ISBE and Lurie Children’s Launch Free, Data-Informed Resilience-Supportive Schools Illinois Initiative to Strengthen Student Mental Health and Resilience in All Schools
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Center for Childhood Resilience at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago today announced the statewide rollout of Resilience-Supportive Schools Illinois (RSSI) — a free, data-informed initiative that provides schools with tools to strengthen student and educator mental health and resilience. RSSI builds on the Resilience Education to Advance Community Healing (REACH) Initiative, which has led to reduced chronic absenteeism, improved teacher retention, and decreased the use of suspensions, and improved schools’ capacity for trauma-responsiveness for participating schools.
UNIVERSAL DESTINATIONS & EXPERIENCES PLANS SECOND UNIVERSAL HORROR UNLEASHED IN CHICAGO
Universal Destinations & Experiences, the themed entertainment division of Comcast NBCUniversal, announced Chicago as the second location for its year-round immersive horror experience Universal Horror Unleashed. The permanent entertainment venue is Universal’s first branded experience in the Midwest and is part of the company’s plans to invest in the brand and introduce it to new audiences, in new markets with new, original concepts. Universal Horror Unleashed: Chicago will transform a vacant 114,000-square-foot commercial building at 700 W. Chicago Avenue, directly across from the new Bally’s Casino, into a world-class horror attraction and entertainment destination. According to World Business Chicago, the project is expected to generate more than $1 billion in economic impact for the city.
LISC ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 31ST ANNUAL CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT AWARDS
LISC is proud to announce the winners of the 31st Annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards (CNDAs), the city’s premier celebration of community-driven transformation. Held at Radius, a live music venue in the heart of Pilsen, on June 26, the event drew more than 700 civic leaders, residents, artists, architects, developers, and elected officials and honored how culture, creativity, and local leadership helps cities grow equitably.
MAYOR JOHNSON, CITY COUNCIL MAKE VETERANS BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM PERMANENT, EXPAND OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES
In a unanimous vote, the Chicago City Council approved the Veterans= Business Enterprise (VBE) Program as a permanent program within the Department of Procurement Services (DPS), building on the success of the VBE pilot program. This milestone builds on a continued commitment by the City to expanding economic opportunities for veteran-owned businesses and reduce barriers for those who have served our country.
With Four Years of Impact and Counting, Hope Chicago Marks Leadership Transition
As founding CEO of Hope Chicago, Dr. Janice K. Jackson has led a groundbreaking effort to deliver pathways to economic mobility for thousands of South, Southwest, and West Side Chicago families with its multi-generational approach to post-secondary education. In just four years, she has taken the organization from a bold idea to powerful impact. She will step down from her role at Hope Chicago to pursue other career opportunities, effective August 1.
Gov. Pritzker Signs College Access and Affordability Bills into Law
Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), community college presidents, and legislators to sign bills into law that will support Illinois high school students pursuing higher education. Governor Pritzker signed four bills into law that help improve college access and affordability: HB 2967, HB 3096, HB 3097, and HB 3522. During his February State of the State Address, Governor Pritzker emphasized that support for college admissions would be a priority initiative during this year’s session.
Representatives Jackson and Krishnamoorthi Demand ICE Transparency at Chicago South Loop Facility
Congressmen Jonathan L. Jackson and Raja Krishnamoorthi are demanding immediate transparency and accountability from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following their denied attempt to conduct an oversight visit at the South Loop ICE facility in Chicago.
Gov. Pritzker Presses Congress to Protect Food and Nutrition Program for Working Families
Governor JB Pritzker joined 23 governors from across the country to send a letter urging Congressional leaders to protect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a critical safety net that an estimated 427,000 Illinoisans are at risk to lose.
The IBUKUN Hip Hop Art & Culture Fest Is Coming to Chicago
This summer, Chicago will experience a powerful celebration of culture, creativity, and community healing as the IBUKUN Hip Hop Art & Culture Fest takes over the Zhou B Art Center (1029 W. 35th Street, Chicago) on Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 3:00pm - 8:00pm. The event is hosted by Ibukun Comprehensive Community Services and is more than a cultural event, this all-day festival is also a fundraiser dedicated to supporting mental health services for disadvantaged youth, families, and underserved communities across the city.
Marva Johnson officially confirmed as FAMU president despite vocal opposition
Florida A&M University is entering a new chapter — one that begins under a cloud of controversy. On June 18, the Florida Board of Governors officially confirmed Marva Johnson, J.D. as the 13th president of FAMU. Her appointment, which takes effect August 1, follows a months-long search process that has sparked both celebration and pushback across the Rattler community.
Famous Amos Recognizes 3 Emerging Black-Owned Enterprises with $50,000 Business Awards
Famous Amos, in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc (USBC), has announced the winners of its fifth annual Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative (IFS). IFS supports pathways for early-stage Black business owners to thrive by providing $50,000 to three organizations each, in addition to mentorship, networking and educational resources.
ALL ARTS Premieres The Darkroom MCs
ALL ARTS the streaming platform and TV channel dedicated to the arts, will premiere The Darkroom MCs, a five-part documentary series created, directed, produced and co-hosted by photographers Russell Frederick and Anderson Zaca. Episodes will debut Wednesdays through July 16 on the ALL ARTS website, YouTube channel and free streaming app. Broadcast airdates will be announced at a later date.
Super Bowl Champion Willie Colon Drives Discovery at 2025 Annual Lupus Research Alliance Golf Fundraiser
The Lupus Research Alliance, the world's largest private funder of lupus research, partnered with Super Bowl Champion and current Fox Sports 1 co-host Willie Colon on the 11th Annual Willie Colon Golf Outing – raising an incredible $450,000 for lupus research.
Bronzeville Summer Nights Highlights Community And Promotes Business Corridor
The Quad Communities Development Corporation (QCDC) is set to host its Bronzeville Summer Nights. The first event will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, July 11th.
Mental Health Services For Men Are Important And Accessible
While June was Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, the topic of men’s mental health is one that should be considered all year round. Mental health is a part of overall health.
Modular Homes Pilot Program Will Bring New Homes To Chicago Heights
Cook County and Inherentance recently hosted a ribbon cutting for two homes in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. These two homes are part of a $12 million housing pilot program that will bring 120 new modular homes to Chicago Heights, Proviso Township and Humboldt Park.
Red Clay Dance Company Continues To Engage The Community
The Red Clay Dance Company is gearing up for its 17th season in September. Founding Artistic Director and CEO Vershawn Sanders-Ward is encouraging community members to take advantage of the dance classes that are available at the Red Clay Dance Company Center for Excellence, which is located at 808 E. 63rd St. Red Clay Dance Company offers dance classes in the beginner and intermediate/advanced levels in Afro-Contemporary and Jazz Funk.
UCAN Scholarship Recipient Is Recognized For His Work In The Community
Robert Benson II has always been around UCAN. His mother worked with Safe Passage and his father worked in the office. While there with his parents, he was exposed to the programs and services that are available. He realized that the programs provided necessary resources and services. He ended up participating in the Violence Intervention and Prevention Program, which helps young people thrive in a safe environment while empowering them to fulfill their potential as future leaders.
WORKING WITH OUR CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
At the Alzheimer's Association, we believe that engaging diverse perspectives is critical to achieving health equity — meaning that all communities have a fair and just opportunity for early diagnosis and access to risk reduction and quality care. Historically marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia, and yet are less likely to be diagnosed; less likely to be recruited to participate in research; and less likely to have access to care and support services. This is unacceptable and must change.
