Deputy Secretary of Department of Commerce Visits Olive-Harvey College
On Friday, July 22nd, U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves visited Olive-Harvey College and participated in a roundtable discussion about workforce development. Olive-Harvey College is a sub-awardee of the Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Challenge to Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership). The Good Jobs Challenge is a $500 million investment in local workforce development, funded by President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan. Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership was one of 32 recipients. It received $18.5 million in funding.
Salaam Community Wellness Center to Host Its Annual Integrative Health and Wellness Expo Free event will offer cooking demos, chair massages, music, food, fun for children, and more
A relatively new jewel in the community, Salaam Community Wellness Center (SCWC) will host its 2nd Annual Integrative Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday, August 12, from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 613 E. 67th Street. The free event is open to the public and will offer something for the entire family. Featured activities include Zumba, deep-breathing tips, meditation, yoga, chair massages, music, free food, healthy food demonstrations, jumping jack, and other family- and kid-friendly activities.
USDA Seeks Proposals for Joint Chief's Landscape Restoration Partnership
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is asking for proposals for the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership to improve forest health on public and private lands. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Forest Service are seeking the proposals by Sept. 4 for fiscal year 2024.
Dinobi Detergent Founders open Dirty Laundry laundromat in Hyde Park
The founders of a non-toxic home goods have found a way to fulfill a community need, with a coin- operated laundromat, Dirty Laundry, located at 5230 S. Harper Ave. Augustine “Augie” and Sylvia Emuwa are the founders of Dinobi Detergent, a non-toxic, plant-based, dioxane-free laundry detergent and dish soap company.
City of Chicago Announces Lineups for Marquee Fall Music Festivals
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced music lineups for two of the City of Chicago’s signature fall music festivals: Chicago Jazz Festival (Aug 31–Sept 3) and World Music Festival Chicago (Sept 22 – Oct 1). Following the successful return of three other iconic festivals earlier this summer—Chicago Gospel Music Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, and the Chicago House Music Festival and Conference, DCASE continues to showcase a diversity of musicians from Chicago and around the globe this fall with FREE concerts in Millennium Park and in venues across the city. Schedule highlights enclosed with full details and updates online.
Local Actress to Portray Calpurnia in ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’
Harper Lee’s book To Kill a Mockingbird and the film have always been a favorite for Jacqueline Williams. She never imagined there would be a live theater treatment of the book.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL LEADS COALITION SUPPORTING MINNESOTA PROHIBITION OF INDIVIDUALS UNDER 21 FROM CARRYING FIREARMS IN PUBLIC
Attorney General Kwame Raoul led a coalition of 21 attorneys general filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit supporting the state of Minnesota’s ban on individuals under the age of 21 carrying firearms in public.
ComEd Community Energy Assistance Ambassador Program Earns National Recognition
ComEd’s work to connect customers in need with bill assistance while also providing temporary, part-time employment to residents from low-income neighborhoods, was recently recognized by utility-industry association Chartwell Inc., one of three awards presented to ComEd and its parent company, Exelon.
DEEPLY ROOTED LAUNCHES $15.6M CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TO BUILD DEEPLY ROOTED DANCE CENTER
Deeply Rooted Productions, the umbrella organization for Deeply Rooted's Dance Education programs and Special Projects and operating in conjunction with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, is officially launching a $15.6 million capital campaign to build the Deeply Rooted Center for Black Dance and Creative Communities (Deeply Rooted Dance Center). With more than $13 million raised to date, Deeply Rooted needs to secure an additional $2.4 million to complete the campaign.
GREENWOOD PROJECT ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP
The Greenwood Project announced that Kwesi Smith, CFA, former Board President and Global Research Analyst at William Blair, has been named Executive Director effective immediately. In addition, the Board has announced that Sizwe Kamara, CAIA, Executive Director, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, will be the organization's new Board President.
