Friday, September 12
Roseland Ceasefire Encouraged by Decrease in Gun Violence Despite Federal Cuts
"What he (Trump) should be focused on is that there are 30,000 deaths from handguns across the United States every year. We can clean up these handguns across America. America has a violence problem. If he wants to be of help, I would also recommend that he sends in the Center for Disease Control. This violence ought to be called a disease, it's nationwide," said U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson on Chicago Tonight, this week.
ALDERMAN STEPHANIE COLEMAN TO BE JOINED BY MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON, U.S. CONGRESSMAN JONATHAN JACKSON, AND VARIOUS ELECTED LEADERS IN KICKING OFF THE FIFTH ANNUAL ENGLEWOOD MUSIC FESTIVAL
Stephanie Coleman-Alderman of the 16th Ward- will be joined by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, local Congressmen, State SenatorS, State Representatives, Chicago Aldermen, and Cook County Commissioners’ is kicking off the much-anticipated Fifth Annual Englewood Music Fest. (EMF) Over 5000 people are expected once again to partake in an evening full of love, stellar music performances, awesome food, and beautiful vibes.
RainbowPUSH Coalition and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Distribute 2,000 Bags of Food to Families in Need on Saturday
The Rainbow PUSH Coalition is hosting a community gathering and Day of Service in partnership with “Just Serve” a service of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the legendary social justice organization’s Kenwood headquarters, located at 930 E. 50th Street. As part of this initiative, the two organizations will distribute 2,000 bags of food to families in need across Chicagoland, providing a crucial lifeline in these challenging times.
Rainbow PUSH Coalition Urges Americans to Unite in Prayer, Solidarity, and Denouncement of Violence on the 24th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks
The Rainbow PUSH Coalition urgently calls on all Americans to join in prayer and solidarity, honoring the memory of those lost on 9/11 and standing resolute in the fight against violence.
Thursday, September 11
MATTESON MAYOR TO BECOME THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN TO HEAD THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE
The Illinois Municipal League is announcing the appointment of Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin as its next President of the popular statewide agency. With the appointment, Mayor Chalmers-Currin will become the agency’s first elected African American female President of the 112-year-old municipal organization. The passing of the gavel ceremony will take place on September 20th, 2025, at 12:30 PM at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Chicago Hotel on Wacker Drive.
Wednesday, September 10
Chicago's Streets Still Moving to America's Historic Rhythms
I started out this year, 2025, in Chicago, honored to give the Martin Luther King Day address at Reverend Jesse Jackson’s big gathering.
ALDERWOMAN STEPHANIE COLEMAN WAS JOINED BY MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON AND OTHER LEADERS TO PRESENT TO THE PUBLIC ENGLEWOOD'S LATEST HOUSING DEVELOPMENT INCLUSIVE OF PREMIER RETAIL SPACES
Stephanie Coleman- Alderman of the 16th Ward of Chicago- will be joined by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Thrive Englewood Developers, Community Leaders, Business Leaders, Elected Officials, and Englewood Residents in the unveiling of the all new Thrive Englewood 62 nit residential and retail development.
COOK COUNTY CLERK MONICA GORDON ENVISIONS A MORE EFFICIENT CLERK’S OFFICE
Monica Gordon has been the Cook County Clerk since December of 2024. When Gordon first took office, she assembled a transition team, which consisted of a cross section of business, labor and civic leaders, not just across Cook County, but from across the country. Gordon wanted those leaders to help develop a blueprint on how to make the office more streamlined and implement things that would make it easier for the constituents.
Giannoulias’ Audit Uncovers Forest Park Police Department Sharing License Plate Reader Data with Customs and Border Protection a Violation of State Law
For the second time in recent weeks, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has uncovered that Illinois license plate camera data has been shared with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and has ordered that access be shut off.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL PREVENTS $184 MILLION CUT TO AMERICORPS SERVICE PROGRAMS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced his office has prevailed in preserving funding to AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. On July 23, Raoul and a coalition of 24 states and attorneys general challenged the White House Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) attempt to gut AmeriCorps by withholding tens of millions of dollars in funding for critical service programs.
