HYDE PARK ART CENTER ANNOUNCES VIBRANT LINEUP OF SUMMER EXHIBITIONS AND FREE PUBLIC PROGRAMMING
Hyde Park Art Center is proud to announce exhibition openings and related free public programs for Summer 2024. Highlights of the vast and vibrant programming include the critically acclaimed solo exhibition of Robert Earl Paige and its accompanying exhibition Parapluie, showcasing artists in Paige’s network; the opening of the Art Center’s annual teen and class exhibitions; the quarterly community day Center Day; plus screenings, open studios, artmaking workshops, and more. The Art Center offers over 200 programs annually that are free and designed for people of all ages; for program updates and more details, visit hydeparkart.org
CITY CRUISES CHICAGO ANNOUNCES SERIES OF SUMMERTIME CRUISES
Time to set sail this Summer! City Cruises Chicago, the operator of Chicago’s largest and leading water-based experiences -- with a fleet that includes Chicago’s most iconic names including Odyssey Lake Michigan, Odyssey Chicago River, Spirit of Chicago, Spirit of Navy Pier, Chicago Elite, and the Seadog -- announced its exciting lineup of summer offerings. From the ever popular Brunch Cruises and Fireworks Dinner Cruises, to the exciting After Dark Dance Cruises, Holiday Cruises, and Sunset Cocktail Cruises, City Cruises Chicago presents some of the most unique and memorable ways to enjoy summer in the Chi. Friends, families and couples alike will enjoy Chicago’s spectacular panoramic views as they are treated to lavish and delectable chef-prepared menus complemented with Chicago-inspired libations and mocktails. Cruises take place on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, allowing guests to enjoy the city from entirely different vantage points.
House Music 40 Partners with Chicago Promoters to Officially Kick-off Summer Festivities
It has been 40 years since the first group of commercially-released songs including "On and On” by Jesse Saunders and Vince Lawrence, “Jack Trax” by Chip E. and Joe Smooth, “Mystery of Love” by Mr. Fingers, “Jack’n the House” by Farley “Jackmaster” Funk, “Music is the Key” by JM Silk (Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley and Keith Nunnally), “Jack Your Body” by Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley, “Move Your Body” by Marshall Jefferson, “Your Love” by Jamie Principle and Frankie Knuckles among other iconic songs.
Chicago Teachers Union Is In Contract Negotiations With CPS
The Chicago Teachers Union is currently in negotiations with Chicago Public Schools for their contract, which ends at the end of June.
Cook County Assessor’s Office Hosts Black Tax discussion
As part of its ongoing Racial Equity and Real Estate conversation series, the Cook County Assessor’s Office (CCAO) hosted a panel discussion on Wednesday, May 22, about The Black Tax, a new history that shows how inequitable assessments and predatory practices within the property tax system enriched speculators and removed poor people from their homes.
Good Soil Forum Taps into the Rhythm of Entrepreneurship
T.D. Jakes Enterprises, a social impact company led by Chairman T.D. Jakes and the brainchild behind the Good Soil Movement, is looking to make North Texas home to a confluence of ideas, events and business-related social hot-spots ahead of Juneteenth and Black Music Month by bringing the annual Good Soil Forum to the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas on June 13-15. The long-time entrepreneur and faith leader is utilizing the Good Soil Forum as a moment to highlight the nation’s and particularly Dallas’ thriving entrepreneurial, business and cultural scene in turn bringing thousands of people and millions of dollars to the area. Dallas consistently ranks near the top of annual economic studies, across the U.S. that cite the North Texas’ region as being good for small business growth, small business employment and hourly earnings growth.
UNCF TO HONOR EIGHT AT “A MIND IS…” GALA, JUNE 15
As a major event during the year-long 80th anniversary celebration of UNCF (United Negro College Fund), UNCF Chicago will recognize seven extraordinary individuals and one corporate supporter at its “A Mind Is…” (AMI) Gala, at 7 p.m., on June 15, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Visit uncf.org/Chicago.
GAP INC. CREATIVE DIRECTOR ZAC POSEN UNVEILS CUSTOM GAP GOWN FOR DA'VINE JOY RANDOLPH AT THE MET GALA
At this year's Met Gala, Zac Posen, Executive Vice President & Creative Director of Gap Inc., and Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy, unveils a one-of-a-kind, custom Gap gown for Oscar® Award-Winning actor, Da'Vine Joy Randolph. Since his appointment to his new role in February, Posen has focused on serving as a cultural curator and further igniting creativity across the Gap Inc. portfolio, which includes Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta.
