Local Girl Scouts learn how to Step

In the auditorium of Jones College Prep, girls in yellow t-shirts watched intently as Step Afrika performed on stage. After the group performed, the girls who are Girl Scouts were invited to come up on stage.

THE INAUGURAL “CLARK STREET COOKIE CRAWL” IS COMING TO LINCOLN PARK

A balanced holiday diet is a cookie in each hand! The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) is pleased to announce its inaugural Clark Street Cookie Crawl, sponsored by Clark Street Special Service Area (SSA) #23 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Sunday, Dec. 10,. Stretching down Clark Street between Fullerton and Diversey Avenue, participating Clark Street businesses will each feature their own holiday cookie for the crawl along with holiday decorations. Attendees will pick up a bag at the designated check-in location and stop into participating businesses along the street to receive a cookie per stop. Jolly participants will also be treated to an array of activations at participating businesses including pictures with Santa, live carolers, craft stations, hot chocolate, plus some boozy selections for the guardians! Families are invited to wear their most cozy pajamas or festive sweaters to turn this crawl into a real treat. More information on the inaugural Clark Street Cookie Crawl can be found on the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce’s website. Tickets are on sale online for $25 per person with a boozy ticket option for $35. Groups of 4 can attend for $75.

ILBCF provides resources and groceries to Veterans

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation recently hosted a series of events with the goal to give back to Veterans.

3Arts announces inaugural recipients of $50,000 grants for Teaching Artists

3Arts, the Chicago-based nonprofit grantmaking organization, announced the recipients of its 3Arts Next Level Awards—$50,000 unrestricted cash awards given to past 3Arts awardees—during the festive 3Arts Awards Celebration held last night at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. While 3Arts has in the past awarded three Next Level grants, the roster this year was expanded to include two additional awards for teaching artists; at $50,000, this is the largest no-strings-attached cash award for teaching artists in the world. 2023 Next Level recipients are teaching artists Miguel “Kane One” Aguilar and Regin Igloria and visual artists Dianna Frid, Edra Soto, and Dorian Sylvain in recognition of their outstanding work in the arts and in neighborhoods across Chicago.

CITY COUNCIL PASSES HISTORIC CHICAGO PAID TIME OFF ORDINANCE

Chicago City Council passed the Chicago Paid Time Off ordinance which guarantees up to five days of paid time off and five days of sick time for all of Chicago’s workers. The Chicago Paid Time Off Ordinance is the most progressive paid time off legislation at the municipal level in the United States. “Today is a great day for the workers of Chicago, the businesses of Chicago, and the future of Chicago,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This ordinance, accomplished through compromise and collaboration, is an important step on the path to revitalizing the economy of our great city.

A Positive Note wants children to think, be and stay positive

Linda Odom wants children to be inspired and to embrace positivity through her endeavor, A Positive Note and its characters, which children can find in books, on YouTube and plush toys.

U.S. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS RELEASES NEW CIVIL RIGHTS DATA ON STUDENTS’ ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES DURING THE PANDEMIC

The U.S. Department of Education’s (Department) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) today released new civil rights data from the 2020–21 school year, offering critical insight regarding civil rights indicators during that coronavirus pandemic year. OCR also released seven data reports and snapshots, including A First Look: Students’ Access to Educational Opportunities in the Nation’s Public Schools, which provides an overview of these data and information.

ComEd Apprenticeship Program Changes Participants’ Lives

LaKoya Hampton was introduced to Chicago Women in Trades during a visit to a resource center near her house, after she moved back to Chicago from Texas in 2022. Chicago Women in Trades partnered with ComEd for the CONSTRUCT program.

Veterans and their families asked to share stories and memories

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is encouraging Veterans in Illinois to share their stories, mementos and photos for the Illinois Veterans History Project.

The DuSable Museum Women’s Board presents “The Glitz 2023: Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence”

The DuSable Museum Women’s Board will host their 30th Annual Holiday Glitz on December 3rd, 2023 at the Tinley Park Convention Center Ballroom, located at 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477. The theme of this year’s gala is “Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence". Enjoy an elegant evening of amazing food and live music entertainment, featuring Chris Christmas Band and V103’s DJ Maurice “ICE” Culpepper.

