TIME Reveals Inaugural 'The Closers' List of Extraordinary Leaders Working to Close the Racial Wealth Gap
TIME reveals 'The Closers,' a new list recognizing 18 Black leaders working to close the racial wealth gap.
Chicago Public Schools Posts Proposed 2024-25 and 2025-26 Academic Calendars Proposed Calendar Continues Practice of Starting Classes Before Labor Day
In an effort to support effective planning, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has posted proposed academic calendars for both School Year 2024-25 and School Year 2025-26. The two draft school year calendars, as well as a related survey of parents and staff, are posted on the District Policies & Rules website page, under “February” as officials prepare to take calendars to the Board of Education for final approval at the February 22nd meeting. Information about the draft calendars and new survey was shared earlier today with staff and families and the final Board-approved calendars will be distributed to CPS families and staff following the Board’s action in February.
Illinois Lottery Makes History: Launches First-Ever Lotto Ticket to Support UNCF, Unveiling during Black History Month
In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at empowering students and advancing educational opportunities, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the Illinois Lottery unveil an extraordinary initiative: the "$200,000! Bingo Tripler" Instant Ticket. This event promises to be a vibrant showcase of support for UNCF scholarships, featuring exciting announcements, the engagement of advocates and influencers, a VIP reception with live entertainment, and the grand reveal of a special lottery ticket initiative, all taking place on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the illustrious Hyatt Regency, located at 151 E. Wacker Drive.
Diabetes Digital Launches Inclusive & Accessible Virtual Nutrition Counseling Service--Insurance Accepted
Diabetes Digital, the latest venture from Jessica Jones and Wendy Lopez of Food Heaven, is proud to announce the launch of its innovative virtual nutrition counseling service. Based in San Francisco and extending services across 23 states, Diabetes Digital is set to transform the landscape of diabetes and prediabetes management.
ComEd Encourages Residential Customers to Apply for New EV Charger and Installation Rebate
As part of a larger investment to accelerate an equitable adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in northern Illinois, ComEd today launched a new rebate program to increase access to EV chargers. Through the $5 million EV Charger and Installation Rebate Program, ComEd customers can receive rebates of up to $3,750 to offset the cost of purchasing and installing a Level 2 charger in their home in 2024. Level 2 chargers can charge an EV battery 6 to 8 times faster than charging from a wall outlet, often referred to as a Level 1 charger.
Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail Brings Focus to Black History in the Blue Ridge Mountains
For the first time, Asheville's Black heritage and culture is on permanent display around the city through a new walking trail. Unveiled in December 2023, the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail is the first of its kind in Western North Carolina and one of a few Black heritage trails in the 13-state Appalachian region. It marks a significant milestone in the growing effort to amplify and preserve Affrilachian heritage, granting visitors an opportunity to retrace compelling narratives that make up Asheville's Black history – including stories that have never been shared in a public space.
After School Matters Applications Open for Chicago Teens to Participate in Free Spring Programming
Applications are now open for hundreds of after-school programs offered this spring through After School Matters®. Program opportunities are available for Chicago teens in the arts, communications, and leadership, sports, and STEM. Spring programs will run from February 26 – May 11. Interested teens can apply at afterschoolmatters.org.
Mayor Johnson joins Greater Chicago Food Depository, BJ’s Market to celebrate nearly $18 million invested in Black and Brown businesses to feed new arrivals
In partnership with the City of Chicago, over the past eight months the Greater Chicago Food Depository and State of Illinois invested $17.6 million in small, predominately Black and Latino owned Chicago businesses to feed more than 10,000 asylum-seeking new arrivals. Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Food Depository leadership at BJ’s Market and Bakery, 1737 E. 95th St., to celebrate this impact and a shared commitment to continue investing in local minority-owned businesses.
