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.

Frontline Resource Institute Announces Recipients of Inaugural Grants Totaling Over $1 Million

The Frontline Resource Institute (FRI, pronounced “free”) is thrilled to announce the 13 recipients of its inaugural grant cycle through the Tides Foundation. The inaugural grants, which total over $1 million in funding, will support frontline community groups from across the U.S. to build capacity, develop organizational strategies, and advance environmental and climate justice.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, BOTTOM LINE, TAKES FIRST STEPS IN SCALING BY EXPANDING ITS EXECUTIVE TEAM

Bottom Line (BL), a nonprofit organization dedicated to educational equity, announced it has expanded its executive team of C-Suite officers--a key first step in its strategic goal to serve more than 20,000 students per year by 2030. Andrea Carter has joined BL as Chief External Affairs Officer and Shannon Donnelly as Chief Operating and Financial Officer. Shauwea Hamilton was promoted to Chief Regional Officer and Sarah Place was promoted to Chief Program Officer. All four officers will serve Bottom Line on the national level. The organization is also pleased to announce Victoria Coker was promoted to Executive Director of Bottom Line New York.

Edward G. Gardner Passes Away at 98

Honoring the Life & Legacy of A Great Chicagoan and Black Business Giant. Edward G. Gardner Passes Away at 98 Edward G. Gardner was a humanitarian, a philanthropist, and a successful businessman, who loved the city of Chicago and Chicago loved him in return.

Architects design homes for infill spaces

The Chicago Architecture Center, Department of Planning and Development and Department of Housing tasked architects locally and from across the country with coming up with designs for infill housing for six communities that are part of the INVEST South/West program.

Elementary School Recreates Black Wall Street

The Students and staff at Fernwood Elementary School transformed their second floor into the historical Greenwood District in Tulsa, OK. Black Wall Street was known as one of the wealthiest Black communities in the U.S. at the time.

MAUI MOISTURE ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH PSYCHOHAIRAPY

In honor of Black History Month, Maui Moisture is pleased to announce its partnership with PyschoHairapy, a global mental health and hair movement founded by Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka, a psychologist, hairstylist and hair historian. Dr. Mbilishaka has created this certification program that equips hairstylists with the skills to recognize mental health issues in their clients and administer culturally informed mental health services and resources.