HABILITATIVE SYSTEMS, INC., TO HOST THIRD ANNUAL RACE AND HEALTH EQUITY AWARDS, DEC. 7th

Led by President and CEO Donald J. Dew, Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI), now celebrating its 45th year, will host the Third Annual Race and Health Equity Awards Celebration, Dec. 7th, at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 South Shore Dr., Chicago.

Visitors invited to see Christmas trees from around the world brighten office of County Treasurer Pappas for 20th year

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas invites visitors to see nearly 100 Christmas trees and other displays that celebrate cultural diversity this holiday season.

Thanksgiving 2023 Reflections - Planting Gratitude and Harvesting a Bounty

“Thank God for what we have left." - Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr. For many people, the Thanksgiving season is a time for expressing gratitude to God for our many blessings. I have been spending time this season reflecting on how grateful I am to have been raised by my parents, Rev. A.D. King and Dr. Naomi King. My father’s legacy lives on in his powerful sermons, and writings, and in the work and lives of his children.

Property Values for Worth Township Released

Cook County – Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi released the initial assessments of residential and commercial properties in Worth Township. “I strongly encourage property owners to review their reassessment notice to ensure their property characteristics and market value reflect their home,” said Assessor Fritz Kaegi. “It is important to understand that assessments in Cook County reflect market value over the last three years. My office will be hosting a virtual workshop to assist property owners and explain reassessments in their community.”

HUGE DAY FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF RICH TOWNSHIP

Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan is expressing his gratitude, joy, and excitement after receiving the Township of Illinois Organization’s (TOI) “2023 Township Supervisor of the year Award.” The Award was presented to Supervisor Jordan November 14th, during the 116th TOI Educational Conference of all Townships in Illinois. During this same event, Supervisor Jordan was given the “The 2023 Elected Official Award” by the prestigious organization.

We Will Never Forget

On November 18, 1978, an inexplicable act of evil occurred in the remote Jungles of Guyana, South America resulting in the deaths of 913 people including over 300 children, 40 of them infants.

will.i.am Honored with the 2023 James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award by The Tech Interactive Sixth Annual Tech for Global Good Celebration to Recognize Innovative Organizations Advancing Health E

The Tech Interactive honored global music artist, tech entrepreneur, and philanthropist will.i.am with the 2023 James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award, presented by Applied Materials, Inc., at its sixth annual Tech for Global Good celebration on Saturday, Nov. 4. That night, The Tech Interactive's newest class of Tech for Global Good laureates – innovative organizations that use technology to significantly advance health equity and improve lives – were also honored and celebrated.

Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Fermilab’s New Superconducting Quantum Materials and System Centers Garage

Governor Pritzker joined international dignitaries and ambassadors, leaders at the Department of Energy and local universities, and other elected officials to celebrate the opening of Fermilab’s new Superconducting Quantum Materials and System Centers (SQMSC) Garage. The SQMSC Garage is one of the five Department of Energy National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, and one of the largest quantum research labs in the world.

CAROL'S DAUGHTER EXPANDS 'LOVE DELIVERED' DOULA GRANTS IN NEW ORLEANS

Building on their 3-year commitment to improve Black Maternal Health outcomes, Carol's Daughter is expanding the Love Delivered initiative's aims by funding additional doula support for families in need. In partnership with the Mama Glow Foundation, Carol's Daughter provides doula service grants for families living in New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Washington DC., and now New Orleans. Starting today, pregnant, and recently postpartum Black mothers and birthing people can apply for a grant to be matched with a Mama Glow trained doula.

ILLINOIS NETWORK OF CHARTER SCHOOLS HONORS THREE OUTSTANDING CHICAGO EDUCATORS WITH $10,000 AND STATEWIDE AWARD RECOGNITION

The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) is honoring three Chicago educators with Charter Excellence Awards for Illinois Principal of the Year, Elementary School Teacher of the Year, and High School Teacher of the Year. Each honoree will receive $10,000 and be surprised with their award at a school assembly in front of their students, families, and peers. Since 2011, INCS has recognized exceptional principals, teachers, students, and advocates statewide with the Charter Excellence Awards. These awards honor and recognize outstanding achievement and the exceptional contributions the honoree has made to their schools, communities, and students. This year, we received 92 nominations from charter schools across the state.