHILMS CONCERT SERIES debuts in 2024
Film lovers rejoice as the Auditorium Theatre (Chicago’s landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) proudly announces the debut of the Auditorium Philms Concert Series, a major new multi-media experience presenting five iconic films brought to life with scores performed in concert by the Chicago Philharmonic, the city’s go-to orchestra for film score collaborations. Launching February 17, 2024, with the futuristic classic Blade Runner, the inaugural 2024 Auditorium Philms Concert Series continues with Batman 1989 in its 35th Anniversary year, April 13; the return of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther after Chicago Philharmonic’s triumphant 2022 Chicago Premiere of the film concert, June 22 & 23; the North American debut of Bram Stoker’s Dracula just in time for Halloween, October 26; and the pop holiday fan favorite, Love Actually, December 7. Individual tickets, starting at $59.00, along with Philms series packages for as few as 2 concerts and as low as $106.00 are on sale now.
BLACK AMBITION AWARDS $3.2 MILLION DOLLARS TO 36 ENTREPRENEURS
Pharrell Williams' Black Ambition, the non-profit initiative dedicated to supporting Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs, has awarded $1 million dollars to Antoinette Banks, CEO and Founder of Expert IEP, a parent-facing app that optimizes existing Individualized Education Plans with predictive AI for children diagnosed with a disability, as the Grand Prize Winner of its 2023 Prize competition at the third-annual "Demo Day'' event held on Thursday, Nov. 9th, at Spring Studios in New York, NY. Other Top Prize Winners include ECOMSPACES, a one-stop-shop for e-commerce solutions ranging from product photography to order fulfillment, and HBCU Grand Prize Winner, Monocle, a social e-reader that creates a community-focused reading experience, who were awarded with $250,000 and $200,000, respectively, towards their ventures – in addition to 33 other prize recipients who also received monetary prizes.
Rep. Jackson Leads 35 Colleagues in Calling for Increased Broadband Access for HBCUs and TCUs in Farm Bill
Today, U.S. Representative Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) led 35 of his colleagues in sending a letter to House Agriculture Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15) and Ranking Member David Scott (GA-13) calling for increased broadband access for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) in the Farm Bill’s Rural Development title.
COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER DONNA MILLER AND PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO CATCH UP ON COVID, FLU, AND RSV VACCINATIONS BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller hosted a fireside chat discussion alongside two Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) officials -- COO Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck and Chief Nursing Officer Denise Gilbert -- to share information on the updated COVID-19 vaccines, which target the currently-spreading variants. The conversation, which took place at Moraine Community College, was held alongside a pop-up vaccine clinic sponsored by Walgreens, where attendees could receive seasonal vaccines for COVID, flu, and RSV.
Reps. Kelly, Kiggans and Senators Peters, Collins Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Medical Nutrition Therapy Act
Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the bipartisan Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2023 to expand Medicare coverage for medical nutrition plans and addressing health disparities. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Susan Collins (ME) introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns $18.9 Million In Missing Money in October
The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office returned more than $18.9 million in missing money during October, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced.
West Side Activist Zerlina Smith-Members Calls on Citizens to Contact their State Officials and Demand they Extend the Invest in Kids Program
West Side Community Activist Zerlina Smith-Members called on her state legislator, La Shawn Ford (D-8th District) and Emanuel Chris Welch (D- 7th District), who is also the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, to vote on the extension of the Invest in Kids program, which expires on December 31.
Chicago Pre-College Science & Engineering Program launches Parent Advisory Council Dedicated Parent Group raises funds to support one of the city’s successful math and science programs
Bridgett White’s children have participated in Chicago Pre-College Science and Engineering Program (ChiS&E) since they were in the 5th and 3rd grades. Today her daughter, Brianna is a sophomore at Kenwood taking Pre-Calculus and her 8th grader Tristan is at Sutherland Elementary deeply immersed in algebra.
Local Girl Scouts learn how to Step
In the auditorium of Jones College Prep, girls in yellow t-shirts watched intently as Step Afrika performed on stage. After the group performed, the girls who are Girl Scouts were invited to come up on stage.
THE INAUGURAL “CLARK STREET COOKIE CRAWL” IS COMING TO LINCOLN PARK
A balanced holiday diet is a cookie in each hand! The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) is pleased to announce its inaugural Clark Street Cookie Crawl, sponsored by Clark Street Special Service Area (SSA) #23 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Sunday, Dec. 10,. Stretching down Clark Street between Fullerton and Diversey Avenue, participating Clark Street businesses will each feature their own holiday cookie for the crawl along with holiday decorations. Attendees will pick up a bag at the designated check-in location and stop into participating businesses along the street to receive a cookie per stop. Jolly participants will also be treated to an array of activations at participating businesses including pictures with Santa, live carolers, craft stations, hot chocolate, plus some boozy selections for the guardians! Families are invited to wear their most cozy pajamas or festive sweaters to turn this crawl into a real treat. More information on the inaugural Clark Street Cookie Crawl can be found on the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce’s website. Tickets are on sale online for $25 per person with a boozy ticket option for $35. Groups of 4 can attend for $75.
ILBCF provides resources and groceries to Veterans
The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation recently hosted a series of events with the goal to give back to Veterans.
