LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO END HEALTH DISPARITIES
Congresswoman Robin Kelly, D-Ill., has introduced H.R. 8200, the Ending Health Disparities during COVID-19 Act. The legislation focuses on data collection, contact tracing, health IT, insurance access, community grants, public awareness and increased federal oversight.
Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart Launches Community Resource Center
In light of the impending evictions crisis and growing need for mental health, substance abuse, and other social service assistance, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office has launched the Community Resource Center (CRC), Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced today.
RACIAL HEALING CIRCLES CONTINUE VIRTUALLY DURING COVID-19, BRING HOPE FOR SOLIDARITY
Healing circles have long been a way for people to come together and express themselves with the hope of unburdening themselves and being healed. Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation has been conducting healing circles virtually due to COVID-19. There have been 300 virtual healing circles since the pandemic began. The organization is also looking to train more circle keepers.
City Council Passes The Woodlawn Housing Ordinance
City Council recently approved the Woodlawn Housing Ordinance, an affordable housing preservation ordinance designed to protect existing residents of Woodlawn from displacement, expand homeownership opportunities and ensure inclusive economic growth for the historic South Side neighborhood, according the a news release.
ORGANIZATION WANTS TO BRING AWARENESS TO BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER
Beulah Brent uses her experience and knowledge of the healthcare system to bring awareness to breast and cervical cancer in minority and underserved communities on the South and West sides of Chicago.
OneUnited Bank Announces Its 10th Annual “I Got Bank” 2020 Youth Essay & Art Contest Winners
OneUnited Bank, the largest Black-owned bank in the U.S., recently announced the winners of its 10th annual “I Got Bank! Youth Essay & Art Contest.” For the first time, there were 5 winners who submitted art, matching 5 winners who submitted essays on financial literacy. Each of the ten (10) youth winners are awarded a $1,000 savings account.
Dorm Doctors Gives Tips To College Students On How To Navigate Challenges During COVID-19
Dorm Doctors, is a Miami-based collegiate concierge service, whose expert advice might help college students everywhere. Since 2017, the company has been working to make life easier for parents and students by doing laundry, as well as providing cleaning and storage services. But in the wake of COVID-19, the company has become increasingly essential for the families that it serves.
GreenTek Packaging Launches First-Ever Non-Plastic Disposable Utensils Made from Hemp
Made from all natural elements, including U.S.-grown industrial hemp, GreenTek Packaging LLC’s newly launched Hemptensils™ is the first in-kind brand of plant-based disposable utensils that, unlike wasteful plastic end-use products, won’t harm the environment, according to a news release.
Newest trends for Black and Brown travelers presented at 7th Annual “State of Black Tourism” Event
The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) recently presented its 7th Annual “State of Black Tourism” event on September 17, in partnership with the National Press Club.
Bass Reeves: A Legend In His Own Time, A Hero In Ours
One-hundred-ten years after his death, the story of the first black US Marshal arrives at Walmart in a new comic book published by Allegiance Arts & Entertainment. Kevin Grevioux, actor-writer and creator of the Underworld and I, Frankenstein film franchises, weaves hard-hitting Western action and soulful drama in six chapters vividly illustrated by David Williams (Batman, Superman, Wolverine). Released in bi-monthly installments, Bass Reeves provides a long-overdue look at a legend whose story may be more relevant now than ever.
NEWLY FORMED COLLECTIVE SEEKS TO CREATE REAL CHANGE
After the death of George Floyd, a group of individuals and organizations committed to reimagining a more equitable Chicago, formed a group to look at more tangible ways to achieve racial equity.
ALDERMAN WANTS TO ESTABLISH COP HOUSE
Ninth Ward Alderman Anthony Beale believes that establishing a “COP House” in his ward will reduce crime in the neighborhood. Beale introduced an order that would establish the house, which would be privately-funded and police- approved for the Chicago Police Department 5th District. Beale said a private entity is set to fund $200,000 of the project.
BLACK MAYORS GATHER TO HONOR FALLEN POLICE AND FIREMEN
The newly formed Southland regional Black Mayors Caucus recently came together at an event in Calumet Park to honor police and firemen who died or who were injured in the line of duty.
The International Association of Black Professional Firefighters Announces First Female President
Carrie Edwards-Clemons was recently named president of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters (IABPFF), an organization that works to improve the economic development and employment opportunities for minorities. In addition, the IABPFF works to make fire services more relevant to the needs and aspirations of minority citizens and communities across the world.
BMO Unveils New Diversity and Representation Goals for Next Five Years
BMO Financial Group has new, five-year, diversity goals to address gaps affecting Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, Latino, and LGBTQ2+ employees, customers, and communities. The Zero Barriers to Inclusion 2025 goals reflect an ambitious expansion of the multi-year diversity strategy last set in 2017.
How the African-American Inventor of Diverse Emoji is Now Using Them to Take on COVID-19
As a kid, Katrina Parrott never dreamt she’d one day be breaking down racial barriers with emoji. In fact, as one of eight African-American siblings raised by a single mom, she wasn’t even expected to go to college.
State of Illinois: We Demand A Seat At the Table!
The Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce is fighting mad. Despite there being 144,000 Black-owned businesses in Illinois that represent extremely diverse industries and generate millions in taxable revenue for the state, Black businesses continue to be overlooked and undervalued by the State of Illinois. The Central Management Services, which oversees the State’s more than 80 agencies, has an annual operating budget of $84.5 billion and is tasked with hiring the contractors and vendors that enable the state to take care of state business – delivering efficient, reliable services to the people of Illinois.
Comcast Joins with Local Community-based Organizations to Launch WiFi-Connected “Lift Zones” in Chicago Neighborhoods
Comcast announced today plans to establish WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” at the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council (BYNC), Bright Star Community Outreach (BSCO), Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development (BUILD), Chatham Business Association and Bright Star Community Outreach, and other sites in Chicago to come. As part of its commitment, Comcast will provide robust WiFi connectivity at Lift Zone sites to create safe spaces where students and families can get online for school, to learn new skills or to search for employment. Lift Zones partners will also include community organizations that support small businesses.
Camelot North America Announces New Board Chair, Ertharin Cousin
Camelot North America is pleased to announce it has appointed Ertharin Cousin as its new non-executive board chair. Camelot North America is the private manager of the Illinois Lottery, under its subsidiary Camelot Illinois, and a commercial partner for the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, with operations in Chicago and Little Rock.
