National Portrait Gallery Reveals a Newly Commissioned Portrait of Oprah Winfrey by Chicago-Based Artist Shawn Michael Warren
Oprah Winfrey’s portrait is now on display at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Chicago-based artist Shawn Michael Warren painted Winfrey in a purple taffeta dress amidst a lush garden at her California home. The full-length portrait with the frame, approximately 6 feet 10 inches by 5 feet 8 inches, is commissioned for the museum’s permanent collection. It has been on view on the museum’s first floor beginning Dec. 13.
South Suburban Custodian in the Running for National Award
Sergio Nuno, a custodian for Matteson School District 162, has been nominated for the national LifeChanger of the Year award. Nuno, 65, who has worked as a custodian for Matteson School District 162 and Southland College Prep for twelve years, was nominated by Matteson School District superintendent, Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, who described him as the “heart of the district.”
Vote By Mail Applications Now Open for the March 19 Presidential Primary Election
Voters within the City of Chicago may now apply to Vote By Mail for the March 19 Presidential Primary Election. Voters may use this online application to request a ballot for the upcoming election: March 19th -- Primary Election - Vote By Mail | Chicago Board of Elections (chicagoelections.gov)
How to Detect and Manage Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms
As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, people can experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as the wintertime blues. Dr. Marilyn Griffin, Behavioral Health Medical Director for Aetna Better Health of Illinois, shares how to detect and manage seasonal affective disorder.
Cook County passes Paid Leave Ordinance, replaces Earned Sick Leave
On December 14, 2023, the Cook County Board of Commissioners passed significant amendments to the former Cook County Earned Sick Leave Ordinance, shifting to the Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance.
Secretary of State Giannoulias Reveals 2023 License Plate Naughty List
More than 300 plates rejected for profanity, offensive language or illegibility Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias rejected more than 304 vanity and personalized license plates this year that were deemed too obscene or defamatory.
North Lawndale Employment Network Receives Neighborhood Builders Recognition
The North Lawndale Employment Network is one of two Chicago-based organizations that have been awarded the 2023 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders grant. It is the second time North Lawndale Employment Network has received the award. It will use the $200,000 grant money to continue its mission to provide employment opportunities to residents in the North Lawndale community.
LISC Chicago Accepting 2024 Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards Applications: Celebrating 30 Years of Honoring Excellence in Community Development and Architectural Innovation
LISC Chicago announced that applications are now open for the 2024 Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards (CNDAs), The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design, and The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Community Design Impact Award. Submissions for all awards will be open through January 23, 2024.
New Executive Director Wants To Highlight Mission Of Greenwood Archer Capital
The Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives has announced that Terrence Johnson is the new Executive Director of Greenwood Archer Capital, a subsidiary of Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives. Johnson begins on Monday, Jan. 29th.
HYDE PARK ART CENTER PRESENTS FREE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY CELEBRATION
Hyde Park Art Center, the renowned non-profit hub for contemporary art located on Chicago’s vibrant South Side, proudly presents a free public Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration MLK DAY 2024: Yesterdays, Todays, and Tomorrows on Monday, January 15, 2024, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 5020 South Cornell Avenue. Eclectic programming for all ages celebrating Black creators and artists includes art making inspired by artists Candace Hunter and Robert Earl Paige, an artist talk with Candace Hunter and scholar Kimberly Harmon, a pop-up bookshop, a live music performance by the Civic Orchestra of Chicago Chamber Ensemble, and more. Registration is recommended at HydeParkArt.org.
Male Mogul Initiative impacts The Lives Of Young Men
Walter Mendenhall IV founded the Male Mogul Initiative in 2016 after he had a conversation with a young man at a career day. Mendenhall founded Male Mogul Initiative because he believed that while young men in Chicago have the gifts, talents and skills to be successful, legal entrepreneurs, they didn’t have the opportunities or exposure to do so.
The Daisie Foundation Partners with Meijer and ComEd to Surprise 500 Students at Howe Elementary School
The Daisie Foundation (DF) exists to empower women and children in underserved communities. Since its founding in 2016, DF has dedicated its time to providing opportunities to Chicago, Milwaukee, and Houston neighborhoods in need of support, guidance, and, ultimately, love. The work is rooted in random acts of kindness. This holiday season, DF teamed up with Meijer, ComEd, and a host of other sponsors to carry out their 7th annual Holiday Magic event at Howe School of Excellence in Chicago's Austin Neighborhood (720 N Lorel Ave, Chicago, IL 60644) on December 13th, 2023.
Hypertension Control Program Aims to Tackle Major Driver of Health Disparities for Black Americans
The Association of Black Cardiologists announced the launch of its Hypertension Control Program. The program will offer 50 member clinicians the opportunity to receive American Hypertension Specialist Certification in clinical hypertension care.
THE CITY OF CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND SUPPORT SERVICES AND MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON ANNOUNCES OPENING OF WESTSIDE COMMUNITY REENTRY SUPPORT CENTER
The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) and Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the opening of Chicago’s fifth Community Reentry Support Center (CRSC), furthering the City of Chicago’s commitment to improving and providing residents returning from periods of incarceration the supports and services needed to successfully integrate into their communities, fostering paths toward a brighter future and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
Matteson Culver’s Owner-Operator Leads By Example
Dawndria Murray has been the owner operator of the Culver’s Restaurant, located at 20716 S. Cicero, for three and a half years.
CANDACE MOORE JOINS RACE FORWARD AS SENIOR STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Race Forward recently announced Candace Moore, Esq., a policy and systems strategist with demonstrated experience addressing issues of equity and racial justice, will join the organization on January 8, 2024, as Senior Strategic Advisor. Moore brings executive government, legal practice and community-based advocacy experience to this role, in which she will focus on bridging and aligning the placed-based work of Race Forward’s programs and deepening collaborations. She will also lead the expansion into new sites of our place-based strategies, training curriculum and tools for government and community.
Treasurer Frerichs Eclipses $1.2 Billion In Investment Earnings For State Portfolio During 2023
The State Treasurer’s Office has made more than $1.2 billion in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio in 2023, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today. That amount includes the $115 million earned in November.
Palos Fire Protection District Auctioning Off Used Ambulance (Perfect for Road Trips), Proceeds to Help Save Lives
Many Illinoisans are now in the market for road trip vehicle options. They’re in luck! The Palos Fire Protection District in Palos, IL, is currently auctioning off a 2000 International 4700 Low Profile ambulance. This vehicle can be converted into the ultimate camper for road trips! This online auction is open to the public at municibid.com and ends Tuesday, January 2nd. Illinois residents are able to bid in this government auction online, 24/7, on Municibid.