3Arts announces inaugural recipients of $50,000 grants for Teaching Artists
3Arts, the Chicago-based nonprofit grantmaking organization, announced the recipients of its 3Arts Next Level Awards—$50,000 unrestricted cash awards given to past 3Arts awardees—during the festive 3Arts Awards Celebration held last night at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. While 3Arts has in the past awarded three Next Level grants, the roster this year was expanded to include two additional awards for teaching artists; at $50,000, this is the largest no-strings-attached cash award for teaching artists in the world. 2023 Next Level recipients are teaching artists Miguel “Kane One” Aguilar and Regin Igloria and visual artists Dianna Frid, Edra Soto, and Dorian Sylvain in recognition of their outstanding work in the arts and in neighborhoods across Chicago.
CITY COUNCIL PASSES HISTORIC CHICAGO PAID TIME OFF ORDINANCE
Chicago City Council passed the Chicago Paid Time Off ordinance which guarantees up to five days of paid time off and five days of sick time for all of Chicago’s workers. The Chicago Paid Time Off Ordinance is the most progressive paid time off legislation at the municipal level in the United States. “Today is a great day for the workers of Chicago, the businesses of Chicago, and the future of Chicago,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This ordinance, accomplished through compromise and collaboration, is an important step on the path to revitalizing the economy of our great city.
A Positive Note wants children to think, be and stay positive
Linda Odom wants children to be inspired and to embrace positivity through her endeavor, A Positive Note and its characters, which children can find in books, on YouTube and plush toys.
U.S. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS RELEASES NEW CIVIL RIGHTS DATA ON STUDENTS’ ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES DURING THE PANDEMIC
The U.S. Department of Education’s (Department) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) today released new civil rights data from the 2020–21 school year, offering critical insight regarding civil rights indicators during that coronavirus pandemic year. OCR also released seven data reports and snapshots, including A First Look: Students’ Access to Educational Opportunities in the Nation’s Public Schools, which provides an overview of these data and information.
ComEd Apprenticeship Program Changes Participants’ Lives
LaKoya Hampton was introduced to Chicago Women in Trades during a visit to a resource center near her house, after she moved back to Chicago from Texas in 2022. Chicago Women in Trades partnered with ComEd for the CONSTRUCT program.
Veterans and their families asked to share stories and memories
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is encouraging Veterans in Illinois to share their stories, mementos and photos for the Illinois Veterans History Project.
Monday, November 20
The DuSable Museum Women’s Board presents “The Glitz 2023: Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence”
The DuSable Museum Women’s Board will host their 30th Annual Holiday Glitz on December 3rd, 2023 at the Tinley Park Convention Center Ballroom, located at 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477. The theme of this year’s gala is “Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence". Enjoy an elegant evening of amazing food and live music entertainment, featuring Chris Christmas Band and V103’s DJ Maurice “ICE” Culpepper.
HABILITATIVE SYSTEMS, INC., TO HOST THIRD ANNUAL RACE AND HEALTH EQUITY AWARDS, DEC. 7th
Led by President and CEO Donald J. Dew, Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI), now celebrating its 45th year, will host the Third Annual Race and Health Equity Awards Celebration, Dec. 7th, at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 South Shore Dr., Chicago.
Visitors invited to see Christmas trees from around the world brighten office of County Treasurer Pappas for 20th year
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas invites visitors to see nearly 100 Christmas trees and other displays that celebrate cultural diversity this holiday season.
Friday, November 17
Thanksgiving 2023 Reflections - Planting Gratitude and Harvesting a Bounty
“Thank God for what we have left." - Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr. For many people, the Thanksgiving season is a time for expressing gratitude to God for our many blessings. I have been spending time this season reflecting on how grateful I am to have been raised by my parents, Rev. A.D. King and Dr. Naomi King. My father’s legacy lives on in his powerful sermons, and writings, and in the work and lives of his children.
Property Values for Worth Township Released
Cook County – Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi released the initial assessments of residential and commercial properties in Worth Township. “I strongly encourage property owners to review their reassessment notice to ensure their property characteristics and market value reflect their home,” said Assessor Fritz Kaegi. “It is important to understand that assessments in Cook County reflect market value over the last three years. My office will be hosting a virtual workshop to assist property owners and explain reassessments in their community.”
Thursday, November 16
HUGE DAY FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF RICH TOWNSHIP
Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan is expressing his gratitude, joy, and excitement after receiving the Township of Illinois Organization’s (TOI) “2023 Township Supervisor of the year Award.” The Award was presented to Supervisor Jordan November 14th, during the 116th TOI Educational Conference of all Townships in Illinois. During this same event, Supervisor Jordan was given the “The 2023 Elected Official Award” by the prestigious organization.
Wednesday, November 15
We Will Never Forget
45th Anniversary of the Tragedy of Jonestown
On November 18, 1978, an inexplicable act of evil occurred in the remote Jungles of Guyana, South America resulting in the deaths of 913 people including over 300 children, 40 of them infants.
will.i.am Honored with the 2023 James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award by The Tech Interactive Sixth Annual Tech for Global Good Celebration to Recognize Innovative Organizations Advancing Health E
The Tech Interactive honored global music artist, tech entrepreneur, and philanthropist will.i.am with the 2023 James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award, presented by Applied Materials, Inc., at its sixth annual Tech for Global Good celebration on Saturday, Nov. 4. That night, The Tech Interactive's newest class of Tech for Global Good laureates – innovative organizations that use technology to significantly advance health equity and improve lives – were also honored and celebrated.
Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Fermilab’s New Superconducting Quantum Materials and System Centers Garage
Governor Pritzker joined international dignitaries and ambassadors, leaders at the Department of Energy and local universities, and other elected officials to celebrate the opening of Fermilab’s new Superconducting Quantum Materials and System Centers (SQMSC) Garage. The SQMSC Garage is one of the five Department of Energy National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, and one of the largest quantum research labs in the world.
CAROL'S DAUGHTER EXPANDS 'LOVE DELIVERED' DOULA GRANTS IN NEW ORLEANS
Building on their 3-year commitment to improve Black Maternal Health outcomes, Carol's Daughter is expanding the Love Delivered initiative's aims by funding additional doula support for families in need. In partnership with the Mama Glow Foundation, Carol's Daughter provides doula service grants for families living in New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Washington DC., and now New Orleans. Starting today, pregnant, and recently postpartum Black mothers and birthing people can apply for a grant to be matched with a Mama Glow trained doula.
ILLINOIS NETWORK OF CHARTER SCHOOLS HONORS THREE OUTSTANDING CHICAGO EDUCATORS WITH $10,000 AND STATEWIDE AWARD RECOGNITION
The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) is honoring three Chicago educators with Charter Excellence Awards for Illinois Principal of the Year, Elementary School Teacher of the Year, and High School Teacher of the Year. Each honoree will receive $10,000 and be surprised with their award at a school assembly in front of their students, families, and peers. Since 2011, INCS has recognized exceptional principals, teachers, students, and advocates statewide with the Charter Excellence Awards. These awards honor and recognize outstanding achievement and the exceptional contributions the honoree has made to their schools, communities, and students. This year, we received 92 nominations from charter schools across the state.
Music Icon Chaka Khan Launches First Fragrance
HSN®, a leader in livestream shopping and video storytelling, today announced the highly anticipated launch of Chaka Khan's debut fragrance, Chaka by Chaka Khan. As the latest woman to be inducted into the coveted Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Chaka Khan is a 10-time Grammy Award–winning global superstar that has served as an inspiration for generations of singers, songwriters, recording artists, storytellers and musicians. The fragrance will debut on HSN.com via an exclusive, worldwide launch.
Chicago Public Schools Engages with Parents and Community Stakeholders
Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez has been in the role since September 2021. Martinez said things with CPS are feeling very strong and the school year started off very smoothly. The district ended the last school year very positively. While, the district continues to see significant need, with homeless students or more students with Individualized Education Program (IEP)s, the morale is very strong.
Banking on Brilliance: George Acheampong Sets the Standard for Financial Thought Leadership
George Acheampong, an influential figure in personal finance, wealth building, and entrepreneurship, is leaving an indelible mark on the financial industry. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Capitalwize, LLC, a Financial Planning and Investment Management Firm, and the visionary behind Melanin Money Capital, a Venture Capital Firm focused on early-stage Black-owned Start-ups, Acheampong is at the forefront of financial empowerment.
THE CHICAGO SCOTS HOST 178TH ANNUAL SAINT ANDREW’S DAY GALA
Save the date! The Chicago Scots, the first and oldest non-profit organization in Illinois, is throwing a grand Scottish party, the longest-running black-tie event in Chicago, the 178th Annual Saint Andrew’s Day Gala, AKA “TheFeast of the Haggis”, on Saturday, December 2 beginning at 6 PM. This wonderfully elegant evening will be hosted in a new location, the Grand Banking Hall, inside the historic Wintrust Building, one of the most architecturally significant and iconic buildings in the Midwest. Throughout this spectacular night of fun and tradition, attendees who are Scottish by birth, by heritage or simply by inclination will enjoy the best of Scotland – bagpipes, highland dancing, tartans, toasts, awards, whisky tastings, cocktail reception, & formal banquet featuring, of course, haggis. In the spirit of Scottish poet Robert Burns’ “Auld Lang Syne,” the event will “lift a cup o’ kindness,” as all proceeds will benefit the organization’s principal charity, Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care in North Riverside.
Writer’s crime thriller novel focuses on the perspective of Black women
Tracy Clark evolved from being an avid reader of crime novels and mystery books to writing her own crime thrillers. The author of the Cass Raines Chicago Mystery Series and Detective Harriet Foster series wanted to write characters that looked like her.
Kroger Foundation and Thurgood Marshall College Fund Collaborate for Third Annual Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Innovation Challenge
The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) Foundation announced the scholarship award recipients and entrepreneurial pitch competition results from its third annual Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Innovation Challenge in collaboration with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). The Innovation Challenge is made possible by $1.35 million in grants awarded to TMCF from the foundation's Racial Equity Fund. The grants support TMCF's effort to adapt its successful innovation and entrepreneurship model to focus on food insecurity and food waste.