The Cigna Group Ranks No. 7 in Fair360 Top 50 Companies
Global health company The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI) announced today that it is No. 7 on Fair360's 2024 Top 50 Companies – seven spots higher than last year's ranking – demonstrating The Cigna Group's long-standing and deep commitment to equal opportunity for all. Fair360 announced its 2024 Top 50 honorees this week, recognizing The Cigna Group for its workplace practices, philanthropy, leadership accountability, supplier fairness, human capital, and talent programs.
Gov. Pritzker Announces Successful Medicaid Redetermination Effort
Governor JB Pritzker joined Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Director Lizzy Whitehorn, Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dulce Quintero, and other leaders today to celebrate the success of the campaign to keep eligible Medicaid customers enrolled in coverage during the yearlong unwinding from the federal Continuous Medicaid Coverage Requirement.
Chicago Public Schools Celebrates Crossing Guard Appreciation Month
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) officials honored more than 700 crossing guards at Malcolm X College who play a vital role in ensuring students traverse busy intersections safely and help with the security of students as they arrive and leave school premises. Crossing Guard Appreciation Day is observed annually each May in Illinois, recognizing the contributions of our crossing guards in keeping students and other pedestrians safe as they commute to and from school.
Guitar Center Inducts Guitarist Gary Clark Jr. Into RockWalk
Guitar Center announced the induction of four-time Grammy® winning guitarist Gary Clark Jr. into the retailer's iconic RockWalk. The private ceremony took place at Guitar Center's Hollywood location on Sunset Boulevard. Following the ceremony, Gary Clark Jr. performed at Guitar Center's flagship - his first concert in Los Angeles since releasing his newest album, "JPEG RAW"
More than 80 CPS Students Commit to Teach Chicago Tomorrow Program
More than 80 Chicago Public Schools (CPS) high school seniors committed to serving the District as future educators through an innovative and collaborative initiative called the “Teach Chicago Tomorrow Program.” CPS CEO Pedro Martinez and Truman College President Dr. Shawn Jackson recognized the aspiring educators at a Teach Chicago Tomorrow signing day ceremony Wednesday, May 8, at the Chicago Cultural Center.
For A Bright Future Foundation and NAB Leadership Foundation Announce Strategic Partnership
Louis Hernandez Jr.'s Foundation For A Bright Future ("For A Bright Future," "FABF"), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged and underrepresented children, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the NAB Leadership Foundation ("NABLF") to revolutionize media education and career pathways for students. This collaboration, rooted in shared values and objectives, aims to provide students with unparalleled educational opportunities and sustainable employment prospects in the media industry.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE TAKES MAJOR STRIDES IN MAYOR JOHNSON’S FIRST YEAR
Mayor Brandon Johnson advanced a series of strategies throughout his first year to combat climate change, pollution, and waste while centering the needs of Chicago’s working families. Through lawsuits, programs, budget allocations, policies, and leveraging federal partnerships, Mayor Johnson has emerged as a national leader in the climate justice movement at the municipal level.
Giannoulias to Illinoisans: “Get Real”
A broadcast quality press conference video is available to view and download here. With the federal deadline exactly one year away, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is encouraging Illinoisans to “Get Real” and obtain a REAL ID.
CHICAGO COMMONS CELEBRATES 130 YEARS, UNVEILS REBRAND, NEW EARLY EDUCATION CENTER AND VISION FOR FUTURE AT ANNIVERSARY GALA
Chicago Commons celebrated its 130th Anniversary Gala, themed “Honoring the Past. Building the Future,” at Morgan Manufacturing on Friday, May 10. The event brought together more than 500 leaders from Chicago's business, philanthropic and community sectors to commemorate the organization's history, impact and future endeavors. This gala marked a significant milestone for Chicago Commons, reflecting on generations of impact in Chicago, while also signifying an inflection point for the remarkable growth the organization has experienced over the last few years.
Get Close and Conserve Nature This Summer with Shedd Aquarium
Within the urban landscape of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium serves as a vital portal to the aquatic world. Guests come face-to-face with unique animals like a fluffy sea otter, see penguins waddle and hop, discover the bumpy texture of a sturgeon and more.
Andrade Advances Measure Allowing Motorists to Recover Personal Items from Towed Vehicles
Continuing his efforts to support motorists, state Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, passed legislation on Tuesday that allows motorists the chance to recover valuable personal items like medical devices and identification cards from their vehicles.
