Dr. Shernita Mays Honored for Leading Illinois School of Park Forest to Earn ISBE ’s Highest Designation

Words that began with the letter, E, rang out in Southland College Prep’s Fieldhouse during a rousing recent celebration to honor Dr. Shernita Mays, principal of Matteson District 162’s Illinois School.

AWARD-WINNING CHAMBER ENSEMBLE IMANI WINDS PERFORMS FEB. 24 AT NICHOLS CONCERT HALL

The Music Institute of Chicago presents Grammy-nominated quintet Imani Winds performing “Black and Brown, a celebration of composers of color” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston.

ASME Foundation Honors STEM NOLA Founder and CEO Calvin Mackie, Ph.D., at New Orleans Event

The engineering community recently honored Dr. Calvin Mackie, engineer, advocate, entrepreneur and founder and CEO of STEM NOLA, for his leadership of the organization in reaching more than 125,000 children in more than 5,100 schools across the U.S. and five other countries with STEM programming. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) recognized Mackie’s vision and dedication with the donation of a 2024 scholarship for a STEM NOLA Fellow, the ASME Foundation announced at a gala event held Nov. 2 in New Orleans.

Treasurer Pappas urges owners to pay late property taxes to avoid upcoming tax sale as 22,884 owe less than $1,000

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas urges property owners who have not paid property taxes that were due in 2022 to act quickly to avoid the Annual Tax Sale.

Kwanzaa and Holiday Specials Highlight December Programming at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) celebrates Kwanzaa throughout December. From Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, 2024, NMAAHC will feature its first- Kwanzaa display in Heritage Hall, including a kinara, mkeka mat, and a Kwanzaa playlist.

Closing the Revenue Gap for U.S. Diverse-owned Midsize Businesses Presents a $1.3T Opportunity, according to Research from JPMorgan Chase and Next Street

Recently, JPMorgan Chase and Next Street released The Middle Matters: Exploring the Diverse Middle Market Business Landscape, a new report that provides insights into the midsize businesses that power our economy. Conducted and analyzed by Next Street, the research reveals that while midsize businesses generate significant revenue nationally and locally, there is an opportunity to better support them as they face headwinds such as increasing competition, slowing revenue growth and an uncertain economic outlook.

Cook County Board of Commissioners Pass Budget Amendments Sponsored by Commissioner Donna Miller to Support Veterans, Address Maternal Mortality

The Cook County Board of Commissioners passed the FY2024 budget, which included two amendments championed by Commissioner Donna Miller to secure funding and support for veterans and pregnant women to reduce maternal mortality rates

McDonald’s Relaunches Grant Program to Benefit Chicago-Based Youth Organizations

McDonald's has served up special moments that feed and foster communities all across the world for decades. Amidst a global footprint, the community of Chicago will always hold a special place, with our roots in the community dating back to 1955. It’s why now, as one of the largest employers headquartered in the Second City, we’re continuing to support Chicago’s neighborhood organizations.

Hyundai Motor North America's Olabisi Boyle Named a 2023 Automotive News All-Star

Olabisi Boyle, vice president of product planning and mobility strategy for Hyundai Motor North America, was named a 2023 Automotive News All-Star in the operations executive category. The esteemed awards program includes an annual selection of thirty-eight outstanding individuals who are leaders in the highly competitive automotive industry. In addition to Boyle's recognition, Euisun Chung, executive chair of the Hyundai Motor Group received the Industry Leader honor.

Lifeline Theatre Seeks Writers of Color For 3rd Annual Adaptation Development Workshop

ifeline Theatre’s 3rd annual adaptation workshop is accepting submissions from writers of color through December 17. The workshop offers Lifeline’s expertise in literary adaptation to support playwrights/writers of color (BIPOC) seeking to adapt for the stage. The workshops will culminate in public readings and the potential to be included in future Lifeline seasons.

Feed the Soul Foundation Provides $850K of Support to Culinary Businesses

According to the Small-Business Labor Crisis Report by Ramsey Solutions, 42% of small business owners state they have experienced burnout in the past year and 56% small business owners express they feel alone in solving problems and making decisions when faced with current challenges within the culinary industry. In its third year of service, Feed the Soul Foundation, a national non-profit continues to provide financial relief and solutions for marginalized businesses that experienced the hardest constraints by the pandemic.

Keke Palmer's "Cool Glam" Eyewear Collection with Zenni® Optical is Here for the Holidays

Zenni Optical, the world's leading online eyewear retailer, and Emmy® Award-winning actress, musician, producer and style icon, Keke Palmer, are back with their newest eyewear drop, just in time for the holiday season. Aptly named "Cool Glam," the collection represents Palmer's fearless and show-stopping attitude, offering practical fashion fused with glamor.

City Colleges of Chicago to Host Kwanzaa Celebration at Malcolm X College, Free and Open to the Public

Malcolm X College has a strong history of celebrating Kwanzaa and for more than 17 years. This year’s celebration theme is Building and Sustaining Community One Principle at a Time.

Rihanna's Creeper is Back

Rihanna's iconic creeper is finally back. But this time, it's bigger, bolder and phatter than ever. Imagined, designed, and named by Rihanna, the Creeper Phatty takes the classic Creeper to the extreme with an oversized design, stacked gum sole, and bold pops of color. This new twist on the FENTY x PUMA Creeper is available in three colors for all ages and genders, a full family affair.

Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Completion of I-57 Improvements in Chicago, South Suburbs

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) were joined today by local officials and community leaders to celebrate the completion of a series of multiyear improvements worth $82.1 million along Interstate 57, part of several investments in the state’s longest interstate highway made possible by the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Nearly 20 miles of I-57 were patched and resurfaced, while two bridges were repaired along a vital commercial and residential corridor connecting multiple communities from Chicago’s South Side through the south suburbs.

Afro Unicorn Holiday Deluxe is presented by Afro Unicorn Ent. and distributed by Connect Music.

Afro Unicorn®, the beloved character brand founded by visionary entrepreneur April Showers, announces the release of its second annual holiday EP, An Afro Unicorn Holiday Deluxe. Presented by Afro Unicorn Entertainment and distributed by Connect Music, this festive masterpiece encapsulates the season's spirit and underscores the brand's commitment to empowering and celebrating children of color.

Gov. Pritzker Announces the Largest Class of Small Businesses Inducted into the Illinois Made Program

Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), elected officials, and industry leaders at Koval Distillery to announce that 48 small businesses or ‘Makers’ have been inducted into the Illinois Made program – the largest class of businesses since the program’s inception in 2016. Each year, the Illinois Office of Tourism selects a group of local businesses that exemplify the authentic experiences and innovative products that make Illinois an incredible destination to explore for residents and visitors alike.

Buckner Asks Commuter Transit Authorities to Expand Public Transit Access

State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, is reaching out to leaders of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) and Metra Metropolitan Rail as well as the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to expand access to public transit in the greater Chicago area.

MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON UNVEILS NEW CENTRAL MARKET AT MIDWAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Mayor Brandon Johnson joined officials from the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and local concessionaires at Midway International Airport to celebrate the reopening of the airport’s Central Market and the completion of the historic Midway Modernization Program (MMP), the most comprehensive investment in Midway’s facilities in more than two decades.

Overcoming the Oil and Gas Industry’s Influence at COP28

Frederick Douglass said, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” Those of us with history in the civil rights movement know that taking on entrenched power and changing the status quo requires dogged tenacity and seizing key moments to break down barriers.