Content Creator Connects Entrepreneurs And Creatives Through Networking Event
Jordan Sweet has built an audience as a content creator, and he is using his platform to highlight people and places in the community. As a multihyphenate, Sweet has been able to bridge the gap between the community and businesses and telling impactful stories.
Company Provides Technological Support To Seniors
Generation Connect was founded in October 2020, as a capstone project while Candace Walker was pursuing her master’s degree from the University of Southern California. Originally, it was designed to be an in-person service where teens could provide support to seasoned adults, the services would include lawn care, pet care and some technological support. Seeing a need to pivot, Walker decided that Generation Connect should focus on virtual technology support, in an effort to also combat the loneliness and isolation people were feeling during the COVID-19 pandemic. What resulted was a company that was able to scale to provide nationwide service.
Esperanza Community Services Continues To Help Children And Families
Esperanza Community Services was founded in 1969 to provide children with developmental disabilities access to quality education. With limited options at the time, a group of parents understood the importance of that kind of access to help their children thrive. They decided to create spaces rooted in inclusion, dignity and possibility. More than 50 years later, Esperanza Community Services continues to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in order to help them lead fulfilling, independent lives, with a strong focus on Spanish speaking communities.
Music Festival Supports Travel Adventures Of Austin Youth
Crystal Dyer founded Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures (CAYTA) in 2015, after losing her grandson to gun violence. She was called to do something to help the youth in the community in Austin. It was the place where she raised her sons as a single mother, but realized times had changed. She had the idea to get the young people out of the community so they could learn about opportunities and careers, with the hope, that kind of exposure would help them make better choices.
South Suburban College Cosmetology Services Now Open to the Public
South Holland, IL – South Suburban College (SSC) is excited to announce that its Cosmetology school is officially open to the public for the fall semester. Conveniently located within SSC’s Main Campus, the program offers a wide range of affordable beauty and personal care services provided by SSC’s talented Cosmetology students under the supervision of licensed instructors.
How Chicago homebuyers can save on a down payment
While there is a lot of uncertainty around the housing market in 2025, affordability still remains a top challenge for homebuyers – especially first-time home buyers who, according to a 2025 Bankrate survey, often cite the upfront costs of homeownership[1] as the biggest barrier to homeownership. And a 2023 study from LendingTree shows that while 39% of homebuyers nationwide use financial assistance[2], around 22% look to their friends and family for help vs. tapping into available local resources.
Medical Tests for Diagnosing Alzheimer's
There is no single test that can definitively determine whether a person has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Diagnosing these complex conditions requires a careful combination of diagnostic tools, clinical evaluations, imaging, and laboratory testing. Physicians rely on a comprehensive assessment that includes medical history, physical exams, cognitive and behavioral assessments, brain scans, and sometimes even spinal fluid or blood tests.
Consider All Costs Before Buying
When people budget for major purchases like homes or vehicles, the focus often falls on the purchase price alone. Yet, what trips up many buyers are the extra costs that come after the deal is signed. Ignoring these expenses can strain budgets and turn what seemed like a blessing into a financial burdening curse.
9th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards Honors 37 Young Poets from Across the State
Illinois Humanities, in partnership with Brooks Permissions, the Poetry Foundation, and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards, an annual competition for Illinois poets in grades K–12. The 25 winners and 12 honorable mentions were chosen from 867 submissions from 187 schools across the state.
RUNWAY Transitions to RUNWAY Roots: Celebrating a Transformative Journey Towards Reparative Finance
PRLog -- RUNWAY, the pioneering financial innovation group, is excited to unveil its new name and visual identity, transitioning to RUNWAY Roots. The rebrand signifies a transformative journey towards reparative finance that centers on love and support for Black communities.
HIRE360 CELEBRATES SECOND COOK COUNTY ILLINOIS WORKS PRE-APPRENTICESHIP GRADUATING CLASS
HIRE360, in partnership with the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, celebrated the graduation of its second Cook County cohort, marking another milestone in building a stronger pipeline into union careers in construction and clean energy. Participants earned industry-recognized certifications such as OSHA-10 and CPR, while gaining hands-on training and career readiness support.
