Claretian Associates named by Bank of America as its 2025 Neighborhood Builder
Bank of America has named Claretian Associates and Aspire of Illinois as its 2025 Neighborhood Builders. These two organizations join 44 other Chicago based nonprofits who have been named Neighborhood Builders since the program began in 2004.
HushLoudly Podcast Seeks to Highlight Introverts
A podcast is changing the narrative around what it means to be an introvert. The HushLoudly podcast was started by Dr. Jeri Bingham in 2019 after she realized there was a need for a podcast that highlighted the advantages to being an introvert. Bingham believes that introverts can excel in a society and environment where extroverts are celebrated and rewarded. Her friend suggested that she start a podcast and helped her get her podcast on WGN Radio.
Local Attorney Discusses Workplace Discrimination on the Basis of Race
With the dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion in different sectors, Black people are experiencing layoffs at a higher rate than other populations. Additionally, Black people experiencing discrimination based on their race. According to the Pew Research Report that was released in 2023, about four-in-ten Black workers say they have experienced discrimination or been treated unfairly by an employer because of their race or ethnicity.
Classical Musician’s turn as an author yields success
Edward Kelsey Moore has had quite the career as a musician, primarily in the classical music genre. He’s also had great success as a writer. His book, The Supreme’s at Earl’s All You Can Eat, was turned into a motion picture in 2024.
Writing Fellowship To Support Diverse Chicago Writers
A newly created writing fellowship seeks to cultivate diverse writers and highlight their unique perspectives and voices. The Write Where You Are writing fellowship was developed by the Stories Matter Foundation. The foundation will award 12 fellowships and the classes are scheduled to begin in early March.
VILLAGE OF LYNWOOD’S STELLAR DAY OF SERVICE IN HONOR OF MLK
Jada D. Curry- Mayor of Lynwood , Illinois- was joined by the Village Clerk and the full Village Board of Trustees in a Day of Service to honor the incredible and visionary champion, the late Dr .Martin Luther King Jr.
Why Democracy Must Be Built for the Next Generation
Every year in Illinois, thousands of young people turn 18 ready to vote but never make it onto the voter rolls. Not because they are disengaged or indifferent, but because our system too often makes participation harder than it needs to be at the very moment civic habits are forming.
ATTORNEY NATALIE HOWSE HONORS DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’S LEGACY THROUGH A CAREER ROOTED IN JUSTICE, EQUITY, AND SERVICE
As communities across the nation pause to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Attorney Natalie Howse reflects on the enduring power of Dr. King’s dream and how it continues to shape her work as a legal advocate, public servant, and champion for equitable justice. For Howse, the legacy of Dr. King is not confined to history books or annual commemorations. It is a living call to action, one that inspired her to pursue a career in law rooted in fairness, dignity, and accountability. His unwavering belief that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” became a guiding principle that ultimately shaped her professional mission of ensuring that the legal system serves all people with integrity and impartiality.
RECORDING ACADEMY® HONORS PRESENTED BY THE BLACK MUSIC COLLECTIVE RETURNS
The Recording Academy®'s Black Music Collective (BMC) will host the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors, celebrating the illustrious careers of music legends Pharrell Williams, Brandy and Kirk Franklin on Thursday, Jan. 29. The GRAMMY® Week event will take place at the Fairmont Century Plaza, just days before Music's Biggest Night®.
Richard Gallion Entertainment Set To Mount Two Shows For Black History Month
Richard Gallion developed Richard Gallion Entertainment (RGE) Gallion said the inspiration for his plays came from a series that he is developing called the “What If” series. He said that most movies and television shows emerge from the writer saying, what if.
360 CHICAGO LAUNCHES FIRST JANUARY FITNESS SERIES 94 STORIES ABOVE THE CITY
360 CHICAGO, the iconic observation deck located on the 94th floor of 875 N. Michigan Ave. (the former John Hancock Center), is kicking off the new year with its first January Fitness Series, a lineup of three physical wellness experiences led by local instructors and set high above the city skyline. Taking place throughout January, the series is designed to help guests start the year feeling energized and inspired through fitness-focused classes. Each class runs from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m., and participants are welcome to stay and enjoy the observation deck following each workout. Tickets for all sessions are available now at 360CHICAGO.com.
Illinois awarded $193 million to expand healthcare access in rural areas
Amid federal budget cuts to rural healthcare, Illinois will steward funds to support the state’s rural healthcare infrastructure and drive sustainable change in underserved rural communities
ILETSB and the Cook County Sheriff's Office Announce Nation's First Law Enforcement Crisis Response Therapy Canine Certification Program
The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board is excited to announce, in partnership with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), a first-of-its-kind law enforcement therapy canine certification framework. This new certification is designed to formally review and certify law enforcement personnel and their trained therapy canines for use in crisis calls, peer support, and community engagement functions.
2026 IL Resident Free Days, Free Nights and a Heart-Pumping Valentine's Day House Party Announced at Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium is announcing new Illinois resident free days in January and February, giving guests an opportunity to escape the cold and dive into aquatic environments from coral reefs to freshwater rivers.
IDPH Urges Flu Shots, Other Preventive Measures as Influenza Rates Climb Statewide
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging residents to take precautions against the spread of influenza (flu) and other seasonal respiratory illnesses, as rates continue to climb across the state. Flu activity in the state has climbed to “Very High” in recent days, the most severe of five categories of respiratory illness activity, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, COVID-19 rates have climbed to “Moderate” levels in Illinois. These trends are similar to what is being seen across the nation.
Illinois DCFS Opens Post-Secondary Scholarship Application to Current and Former Youth in Care
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is accepting applications for the 2026 DCFS Scholarship Program. Through the program scholarships will be awarded to current and former youth in care for the upcoming school year, with four awards reserved for the children of veterans and two awards presented to students pursuing degrees in social work in honor of Pamela Knight and Deidre Silas, two DCFS caseworkers who succumbed to injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Cook County Launches Campaign to Promote Lead Removal Services
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has launched a new awareness campaign, “Lead-Safe Cook County,” to encourage eligible suburban Cook County residents and homeowners to apply for free lead removal services and free home repairs.
ICJIA Announces Grant Opportunities Totaling $50 Million to Restore Communities Impacted by Systemic Racism and Disinvestment
The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) announced two funding opportunities for the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program, totaling $50 million in grants to historically underserved communities.
