Comcast NBCUniversal Celebrates Black History Month
Through creativity, self-expression, and storytellling, Black visonaries have made and continue to make an indelible impression on the history and culture of our nation. Black ingenuity pushes the boundaries of possibility and opportunity, shaping the future of technology, business, art, community investment, and more. The scale of our network paired with our unique content and experiences offer an unparalleled platform to showcase these contributions and more all year long. This Black History Month, Comcast NBCUniversal proudly celebrates and amplifies the voices of Black entrepreneurs, entertainers, civic leaders, and advocates who are building a better, more equitable tomorrow.
A Call to Focus on Black Business Participation in the Modern Economy
The recent Supreme Court ruling declaring race-based university admissions unconstitutional marks a significant turning point in the pursuit of a color-blind society. As we contemplate the implications of this decision, it is imperative that we consider what comes next. One area that warrants attention is the elimination of race-based considerations in procurement. Unfortunately, in this realm, the Black community bears the brunt of blame, without reaping commensurate benefits.
DOLLAR GENERAL ADDS PRODUCE TO CHICAGO LOCATION
Dollar General announces it recently remodeled its store at 3527 W Armitage Ave in Chicago and now offers produce in addition to the same categories, brands and products customers trust Dollar General to carry.
Treasurer Pappas mails First Installment property tax bills to owners of 1.8 million Cook County parcels
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has mailed nearly 1.8 million Tax Year 2023 First Installment property tax bills. Payments are due March 1, 2024.
CTA’s Diversity Program Hosts 1st Quarter Outreach Meet-and-Greet with Prime Contractors for Upcoming Projects
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is inviting certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and small businesses interested in certification to attend an event Thursday, February 15 at Wright College in the city’s northwest side. DBE leaders can learn about subcontracting opportunities for many of CTA’s transformational projects, such as the Red Line Extension (RLE), the All Stations Accessible Program (ASAP), the rehabilitation of the Western Brown Line Station and the multi-phased Forest Park Branch Rebuild.
Museum of Science and Industry Unveils 2024 STEAM Camps: Now Open for Registration with New Age Groups
The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) announced the opening of registrations for its exhilarating day and week-long camps, taking place during holidays, Saturdays Spring break, and the summer. This year, MSI introduces an exciting expansion, welcoming younger explorers from Kindergarten through 12th grade to join the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) adventure! From 3D printing in our Fab Labs, to going behind-the-scenes of MSI’s newest and iconic exhibits, there is something for every young explorer to enjoy.
TIAA, Wyclef Jean, and Hip-Hop Stars Launch New Track, "Paper Right," to Spotlight Gaps in Retirement Savings and Generational Wealth
Too many Americans are not on track to reach a financially secure retirement. This is especially true for younger generations preparing to enter the workforce or who are starting their careers. In fact, 41% of young adults between ages 24 and 35 do not take advantage of or contribute to their employer sponsored retirement plan. Yet many remain unaware of the extent of the problem–until now. To get people listening, TIAA, a leading provider of secure retirements, teamed up with some of hip-hop's biggest names to create an anthem that spotlights savings and retirement gaps while also combatting them.
Lt. Governor Stratton Convenes Women Business Owners in Bloomington, Illinois
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton gathered more than 20 women and BIPOC business owners in Bloomington, Illinois, for the inaugural We Chat. The Jan. 18th convening was the first of many forthcoming We Chats, as part of the newly launched We Thrive initiative.
Ada & Edith: Black-Owned Womenswear Brand Unveils Launch Collectio
Excited to share the launch of Ada & Edith, a black-owned womenswear brand founded by entrepreneur and former C-suite executive Ukonwa Ojo, who is disrupting the world of womenswear with its brand launch.
Michael Strahan's Daughter Undergoes Cancer Treatment, Puts Proton Therapy in the Spotlight
The daughter of former NFL star and TV personality Michael Strahan has put proton therapy in the spotlight since her announcement earlier this month that she is receiving treatment for a malignant brain tumor. The announcement from Isabella Strahan came during an interview on ABC's "Good Morning America."
