ORGANIZATION FOUNDER LEVERAGES RELATIONSHIPS TO UPLIFT COMMUNITY

Pha’Tal Perkins, founder of Think Outside Da Block, is a resident of Englewood. Perkins said growing up in an underserved community, he went towards the streets. But, one day he woke up and didn’t see forever in that life

CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSES PUBLIC SAFETY AFTER CAR JACKINGS

“A judge can only do what he’s been sanctioned by the law to do, so we have to create an environment for them. We need to recreate the laws and that takes every level of government working together to get this done,” she said.

COVID-19 Fears Are Causing Americans To Avoid The Doctor’s Office

According to a new national survey recently released by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI), nearly 40 percent of Americans still do not feel safe going to the doctor’s office while coronavirus (COVID-19) is still a risk.

LOOP INVESTING TECHNOLOGIES CEO CREATES APP

Sean LeDree is using his more than 15 years of financial expertise to create access opportunities to those in underserved and underbanked communities.

Generation Brings Opportunities to Communities Hit Hardest Amid the Pandemic

Generation USA, a workforce development nonprofit transforming the education to employment ecosystem, offers reskilling and training programs at no cost to the unemployed with priority admissions for Black and Latinx communities, as well as women— the communities who have been hit hardest amid the resurgence of the pandemic in late 2020.

CTA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SCHOLARSHIP

The Chicago Transit Authority is continuing its commitment to provide a path for economically disadvantaged youth through the CTA Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund.

Black-owned, Education-first Kids and Family Banking App Goalsetter raises $3.9M Seed Round led by Astia

Goalsetter, a Black-owned kids and family finance app that provides a next-generation, education-first banking experience for U.S. kids and teens, recently announced its seed capital raise of $3.9 million.

EMERGE A FASHION RUNWAY SHOW

On February 16, 2021, The leading emerging designer runway show established to be a catalyst and provide a platform for designers, will celebrate its 10th Anniversary during New York Fashion Week with a virtual fashion event. The Show themed “A Decade of Diversity on the runway” will feature top emerging designers from the United States as well as Africa. The virtual event will stream on GFNTV.com and on www.Emergerunwaynyc.com 6:00PM CST/7:00PM EST. GFNTV is a premiere online video network, which also streams live on various platforms including ROKU & Apple TV.

Michele Ghee named CEO of EBONY & JET MAGAZINE

Bridgeman Sports & Media has installed Michele Ghee as CEO of iconic brands EBONY & JET. This historically rooted brand celebrates 75 years of chronicling Black life in America. With that, it now embarks on its future with Ghee boldly holding the reigns. A brand known for unapologetically documenting the courageous contribution of Blackness to the American landscape, its new CEO states, “Everything we say will come through the lens of Black journalists. We will ensure there is a safe space for Black journalism to thrive. I’m a little Black girl from Oakland, CA. I’m not apologizing for any of it. Our voices matter. We are History in the making!”

Unmet Need for Afterschool Programs Skyrockets in the Black Community

Satisfaction with afterschool programs has reached a new high among African American parents, but unmanageable costs and limited access are preventing many Black students from participating. The result is tremendous unmet demand for afterschool in the Black community. In fact, for every Black child in an afterschool program today, three more are waiting to get in.

Assessor Kaegi Reminds Property Owners that Many Exemptions will Auto-Renew this Year Due to COVID-19

In the next couple of weeks, hundreds of thousands of households will receive mail from the Assessor that confirms the auto-renewal of the exemptions placed on their homes. All exemptions will be applied to the second installment property tax bills issued in summer of 2021.

Faith and Community Leaders Express Thanks to Illinois Legislators for Putting People Before Politics

The healthcare disparities that exist in Black and Brown communities are profound, systemic, and growing. Just look at the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on communities of color as evidenced daily in the numbers of those who test positive, are hospitalized, and are dying from this insidious virus.

Restaurateurs Announce Joint Openings of Black-owned Businesses Red Star Restaurant and Sip & Savor Coffee Shop in Matteson

“It’s extremely important for black businesses to remain visible for our youth, consistent for our customers, and helpful towards the community” said Pugh. “My goal has always been to create jobs and change communities

ILLINOIS STATE TREASURER SAVES FAMILIES MONEY IN COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS

Illinois State Treasurer’s Office has been able to save Illinois families $100 million in Bright Directions and Bright Start College Savings Plans since 2015. It also has been able to more than double the assets in accounts for students to go to college.

Pay First Installment Cook County property taxes through May 3 with no late fee

Tax bills should start arriving in the mailboxes of the owners of about 1.8 million homes, businesses and land, Pappas said.

MATTESON MAYOR’S 8 YEAR FIGHT TO LAND MAJOR GROCERY STORE COMES TO A SUCCESSFUL ENDING

The grand opening of the 85,000 square feet fully renovated store represents and puts a successful conclusion to President Chalmers-Currin’s 8-year fight to land a full line grocery store to Matteson.

Andrade Lands Job As Commissioner of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot recently announced Nancy C. Andrade as the Commissioner of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR). Andrade, who brings years of experience with the City as a legal advocate, will oversee operations of the Commission, which has been the task for Acting Commissioner Kenneth Gunn.

Happiness Expert Tells How to Achieve Exceptional Joy, Purpose, and Fulfillment after a Disastrous 2020

What happened to Trish Ahjel Roberts two years ago may very well help people who are coping with the lingering effects of 2020.

Study Shows Identifying Empathy Is Key to Increasing Diversity in Medicine, Improved Patient Care

Long before COVID-19, decades of societal, systemic inequalities have contributed to health disparities and educational inequities for ethnic minorities and communities of color

RAINBOW PUSH TALKS ABOUT EQUITY IN EDUCATION

Rainbow Push Coalition and PUSH Excel hosted a virtual town hall to celebrate the birthday of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., titled, “Shaping America’s Education Agenda: Seeing Dr. King’s Dream Through.”