Advocating for change
Howell said she believes that God has told her time after time that writing is her purpose in life. “I found if I could find a way to creatively express myself, other people have similar stories and we’re all more similar than different whether we want to acknowledge that fact or not,” she said. “God’s been diligent in reminding me of my purpose, even if I end up in other occupations, doing other things, he finds a way to get me back in track.”
Governor Can and Should Stop Predatory Lending in Illinois with the Stroke of His Pen
If we want to build economic stability in communities that have been devastated by the deadly COVID pandemic and its destructive economic wake, we must first shore up protections against practices that strip the meager wealth of those very communities. That’s why I call on Governor Pritzker to swiftly sign SB 1792, the Predatory Loan Prevention Act, and bring down 297% interest rates on payday and car-title loans to 36%.
NEW MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH CENTER SET TO OPEN IN HARVEY
Black women are dying at a rate three times higher than that of white women both during and after pregnancy, according to a Spring 2020 Berkley Public Policy Journal article.
Honoring Black Doctors During Black History Month
Throughout the month of February, the American Urological Association (AUA) and Urology Care Foundation join is joining the nation as we formally celebrate the many contributions of African-Americans to American society and culture.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America Names H Walker as Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Officer
Boys & Girls Clubs of America has named H Walker as its new Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Officer, underscoring the organization’s ongoing commitment and legacy of building opportunity and great futures for kids and teens. Walker will be charged with building upon the diversity, equity and inclusion strategy and creating new initiatives for Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide and key organization partnerships.
Experience a Historic Civil rights Moment in Augmented Realityon a Smartphone
To participate, point your smartphone at any MLK street sign in the U.S. to unlock an opportunity to watch Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his groundbreaking speech and an immersive experience where you can walk up to 3D sculptures inspired by those who may have been present during that pivotal moment in history.
How One Merchant Tapped into Small Breweries Making a Big Difference
To identify the latest trends in their categories, Walmart merchants typically turn to line reviews, trade shows and market visits. But sometimes, they find new suppliers and cool products the way the rest of us do: on social media. That was the case for Walmart craft beer merchant Adrienne Freeman when she discovered San Antonio-based Weathered Souls Brewing Co.
Know Your History, Know Your Risk: Saving Black Lives From Breast Cancer
According to Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, the inequities laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic have long been experienced by Black women with breast cancer.
Artist showcases greatness of Black creatives
Brandon Breaux is a local, contemporary multidisciplinary artist known for his work with musical artists, including Chance the Rapper and Leon Bridges. Now, Breaux’s work is part of a Rebuild Foundation exhibit celebrating Black creatives. “28 Days of Greatness” is a project Breaux conceived and includes 28 digital portraits, one for each day of February, of people who exemplify Black excellence.
In celebration of Black History Month, Hallmark Mahogany Gives Away One Million Cards
Hallmark Mahogany, the greeting card brand that has honored and celebrated Black culture for more than 30 years, recently announced the launch of a giveaway of one million greeting cards in celebration of Black History Month.
HELLO BABY HELPS CHILDREN LEARN AND PLAY
Hello Baby, located at 600 E. 61st St., was founded by Debbie Frisch, who wanted to provide resources to children and to caregivers. Frisch said she saw how much harder it is, as a single mother, when there are not adequate resources when it comes to social services.
OLYMPIA FIELDS TRUSTEE ENERGIZED, PRIMED AND READY FOR STRETCH RUN IN THE RACE FOR VILLAGE PRESIDENT
DESIREE WATKINS HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND UNMATCHED EXPERIENCE Desiree believes that her current role as Village Trustee as well as her successful corporate career has positioned her to become the next Village President. She has long held a vision of people first when working in civic positions and wants to be the person to create positive and deliberate change in her community. She believes in a local government that works for the people. Watkins is firm in her philosophy that resourcefulness and relationships is key to bringing the needed change. Watkins adds, “I am not a career politician, as a matter of fact I’m not a politician at all but I’m doing politics due to the lack of leadership of those in office who choose personal interests over the community”.
Cancer Advocates React to Governor’s Budget
Today, Gov. J. B. Pritzker released his proposed budget for Illinois. Shana Crews, director of government relations in Illinois for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), made a statement in reaction.
Comcast RISE to Award $1 Million in Grants to BIPOC-Owned, Small Businesses in Chicago and Cook County
The Comcast RISE Investment Fund is focused on small businesses that have been in business for three or more years with one to 25 employees. “Comcast RISE is designed to give BIPOC-owned small businesses tools to not only survive the pandemic, but thrive afterward,” said Jeff Cobb, Regional Vice President of Comcast Business. “We’re pleased to be able to make these resources available in Chicago and Cook County, which is home to one of the most pandemic-impacted small-business communities in the nation.”
Comcast Launches Black Experience on Xfinity Channel, Endorsed by African American Film Critics Association
Comcast NBCUniversal is excited to announce the launch of Black Experience on Xfinity, a first-of-its kind destination of Black entertainment, movies, TV shows, news, and more. Curated by industry leaders, Black Experience will feature high-quality content from many of Xfinity’s existing network partners, at no additional cost, while investing millions of dollars in fostering and showcasing emerging Black content creators. The channel is the only one of its kind endorsed by African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), the world's largest group of Black film critics that gives annual awards for excellence in film and television.
ORGANIZATION WANTS GREATER RECOGNITION FOR JEAN BAPTISTE POINT DU SABLE
Black Heroes Matter is continuing their fight to gain more recognition for Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the Haitian settler who is known to many as the founder of Chicago.
PERSONAL TRAINER WANTS PEOPLE TO BE HEALTHY AND COMPLETE
Joy-D Williamson is a certified personal trainer who has developed a 12-week program to help people improve their quality of life by becoming healthier.
LINDA-DENISE FISHER-HARRELL NAMED ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) today announced that former company member Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell has been named Artistic Director of the contemporary dance company effective March 1, 2021.
American Families’ Desire to Save For Their Children’s Future Increases During the Pandemic, According to New Research Survey
UNest, the first-of-its-kind mobile app that helps parents invest in their children’s future financial wellness, has announced the results of a survey that it commissioned focused on family savings through the pandemic. The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll and Caliber Intelligence on behalf of UNest, has shown that despite new financial strains from COVID-19, parents conclusively place their children’s future as their most pressing savings goal.
