Hope Chicago Names Dr. Aaron Kuecker as Chief Executive Officer

Hope Chicago, the two-generation economic mobility and gap-closing scholarship program, announced that Dr. Aaron Kuecker (pronounced Kee-Ker) has been named Chief Executive Officer. He will officially begin the role on September 15.

TEE OFF FOR A CAUSE: CHICAGO SCOTS’ 24TH ANNUAL KILTED CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT RETURNS THIS SEPTEMBER

Dust off those clubs, throw on some tartan, and get ready to swing for a great cause! Chicago Scots, Illinois’ first and oldest non-profit organization, invites golfers of all levels to the 24th Annual Kilted Classic Golf Tournament on Tuesday, September 23, at Cantigny Golf Club (27W270 Mack Road). Proceeds benefit Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care, the principal charity of the Chicago Scots. Guests can expect bagpipes, Highland dancers, Scottish trivia, and a festive atmosphere that celebrates both heritage and giving back.

Cook County Officials: Protect Children From Measles

During National Immunization Awareness Month, Cook County officials, school and religious leaders made a united call to encourage measles vaccinations as kids head back to school.

Inaugural HBCU Hoops Invitational Coming to Walt Disney World Resort in December

Several marquee Black college basketball programs are taking part in the first-ever HBCU Hoops Invitational at Walt Disney World Resort this winter. The men's field for the Dec. 4-7 tourney features Florida A&M University, Tuskegee University, Florida Memorial University and Barber-Scotia College, while the women's bracket includes Bethune-Cookman University, Hampton University, Edward Waters University and Cheyney University.

Jordan Brand and Bandai Unite to Create Iconic Collectibles for Their Community

BANDAI SPIRITS Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Hiroshi Sakakibara; Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) are excited to announce a collaboration with Jordan Brand (President: Sarah Mensah; Headquarters: Beaverton, Oregon), which has a 40-year history under NIKE, Inc. (President & CEO: Elliott Hill; Headquarters: Beaverton, Oregon) to further deepen its connection to the world of pop culture. This unique collaboration aims to celebrate the rich heritage and multi-generational, passionate communities of both brands.

The Chris Paul Collective Enters Next Stage of Growth in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, where Chris Paul plays, works, and builds, The Chris Paul Collective is entering its next stage of growth—uniting his business and philanthropic ventures under one roof and expanding their reach. Founded and led by Paul, the Collective spans consumer products, basketball, media, investments, events, and community impact.

Missing Persons Identification Act Becomes Law

Legislation championed by Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart that creates new guidelines for missing persons investigations is now state law.

Clerk Mariyana Spyropoulos Hosts Second Chance Summit to Make Justice Accessible

Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos announced the upcoming Second Chance Summit, a countywide initiative to ensure that the legal right to expungement and record sealing is not just written in law, but accessible in practice to every resident who qualifies.

South Suburban College and Superior Ambulance Announced Their Articulation Agreement Following The Groundbreaking Of The New Allied Health & Nursing Center

On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, South Suburban College (SSC) hosted a milestone day for healthcare education and workforce development in the region. Immediately following the groundbreaking of SSC’s new Allied Health & Nursing Center, the college formalize an Articulation Agreement with Superior Ambulance to expand career pathways in emergency medical services (EMS).

EARLY WALKER AND VMS TO ANNOUNCE HUGE EXPANSION PROMOTING DIVERSITY IN CHICAGO TOWING CONTRACT

Kevin Corcoran-CEO of Vehicle Management Solutions (VMS), along with Early Walker-Vice President of VMS Intergovernmental Affairs- will publicly announce a new diverse expansion program that will now allow outside towing operators, particularly minority firms, the opportunity to engage in towing operations for the city of Chicago.

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CALLS ON INSTAGRAM TO STRENGTHEN LOCATION PRIVACY

Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 37 attorneys general, is urging Instagram to make immediate changes to its newly implemented location-sharing feature.

Don’t Forget the Least In Our Midst

Over the months that I have been writing this column, there is one area of planning that I have not identified or stressed enough. This week I have been confronted with the sad outcome of a parent who did not plan for the care and upkeep of their dependent adult child. Simply put, when the parent died, the child is now forced to move into housing for the homeless without the skills required for independent living.

10 Steps to Approach Memory Concerns in Others

When a loved one begins to show signs of memory loss or changes in behavior, it can be difficult to know where to start. Is it simply aging, or something more serious like Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia?

104-YEAR-OLD CAREER EDUCATOR RECENTLY LAUDED BY PRESIDENT OBAMA FOR REGISTERING TO VOTE SUCCUMBS

Calvin Jordan-Rich Township Supervisor- is announcing the passing of 104-year-old Rich Township resident and his grandmother in law, Jennie McDuffie. Affectionately known as “GG,” Mother Jennie passed away quietly on Sunday, August 17th, at her home in Olympia Fields surrounded by her loving family.

Local Organization Helped Entrepreneurs Scale Their Businesses Through A Community Partnership

Dr. Tchicaya Robertson founded Tribe Insights in 2023 because she saw that people in the community needed support when they were upscaling their businesses as part of their entrepreneurship journey. Robertson said as an entrepreneur herself, helping other entrepreneurs is a passion of hers. She believes that because of the political climate and environment, it is necessary for the Black community to be more independent. She said entrepreneurship is one way for people to be more independent and not depend on corporate America. Robertson left corporate America in 2023, and it led her to create Tribe Insights.

Tie Tuesday Foundation Makes Its Mark On Young People Through Mentorship

Daniel Jackson saw a great need for mentorship. As a Chicago Public School teacher, Jackson saw an opportunity to create something to support students outside of school. During his formative years, he had a mentor, and he wanted to be able to support young people in the same way he was supported when he was younger. He founded the Tie Tuesday Foundation in 2023.

Production of Oliver! Features Two African American Leads

Erline Dorcy has always been a theatre kid. She grew up watching a lot of musicals, Annie, the Sound of Musical, Grease and Oliver. She knew she always wanted to be a performer. She performed while she was in elementary school, high school and majored in Musical Theatre and Performance at Columbia College. When Dorcy is not performing, she is teaching performance and theatre.

Luella’s Southern Kitchen Celebrates Family Legacy

Chef Darnell Reed got into cooking at a very young age and began professionally at a young age. Growing up, he would watch Chef Justin Wilson on Channel 11. He chose culinary arts in high school while he was attending Dunbar Vocational High School. At 16, he worked in the kitchen at the Palmer House Hilton. Reed opened Luella’s Southern Kitchen in 2015 and recently re-opened the restaurant in a new location in Albany Park.

Congressman Davis Reflects On His Terms In Office

United States Congressman Danny K. Davis, D. Dist. 7, recently announced that he will not run for re-election at the end of his 15th term in 2027. Elected officials that currently hold office have announced their plans to run for his vacant seat.

Legendary Musician, Songwriter, and Producer Patrice Rushen to Headline Premiere Fireside Conversation at the Chicago House Music Conference

The Chicago House Music Conference will close out its Thursday programming with an unforgettable, premiere fireside conversation featuring one of music’s most respected and accomplished voices. On Thursday, August 21, from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Chicago Cultural Open House inside the Preston Bradley Hall located at 77 W. Washington Blvd., audiences will be treated to a rare, in-depth dialogue with the acclaimed musician, songwriter, and producer Patrice Rushen, whose artistry has shaped generations.