U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Establishes New Advisory Committees

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has established five new advisory committees in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.

Allyship is Key to Creating Inclusive Workplaces

Public coverage of systemic racism has challenged businesses to promote cultures of inclusion, often utilizing allies who serve as collaborators to support historically underrepresented individuals and communities.

UNCF Chicago hosts virtual UNCF “A Mind Is...” Gala Supporting HBCUs and Students

The annual Chicago UNCF “A Mind Is...” Gala is moving online this year and is set for Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 6:00pm (CST). This annual event is one of Chicago’s signature fundraising galas and premier social events of the year. Due to the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the gala has been reimagined as a digital experience packaging together an extraordinary virtual affair.

Vereen and Gossett Cement their “Roots” as Fellow Inductees Frazier and Avery join them in the American Black Film Institute’s Hall of Fame

On Saturday June 19th, decades of talent rule the day, as The American Black Film Institute hosts it June- teenth celebration, inducting Hall of Fame nominees, Oscar-winning actor Lou Gossett Jr., along with multi-faceted Tony award-winning actor Ben Vereen. The induction will take place at the American Black Film Institute’s 2021 Juneteenth celebration, to be held virtually and in-person, with a live simulcast.

Actor and venture capitalist partners with Black-owned beauty brand

Mielle Organics recently announced the celebration of their 7-year anniversary. The global beauty brand commemorated their milestone with a $5.99 blow-out sale in May and also announced that actress and venture capitalist Keshia Knight Pulliam as Mielle’s new Global Education Ambassador.

TIPS FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS TO INCREASE FINANCIAL LITERACY

Jasmine Black started BrainChild Business Consulting in 2017 because she always knew she wanted to be able to own her own business and work for herself. What she didn’t know was that she would be able to start the boutique marketing and consulting agency as early in her career as she did.

Organization continues to instill purpose, passion and perseverance

Ladies of Virtue is celebrating its 10th year of mentoring and supporting young women and girls. Jamila Trimuel, founder of Ladies of Virtue, started the organization in 2011, with the goal of preparing girls ages 9 to 18 for leadership.

Cook County Juneteenth Joint Coalition Launches “Juneteenth Illinois” Initiative; Hosts a Week-Long Celebration of Events, June 14 – 18

Cook County’s celebration of Juneteenth 2021, kicks off officially next week as a part of “Juneteenth Illinois,” an initiative commemorating June 19, announced Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer (2nd District), who is heading up the effort. Juneteenth Illinois is a collaboration between Cook County, the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago and it marks the first celebration of Juneteenth by the County since it became an official holiday in December of last year. Visit www.juneteenthIllinois.com

Kappa Alpha Psi, Theta Zeta Alumni and Richton Park Alumni Association Team Up to Swing for Education

The organization will team up with Richton Park Alumni Chapter for the anticipated post COVID-19 event. The event will raise funds for Richton Park Alumni Chapter’s Kappa League. Kappa League is a national program of Kappa Alpha Psi. The purpose of the Kappa League is to provide high school males with opportunities to exercise leadership, engage in scholarship, explore college, and establish careers.

AARP Urges Older Americans Struggling to Access and Aff ord High-Speed Internet to Enroll in New Emergency Broadband Benefi t Program

A recent AARP survey found many Americans age 50+ struggle to access and afford high-speed internet.

TARAJI P. HENSON’S FOUNDATION CONFRONTS MENTAL HEALTH IN THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF) – a nonprofit organization founded by award-winning actress Taraji P. Henson – launched a public awareness campaign recently to address the mental health impact the education system places on students, particularly Black students ages 12-22.

Librarian of Congress Receives Blackwell Award from Hobart and William Smith Colleges

During the 2021 Commencement exercises at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden became the 42nd recipient of the prestigious Elizabeth Blackwell Award. She also delivered the Commencement Address and received an honorary degree.

Eliza Christoph Luxury, Ethical Fashion Brand Launched to Embody a Kenyan Sensibility With Color, Pattern, & Sustainability

Chic, urban, sophisticated, vibrant, and inspired Eliza Christoph enters the fashion zeitgeist on a mission. Founded by Kenyan-born and NYC-based Liz Njoroge, the newly launched brand is an homage to her homeland and an upscale nod to its betterment.

Grubhub And Restaurant Strong Fund Program Gives $2 Million To Help Restaurants Reopen

Grubhub, a leading food-ordering and delivery marketplace, and The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund recently announced the latest phase in their commitment to supporting restaurants: the Restaurant Stronger program, a new initiative to provide $5,000 grants to eligible independent restaurants.

BLACK STUDENT ENROLLMENT IS DOWN, STAKEHOLDERS WORK TO TURN THE NUMBERS AROUND

Equity Working Group, convened by Chicago State University’s President Zaldwaynaka Scott, Esq., has come up with an action plan to close the 29 percent drop in student enrollment among Blacks in Illinois’ higher education system.

FOUNDER OF THE HOPE IS FOUNDATION CREATES ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP

David Robertson is the founder of the Hope Is Foundation, an organization that aims to expand local communities’ capacity to respond to the health, educational and economic needs of the community.

More Than 85 Percent of Black Homicide Victims Killed With Guns, Study Finds

Guns are by far the most common weapon used to kill Black homicide victims in America, according to a new study by the Violence Policy Center (VPC). The study found that 86 percent of Black homicide victims nationwide were killed with guns. Of these, two thirds were killed with a handgun.

JONES LEADS PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION AGAINST HOSPITAL’S PLANS

Thaddeus Jones, mayor of Calumet City, says that downsizing and the potential closing of St. Margaret Hospital would affect residents of his city.

HOSPITAL SEEKS STATE INVESTMENT TO REMAIN OPEN

West Suburban Medical Center, located at 3 Erie St., in Oak Park, has been in the community since 1914. Now it is seeking financial help from the state of Illinois to keep its doors open. According to a press release, the medical center has treated more than 38,000 patients in its Emergency Department and more than 140,000 patients annually.

NECESSITY BECOMES THE MOTHER OF INVENTION

Iris Nichole Patterson describes herself as a lover of entrepreneurship. She owns a behavioral health practice and also owns Iris Botanicals Natural Haircare Line.