Not So Divine Nine
I hope I’ve convinced readers that estate planning is essential to protecting assets and ensuring they pass according to your wishes. In my years serving our community, I’ve realized that what seems obvious to me may not be as clear to others. I hope this column helps your family avoid the pitfalls of a poor or nonexistent estate plan.
Social Wellness Club Creates A Third Space For Black Women
Aley Clark created Black Girl Playground in 2023 as an Instagram community. During the pandemic Clark was looking for moments for joy and play. She believed there was a need for a space for Black women to gather. Once she moved to Chicago, the Black Girl Playground turned into a social wellness club where women could meet and connect at events.
Local Woman Helps Dress Teenage Girls for Prom
Contessa Houston has always been fashionable. She opened Lure Boutique 10 years ago after looking for a unique pair of shoes and matching handbag to wear for Easter Sunday Service. Now, Houston is paying it forward by collecting prom dresses and hosting a giveaway and expo where young women can get dresses, hair and makeup tips and learn about job and scholarship opportunities.
Tap Dancer Wants To Inspire A New Generation of Dancers
Kevin Igus saw Savion Glover perform in “Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk” and he fell in love with tap dancing. His father was a comedian, singer and dancer and had a connection to Gregory Hines. His mother supported his endeavor by getting Igus in contact with any dance instructor she could. He took dance at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, as well as the Tap Academy in Santa Monica, Calif.
‘Grace’ At The Center Of Play’s Theme
Namir Smallwood’s first foray into performing in front of an audience was when he would recite Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speeches at events throughout New Jersey during Black History Month. He realized he had a gift for being able to elicit emotions from people.
Fully Immersive Production ‘Complexions’ Encourages Women To Rest
Enneréssa LaNetta Davis and Praize Productions, Inc. are gearing up for their 12th annual production, “Complexions,” will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 13th, at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, which is located at 915 E. 60th St.
Harnessing Emerging Technologies to Power Your Business
Nearly every area of our lives has been transformed by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. For small business owners, AI is no longer a buzzword — it’s becoming a cornerstone of business strategy.
Tips to Help Families Facing Alzheimer’s Plan for Financial Impact
As Tax Day nears, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging families to take a closer look at their financial picture, especially those who may be impacted by Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. With nearly 7 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease, the financial toll is growing right alongside the health burden.
Not So Divine Nine
I hope I’ve convinced readers that estate planning is essential to protecting assets and ensuring they pass according to your wishes. In my years serving our community, I’ve realized that what seems obvious to me may not be as clear to others. I hope this column helps your family avoid the pitfalls of a poor or nonexistent estate plan.
Record Number of Property Tax Appeals Filed for 2024 Tax Year
The Cook County Board of Review (CCBOR) has received a record number of property tax appeals, involving a nearly 41% increase in the total of Property Index Numbers (PINs) compared to the 2023 tax year. Appeals filed for tax year 2024 increased by 11% over tax year 2023 and also by more than 10% above 2021, which was the last time the city was reassessed.
BlackPressUSATarget Continues to Pay the Price for Breaking Promise to Black America
Target is losing more than its commitment to equity, it’s losing customers. For the eighth consecutive week, shoppers have turned away from the retail giant following its decision to dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program in January. New data from Placer.ai shows store visits during the week of March 17 fell by 5.7% compared to the same time last year. That follows a 7.1% decline the week before, bringing the average drop over the past two months to 6.2%. The fallout has been swift and steady. Target’s quiet retreat from DEI—after years of vocal support for racial and social justice and a multi-billion-dollar pledge—triggered an immediate backlash. Faith leaders, civil rights organizations, and everyday consumers responded with public pressure and calls to action.
Assessor Kaegi Reminds Seniors to Apply for Property Tax Savings
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi reminds all senior homeowners in Cook County to apply for their property tax saving exemptions before the April 21 deadline.
Innovative New Children's Museum Planned for South Suburban Matteson
Plans are underway to transform a portion of the former Lincoln Mall site in the Village of Matteson into an innovative and groundbreaking new children's museum, set to open its doors in 2028.
Stanton Chase Appoints Chartise Clark as Managing Director in Social Impact, Government and Education Practice
Stanton Chase, a premier executive search firm known for its commitment to excellence in leadership placement, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chartise Clark as Managing Director in its Social Impact, Government and Education practice. In this strategic role, Clark will lead efforts to expand Stanton Chase's work with a wide range of mission-driven organizations, spanning philanthropy, social impact, and arts and culture, among other areas.
UrbanGeekz Chief Exec Takes to Stage at Inaugural Africa Gate to Growth Forum
UrbanGeekz founder and CEO Kunbi Tinuoye graced the stage at the inaugural Africa Gate to Growth Forum at the top-ranked university, UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.
Stakeholders Unite to Address Policy Barriers to Breast Cancer Care
Susan G. Komen, the world's leading breast cancer organization, launched the Alliance for Breast Cancer Policy, a bold initiative that unites stakeholders to improve access, affordability and outcomes for the breast cancer community.
Serena Williams Partners with Janie and Jack for Her First-Ever Children's Collection
Children's fashion brand Janie and Jack proudly unveils its Spring 2025 limited-edition collection in collaboration with professional athlete, entrepreneur, and mom, Serena Williams. Inspired by Serena's love of family and special bond with her daughters, Olympia (7) and Adira (18 months), the collection is filled with joy, love, and self-expression. Serena Williams x Janie and Jack marks Serena's first-ever children's clothing line and is a reflection of her iconic personal style and belief in fostering individuality and creating memories through fashion.
TAMELA AND DAVID MANN ANNOUNCE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED 'THE LIVE BREATHE FIGHT TOUR'
Award-winning power couple Tamela and David Mann are bringing faith, family, and phenomenal music together like never before with The Live Breathe Fight Tour – a must-see event uniting some of gospel's most powerful voices. This extraordinary tour will feature Erica Campbell, Tye Tribbett, Karen Clark-Sheard, and Kierra Sheard, creating an electrifying atmosphere of praise, worship, and encouragement.
Chicago Sinfonietta: Soundscape
Chicago Sinfonietta presents Soundscape, a unique, end-of-season fundraiser May 3 at The Epiphany Center. An extension of the orchestra’s innovative, groundbreaking approach to classical music and community, redefining the way audiences experience and interact with live symphonic music, Soundscape invites guests to explore a kaleidoscope of musical worlds at every turn, all while celebrating the orchestra’s influence on Chicago’s symphonic history.
