Golden Globe Winner Idris Elba Signs Multi-Book Deal With HarperCollins Children’s Books

Iconic and multi-award-winning actor, musician, filmmaker, and activist Idris Elba has signed a global multi-book deal with HarperCollins to publish a range of children’s books launching in 2022.

Southland races to watch

7 days left before history is made in the Southland. This election season will yield a lot of first for African -Americans on many levels of government in the Southland. Watch these races Tuesday, April 6 in the Southland.

Rep. Robin Kelly Announces Introduction of the Prevent Gun Trafficking Act

Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), Vice Chair of the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce, announced the introduction of H.R. 2280, the Prevent Gun Trafficking Act, to combat illegal gun purchases and transfers.

Mayoral Candidate Says He’s Ready To Take On Both Roles

Thaddeus Jones was the first African-American alderman in Calumet City when he was elected in 1996. Jones’ campaign got a major boost after the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that he was eligible to be on the Feb. 23 primary ballot.

COMCAST COMMITS TO INVESTING ONE BILLION OVER NEXT 10 YEARS

On the 10th anniversary of its Internet Essentials program, Comcast today announced it would invest $1 billion over the next 10 years to help further close the digital divide and give even more low-income Americans the tools and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The announcement coincides with the release of a 10-year Progress Report showing that, since 2011, the company, working in collaboration with its network of thousands of nonprofit partners, has connected a cumulative total of more than 10 million people in America – including around 880,000 in Cook County alone – to broadband Internet at home, the overwhelming majority of whom were not connected prior to signing up. Cook County is the number one county in the nation for cumulative connects.

MENTAL HEALTH URGENT CARE MODEL COMES TO CHICAGO

Mindful Urgent Care recently launched in the Fulton Market neighborhood and provides mental health treatment for adults, teenagers and children ages 12 and older.

Black Homeowners Earned $59,000 in Home Equity in 2020, Compared With $50,000 for White Homeowners

People who bought homes in primarily Black neighborhoods in 2019 gained a median $59,000 in home equity last year, compared with $50,000 for people who bought homes in primarily white neighborhoods, according to a new report from Redfin (redfin.com), the technology-powered real estate brokerage. Equity grew more for people who bought homes in primarily Asian and Hispanic neighborhoods—by $79,000 and $67,000, respectively.

CANDIDATE SHARES VISION FOR OLYMPIA FIELDS

Desiree` Watkins, trustee of Olympia Fields, is a candidate for president of the Village of Olympia Fields. Watkins said she is a public servant who is running as president for the people.

SKILLED WORKERS PROGRAM LAUNCHES WOMEN-ONLY COHORT

Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny) recently began an all-women’s cohort of its popular Communities Builders program. Project H.O.O.D. is a not-for-profit organization established by Pastor Corey Brooks in 2012.

Virtual events highlight Illinois women in government and in business during Women’s History Month

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) is celebrating women in leadership in recognition of Women’s History Month.

Move Over Sharks: New Book Black Angels: The Wealth Edition Teaches Beginners How to Become Angel Investors

Popular TV shows like “Shark Tank” and “The Profit” have put angel investors front and center. But, according to Dr. Shanté Williams, angel investing is not only for the rich and famous sharks. Her highly-anticipated book “Black Angels: The Wealth Edition” is a practical guide that reminds readers that they don’t have to be millionaires to start angel investing.

Foot Locker Names Melody Ehsani Creative Director of Women’s Business

Foot Locker recently named Melody Ehsani Creative Director of their women’s business. She will be leveraging her new position to amplify the Foot Locker brand to the female consumer as a leader in the streetwear world through content and product development.

CHICAGO HEIGHTS CITY CLERK RUNS FOR BLOOM TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

Lori Wilcox, Chicago Heights city clerk, is running for Bloom Township Supervisor. Wilcox said she wanted to run for supervisor because township government is the only body of government that directly touches the residents.

Walgreens Expressions Challenge Provides Outlet for Teens Dealing with COVID-19 and Other Mental Stresses

More than 10 years ago Walgreens launched its first Expressions Challenge program to encourage teens to use creative arts as an outlet to manage some of life’s stressful circumstances and to guide students to make better life choices. Offered only in Chicago and St. Louis, Walgreens worked with high school districts, teachers and guidance counselors to promote the contest to students grades 9-12. This year, for the first time ever, Expressions is being offered nationally. Submissions are being accepted now through March 31, with 12 winners from three categories to be awarded $2,000 each. Winners will be selected and announced in May 2021.

SENATOR SIMS REFLECTS ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

The Criminal Justice Reform Bill, HB 3653, also known as the Safe-T Act, was signed into law in February. Elgie Sims, Jr. who serves as state senator for the 17th Illinois Senate District, sponsored the bill.

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Pandora Rev recently announced that it will celebrate Women’s History Month with a special virtual event, Pandora LIVE Powered By Women, featuring performances by Gwen Stefani and Jazmine Sullivan. Hoda Kotb from SiriusXM’s TODAY Show Radio (ch.108) will host the evening and be joined by the performers as well as special guests Lauren Aliana and Becky G. for a roundtable discussion focused on the themes of the holiday. Pandora LIVE Powered By Women will take place on March 30 at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT, and listeners can RSVP for free at https:// pandoralivepoweredbywomen. splashthat.com/PR

Phone bank with Pappas and Chatman of ABC 7 Chicago returns $12.5 million to property owners

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said today that her office is sending checks totaling $12.5 million to homeowners who called the “Black and Latino Houses Matter” phone bank she hosted with ABC 7 Chicago on March 11-17, 2021.

WOMAN CREATES GROUP TO ENGAGE WOMEN IN NIGERIAN DIASPORA

Lola Omolola decided to create a Facebook group for women in the Nigerian Diaspora after young girls were kidnapped by armed guards in Chibok, Nigeria in 2015.

Chicago Restaurant Week Returns In 2021

Choose Chicago recently announced the return of the highly anticipated, 14th annual Chicago Restaurant Week from Friday, March 19 to Sunday, April 4, 2021

DOLTON MAYORAL CANDIDATE EYEING VICTORY

Tiffany Henyard, trustee at large for the Village of Dolton, has won the Democratic primary for the mayor’s race there. Henyard will face independent candidate Ronnie Burge on Tuesday, April 6.