HYDE PARK ART CENTER BECOMES THE NATION’S FIRST 100% CONTRIBUTE-WHAT-YOU-CAN ART EDUCATION PROGRAM

Hyde Park Art Center, the renowned non-profit hub for contemporary art located on Chicago’s vibrant South Side, announces that it has completed the transition to a contribution-based model for 100% of its art classes. The initiative, Open Arts, launched in spring 2022 with 70% of the courses on a contribute-what-you-can basis. The completion of this pioneering initiative makes the Art Center’s Oakman Clinton School + Studio the nation’s first fully contribute-what-you-can visual art school for all ages. The successful model, dedicated to ensuring more equitable access to artmaking, education, and community engagement, demonstrates the Art Center’s commitment to the South Side and the broader Chicago art ecosystem for the years to come.

MOODY’S OUTLINES BENEFITS OF MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON’S PLAN UNDERLYING THE ISSUANCE OF $1.25 BILLION IN BONDS

Moody’s Investors Service released research highlighting the benefits of Mayor Johnson’s strategy to fund vital housing and economic development. Moody’s notes that this new framework supports stability and increases budgetary flexibility.

Choosing Love Over Fear: Embracing Foster Care as a Cool and Compassionate Choice

As we enter National Foster Care Awareness Month, it's essential to shed light on the transformative power of fostering and adoption. While many of us are familiar with the concept of foster care, there's often a lingering stigma or misconception surrounding it. Some may view foster care as a last resort or a daunting responsibility, overshadowed by fear and uncertainty. However, I'm here to challenge that narrative and urge us all to choose love over fear when it comes to fostering a child.

STUDY: Completing O’Hare Modernization Could Grow Economy Nearly $20 Billion and Create Almost 100K Jobs

As the City of Chicago and partner airlines negotiate over the future of the O’Hare 21 modernization program, a new report by the nonpartisan Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) shows that proceeding as planned would create nearly 100,000 jobs by 2033 (or almost 10,000 jobs per year) and generate more than $2 in economic return for every dollar invested. Additionally, the report finds that once completed, the program would boost revenues at Chicago O’Hare International Airport by $280 million per year, grow the Chicago metropolitan economy by more than $500 million annually, and increase state and local tax collections by more than $60 million per year.

Cleaner Transportation Fuels Can Save Lives

One of the biggest challenges in communities of color are higher rates of asthma and respiratory related illnesses. I know this firsthand from growing up in the inner city of Buffalo. My family lived near NYS Route 33, the Kensington Expressway and so did my grandma, one of my uncles and at least one aunt. As a kid I snored really bad and at times, I experienced labored breathing. Of course, my physician said I had a mild case of asthma.

Artist And Musician Uses Talent To Heal

In 1963, Sura Dupart decided to be a musician and an artist. Since then, he has been creating art and making music. Dupart’s parents were artistic. His father was a carpenter who made toys for Dupart and his siblings, his mother played the piano.

Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association Hosted Second Annual African American Release the Silence: RACE into Action Conference

The Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association proudly announces the success of its Second Annual African American Conference “Release the Silence: RACE into Action Conference,” held on Saturday, April 27 at the Greenwood Oasis. This impactful event brought together approximately 500 individuals for a day of engaging discussions and valuable insights.

Woman’s Outreach Blesses Others With Much Needed Supplies

Archana Liggins started BAG (Blessings and Grace) Lady Outreach in 2019. Before that, for her 38th Birthday she wanted to make 38 blessing bags and distribute them. She ended up doing 50. By the time she turned 40, she became known for making blessing bags and distributing them.

‘Mamma Mia!’ Actress Revels In 25th Anniversary Of Musical

Jalynn Steele’s theater bug started with her singing in the church choir, performing in Vacation Bible School skits and Easter plays. During high school, she performed in shows and participated in theater competitions. She decided to major in musical theatre in college. Her first professional gig was performing in “Ain’t Misbehavin’” at the Great Caruso Theatre in Houston, while she was still in college.