Hyde Park Art Center announces The United Colors of Robert Earl Paige April 6th - October 27, 2024
Hyde Park Art Center, the renowned non-profit hub for contemporary art located on Chicago’s vibrant South Side, announces The United Colors of Robert Earl Paige, the career-spanning survey of artist, designer, and educator Robert Earl Paige (b. 1936). With multimedia works made between 1964 and 2024, this solo show is the largest presentation of the Chicago native’s work to date and brings together a selection of Paige’s fabrics and textile work, and rarely seen drawings, assemblages, and ceramic objects that explore the artist’s lifelong quest for beauty. A highlight of the exhibition is the debut of recent clay, wall/floor paintings, and collage made during his Radicle Residency at Hyde Park Art Center in 2022-23.
Boop! Brings Betty Boop to the Stage
Boop! The Betty Boop Musical will have its premiere on Sunday, Nov. 19th, at CIBC Theatre, located at 18 W. Monroe St. It will run through Sunday, Dec. 24th. Jasmine Amy Rogers plays Betty Boop, Ainsley Anthony Melham plays Dwayne, Stephen DeRosa plays Grampy, Angelica Hales plays Trisha, Erich Bergen plays Raymond and Anastacia McCleskey plays Carol.
Fitch Ratings Affirms City Colleges of Chicago’s A+ Credit Rating
City Colleges of Chicago announces that Fitch Ratings has affirmed its credit rating of A+ and upgraded the community college system’s outlook from Stable to Positive.
Democracy Forum brings thought leaders and changemakers together
When President Barack Obama took the stage at the Democracy Forum he was greeted by cheers and a standing ovation. He started off with talking about why he and First Lady Michelle Obama started the Obama Foundation after leaving the White House. He said it was because they wanted to inspire and empower young leaders whose ideas and insights would drive change for years to come.
Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton Meets with United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Employment
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton met with United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Employment, Guy Opperman, and Alan Gogbashian, Consul General of the United Kingdom in Chicago. The meeting’s purpose was to build upon our strong bilateral ties and discuss areas of collaboration and workforce development between the UK and Illinois.
ComEd and HIRE 360 Honor First Class of Take Charge
Illinois has a goal to have 1 million electric vehicles on the roads by 2030. In order to keep up with the demand for electric vehicles, ComEd partnered with HIRE360 to create a program to prepare people to support the electric vehicle industry in Illinois
Black-owned Supermarkets Play a Major Role in Opening Doors and Expanding Opportunities for Black Entrepreneurs
Celebrity Chef Dominique Leach, who has been lauded for having the best barbeque in Chicago, will showcase her culinary skills and line of retail products during a demo at Living Fresh Market, on Saturday, November 18th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
NORFOLK SOUTHERN HIRES MINORITY-OWNED CONTRACTORS
Norfolk Southern announced the hiring of two minority-owned contractors, one of which is also woman-owned, for work south of Garfield Blvd. at its 47th Street Intermodal Facility. The contractors, Syte Corporation and Twenty Eleven Construction, have begun work with Norfolk Southern to enhance the components of the project, such as stockpile management, landscaping, and sidewalk improvements in the surrounding area. Norfolk Southern has allocated $4 million to these two contractors, part of a total $10 million allocated to minority-owned and women-owned contractors across Chicago.
Rich Township High School District 227 Has Received International Baccalaureate World School Accreditation
Rich Township High School District 227 announces that it has received accreditation as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. This accreditation is for the RTHS Middle Years Program (MYP). The program serves talented freshmen and sophomore students.
MCA Chicago Announces Gift of 79 Objects from Marilyn and Larry Fields
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago is excited to announce a gift of 79 objects from Chicago-based art collectors Marilyn and Larry Fields. The gift, which was selected by the Fields in tandem with the MCA’s curatorial staff, marks another step in the museum’s mission to create a permanent collection that holistically represents contemporary art history by building its holdings of women-identifying and BIPOC artists. The donation includes paintings, photography, new media, and sculptures by major local, national, and international artists.
Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon Believes Illinois Can Play a Role in Improving Lives in Slavery's Last Stronghold
Upon returning from a recent trip to Nouakchott, the capital city of Mauritania, Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon is determined to forge a student exchange program between the colleges in her district and slavery's last stronghold. Gordon visited the West African nation with the Abolition Institute as part of a 17-person delegation to fight against modern day slavery.
CONGRESSMAN DANNY K. DAVIS ANNOUNCES $177 MILLION FOR ILLINOIS TO HELP HOUSEHOLDS WITH HOME ENERGY COSTS
Congressman Danny K. Davis announced that Illinois was awarded $177 million in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Administered through the Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Community Services at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this funding will help individuals and families with low incomes pay their home heating costs this winter and with cooling bills in the summer.
Christmas cocktails, tinsel and holiday cheer are on the menu at Tinseltown Chicago, coming to Welcome Back Lounge!
Have you already started counting down the days until Christmas? Tinseltown is coming, just in time for our favourite time of year! If you want to go all-in on Christmas and winter festivities, it is a must-visit! The all-encompassing Christmas-themed pop-up will be fulfilling all your festive wishes at Welcome Back Lounge on N Milwaukee Ave. Opening on November 29th and running until December 30th, the event is overflowing with holly jolly Christmas spirit!
Wednesday, November 8
Stay ahead of the scammers and keep your accounts safe
Your phone pings. It looks like a text message from your bank, and it’s urgent. It says you need to send money to your account using a wire transfer or digital payment like Zelle® to reverse a fraudulent transaction. Or, it tells you there’s suspicious activity on your account, and you need to call a certain number right away to address it.
