Ladies of Virtue Launches "This Black Girl" Campaign

In celebration of Women's History Month, Ladies of Virtue (LOV) is proud to announce its "This Black Girl" campaign in recognition of the impressive achievements of Black girls nationwide who have triumphed over obstacles to become successful, confident, and purpose-driven leaders. "This Black Girl" will highlight inspiring stories throughout the month of March, focused on high school seniors and alumni who have emerged as community role models and serve as an inspiration for younger generations.

Aldermanic Candidate wants to bring beauty and function to 21st Ward

Cornell Dantzler has been a resident of West Pullman/Morgan Park for more than 55 years. When he was a teenager, a mentor helped him turn his life around. Now, he does the same for young people with his STEPS Mentoring Program.

Laguna Candles Celebrates 20 Years As Global Luxury Supplier

Twenty years ago, Laguna Candles opened for business, fueled by a love for the calming effects of beautiful home fragrance and a desire to be on the cutting edge of a growing consumer appetite for cleaner burning candles. Founded by Sharie Hendricks, the company had humble beginnings in her family's kitchen and garage, a hub for experimenting with various fragrances, wax blends, packaging and more. Before long, Laguna Candles emerged as a premiere Black and woman-owned business, now enjoyed globally at the finest luxury hotels, spas and specialty stores with thousands of hand-poured, bespoke candles sold around the country and beyond.

MIELLE ORGANICS JOINS P&G BEAUTY IN A MAJOR MOVE FOR BLACK ENTREPRENEURS SERVING BLACK WOMEN

P&G Beauty and Mielle Organics®, a popular textured hair care brand rooted in natural ingredients, announced recently that it will join P&G Beauty, pending regulatory approval, further expanding access to healthy hair products and services for Black women around the world.

Chicago Public Schools Seeks Honorary Student Board of Education Member for 2023-24 School Year

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is now accepting applications for the next honorary student member of the Board of Education. Each year, an honorary student board member represents the interests and perspectives of all CPS students on a Board that makes decisions and shapes policies for the nation’s fourth largest school district.

My Community Plan Foundation hosts Mayoral Forum at DuSable Museum

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center was the site of a forum with Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas on Thursday, March 9th.

St. John Announces Shonda Rhimes in #OwnYourPower for Spring 2023 Campaign

After six decades of dressing the world's most esteemed women, St. John proudly introduces the #OwnYourPower campaign featuring Shonda Rhimes to celebrate a unique sisterhood of incredible women doing extraordinary things. The partnership coincides with St. John's Spring 2023 Collection, a new season of great American design from the iconic knitwear fashion house.

DONNA MILLER ANNOUNCES 2023 UNSUNG HEROINES AWARD WINNER FOR THE 6TH DISTRICT

Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller announced Pastor Brenda K. Mitchell as the recipient of the 2023 Unsung Heroines Award for the 6th District. The Peggy A. Montes Unsung Heroines Award is an annual award given out during Women’s History Month to one woman from each of the seventeen County districts and one woman countywide whose contributions are vital to the community, but often overlooked. Individuals across the 6th District recognized numerous qualified individuals in their nominations, and Commissioner Miller selected Brenda for her dedication to and unwavering advocacy for victims of gun violence.

CITY OF CHICAGO AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM BREAK GROUND ON INVEST SOUTH/WEST DEVELOPMENT IN BACK OF THE YARDS

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Ald. Jeanette Taylor joined New City stakeholders to start construction on United Yards, a $58M mixed-use project that will revitalize the heart of the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Being developed by Celadon Blackwood Limited Partnership through the Mayor’s INVEST South/West initiative, the project includes multiple new and rehabilitated commercial and residential buildings near the 47th and Ashland intersection.

Community organizer serving on new Police District Councils

Joseph Williams, Executive Director and Founder of Mr. Dad’s Father’s Club, was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. He is a husband, and father to six children. He was recently elected to the 7th District for the Police District Councils. Williams was also a member of the Local School Council, starting when he was 21-years old. He is transitioning into different roles to continue his engagement in the community.