DANCE FOR LIFE 2025 RAISES $370,000 TO SUPPORT MEDICAL NEEDS OF CHICAGO DANCE PROFESSIONALS
Chicago Dance Health Fund, which supports the health and wellness of Chicago’s professional dance community, welcomed more than 1,600 people to the 34th annual Dance for Life, its primary fundraiser, on Saturday, Aug. 16, at The Auditorium. More than 600 guests, including more than 200 dancers and participating artists, attended the After Party Gala at Venue SIX10. From a combination of ticket sales, contributions, and sponsorships, Dance for Life raised $370,000—with post-event donations continuing to come in—to support The Fund, which provides Chicago dance industry professionals with financial support for preventative health care and critical medical needs.
2025 BRIDGING THE GAP Parade Steps Off to Unite Communities
he Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action, Inc. (PLCCA) is thrilled to announce the 2025 Bridging the Gap Parade, set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 13. This highly anticipated event invites community members to celebrate unity and diversity across the Proviso Township. The parade will feature a distinguished lineup of Grand Marshals, including United States Representative Danny K. Davis; Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Emanuel “Chris” Welch; Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford; President of the Cook County Board Toni Preckwinkle; Art Norman from NBC5 Chicago; Jorge DeSantiago from Telemundo Chicago; and Rufus Williams from The Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON.
Chicago Housing Authority seeks affordable housing partner to deliver comprehensive renovation of Loomis Courts
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) has announced plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select an experienced, qualified co-development partner for a comprehensive rehabilitation of Loomis Courts, a 125-unit, two-building affordable housing community on the Near West Side, near the Little Italy neighborhood. Built in 1951, Loomis Courts will undergo an extensive building systems overhaul, including significant exterior and interior upgrades to preserve affordability, improve safety and usability and modernize apartments for residents.
EAT. LEARN. PLAY. JOINS REALIZE THE DREAM IN OAKLAND
The Currys named Chief Dream Ambassadors and Oakland-based charity pledges 100,000 volunteer hours as continuing commitment to Oakland's youth through education, play and community revitalization
Depend® Teams Up with Ken Griffey Jr. & Sr. to Inspire Early Detection and Open Conversation Around Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer affects one in eight men1 and can lead to bladder leaks, yet remains a topic many still find hard to discuss. This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Depend® is continuing its multi-year mission to break the stigma with sports icons Emmitt Smith and Ken Griffey Jr. & Sr. - raising awareness, sparking conversation and encouraging men to take charge of their health.
Adore Me and Jordyn Woods Launch SOFT TOUCH, the Brand's First Affordable Loungewear Collection
Adore Me, a trailblazing lingerie and lifestyle brand known for making style accessible, has teamed up with model, entrepreneur, and style icon Jordyn Woods to launch the SOFT TOUCH Collection, available today at adoreme.com.
Cook County Public Health: Don't Let Your Guard Down Against West Nile Virus
Cook County Department of Public Health is urging residents to stay vigilant and take precautions against mosquitoes, which carry the potentially deadly West Nile virus. The risk of human West Nile virus infection remains high in suburban Cook County.
City Colleges of Chicago Launches School of Engineering
It is official: City Colleges of Chicago has launched its new School of Engineering, marking a major expansion of its commitment to STEM education and naming Dr. Doris Espiritu as the inaugural Districtwide Dean – Head of the School of Engineering.
Tuesday, September 9
Black Bench Chicago Welcomes 30 Emerging Leaders into 3rd Cohort
Black Bench Chicago is proud to announce that 30 dynamic young leaders have been selected to join the organization’s 3rd cohort. These individuals come from every corner of the city, bringing with them a wide range of experience in business, community engagement, and public service.
