The National Museum of African American Music Seeks Submissions of Creative Artwork from Visual Artists

When the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) opens its doors to the public in the summer of 2020, the first-of-its-kind institution located in the heart of downtown Nashville will be home to more than 1,500 historical artifacts that reflects the development, influence, and impact of African Americans on more than 50 genres and sub-genres including country, jazz, blues, gospel, R&B and hip hop.

Fragrance Creators Association Launches Digital Fragrance Resource for the Public

Fragrance Creators Association recently launched FragranceConservatory.com, a digital space designed to help people learn about fragrance and make informed and confident choices about the scented products they use every day.

Chicago Bar Association Announces Partnership With “Lawyers In The Classroom” Program

The Chicago Bar Association has partnered with a longstanding civic education program that brings lawyers directly into the classrooms of Chicago‐area elementary schools to teach the U.S. Constitution and promote the principles of democracy.

SUBURBAN BLUES GROUP TO REPRESENT CHICAGO YOUTH AT INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE

Three south suburban youth, who call themselves MudCity Blue, will attend the 2020 International Blues Challenge in Memphis next month as the only Chicago-area youth blues group. The trio, Kendall Carter, Stacy Norris and Peyton McDowell, met while students at Homewood-Flossmoor High School (HF) where their passion for blues music enriched. Carter is the group’s guitarist and vocalist; McDowell is on bass and Norris is on drums.

Board Approves McDonald’s Settlements

AFTER NEARLY THREE YEARS OF PROCEEDINGS, THE GENERAL COUNSEL AND MCDONALD’S USA, LLC PRESENTED A SERIES OF INFORMAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS RESOLVING ALL THE ALLEGED UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES.

The ultimate gift — 5 things to know about being a living kidney donor

It’s not often that people are given the chance to give someone the gift of life, but that is exactly what being a living kidney donor offers. More than 6,400 people chose to be a living kidney donor in the U.S. in 2018, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing.

FILM REVIEW: In Fabric

She thought she was simply buying a sexy red dress, off the rack. But when that frock came home with her, so did the supernatural. Writer/director Peter Strickland had a wicked vision in mind when he created this campy horror film, which has a style that is reminiscent of the 1977 cult classic Suspiria, by famed 1970s/80s Italian horror director Dario Argento. Argento gained notoriety for his arty mixture of thriller, mystery, psychological and erotic elements versus unbridled gore.

BIG CHANGES UNDERWAY FOR BJ’S MARKET & BAKERY

BJ’s Market & Bakery is making changes to its business strategy that includes relocating to a South Side shopping center, opening more locations and focusing more on carry out orders. According to Hank Meyer, who co-owns BJ’s Market & Bakery at 8734 S. Stony Island Ave. with his brother John Meyer, the longtime black-owned restaurant is moving to the Stony Island Plaza, 9501 S. Stony Island Ave., this month.

BLACK NEWS CHANNEL IN ‘THE RED ZONE’ READY FOR LAUNCH

As the historic launch on January 6, 2020, of the Black News Channel (BNC) approaches, officials can count members of Congress among those eagerly anticipating the new platform. Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-Calif.), the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, the chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, joined a gathering of BNC officials, anchors, and other guests at a reception on December 3 in Washington, D.C., to toast the launch of the network.

Mayor Lays Out Vision for Boosting Economic Growth in Minority Neighborhoods

During her first media roundtable discussion with the Black Press at City Hall, Mayor Lori Lightfoot adamantly spoke about her plan for boosting economic development in minority neighborhoods, particularly on the South and West Sides.

Sonia Manzano Best Known as “Maria” on “Sesame Street Gives MLK Commemorative Address

Tickets are now available to hear Sonia Manzano deliver the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m. at Elon University in North Carolina. The event will take place at McCrary Theatre and Manzano’s talk is titled, “Multi-Racial Latinos & the Civil Rights Movement.”

Powerful Book For Young Black Boys Celebrates 25 Years With a Pledge to Get 1 Million New Readers

Jerald LeVon Hoover became the published author of a Young Adult (YA) title, one of a few books targeted toward young Black and Brown boys ages 12 and up, My Friend, My Hero. This novella has become a staple, as recommended reading in elementary through high schools across the country and around the world. That is a distinct honor Hoover shares with a short list of African-American male YA authors including: Walter Dean Myers, Kevin Powell, Kwame Alexander, and Ralph Burgess.

Global fashion platform, SSENSE, expands its offering with the launch of dogwear

Global fashion platform, SSENSE, recently announced the debut of dogwear on ssense.com. Applying its industry-leading buying direction to curate an assortment of established luxury labels, emerging designers, and streetwear brands—specially designed for dogs—this marks a first for SSENSE as it expands into petwear.

Howard University Awards Six Students with the 2019-20 Patricia Roberts Harris Public Affairs Fellowship

Howard University recently announced the selection of six students who will receive the Patricia Roberts Harris Public Affairs Fellowship (PRH). Administered by the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University, the fellowship seeks to prepare Howard University students for careers in public affairs in an increasingly global world. To date, more than 200 Howard University alumni have been Patricia Roberts Harris fellows.

NEW GROCERY STORE KICKS OFF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR SOUTH SHORE

The latest sign that economic development is on the horizon in South Shore came last week with the grand opening of Local Market, a full-service grocery store, which anchors the Jeffery Plaza Shopping Center. But there are other plans for the area beyond a new grocery store, something not seen in South Shore since Dominick’s closed its store in December 2013.

Public invited to take IDOT traveler survey

Th e Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on the state’s transportation system through its annual Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey, available now through Dec. 31. Th e survey is available online by visiting idot.illinois.gov.

Leo Burnett Chicago Names Aki Spicer Chief Strategy Officer

Leo Burnett Chicago recently named Aki Spicer to the role of chief strategy officer. Elevated from the role of EVP and Global Strategy Lead, Spicer will report to Andrew Swinand, Leo Burnett Group CEO.

Announces 2020 Black Creativity Innovators

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago located on 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, has unveiled the full list of 2020 Black Creativity Innovators to be honored during Black History Month. This group’s achievements will be on full display to guests during the Museum’s Black Creativity program, which offers the Innovation Studio, Jr. Science Cafés, Career Showcase and Juried Art Exhibition.

BLACK MCDONALD’S OWNER MAKING MOVES FOR STATE CHESS CHAMPIONS

Long before St. Ethelreda School in Auburn Gresham won first place in the state championship, one black McDonald’s owner was making space for chess players at his South Side restaurant. Lance Jones said he loves the game of chess even though he is an amateur player. And Jones said he loves to give back to the community and that is why five years ago, he began reserving tables at his restaurant, 9560 S. Halsted St., from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays for chess games.

Jesse White Announces New Operating Hours at Driver Services Facilities beginning Dec. 30 to Accommodate REAL ID Applicants

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White recently announced that beginning Dec. 30, some Driver Services facilities throughout Chicagoland and northern Illinois will change operating hours and add exclusive days just for REAL ID applicants to accommodate the increased volume of customers applying for REAL ID driver’s licenses and ID cards.