Chicago Public Schools Celebrates National Principals Month
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is celebrating the start of National Principals Month by highlighting the critical efforts made by principals across the District. Every October, the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) come together to recognize principals and their contributions to public education. This year, the Illinois Principals Association (IPA) will celebrate Principal Appreciation Week from Oct. 15-21, with official Principal Appreciation Day celebrations taking place on October 20. CPS joins schools across the country in recognizing the comprehensive role that principals play in supporting students, families, and educators.
New Leaf Illinois continues to assist with cannabis record expungements
New Leaf Illinois has been helping people get assistance in expunging their past cannabis records. The statewide initiative includes 20 nonprofit organizations that provide free legal representation, as well as legal information for people who want to get their cannabis record expunged.
New Coalition Addresses Health Equity Challenges through Inclusive Data Collection
The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF), the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), and 17 partner organizations announced the formation of the Data Equity Coalition, a new partnership to improve health outcomes through better, more accurate and more representative data on race, ethnicity and language (REL) and sexual orientation and gender identification (SOGI). Developing a standardized approach to this important data can be critical to ensuring everyone in America has an equal opportunity to attain their highest level of health.
Global Strategists Association (GSA) Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Global Strategists Association will host its 10th anniversary celebration honoring Chicagoans whose global engagements contribute to Chicago being a global city. The event will take place from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at 4420 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Chicago Public Schools Enrollment Shows Increase for First time in More than a Decade
During a Chicago Board of Education meeting at Austin College & Career Academy High School, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) shared 20th day enrollment and attendance data, showing a slight (0.4 percent) increase in the student population to 323,291 students, as well as a steady attendance rate of 92 percent during the first four weeks of school. The enrollment figure reflects student growth in the District’s expanded preschool programming, growth at the elementary school level, as well as steady high school enrollment. This represents the first increase in the District’s enrollment in 12 years.
PEPSI® Dig In Culinary Residency Program Returns
PEPSI® Dig In, the brand's platform designed to drive access, business growth, and awareness to Black-owned restaurants, returns with its Restaurant Royalty Residency program in Las Vegas, giving restaurant goers a chance to discover every bite is Better With Pepsi and experience a new selection of exclusive dishes from Black-owned restaurants across the country. Following last year's successful partnership with MGM Resorts International, Pepsi Dig In is bringing six new restaurants and their concepts to the company's Fan Districts - popular go-to destinations for fans to rally before and after Allegiant Stadium events - at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and Luxor Hotel and Casino. For the first time, Esco Restaurant & Tapas from the multi-platinum, Grammy Award®-winning MC 2 Chainz will be featured alongside other renowned concepts.
Reps. Davis, Burgess, Lee, and Carter Lead Bill H.Res. 692 to Designate September as National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month
Washington, D.C. – On Sept. 18, Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), Congressman Dr. Michael C. Burgess (R-TX-26), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-13), and Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA-01) introduced H.Res. 692, a bill to Designate September as National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. This bipartisan House Resolution recognizes the critical need for sickle cell disease research, early detection methods, effective treatments, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from sickle cell disease and conditions.
Biden-Harris Administration Moves Forward with Student Debt Relief Negotiated Rulemaking to Deliver Support to as Many Borrowers as Possible as Quickly as Possible
The Biden-Harris Administration marked a critical step forward in its efforts to deliver student debt relief to as many borrowers as possible through negotiated rulemaking under the Higher Education Act, even as extreme House Republicans threaten a government shutdown that would hurt families, communities, and our economy. The U.S. Department of Education (Department) today released an issue paper laying out its initial set of policy considerations to create a path to debt relief for student loan borrowers in need. The paper identifies five questions about distinct categories of affected borrowers for which the Department is seeking feedback. This includes questions about borrowers whose balances are greater than what they originally borrowed, whose loans first entered repayment decades ago, who attended programs that did not provide sufficient financial value, who are eligible for relief under programs like income-driven repayment but have not applied, and borrowers who have experienced financial hardship and need support, but for whom the current student loan system does not adequately address.
Property Values for Rich Township Released
“I strongly encourage property owners to review their reassessment notice to ensure their property characteristics and market value reflect their home,” said Assessor Fritz Kaegi. “It is important to understand that assessments in Cook County reflect market value over the last three years. My office will be partnering with Sam Brown, Rich Township Assessor, to assist property owners and explain reassessments in their community.”