Wednesday, September 3
WORKING WITH OUR CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
At the Alzheimer's Association, we believe that engaging diverse perspectives is critical to achieving health equity — meaning that all communities have a fair and just opportunity for early diagnosis and access to risk reduction and quality care. Historically marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia, and yet are less likely to be diagnosed; less likely to be recruited to participate in research; and less likely to have access to care and support services. This is unacceptable and must change.
How to Increase the Net Worth in Our Communities
If there’s a trust or TODI (Transfer On Death Instrument), follow those paths. A properly funded living trust allows the successor trustee to sign a Trustee’s Deed to the beneficiary. A TODI recorded before death lets the named beneficiary record a Notice of Death Affidavit and Acceptance, then take title outside probate.
Southland Prep Students Shine During Performance At Baseball Game
The Southland College Prep Charter High School’s Girls Ensemble recently performed the Star Spangled Banner at the Chicago White Sox game.
Actress Guest Stars In Immersive Fantasy Show
Aabria Iyengar always loved musical theatre, even with having a sports background growing up. She got into long form Improv through Second City and the Upright Citizens Brigade once she graduated from college. She was introduced to Dungeons & Dragons, the fantasy tabletop game where players role-play as characters they created to go on an adventure through a fantasy world, while doing Improv. She really got into playing Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop games online on Twitch and YouTube.
The Chicago Bulls Engage Community At Bulls Fest
On a warm Saturday morning, the sounds of basketballs bouncing could be heard at the United Center, not inside where the Chicago Bulls usually play, but outside where courts were set up for basketball tournaments as part of Bulls Fest. The two-day event took place on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 23rd and 24th, and featured 3-on-3 tournaments for both men and women, ages 8 years old and up.
Former BBC Executive Recalls His Journey In Entertainment Industry
Terry Jervis likes to say that he can make people’s dreams come true. He says it is his superpower. He said that nobody carved a pathway for him, he made a path for himself.
Fall Events, Festivals & Fun Await at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is set for fun-filled festivities with a packed lineup of can’t-miss fall and winter events for guests of all ages. This year’s festivities are expected to be bigger and brighter than ever, with something for everyone — from community events to Halloween thrills and holiday celebrations.
Clerk Mariyana Spyropoulos Hosts Second Chance Summit to Make Justice Accessible
Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos announced the upcoming Second Chance Summit, a countywide initiative to ensure that the legal right to expungement and record sealing is not just written in law, but accessible in practice to every resident who qualifies.
CHICAGO URBAN LEAGUE ANNOUNCES 2026 CLASS OF IMPACT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Chicago Urban League (CUL) announced the 12th class of its IMPACT Leadership Development Program. The 47 fellows, who represent a broad range of professions and backgrounds, were nominated by their employers and selected through a rigorous application process. The nine-month program provides mid-to-senior career professionals with the skills and networks needed to effectively lead both within their workplace and the greater Chicago community.
Thresholds Welcomes Amber Kirchhoff as Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy
Thresholds, one of the largest mental health and substance use treatment providers in Illinois, announced that Amber Kirchhoff has joined the organization as Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy. In this role, Kirchhoff will lead Thresholds’ federal, state and local advocacy efforts to expand access to mental health and substance use care, strengthen Medicaid and advance policies that promote equity and opportunity for communities across Illinois.
Community Invited to Join Tours of the Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Foundation is inviting community members to join free monthly public tours to see the campus come together and get a virtual peek inside the Obama Presidential Center. These monthly community tours are slated to run through November 2025, offering attendees the opportunity to learn more about the vision for the Center while they walk along the site’s perimeter.
Giannoulias Partners with IEPA to Pilot Emissions Mobile at DMV to Address Decade-Long Need for Chicago Residents
As part of the continued push to meet residents where they are and have services fit into their busy schedules, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has partnered with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to re-establish new vehicle emissions testing locations for residents within the City of Chicago.