West Side Activist Zerlina Smith-Members Calls on Citizens to Contact their State Officials and Demand they Extend the Invest in Kids Progra
West Side Community Activist Zerlina Smith-Members today called on her state legislator, La Shawn Ford (D-8th District) and Emanuel Chris Welch (D- 7th District), who is also the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, to vote on the extension of the Invest in Kids program, which expires on December 31.
ESSENCE Girls United Enters Into The Era of Disruption for its 2023 Summit
The fourth annual ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Disruptor Summit, returns on Nov. 11 in Atlanta, GA, the premier cultural & creative hub of the South and home to the largest consortium of HBCUs in the country. This year’s summit will be a safe space for young Black women, girls, and gender-expansive youth to come together and fellowship for a day filled with panels, networking, activations and more. “The Era of Disruption” serves as this year’s theme, and an invitation to Zillenials to continue to use their voices to break the mold by utilizing their individual paths, ideas and trends to celebrate all aspects of the Black experience.
PUMA names A$AP Rocky Creative Director for PUMA x F1 partnership
Sports company PUMA and music artist, creative, and designer A$AP Rocky have officially announced a long-term creative partnership. Rooted in the motorsport business, A$AP Rocky will serve as the Creative Director for the category with a focus on the intersection of the sport and streetwear. Rocky will focus his energy and efforts on PUMA's new partnership with F1, developing bespoke capsules designed by him, that will influence the brand's seasonal design directions moving forward.
Atlanta Life Insurance Reemerges with New Leadership and a New Vision
Atlanta Life Insurance Company, the lone remaining Black-founded and owned insurance company, is reemerging under new leadership with a fresh vision that pays homage to the brand's rich history and legacy. For more than 100 years, Atlanta Life has provided insurance to help policyholders build wealth for their families.
Chicago Public Schools Celebrates Historic Graduation Rates, Early College Credits Earned, More than $2 Billion in Scholarships
U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Pedro Martinez Tuesday celebrated the District’s progress in preparing more students for success in college and careers with record-breaking graduation rates, growing participation in Early College and Career Education programming and more than $2 billion in college scholarships awarded last year alone. The celebration at Walter Henri Dyett High School for the Arts emphasized collaboration with private, public, non-profit, and higher education partners across the city that are equipping CPS graduates with the knowledge as well as the skills and experiences to soar in their post-secondary lives.
Illinois Joining Forces Launches Operation Connect-A-Vet to Empower Friends and Families to Link Veterans with Resources
As Veterans Day approaches and the holiday season draws near, Illinois Joining Forces is proud to unveil its latest initiative, Operation Connect-A-Vet as part of Operation Connect Illinois CARES. This initiative is designed to ensure that every Veteran feels connected.
Chicago Housing Authority launches new Down Payment Assistance program to help families achieve their dreams of homeownership Single Mom is first CHA resident to close on home: “I just can’t believe
Samantha Stokes grew up one of four children living under the roof of hard-working parents. Ends didn’t always meet, and she remembers being evicted as a child – something she vowed never to experience as an adult.
Cristina Jones Takes the Helm as New CEO of Black Girls Code
Black Girls Code is thrilled to introduce Cristina Jones as their new CEO. Jones brings decades of executive and leadership experience at the intersection of technology, marketing, and media. She is passionate about creating pathways for women of color to be in the rooms where tech is being innovated, and approaches this work with urgency.
CITY OF CHICAGO PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT NEW ARRIVALS AND UNHOUSED CHICAGOANS AHEAD OF THE WINTER SEASON
With winter approaching, there is a need to provide individuals, families, children and infants with winter coats, shoes, and warm clothing along with other essential items. Since August 31, 2022, the City of Chicago has welcomed more than 19,000 asylum-seekers. According to a 2023 study by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, over 68,000 Chicagoans are currently experiencing homelessness.
Upcoming Town Hall Discussion to highlight resources for those interested in adoption and fostering children
Deborah Farmer was prompted to produce a Town Hall Meeting titled, “Empowering the Village: A Discussion on Adoption and Child Advocacy.” She thought about her journey with her son, Joshua; she had quite a few of her peers who wanted to foster or adopt, but they didn’t
How assessments and appeals in your community affected property tax bills Assessor’s Office releases Data Dashboards for Tax Year 2022
The Cook County Assessor’s Office (Assessor's Office) created a data dashboard that allows the public to view assessed values at each stage for tax year 2022. The final values reflect this year’s second installment tax bill.
Pierce Twins Make a Positive Change with Nonprofit
Kyra and Phallon Pierce were in eighth grade when they found a racist book on their school’s reading list. It led them to look at their school’s reading list and the reading lists from schools in their area. They found there was a lack of diversity when it came to the authors and the characters in the books on those lists.
Kelly, Duckworth Highlight Need for More Action to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes at M.O.M.S Tour
U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Administrator Carole Johnson on Saturday, Oct. 28, for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ M.O.M.S (Maternal Outcomes Matter Showers) Tour, highlighting their work on this important issue and the need to do more to address our country’s ongoing maternal mortality crisis. This national tour aims to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly among Black women, in communities with high maternal morbidity rates, bringing together mental health professionals, birth workers, medical professionals and community members to engage in meaningful discussions on maternal health disparities and explore ways to provide resources and support for women at risk.