Elevating Black-Owned Media: The Luxe List Atlanta Transforms the Industry with Global Platform Launch
"The Luxe List Atlanta, a groundbreaking black-owned luxury media platform, is set to disrupt the industry with the expansion of its global network, The Luxe List Official. First of its kind, The Luxe List Official offers a unique media landscape that caters to the multifaceted reader. The multi-sensory platform blends a collection of fashion and beauty, real estate and art, entertainment and hospitality, fintech, and elevated experiences across prominent cities.
Clark Atlanta University Receives $1 Million Gift from Chick-fil-A for Student Success and Access It was one of two major gifts the University received during its 34th Annual Commencement ATLANTA, PR
Clark Atlanta University (CAU) has announced that it has received a $1-million gift from Chick-fil-A, Inc., a restaurant company known for the Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich and signature hospitality. The gift supports the University's historic $250 million Campaign for Clark Atlanta University, which has a principal goal of generating much needed funds for student access, retention, and graduation support.
Pretty Dope Society Expands Launch of Melanin-Filled Back to School Collection for Black Children, Celebrating Representation
Pretty Dope Society, a trailblazing eCommerce brand dedicated to providing everyday products for Black children, proudly announces the launch of its highly anticipated expanded Back to School collection. This year, the collection goes above and beyond by introducing a range of vibrant, fun, and melanin-filled backpacks, along with matching school supplies. The release of this stunning collection is a testament to the brand's commitment to representation and empowering Black youth.
Over 50,000 Senior Homeowners Need to Reapply for their Property Tax Savings
As of last week, over 50,000 senior homeowners in Cook County have not reapplied for property tax savings in which they are entitled to receive. The Cook County Assessor’s Office administers property tax savings, called exemptions. Exemptions contribute to lowering a homeowner’s property tax bill. These savings are especially important for senior homeowners as they can provide thousands of dollars of savings on their property tax bill.
Blue Fox Impact Launches Social Justice Racial Equity Venture Across Multiple Entertainment Sectors
Blue Fox Impact announced its launch as a new venture to support and provide funding into various entertainment industry businesses. Blue Fox Impact is co-founded by Ralph G. Mendy Henderson, Jr., who will serve as Chief Executive Officer and the majority shareholder. Co-founder James Huntsman will serve as Chief Financial Officer. Lisa Gutberlet will join the leadership team as Chief Operating Officer. Blue Fox Entertainment will hold a minority stake in the company
New Study Proposes Wealth-Building Solutions for Black Retirees
African-American families have known for generations that retirement at the age of 65 is often a mirage. We hope and pray it will happen, but it’s a dream that generally never gets fulfilled. In fact reports have shown that the typical White family - even at retirement age - has eight times the wealth of the typical Black family, with a typical Latino family faring only slightly better. These historic inequities will not change by themselves. Community leaders, policymakers, and industry experts must come together to identify and promote new solutions to this retirement wealth gap.
Advancing Racial Equity: Teresa Bryce Bazemore Addresses AACUC 25th Annual Conference
Teresa Bryce Bazemore, president of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco), delivered a powerful keynote address, "Advancing Racial Equity: Increasing Homeownership and Wealth Building,” at the recent 25th Annual Conference of the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) in Atlanta.
Reps. Kelly, Espaillat, Lee Introduce Bill to Recognize Gun Violence as a Public Health Emergency
Today, Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), Vice Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, alongside Reps. Barbara Lee (CA-12), and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) introduced the Gun Violence as a Public Health Emergency Act, which would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to produce an annual report on gun violence, its public health effects, and action taken by the federal government.
SEAN "DIDDY" COMBS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES EMPOWER GLOBAL
Sean "Diddy" Combs launched Empower Global (EG), a curated immersive e-commerce platform that allows consumers to discover and buy products exclusively created and sold by Black entrepreneurs. The platform provides Black businesses a broader audience reach and empowers consumers to shop the best Black-owned brands in beauty, fashion, art and lifestyle. With culture and community at its core, Empower Global elevates the Black economy by creating opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to build and scale successful businesses by making shopping with Black brands easy and accessible.