Surge Institute Empowers Leaders Of Color In Education

A ten year old nonprofit organization is educating and developing educational leaders of color, with the goal of those leaders transforming communities, students and their families. Surge Institute was founded by Carmita Semaan who was inspired to see what it could look like if there were more leaders of color in nonprofit and educational spaces. At the core of Surge’s mission, it supports people who will affect positive change in the world.

HARD ROCK CASINO NORTHERN INDIANA DONATES $500K TO LAKE RIDGE NEW TECH SCHOOLS

On Thursday, May 2, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana donated $500,000 to Lake Ridge New Tech Schools for the renovation of Lake Ridge New Tech Middle School gymnasium and other high-need projects. Replacement of worn and outdated wooden bleachers, the resurfacing of the gymnasium floor, the replacement of the audio system, acoustic wall padding and scoreboard panels along with interior painting of walls to match district colors and image.

RICH TOWNSHIP & THE VILLAGE OF MATTESON SET TO HOST THE WORLD’S LARGEST BABY SHOWER FOR HUNDREDS OF NEW EXPECTING MOTHERS

Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin and Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan have teamed up to host the 1st Annual World’s Largest Baby Shower in the Southland this weekend.

Illinoisians Can Now Get Documents Notarized Without Leaving Home

llinois residents will no longer have to notarize documents in person under a new Electronic-Notary system administered by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office.

Male Mogul Initiative Opens CO-LLAB

The Male Mogul Initiative recently celebrated the grand opening of its CO-LLAB Warehouse. The warehouse, which is located at 6055 S. Wentworth, will serve as a hub for creativity.

Sprite Reimagines the Legendary Obey Your Thirst Campaign with Modern Icons Anthony Edwards and Sha'Carri Richardson

Sprite is reintroducing its iconic Obey Your Thirst campaign to the next generation of drinkers, with inspired new TV spots featuring two of today's hottest athletes and exciting activations across limited time packaging, digital experiences and sports partnerships.

Pink Noire Beauty Supply & Cosmetics Celebrates Second Anniversary with Release of New Braid and Loc Gel

Pink Noire Beauty Supply & Cosmetics, owned and led by Chasity Monroe, proudly commemorated its second anniversary on Saturday April 20th, with a daylong beauty celebration and the public release of its new braid and loc gel.

Prosperity Now Announces the RISE Challenge to Inspire Innovation and Economic Empowerment

Prosperity Now is proud to announce its Rise Challenge, the next phase of the Entrepreneur Accelerator initiative, a collaboration between Prosperity Now, Avanade and Accenture. The challenge is a national team competition which asks contestants to rethink solutions to address problems underrepresented entrepreneurs face when it comes to economic access and opportunities.

Oakwood University Crowned the 35th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge National Champion

Following a commanding final game series, Oakwood University secured top honors and a $100,000 institutional grant from Honda at the 35th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), America's premier academic competition for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Hosted on the American Honda corporate campus in Torrance, Calif., more than 200 HBCU students and their coaches participated in this year's HCASC National Championship Tournament. Beyond the competition, the HCASC program included student networking opportunities and activities with HBCU presidents and representatives. Honda provided more than $500,000 in institutional grants to the participating HBCUs.

Mayfestiversary Returns Memorial Day Weekend 2024

Join Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery as they host their 8th annual spring celebration, heralding the return of Chicago's finest season and commemorating the 9th anniversary of Dovetail Brewery. The event will take place on Memorial Day Weekend from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 25 and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, May 26. The community is invited to 1800 W Cuyler Ave. to indulge in beer, food, music and camaraderie.

Culver’s Offers Single Scoop of Fresh Frozen Custard for $1 Donation to Local Agriculture Education Initiatives on May 2

For the tenth straight year, Culver’s is offering guests a single scoop of Fresh Frozen Custard in exchange for a $1 donation to local FFA chapters and other agricultural education organizations as part of its annual Scoops of Thanks Day fundraiser on May 2. This year’s milestone event also features the one-day-only return of Culver’s How Now Brown Cow flavor of Fresh Frozen Custard, which made its debut on Scoops of Thanks Day in 2023.