SEAN "DIDDY" COMBS' REVOLT WORLD BREAKS RECORDS: A SPECTACULAR CELEBRATION OF BLACK CREATIVITY, CULTURE AND HERITAGE
REVOLT WORLD, presented by Walmart, made history and welcomed over 30,000 participants over a 3-day span that featured a daily lineup of prominent REVOLT shows, live performances, panel conversations, and experiential activations. REVOLT WORLD shattered records and solidified its place as the premier destination for Black music, art, and empowerment, as guests traveled globally to attend the celebration.
Giannoulias Recommends Increasing Requirement for Drive Tests from 75 to 79
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias released a report today that recommends adjusting the age requirement for mandatory driving tests from 75 to 79, making Illinois more consistent with other states.
10th Annual Black Alphabet Film Festival Kicks Off October 13 in Chicago
Black Alphabet, a nonprofit committed to promoting equity awareness on behalf of the Black LGBTQ+ community through the use of media and the arts, announced today the 10th Annual Black Alphabet Film Festival (BAFF) will take place from Oct 13 – 15, 2023 in Chicago with the theme ‘Soul & Spirit.’ One of the longest running Black LGBTQ/SGL film festivals in the world, this year’s event includes more than 15 free film screenings, filmmaker discussions, and a Uganda Freedom Celebration fundraiser featuring three films about the LGBTQ+ experience in Uganda, as well as Ugandan entertainment, food, and dancing.
5 Tips to Get Ahead of Holiday Debt
The holiday season is fast approaching, and most people find themselves spending a little – or a lot – more than usual during these festive final months of the year.
Barclays Donates $300,000 to the HBCU Week Foundation
The HBCU Week Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization, announced today it has received support from Barclays US Consumer Bank to further its mission to close the education-to-employment gap in higher education. Barclays is endowing a $300,000 scholarship fund that will support the HBCU Week Foundation and students attending five historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs): Delaware State University, Hampton University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Howard University.
BURRELL COMMUNICATIONS GROUP COLLABORATES WITH NOTED PRODUCER-DIRECTOR KENYA BARRIS IN HIS FIRST SERIES OF TV COMMERCIALS FOR TOYOTA’S FIRST EVER ‘GRAND HIGHLANDER’
Burrell Communications Group, one of the nation’s largest multicultural marketing communications agencies, has announced yet another signature and groundbreaking national ad campaign supporting the launch of the first ever Toyota Grand Highlander.
EARLY WALKER TO BE JOINED BY PARENTS AND COACHES OF THE AMERICAN YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE AS THEY EXPRESS THEIR OUTRAGE AT THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT
Early Walker-CEO of I’m Telling, Don’t Shoot- will joined by parents, coaches, civic leaders, and players of the Hells Cat inner city football team as they collectively express their outrage at the Chicago Park District for canceling upcoming football games due to unrelated violence. The Hell Cats, young boys ranging from 7 to 9 years old, are a part of the American Youth Football League.
Fear to Freedom: United for Women's Safety Event Is Happening In Dolton October 14th
Dr. Jennifer Matthews, in collaboration with a distinguished lineup of speakers and partners, is proud to present the Fear to Freedom: United for Women's Safety Event. This highly anticipated event aims to shed light on the pressing issues affecting women today, such as workplace discrimination, cyberbullying, sex trafficking, and carjacking. The event will take place on October 14th, 2023, at the Lester Long Field House in Dolton, located at 14700 Evers Ave.
NAREB LAUNCHES 60-CITY BUILDING BLACK WEALTH TOUR WITH 10/7 EVENT IN HOUSTON TO BRING CRITICAL INFORMATION TO COMMUNITIES
The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) holds its initial Building Black Wealth Tour event in Houston on Saturday, October 7, kicking off activities in more than 60 cities nationwide. The events, which include festive activities for youths, will empower Black communities with steps towards homeownership, property investment, starting a business, and other wealth-building opportunities.
Rep. Kelly, Senator Durbin Introduce Bicameral Promoting Access to Broadband Act
Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2023 in the House of Representatives and the Senate. The legislation will make grants available to states to inform Medicaid enrollees, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants, and low-income residents of their potential eligibility for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Lifeline program and Affordable Connectivity Programs (ACP).
