W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation Awarded $5m Grant by Mellon Foundation
The W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation (WEBDBMF) received a $5 million grant from the Mellon Foundation (Mellon) of New York to support the restoration of the final home and resting place of Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois in Accra, Ghana and the preservation of his library. The grant provides leadership funds for four years in Phase 1 of the Du Bois Museum's plans to restore the historic site and develop an expanded museum and academic research center to celebrate his life and legacy. The award is consistent with Mellon's Humanities in Place's goal of supporting, "a fuller, more complex telling of American histories and lived experiences."
The BOSS Network to Award $250,000 in Grants and Scholarships to Benefit Divine Nine Sororities and the Chicago Urban League
The BOSS Network, an online community of professional and entrepreneurial women who support each other through digital content, programs and event-based networking, has announced awarding $50,000 each in grants and scholarships in partnership with Sage ($250,000 in total) to the Divine Nine sororities — including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated — the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated, and the Chicago Urban League. Led by CEO Dr. Cameka Smith, this investment is a part of The BOSS Network's yearlong celebration highlighting its 15th anniversary milestone year. Four women from each organization will receive a $10,000 grant from the BOSS Impact Fund and a scholarship to BOSS Business University (valued at $2,500).
State and County Announce $250 Million Commitment to Help Close Budget Gap in Asylum Seeker Response
Governor JB Pritzker and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced their commitment to a joint funding plan to ensure shelter, wraparound services and healthcare remain available for asylum seekers sent to Chicago from the Texas border. Following a long-term planning exercise, State, County and City teams concluded that an additional estimated $321 million is needed to maintain shelter and services this calendar year, on top of previously committed funding. The Governor and President are pledging a combined investment of over $250 million to help close this gap.
MASS GROUP TO KICK OFF NATIONAL KIDNEY MONTH BY ADVOCATING FOR POPULAR GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE WITH ONLY A 5% FUNCTIONING KIDNEY
Government leaders, Medical Professionals, Civic and Community leaders will gather at the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois Offices as they advocate for a woman of distinction, selflessness, and grace in a kickoff of National Kidney Month. Trinette Britt, considered by many as a pioneer for women in government, is now in the fight of her life as she seeks a kidney that will allow her to continue her remarkable life of service. Her current kidneys are functioning at an alarming 5%.
Pappas urges property owners to pay First Installment tax bills by Friday, March 1 due date
First Installment Tax Year 2023 property taxes are due Friday, March 1, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas reminded taxpayers today.
Howard University’s Moorland-Spingarn Research Center and National Newspaper Publisher Association to Present Black Press Day Celebration, March 14
Howard University’s Black Press Archives Digitization Project at Moorland-Spingarn Research Center receives a major grant from Google to support archival and preservation work.
McDonald's Corporation Makes $1 Million Contribution to Operation HOPE's '1865 Project'
Operation HOPE today announced that McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is deepening its partnership with the Atlanta-based non-profit as a 'Founder's Circle' member of The 1865 Project. McDonald's Corporation's generous contribution of $1 million, reaffirms the company's dedication to supporting national financial literacy initiatives that uplift and empower communities. The substantial donation will bolster Operation HOPE's groundbreaking endeavor, inspired by the historic Freedman's Bureau, which was established to educate newly freed Americans about the principles of free enterprise.
Alzheimer’s Association's Illinois Chapter Executive Director, Delia Jervier, “Shines Light on Alzheimer’s and The Impact in Black/African American Community”
Among Black Americans ages 70 and older, 21.3% are living with Alzheimer's, a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. While older Black Americans are twice as likely as older Whites to have Alzheimer's or another dementia, research hasn't yet identified the cause. Higher rates of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) disease may play a role. Some studies indicate that after correcting for overall health and socioeconomic status, these differences disappear.
La Femme Dance Festival Celebrates Black Women Choreographers
As a Black woman, Vershawn Sanders-Ward wanted to create a dance festival that celebrated the voices of Black women and brought their work to Chicago stages. Sanders-Ward, Founder and Artistic Director of Red Clay Dance Company, created La Femme Dance Festival for that reason.