Educator Develops App for School Safety
Shagmond Lowery came up with the idea for the MyPal App four years ago when he was an educator at a South Suburban School District. Incidents at schools in the community prompted him to create the app with the hope it would keep students safe.
TEACHER CREATES FREE SNACK STOP TO PREVENT HUNGER, STIGMA
“I was a free and reduced lunch kid when I was little, we had tickets and you’d walk up to the little table and they had to sort through and get your ticket and they’d punch your ticket. And everybody with money could just go right ahead. It always felt like everybody knew,” Hursh recalled early Wednesday morning before her students arrived. “I’ve been teaching for 20 years and there’s always that handful of kids that never have their snack.”
Loyola University Chicago Celebrates Second Annual Mamie Till-Mobley Scholarship Luncheon
On Saturday, Oct. 28, the Loyola University Chicago Black Alumni Board (BAB) hosted the second annual Mamie Till-Mobley Scholarship luncheon to celebrate LUC alumna and raise funds for the scholarship.
Wellness West is increasing access to food through partnership with Instacart
Wellness West has partnered with Instacart to provide access to healthy food for its members. The “Food Connections” program offers a monthly grocery stipend of $79 to eligible members of Wellness West. Those groceries will be delivered through Instacart.
ILLINOIS HISTORIC SITES COUNCIL APPROVES BLACK PANTHER PARTY LANDMARK NOMINATION
The Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council (IHSAC) unanimously approved the nomination to landmark the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party (ILBPP). This vote completes state requirements, and the multiple property document is now headed to the National Park Service (NPS).
Beat the Streets Chicago’s Mural Honors City’s Wrestling History
Beat the Streets Chicago has created a mural with the goal to inspire future wrestling talent. The mural, located at 5985 S. Archer Ave., depicts wrestlers from Chicago who have left their mark in some form or fashion in the city and beyond.
Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Grand Opening of Brown Sugar Bakery’s Manufacturing Facility in Chicago
Governor JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton joined local and state leaders to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Brown Sugar Bakery’s manufacturing facility. The 10,000 square-foot facility will enable large scale production on Chicago’s South Side while creating jobs for the local community. “One of the most important things I get to do as governor is help entrepreneurs start new businesses, and help small businesses become big ones. That’s the best way to create jobs and grow the economy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I couldn’t be prouder of the Brown Sugar Bakery team as they continue to uplift the community, making a difference in so many people’s lives while bringing smiles to the faces of people everywhere.”
Chicago Scholars’ 2023 Onsite College and Leadership Forum Facilitated $12,467,000 in Scholarships and 244 College Admissions Granted to 600 Chicago High School Seniors
On Tuesday, Oct. 24, 600 of Chicago’s most academically ambitious high school students from under-resourced communities gathered at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall for a mass college interview day unlike any other - the Chicago Scholars’ Onsite College and Leadership Forum. This year’s event could not have been a bigger success, as $12,467,000 in scholarships and 247 college admissions were granted to students from 127 of the country’s most selective colleges and universities in attendance.
Chicago Public Schools Announces Two New Chiefs to Oversee Procurement and Network 4
The Chicago Board of Education (Board) approved the appointment of Patricia Hernandez to serve as the District’s new Chief Procurement Officer and Dr. Jerry Travlos as the Network 4 Chief of Schools. Both leaders bring decades of experience working in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to their respective new roles.
City Colleges of Chicago fall enrollment increases more than double the state average Illinois Community College Board reports City Colleges of Chicago enrollment is up again with a year over year he
City Colleges of Chicago’s (CCC) Fall 2023 headcount enrollment is up 12.7% for students in combined credit and adult education, more than double the state-wide average (+5.7%) for Illinois community colleges, with strong gains for Black male (+15.8%) and Latinx male (+8.6%) credit students. City Colleges undergraduate credit enrollment increase (+8.4%) was nearly double the national public community college average (+4.4%).
CHICAGO TASKFORCE ON INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY (CTIT) LAUNCHES AMBITIOUS PLAN FOR CITY TRANSFORMATION
The City of Chicago announces the launch of the Chicago Taskforce on Innovation and Technology (CTIT), an initiative dedicated to advancing new solutions in public safety, smart government, and connected infrastructure. This initiative is championed by Mayor Brandon Johnson and supported by Alderman Gilbert Villegas, Chairman of the Committee of Economic, Capital, and Technology Development, and John Roberson, Chief Operating Officer for the City of Chicago. George Burciaga of Elevate Cities will provide oversight to the CTIT.
Tuesday, November 7
U. S. Disasters Disparately Impact Low Income Homeowners and Renters
So far this year, the U.S. has been hit by 23 separate major disasters, the highest number since the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) started keeping records in 1980. These disasters—which include hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, tornados, and hail—collectively have killed more than 250 people, caused over $57 billion in property damage, and are both causing and exacerbating health issues in regions across the country. Their impact is disproportionately felt by low-income homeowners and renters.
