Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Illinois’ Third Ratings Upgrade in 10 Months After 20 Year Drought
Moody’s Cites “Solid Tax Revenue Growth,” “Financial Reserves” and “Its Strongest Fund Balance in Over a Decade” in Upgrading State’s General Obligation Bonds and Build Illinois Bonds
United Partners with OneTen to Help Create One Million Family-Sustaining Jobs for Black Talent Over 10 Years
United Airlines announced a new collaboration with OneTen, a coalition of leading chief executives and their companies committed to creating one million family-sustaining careers for Black talent with opportunity for advancement over the next 10 years. The collaboration with OneTen comes as United has already hired more than 6,000 people since January and expects to hire an additional 8,000 this year alone – with the goal to add 50,000 people to United in the next five years.
Macy’s Celebrates the Brilliant Vision of Black Creatives With the Return of Icons of Style
Macy’s celebrates Black creatives with the return of Icons of Style, a collaboration with Black visionaries to help move the fashion world forward. GooGoo Atkins, Areeayl Goodwin, Matthew Harris, Jerome LaMaar, Ade Samuel and Stella and Blaise Bennett will create limited- edition seasonal collections throughout 2022 to inspire customers to embrace their personal style. Featuring exclusive designs for brands found only at Macy’s, each creative artfully designed a fashion-forward capsule of musthave items, inspired by their unique perspective and dynamic style. The first capsule of Icons of Style is available now on macys.com, the Macy’s app and select locations nationwide.
Rep. Robin Kelly Introduces Health Equity and Accountability Act
On Tuesday, April 26th, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA). HEAA is a comprehensive and strategic legislative roadmap that aims to eliminate racial and ethnic health inequities. This is the only legislation that directly addresses the intersection of health inequities with race and ethnicity, as well as immigration status, age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, language, and socio-economic status.
JOHN LEGEND CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF “LOVE IN LAS VEGAS”
Twelve-time GRAMMY Award-winner, multiplatinum artist, activist, and EGOT (Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony) winner John Legend celebrated the launch of his Las Vegas residency, “Love In Las Vegas,” at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Groups create presence on Red Line to deter crime
On Friday, April 22nd, Executive Director of Violence Interrupters, Inc., Tio Hardiman, along with members of Watch Guard, Elite Security, and other organizations with a focus on crime prevention and security, patrolled Red Line trains from the 35th Street Station to the 95th Street Station.
Cook County Assessor wants more equity and transparency from office
Kari Steele is running for Cook County Assessor. She decided to run because she believes the property tax system in Cook County needs to be reformed. The person who runs the Cook County Assessor’s Office should be someone who is a consensus builder, a communicator, who will listen to stakeholders’ input and implement the necessary changes. Currently, Steele president of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. She touts a record during her more than 10 years at MWRD of bringing people together.
“SAVE THE HAMPTON HOUSE” CAMPAIGN RECEIVES HISTORICAL LANDMARK STATUS
The Save The Hampton House initiative, an effort led by the late Chairman Fred Hampton’s son, Chairman Fred Hampton Jr., and his mother, Akua Njeri, announced today that the application for the Hampton House to be formally recognized as a historical landmark has officially been approved by the Maywood Village Board. The application was submitted in partnership with Preservation Chicago and Participant, the leading media company dedicated to entertainment that stands at the intersection of art and activism, as part of the yearlong impact campaign tied to the multiple Academy Award-winning film, “Judas and the Black Messiah.”
14 CPS Students Each Receive $40,000 Scholarship and Internship Offer from Amazon to Pursue Undergraduate Degree in Computer Science
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is proud to celebrate 14 Class of 2022 seniors who have each earned Amazon Future Engineer Scholarships of $40,000 over four years. The recipients include four Jones College Prep students who received the good news Wednesday during a surprise presentation while taking a senior class photo at Chicago’s iconic Buckingham Fountain on Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive
16th District Illinois Senate Candidate ready to start day one
La’Mont R. Williams is running for 16th District of the Illinois State Senate. The seat is currently occupied by State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins. Collins is running for the United States Congressional seat that 1st District Congressman Bobby Rush is vacating.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL: ILLINOIS RECEIVES OVER $800 MILLION FROM TOBACCO MANUFACTURERS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Friday, April 22, announced Illinois has received more than $804 million from tobacco manufacturers as part of the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). In addition to receiving its annual MSA payment, more than $258 million, Illinois has also received more than $546 million tobacco manufacturers were recently required to release. The funding had previously been withheld from annual MSA payments to the state.
Spelman College Names Helene Gayle, MD, Globally Recognized Public Health Leader, its 11th President
The Spelman College Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Helene Gayle, MD its 11th president. Spelman College has a long, proud history of excellence and global leadership in the education of women of African descent and is committed to addressing racial inequities in education ensuring equitable opportunities for students of all economic backgrounds. Dr. Gayle’s presidency will begin on July 1.
Doctor uses social media to educate community
Dr. Erica E. Taylor, along with the Chicago Department of Public Health, have launched a bi-weekly Instagram Live show called Dr. Taylor’s Table. The show will focus on health disparities, health and racial equity, wellness as well as the social determinants of health.
CHAMPS Male Mentoring Program Launches In Calumet City
CHAMPS Founder & CEO, Vondale Singleton states, “We have been in conversations with city stakeholders for months and I am excited to make a greater impact on Boys and Young Men of Color in Calumet City and the surrounding areas. It is important that we get ahead of the summer and establish authentic relationships that can support their dreams and goals. We provide culturally relevant conversations, experiences that are manifested in positive outcomes for our youth.
Bonnie Jennifer Introduces New Gold-Filled Beaded Gemstone Rings for Mother’s Day
Every second Sunday in May, motherhood is commemorated by honoring the love, commitment and joy that mothers bring to families, as well as their contribution to society. Showing gratitude through cards, flowers, cooking and quality time are all part of the tradition, as is gift giving, to celebrate the superwomen in life. This Spring, former social worker turned jewelry designer, Bonnie Jennifer, is launching bright, stretchable gemston rings, with her signature gold-filled ball design, just in time for Mother’s Day. Perfect for everyday wear, the rings are stackable with a comfort fit, made for moms on the go.
LILYSILK Unveils Six Limited-Edition Gift Sets for Mother’s Day
LILYSILK, the world’s leading silk brand with a mission to inspire people to live spectacular, sustainable lives, is launching six special gift sets for Mother’s Day this year.
Cook County Sheriff’s Police Celebrate 100 Years of Service
The Month of April marks the centennial celebration of the creation the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department, an agency that has grown from patrolling Cook County with 32 sworn officers to a dynamic operation of nearly 500 officers devoted to promoting public safety, social services, and mental health.
Village President Fitzgerald Roberts: $2 million grant for new water main significant step forward for Dixmoor
Dixmoor is in line for $2 million in grants to be used for a new water main, which will ensure Dixmoor residents have access to reliable water service, according to Dixmoor Village President Fitzgerald Roberts
STAY WELL COMMUNITY VACCINE EVENTS OFFER LIFELINE
Vaccines have provided a lifeline for the Black community in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay Well Community Health Fairs and Vaccine Events have given Black people across the country an opportunity to get vaccinated and boosted.