The Obama Foundation Opens Applications for the 2024-2026 Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service
The Obama Foundation opened applications for the 2024-2026 Voyager Scholarship, The Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. Funded by a $100 million personal contribution from Airbnb Co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky to the Obama Foundation, the Voyager Scholarship provides college students with last-dollar financial aid to help alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experiences to expand their connections to new communities, and a network of mentors and leaders to support them throughout their careers.
In Honor of Black History Month, Lifestyle Retailer DTLR Celebrates Teacher Creativity & Education
DTLR, one of the country’s most successful lifestyle retailers with more than 250 stores in 21 states, is celebrating Black History Month by recognizing talented Black educators throughout the month of February. As part of its “Mission 1865” campaign, DTLR will be recognizing and rewarding educators around the country for their Black History Month classroom artwork – celebrating Black history and culture throughout February.
Interest penalties slashed from 18% to 9% for homeowners who are late paying property tax bills
Historic reforms championed by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas are about to take effect as property owners face a March 1 due date for 2023 First Installment tax bills. For those who are late paying their taxes due March 1, the interest rate penalty will drop from 18% a year to 9% a year. The monthly rate of interest charged on late taxes will fall from 1.5% to 0.75.
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois to Host Webinar on Crucial Gene
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) wants to educate the public about an important gene. It’s inviting all physicians and African Americans to a webinar during Black History Month called, “How African Ancestry Can Affect your Kidneys: A Discussion on the APOL1 Gene.” The webinar takes place on Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. CT.
Dexter King Died Believing that the Truth of His Father's Killing Will Someday Rise by Dr. Barbara Reynolds
Not another King dying far too soon. This was the immediate reaction of many at the news that Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King had died from prostate cancer at age 62. In 2007 his sister Yolanda died at age 52.
Giannoulias, Preston, Stava-Murray Move to Ban Harmful Food Chemicals
In a push to ensure that Illinoisans eat safer, healthier food, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) and State Representative Anne Stava-Murray (D-Downers Grove) have initiated legislation to ban harmful chemicals in candy, soda and other ultra-processed, packaged foods sold here.
Gov. Pritzker Marks Anniversary of Roe v. Wade Decision with Chicago Abortion Fund Roundtabl
Governor JB Pritzker joined the Chicago Abortion Fund on Monday, Jan. 22, to commemorate 51 years since the landmark “Roe v. Wade” Supreme Court Decision. Joining Governor Pritzker at the roundtable were CAF leaders, healthcare providers, and advocates for abortion services. The event highlighted the work providers are doing to keep abortion accessible, as well as the healthcare impacts in states where reproductive rights are in jeopardy since the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
Treasurer Frerichs Made $1.33 Billion in Investment Earnings for State Portfolio During 2023
The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office made $1.33 billion in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio during 2023, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced recently.
Michelle Obama’s Girls Opportunity Alliance to Distribute $500,000 in Funding and Organizational Support to Chicago-Based Girl Serving Organizations
Former First Lady and Founder of the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance, Michelle Obama, announced a new commitment to empower and uplift girls in Chicago. The Girls Opportunity Alliance will distribute a total of $500,000 to 14 Chicago-based girl-serving organizations, with plans to distribute additional funding later this year. In addition to funding, the Alliance will provide organizational support to more than 60 girl-serving organizations across the City of Chicago through the Girls Opportunity Alliance Network. This holistic approach will benefit thousands of adolescent girls who, like Michelle Obama, call the South and West Sides of Chicago home.
REP. FORD SECURES GRANT TO EXPAND TRAVEL PROGRAM FOR CHICAGO YOUTH
Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures (CAYTA) is proud to announce they are the recipient of a $100,000 special appropriations grant secured by Representative LaShawn K. Ford. The grant will cover up to 400 youth to expand their knowledge of heritages around the globe and connections to career apprenticeship programs. Getting youth out of the neighborhoods and connecting them to personal experiences will enhance their self-esteem, decreasing self-doubt which increases mental stress and can lead to violent outbursts and the use of guns.