KAMALA HARRIS ANNOUNCES 15-CITY BOOK TOUR FOR 107 DAYS
Former Vice President Kamala Harris will embark on a 15-city book tour in conjunction with the release of 107 DAYS (on sale September 23, 2025; published by Simon & Schuster), including a stop in Chicago at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Saturday, October 11, 2025.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL SECURES FULL RELIEF FOR ILLINOIS SCHOOLS IN LAWSUIT CHALLENGING WITHHOLDING OF EDUCATIONAL FUNDING
Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced an agreement requiring the Trump administration to release, no later than Oct. 3, the full balance of around $219 million in education funds owed to Illinois. The money supports critical programs, including after-school enrichment, workforce development and instruction for students learning English.
Givebutter Supports Black Philanthropy Month to Help Nonprofits Bridge Gaps in Funding for Black-Led Organizations
In the United States, only 1.3% of all philanthropic funding goes to Black communities, down from an all-time high of nearly 2% in 2020, when a national reckoning on racial justice spurred increased commitments to equity. Since then, shifting policies and changing attitudes toward diversity and inclusion have created new barriers for nonprofits working to uplift and empower Black communities.
National Black MBA Association Announces Powerhouse Lineup for TRANSFORM 2025: Ashley Etienne, Killer Mike, and Tech Innovators to Headline Premier Event
Premier Conference to Convene Thousands, Fostering Economic Empowerment and Professional Advancement for Underrepresented Professionals
The National Black MBA Association® (NBMBAA®) is thrilled to announce a compelling roster of speakers and events for its 47th Annual Conference & Career Exposition, "TRANSFORM 2025," which will take place from Sept. 24-27. This year's transformative three-day experience is set to inspire and empower thousands of underrepresented professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and students, offering unparalleled networking opportunities, thought leadership, and career advancement.
The Realities of Working Motherhood in 2025 -- and What Needs to Change
As parents prepare for the chaos of back-to-school season, millions of working mothers are juggling even more behind the scenes — from tight schedules and childcare logistics to long-standing challenges in workplace support. That's why Mediaplanet is proud to launch the "Empowering Working Moms" campaign, an initiative aimed at elevating the voices of working mothers and the allies who are transforming how they're supported in the workplace and beyond.
SHEAMOISTURE HONORS BLACK BEAUTY WITH "YES, AND" CAMPAIGN STARRING SERENA PAGE
Being that girl is easy when you defy the rules, set the tone, and embrace endless possibilities. SheaMoisture proclaims: Own every version of you, in its new "Yes, And" anthem video, the latest content piece in the rollout of the larger brand campaign that celebrates the versatility of Black beauty and the expression of every facet of identity, while ushering in a new era for the brand.
Rock Legend Lenny Kravitz to Headline the 2025 Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival Presented by Baha Mar
Baha Mar, the leading resort destination in the Caribbean, is proud to announce 4-time GRAMMY® Award-winning writer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, around multi-hyphenate icon and proud Bahamian Lenny Kravitz as this year's headline performer for The 2025 Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival. The highly anticipated celebration of world-class culinary talent and Caribbean artistic expression will take place Wednesday, October 22 through Sunday, October 26 at Baha Mar. The festival will feature an impressive roster of world-renowned chefs alongside the celebrated FUZE Caribbean Art Fair.
EAGLES LEGEND BRANDON GRAHAM IS BACK IN THE GAME -- PARTNERING WITH FIRSTRUST BANK TO GIVE LOCAL BUSINESSES THE EDGE
Brandon Graham may have hung up his cleats, but he isn't done making big plays for Philadelphia. The legendary Eagles defensive player and two-time Super Bowl Champion is teaming up with Firstrust Bank, Philadelphia's Hometown Bank® and the Official Bank of the Philadelphia Eagles, this NFL season.
State Leaders Visit Trinity’s ‘Living Room’ in Orland Park, Highlighting Crisis & Recovery Services
Chair of the House Mental Health and Addiction Committee, state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago), led a group of state behavioral health leaders in a visit to Trinity Services in Orland Park Thursday, Aug. 21.
The Far South CDC Selected For Missing Middle Program
The Far South Community Development Corporation (CDC) is one of six community-based developers who have been selected for the City of Chicago’s Missing Middle Infill Housing Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to redevelop vacant lots in North Lawndale, South Chicago, Chatham and Morgan Park.