Bill Calling for the South Suburban Airport to Move Forward Passes House

One day after at least 20 south suburban mayors and administrators joined labor, religious and business leaders to reiterate their support for the South Suburban Airport, Illinois state representatives approved a bill that moves it forward as a cargo airport. As the legislative sponsors of House Bill 2531, state Representatives Will Davis and Debbie Meyers-Martin held a news conference to show solidarity behind the bill which directs the State of Illinois to prepare and issue a request for qualifications seeking proposals for a cargo-based South Suburban Airport as a public-private partnership.

GOSPEL GREATS TAMELA AND DAVID MANN AND DR. BOBBY JONES TO BE HONORED AT THE 2023 BMI TRAILBLAZERS OF GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS

BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) will honor Gospel superstars Tamela and David Mann and Dr. Bobby Jones at its 22nd Annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards to be held at Flourish Atlanta on March 30th. The inspirational ceremony will recognize the impact that the three legendary entertainers have made on the genre and beyond and pay tribute to the songwriters and publishers behind the best in Gospel music. The private event will be hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O'Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.

Education Department Announces Use of Secret Shopping to Protect Students, Crack Down on Institutions that Lure Students with Lies

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) announced that the Enforcement Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) will use secret shoppers as an additional tool to monitor postsecondary institutions’ compliance with the laws and regulations governing their participation in the federal student aid programs. In particular, secret shoppers will evaluate recruitment, enrollment, financial aid, and other practices of postsecondary institutions to help identify potentially deceptive or predatory practices used to recruit and enroll students.

City of Harvey receives funds for improvements

Congresswoman Robin Kelly’s Office recently presented two checks to the City of Harvey. The first check was awarded to the City of Harvey Fire Department which it will be used to purchase a new fire engine. The second check will be used to acquire and demolish blighted and vacant buildings, as well as for streetlight improvements.

In keeping with the best of the tradition, comedian and impressionist ‘Reggie Reg’ is still barnstorming, traversing the country bringing laughter, smiles and often an inspired message

When one is a true and genuine king of comedy, it doesn’t ever have to be glaringly declared or announced. These singular talents tend just quietly assume their thrones leveraging hard work, raw skill and dues paid, and rule the scene without all of the noise and fanfare.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Opens 2023 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging young Illinois photographers to submit photos for the 2023 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest, which offers students a creative way to share their vision of agriculture in our state. The treasurer’s office will accept electronic submissions for the contest starting March 22, and the entry deadline is June 12.

Chicago Commons receives $2.2 million for workforce development initiative

JPMorgan Chase has awarded Chicago Commons $2.2 million for an initiative to develop workforce strategies for single mothers of color and low-income women, with the goal to enhance wealth building. With the investment from JPMorgan Chase, Chicago Commons will partner with Instituto del Progreso Latino, YWCA and PODER.

Gov. Pritzker Announces New Behavioral Health Workforce Education Center

Governor JB Pritzker along with state and local officials celebrated the launch of a new Behavioral Health Workforce Education Center, which will increase Illinois’ capacity to recruit, educate, and retain behavioral health professionals. The Center builds upon the state’s commitment to behavioral health transformation, strengthening behavioral health care infrastructure and access across the state.

CHA Board approves 50 new Project-Based Vouchers in four Chicago community areas

The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved 50 new Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units in four Chicago neighborhoods, representing a $37 million commitment over the next 15-30 years.

Biden-Harris administration launches initiative to promote equal opportunity for federally funded jobs

The U.S. Department of Labor announced the launch of an initiative to promote equal opportunity by federal contractors in the construction trades on large federally funded projects, helping to bring more underrepresented communities into the workforce as the President’s agenda to Invest in America continues creating millions of good-paying jobs.