Performer uses her upbringing to inspire art
Coco Elysses knew she wanted to be a performer when she was seven or eight years of age. She felt at home on stage, being a part of telling a story, whether it was music, theater or dance. As a child, she studied dance, taking ballet and modern dance classes on the South side of Chicago, as well as acting. She attended a program where anyone who was interested in the performing arts could come and discover the different aspects of arts. She studied music through free programming at school.
Gov. Pritzker Announces Over $1 Billion in Federal Funding to Support High-Speed Internet Access and Adoption in Illinois
Governor JB Pritzker along with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced Illinois will be allocated over $1 billion in funding to support high-speed internet access through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. This grant will help fund the development of high-speed infrastructure across the nation as part of President Biden’s Internet for All initiative.
EPIC Academy Raises Nearly $120,000 at 2023 Annual Dare to Imagine Gala
In June, EPIC Academy, a public, open-enrollment charter high school located in South Chicago hosted its 2023 Dare to Imagine Gala themed “Building the Future Together” at The Carter Chicago. Approximately 150 guests attended the event for an evening filled with fun, networking, music, and inspiring stories. With the support of generous sponsors, attendees, and in-kind and monetary donations, EPIC raised nearly $120,000. Corporate sponsors included; Apogem Capital, BMO, Black McDonald’s Operators Association, Elrod Friedman, and KRD, Ltd. and Old National Bank. Funds raised will help provide transformational opportunities and further EPIC’s mission for students to pursue excellence and high expectations for postsecondary success, working towards college and career readiness through a variety of pathways.
Pastor Phil Jackson recognized as a 2023 Leader for a New Chicago
Pastor Phil Jackson believes that real transformation and hope comes from grassroots organizations doing the work in communities where there is a great need. “We live in a community where hopelessness and resiliency co-exist. Our work is to create pathways of hopefulness and resilience,” Jackson said.
CONGRESSMAN JONATHAN L. JACKSON (IL-01) CHAMPIONS "STOP FENTANYL NOW ACT OF 2023"
Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson joined fellow lawmakers at a press conference to announce the roll-out of the "Stop Fentanyl Now Act of 2023" led by Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) — a critical step in addressing the nationwide fentanyl crisis.
Forest Preserves of Cook County Offers Endless Summer Possibilities
The recreational, educational and peaceful activities available all summer in the Forest Preserves of Cook County encompasses virtually anything available at a lake getaway in Wisconsin or Michigan, and then some—just much closer to home.
A record summer for high school and community college tech training programs at the Discovery Partners Institute
The Discovery Partners Institute, part of the University of Illinois System, will serve a record number of high school and community college students this summer.
Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Start of 110-mph Passenger Service on Chicago-St. Louis Line
Governor JB Pritzker joined federal, state, and local officials, along with the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, the Union Pacific Railroad, and project supporters at Union Station to celebrate the start of 110 mph passenger rail service between Chicago and St. Louis. This multi-year project better connects the state’s communities and major institutions while improving safety, convenience, and accessibility. Starting with the first trains on Amtrak’s state-supported Lincoln Service this morning, the higher speeds are eliminating approximately 15 minutes from the previous 90 mph runtimes between the two cities and 30 minutes from the initial 79 mph schedule in place when the project broke ground.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL URGES STRONGER STANDARDS FOR DANGEROUS MERCURY EMISSIONS FROM POWER PLANTS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with 18 attorneys generals and cities, announced he filed comments in support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to update and strengthen the 2012 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS)
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Eclipses $2 Billion in Investment Earnings Since Taking Office
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has earned more than $2 billion in investment earnings for the state portfolio since taking office, the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office announced.
Statement by Dr. Gail C. Christopher, Executive Director, National Collaborative for Health Equity
The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to end affirmative action in higher education is much more than just a bad ruling; this is an embarrassment on a global scale.
40 Tons and Good Green Bring Level Up Career Conference to Chicago
Nearly 200 people attended the 40 Tons and Good Green Level Up Career Conference & Business Expo this month at Malcolm X College Conference Center in Chicago. This marked the sixth event for the conference, which grows each year, attracting hundreds interested in connecting with resources and employers. The Level Up Career Conference is an innovative employment resource that promotes social justice and brings together employers who encourage equitable hiring practices with diverse job seekers. The core pillar of the conference was centered around restorative justice, with five key areas of focus: Employment, Expungement, Education, Empowerment, and Engagement.
ELECTED OFFICIALS THROUGHOUT COOK COUNTY AND OVER 1000 GATHERED TO PROMOTE DIVERSITY AND HARMONY THROUGH MUSIC LYNWOOD’S LYN VINIA MUSIC FEST BROUGHT TOGETHER ALL WALKS OF LIFE TO LEARN FROM THE PAS
Lynwood Mayor Jada D. Curry- was joined by the Lynwood Village Board, State Elected Officials, County Elected Officials and Lynwood/Southland residents on Saturday, June 24th to celebrate diversity through the beautiful sounds of music.
Great Lakes Credit Union Awards $15K in Scholarship Aid
Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU), in partnership with the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment, is pleased to announce the six exceptional recipients of its annual Member Scholarship program. Each student will receive a $2,500 scholarship to further their education in an accredited technical school, trade school, or a four-year college or university.
OVER 4000 TO CELEBRATE TO GATHER IN MATTESON TO CELEBRATE PEACE AND DIVERSITY THROUGH MUSIC
Sheila Chalmers-Currin -Mayor of Matteson, Illinois-and the Matteson Village Board and philanthropist Early Walker are proud to announce the annual summer music festival which is the largest 4th of July music gathering in Cook County. The Village of Matteson will begin the holiday weekend with its summer rollout of "Concerts at The Hall."
Celebrated artivist Nikkolas Smith illustrates reality of patients living with sickle cell disease
Celebrated artist Nikkolas Smith revealed exclusive artwork today illustrating the important role blood donations play for people living with sickle cell disease, the most common — yet often invisible to the public eye — genetic blood disorder in the U.S., which predominantly affects those in the Black community.
SFJAZZ Appoints Terence Blanchard Executive Artistic Director
SFJAZZ announces the appointment of Seven-Time Grammy Winner and Two-Time Academy Award Nominee Terence Blanchard as Executive Artistic Director. This new position will lead the organization's artistic programming and guide its overall creative direction. Blanchard's appointment comes as SFJAZZ Founder Randall Kline prepares to step down this year from the organization he founded in 1983.
Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County making legal system more accessible
With the opening of a call center, as well as a program that goes into the community, the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County is creating pathways to make the office more accessible for people. While the office might have operated in a silo in past years, Iris Martinez, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, is looking to change that. Martinez and her team came in, did some reforms, and started to do outreach in the community to inform people about the resources that are available.
Take Time Off This Summer, But Not From Your Finances
Summer is here, bringing all the fun that comes with months of warm weather and hours of daylight. As you plan your summer season itinerary, however, you might discover you’re juggling more expenses than just a trip to the beach.