Monday, November 6
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ENCOURAGES VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE IN FREE VETERANS CONSUMER SCAMS WEBINAR
In advance of Veterans Day, Attorney General Kwame Raoul is encouraging veterans, service members and their families to participate in a free military rights webinar to learn how to avoid scams directed at veterans and what to do if they have been a victim of a scam.
Friday, November 3
Chicago Teens in After School Matters Visit Atlanta-Area Colleges
Thirty Chicago teens participating in After School Matters, Chicago’s largest and a leading national provider of out-of-school programs, recently returned from a trip to Atlanta to visit colleges and universities as part of the organization’s After School Matters University (or ASMU) program. The trip was free for the teens and underwritten by After School Matters, with flights provided by United Airlines.
Wednesday, November 1
New audiobook lifts up Black-led solutions to long-standing inequities
The Black Future Co-op Fund, Washington state’s first Black-led cooperative philanthropy, today released an audiobook version of their groundbreaking report, Black Well-being: Moving Toward Solutions Together.
South Suburban College to Host Family Reading Night on November 16th
South Suburban College (SSC) is gearing up for its annual Family Reading Night event, set to take place on Thursday, November 16th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at SSC's Main Campus located at 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, IL. The public is invited to attend this free event, which aims to promote community literacy through engaging stories, youth activities, and live presentations. Attendees can look forward to a puppet show, face painting, balloon art, book readings by local authors, and a youth book giveaway. The event's community partners comprise Burst into Books, Y.U.R.W.I. Youth Urban Reading and Writing Initiative, and Doughboy's Catering.
Homeowners may be eligible for property tax savings on their property tax bill
Property tax exemptions can lower a homeowner's Second Installment Property Tax Bill (tax bill). Homeowners are encouraged to review the bottom left corner of the tax bill to review exemption deductions. Most homeowners are eligible for the Homeowner Exemption, which saves an average of approximately $950 dollars. Senior homeowners over 65 are likely eligible for additional property tax savings with the Senior Exemption.
FOUNDER OF THE CHICAGO GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL, SASHA DALTONN, RETURNS TO RADIO ON THE FM OMNI-CHANNEL RADIO STATION ™
he world’s largest digital radio station, The FM Omni-Channel Radio Station™ (The FMOC) is set to welcome Sasha Daltonn Sunday, November 5, 2023, 8am-Noon, as host of the station’s new show, SUNDAY PRAISE!!!
Trilogy hosting capital campaign for its Chatham Support Center
Trilogy recently purchased the building at 8541 S. State St. The site is set to become its new support center, which will help provide mental health services to those in the community who desperately need it.
PROMINENT GHANAIAN BISHOP & AUTHOR IN ILLINOIS
Noted Bishop James Ashaley Kotey of Ghana, West Africa, is in Chicago on a visit to Illinois as part of a two-month religious tour of the U.S. He has previously visited South Carolina and Connecticut. He also traveled to the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, and Holland on a world tour.
Burrell Communications Group Acquired By FVLCRUM
Revered leadership duo McGhee Osse and Fay Ferguson transition the agency to new CEO
After leading the agency to sustained growth and success since purchasing a majority stake from founder Tom Burrell in 2004, Burrell Communications Group’s Co-CEOs McGhee Osse and Fay Ferguson have announced a transition to new ownership.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST META FOR BUSINESS PRACTICES THAT HARM CHILDREN
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that his office filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc. (Meta), the company that owns and operates Facebook and Instagram, for its harmful business practices targeting children.
Britney Coleman is in good ‘Company’
Britney Coleman’s foray in theater was a 45-minute version of a musical when she was in the third grade. She was picked out for the role of Mary in “The Secret Garden.” She was glad it was a requirement, because she was shy growing up. She realized that she loved it and continued to do school shows.
Enhanced Money Match Returns Money Ahead of Holiday Shopping Season
More than 73,000 people are in line to receive up to $5,000 from the state’s Unclaimed Property program and all they have to do is open their mailbox, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said.
Interdisciplinary designer recognized with 3Arts Award
Eric Hotchkiss grew up making things, letting his imagination help him create items like toys and buggies. It led to him getting a degree in engineering and moving into industrial design. Hotchkiss attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and studied design. He always wanted to do more artistic design.
CITY OF CHICAGO SECURES TWO MORE RATING UPGRADES FOR THE CITY’S GENERAL OBLIGATION CREDIT AND SALES TAX SECURITIZATION CORPORATION
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that Fitch Ratings has upgraded the ratings for the City of Chicago general obligation credit and Sales Tax Securitization Corporation, each by one notch. The general obligation ratings were raised to ‘BBB+’ from ‘BBB’ and the Sales Tax Securitization Corporation ratings were raised to ‘AA+’ from ‘AA.’ Every City credit has received an upgrade in the past year.
Reps. Jackson, Davis, Clarke, Kelly Establish Congressional Caucus to Support Predominantly Black Institutions
Representative Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Representative Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), and Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL) announced the establishment of a new Congressional Caucus focused on educating policymakers and uplifting the needs of Predominantly Black Institutions. The Congressional Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) Caucus will unite policymakers who share the goal of understanding and advancing policies to support PBIs.