Chicago Public Schools Observes National Mentoring Month District Provides Students, Teachers, and Community-Based Organizations with Critical Mentoring Supports
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) celebrates National Mentoring Month and the ongoing efforts to provide both our students and educators with targeted guidance and support through vital mentorship programs. In recent years, CPS has expanded mentoring opportunities to strengthen teaching and learning practices for both educators and students.
Minority Business Development Agency Under Secretary Cravins Announces Formation of MBDA Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Council
Donald R. Cravins, Jr., Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development, announced the formation of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency's (MBDA) Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Council. As stated in The Minority Business Development Act of 2021, this council will advise and assist MBDA in their mission to promote the growth of minority owned businesses.
Landmarks Illinois hosts 2024 Preservation Forward at The Old Post Office
Landmarks Illinois will host its 2024 Preservation Forward spring fundraiser on Thursday, Feb. 29, at The Old Post Office in Chicago. Tickets and sponsorships are on sale for the inspiring evening event that will celebrate Landmarks Illinois’ transformational historic preservation work statewide and honor our 2024 Landmarks Illinois Influencers.
America's Teens Set to Dream Big at 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort
hey want to build rocket ships that soar through the galaxy; teach people nationwide how to make better nutritional choices; and spread even more magic at The Most Magical Place on Earth. They are high school students from the 2024 class of Disney Dreamers Academy, and they all have the same thing in common – Big Dreams!
CHIARTS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP: JOHNNY MERRIFIELD PROMOTED TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Board of Directors of the ChiArts Foundation, the philanthropic partner of The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts), proudly announces that Johnny Merrifield, an advancement industry veteran and the Foundation’s current Director of Development and Marketing, has been promoted to the head role of Executive Director, leading the Foundation in its commitment to accessible arts education. Merrifield started at ChiArts in 2019 under the leadership of the Foundation’s previous President, José Ochoa, who, after 15 years of dedicated service to the ChiArts community, was recently appointed to serve as President and CEO of the National Museum of Mexican Art. ChiArts Foundation will conduct a search for a new Director of Development this winter.
New Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Is The First Black Woman In Role
Dr. Olumsmbo Ige has been appointed as the Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner, making her the first Black woman in the role.
Chicago Auto Show Partners with Hyatt Regency McCormick Place as Official Hotel Partner 2024 Chicago Auto Show, Feb. 10-19
The Chicago Auto Show is partnering once again with the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place to provide exhibitors, media and consumers with special room rates surrounding the 2024 show, Feb. 10-19 at McCormick Place. The Chicago Auto Show is excited to welcome new brands into the show this year that have never exhibited in Chicago before, making for a unique show experience that show goers have not seen in the past. In addition, the Chicago Drives Electric indoor EV test track is expanding to include nine brands with more than a dozen vehicles to experience.
Perinatal Clinical Psychologist Said Parents’ Mental Health Can Impact Children’s Mental Health In Early Stages
Dr. Sheehan David Fisher is a Perinatal Clinical Psychologist at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. He focuses on families during their pregnancy and postpartum period.
Governor Pritzker Announces 5,800 New Pre-K Spots Created by Smart Start ISBE exceeded goal of funding 5,000 new seats in preschool deserts in fiscal year 2024 by 18%
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced the addition of 5,886 new preschool seats in preschool deserts—areas of the state with too few publicly funded preschool seats to serve 80% of low-income 3- and 4-year-olds in the area. As part of Governor JB Pritzker’s broader Smart Start initiative, ISBE originally aimed to add 5,000 new seats and exceeded the goal by 18%, expanding access to early childhood education to more than 5,800 additional children in preschool deserts statewide. ISBE also expanded services to families with babies and toddlers from birth to age 3, serving 1,130 additional children. View the list of Preschool for All grantees, Preschool for All – Expansion grantees, and Prevention Initiative grantees.