Richard J. Daley College Announces New Hospitality Course for Job Preparation
City Colleges of Chicago, in collaboration with the Illinois Restaurant Association Foundation, will launch a new education program aimed at supporting those who want to work in the hospitality industry.
Marketplace Becomes Space For Black-Owned Small Businesses
A recently opened marketplace has become a place for Black-owned small business owners to sell their goods. Mahalia’s, located at 735 E. 79th St., is a part of the City of Chicago Small Business Storefront Activation Program and the program is sponsored by the Greater Chatham Initiative.
MAYOR JOHNSON AND DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION LAUNCH THE GOOD FOOD FUND AND THE FOOD BUSINESS INCUBATOR PROGRAM
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the awardees of the Good Food Fund and The Food Business Incubator Program.
LOUIS XIII COGNAC AND LAQUAN SMITH UNITE TO UNVEIL AN EXCLUSIVE LIMITED-EDITION COLLECTION OF ACCESSORIES FOR LOUIS XIII THE DROP
LOUIS XIII Cognac and renowned ready-to-wear designer LaQuan Smith unveil The LOUIS XIII x LaQuan Smith Collection, a limited-edition collaboration that brings a high-fashion perspective to LOUIS XIII's timeless tasting rituals, synonymous with a luxurious cognac experience. This exclusive collection draws inspiration from LOUIS XIII's centuries old wisdom, combined with LaQuan Smith's signature silhouettes and runway-ready innovation.
Illinois Healthcare Leaders Seek Legislative Action to Protect Access to Life Saving Medication for Illinois’ Most Vulnerable Patients
Healthcare leaders from the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) and Illinois Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA) are asking the Illinois General Assembly to support a measure that would protect the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program (340B), which provides discounted lifesaving medications to eligible patients and allows 340B hospitals and Community Health Centers (CHCs) to expand health services in the communities they serve.
The Black Mall Helps Black-Owned Businesses Thrive
A directory and marketing agency aims to bring visibility and to promote Black-owned businesses. Cassiopeia Sledge created The Black Mall in 2011 when she was looking for a Black-owned restaurant in her neighborhood to support. Sledge did find a Black-owned restaurant, but when she and her partner returned, the place was closed. It was something she noticed kept happening.
ZONDERKIDZ TO PUBLISH AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS TARAJI P. HENSON'S FIRST BOOK FOR CHILDREN
Zonderkidz is pleased to announce that actress and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson, will release her debut picture book, titled You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!) on June 18, 2024, illustrated by Paul Kellam. Pre-orders can be made now anywhere books are sold. Henson, who established a foundation supporting mental health programming in under-resourced areas around the U.S., is an unwavering advocate for speaking up about good mental health practices – and this book ties into her commitment.
HYDE PARK SCHOOL OF DANCE PRESENTS ALICE IN WONDERLAND
HYDE PARK SCHOOL OF DANCE PRESENTS ALICE IN WONDERLAND Continuing its celebration of 30 years of training, performance, and community, Hyde Park School of Dance presents Alice in Wonderland. Performances are April 19 and 20 at Kennedy-King College, 740 W. 63rd St.
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Wants To Bring The Courts To The People
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy V. Cunningham has been on the Illinois Supreme Court since 2022, when she was appointed to fill the seat of a judge who retired. Before that, she was an Appellate Court Judge.
Gov. Pritzker Highlights Childcare Efforts in Villa Park, Champaign
Governor JB Pritzker joined local leaders and early childhood stakeholders at two daycare facilities to highlight recent efforts and funding for the Smart Start Illinois Plan. In Villa Park, the Governor visited Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley to celebrate the $300K investment in Birth to Five Illinois funding, which will support the consolidation of their local early childhood services. In Champaign, the Governor stopped at First United Methodist Child Care Center, where he highlighted the $3M of Smart Start Childcare funding. Both contributions come from the Illinois Department of Human Services.