FM Omni Channel hits milestone and continues to grow
In August 2019, Tracey V. Bell purchased 95.1 FM from Windy City Broadcasting. She was doing marketing for the station when the opportunity came to purchase the station. Thirty days later, she launched the radio station as an app. The app allowed people from all over the country and the world to listen to the station.
Bulls Unveil Three New Murals Ahead of 2023-24 Season
The Chicago Bulls unveiled three new murals that showcase different elements of the Bulls brand in Pilsen, West Loop and West Town ahead of the 2023-24 season. Each mural was hand-painted and designed by a local muralist to showcase different elements of the Bulls brand. The murals are part of the organization’s continued focus to connect with fans in Chicago, creating memorable off-the-court experiences and highlighting the brand through different mediums.
Natural Hair and Braiding Academy Fulfills Need
LeAnn Drake has been braiding her hair since she was young. Before she knew it, she was braiding hair in the community. In 2010, Illinois passed a law that required hair braiders to get a special license by taking 300 hours of training. Because there wasn’t a hair braider program, Drake went to cosmetology school. She fell in love with styling hair. She wanted to create a space where people would be able to get their hair braiding license, so she opened Fusion Hair & Braid Academy.
SOUTH SUBURBAN REGION BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXPECTED TO BREAK GROUND ON NEW “FREE” TRAINING ACADEMY
Anthony McCaskill- Chairman of the South Suburban Region Black Chamber of Commerce- will be joined by Illinois State Senator Napoleon Harris, Calvin Jordan along with over 50 southland mayors, Chicago Business leaders and southland residents in the groundbreaking celebration and ceremony for the much-anticipated Chambers Training Academy.
New Survey Finds Household Parenting Equity, Workplace Flexibility Key Factors in Ending the Motherhood Penalty
Le Village Cowork, a coworking space combined with full-time onsite childcare, is on a mission to end the Motherhood Penalty by providing real opportunities for working parents, especially mothers. Le Village’s recent Modern Motherhood Survey captured that 61% of mothers have taken a pay cut and/or lesser work responsibilities to have more flexibility or time with their child(ren).
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Announces 'Game Changers' Initiative
The inaugural group of Game Changers will address the mentorship gap impacting the Black community
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, announces Game Changers, a new initiative that unites the collective power of influential leaders and changemakers to help tackle key issues impacting youth today — from mental health to equity — by creating awareness, access, and opportunity through mentorship. Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, Game Changers will provide a platform for diverse groups of influential voices to share their experiences and expertise on the power of mentorship and further impact young people and their communities.
Gov. Pritzker Announces Proposal to Create Unified Early Childhood State Agency
Gov. Signs EO to Initiate Transition, Education Expert Ann Whalen to Lead Effort
Governor Pritzker was joined by Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Deputy Governor Grace Hou, Deputy Governor Martin Torres, elected officials, and state agency directors at the Carole Robertson Center for Learning to announce a proposal to create a new state agency to house all early childhood programs and funding. The new unified agency will provide a more equitable, integrated, and holistic system of services for young children and families in Illinois.
Creme of Nature Announces 2023-2024 Scholarship Winners
Creme of Nature, a leading brand in the ethnic haircare industry, demonstrated its continued support to education and empowerment by participating in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Annual Leadership Institute and Gala. The event, which took place from Sept. 20-23 at the Hilton Washington in Washington, D.C., brought together outstanding students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for a transformative experience.
Treasurer Frerichs Makes $118 Million In Investment Earnings For State Portfolio During September
The State Treasurer’s Office made nearly $118 million in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio in September, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced.
Ellevator Launches First-of-its-Kind Private Membership Organization for Women of Color to Elevate Networks, Careers of Emerging Executives and Entrepreneurs
Ellevator, a private membership organization dedicated to uplifting the skills and networks of women of color, proudly announced its official launch today. The organization welcomes emerging leaders and founders to join its community and take their careers to the next level. Ellevator is the first and only organization providing curated educational content for Black, Latina, Asian, Indigenous, and Middle Eastern women.
One Solution, Urban One's award-winning integrated marketing, strategic partnerships, and branded content studio division, in collaboration with AT&T Dream In Black has returned for a continuation of
One Solution, Urban One's award-winning integrated marketing, strategic partnerships, and branded content studio division, in collaboration with AT&T Dream In Black has returned for a continuation of exciting and community-impacting content offerings. Amplifying the 2023 AT&T Rising Future Makers Showcase, the collaborative partners will release "The Futurist" – a three-part series that pairs HBCU students in the fields of STEM, tech, and entrepreneurship with established leaders in their respective fields for a compelling and rich conversation through the lens of mentorship.
Mariah Carey Teams up with The Children's Place
e Children's Place, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCE), an omni-channel children's specialty portfolio of brands with an industry-leading digital-first model, is thrilled to unveil the finale of its holiday campaign with the Queen of Christmas and music icon Mariah Carey. She joins Snoop Dogg and former Boy Band members, AJ McLean, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone and Wanya Morris, in a three-part holiday campaign appealing to and celebrating the brand's core millennial mom customer.
NICKELODEON'S THAT GIRL LAY LAY AND ERICA BANKS ARE EATING IN THEIR LATEST VISUAL
Nickelodeon star That Girl Lay Lay has teamed up with Erica Banks for her new single "i ate" -- the first single from Lay Lay's new era of music as she transitions from child star to young adult.