Chicago Becomes the Largest City in the Country Committed to 100 Percent Clean Energy

The Chicago City Council recently unanimously voted to establish the goal of transitioning the entire city to 100 percent clean, renewable energy, like wind and solar, by 2035. Chicago becomes the largest city in the country to make this commitment, following cities like St. Louis, Madison, Atlanta, and San Francisco.

PCF Insurance Services Enters Chicago and New York Metro-Area Completing Two Acquisitions

PCF Insurance Services has completed the acquisition of Hipskind Seyfarth Risk Solutions, LLC, located in downtown Chicago, and Broadfield Group, LLC d/b/a Warwick Resource Group, located in the New York metro-area.

Sarahi Jeans Announces The Market At Macy's As New Retailer For April 2019

Sarahi Jeans recently announced The Market @ Macy’s, a one of- a-kind pop-up marketplace featuring a variety of both up-and coming and established brands as a new retailer for April 2019.

The 25th Anniversary ESSENCE Festival® Kicks Off on July 4-7 in New Orleans, LA

The ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola, the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience and largest celebration of global Black culture, is set to bring the 90’s heat with special performances that celebrate the 25th anniversary of some of the top albums of the decade.

CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT NOW ACCEPTING PUBLIC COMMENT ON GANG DATABASE POLICY DRAFT

The Chicago Police Department (CPD) recently opened up a portal on their website for Chicagoans to give feedback on the Criminal Enterprise Database, also known as the Gang Database. This public comment period will close on May 11 and at that time, the CPD will consider the public comments before finalizing and implementing the updated policy.

Applications Now Open for Chicago High School Teens Seeking Opportunities with After School Matters

After School Matters® is now accepting teen applications for its summer 2019 program session, which will begin the week of June 24. More than 700 programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports and STEM will be offered at various Chicago public high schools, as well as Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library and community organization locations throughout the city.

GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY HELD FOR NEW SENIOR LIVING COMPLEX COMING TO SOUTH SUBURBS

A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held at the southeast corner of Lincoln Highway and Ridgeland Avenue in Matteson to celebrate the start of construction on a new upscale senior living development. The Mayor of the Village of Matteson, Sheila Chalmers- Currin, was joined by elected officials, residents, and members of the development team who all spoke about their excitement for this greatly needed project.

Now That The Mayor’s Race Is Over, Cook County Board President Gets Back To Business

After a long, crowded, and historical mayoral race, Toni Preckwinkle is back to business as the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and has lost no momentum on implementing the recently released Policy Road Map and preparing for the 2020 Census.

Poet and Author Dr. Haki Madhubuti to Discuss New Black Panther Book During Institute of Positive Education Nation Studies Series

Every now and then, a rare opportunity comes along. This weekend is just one of those times. World lecturer and Third World Press Foundation founder and CEO Dr. Haki Madhubuti will be the featured speaker on Saturday, April 27, from 3:00-5:00 PM during the Nation Studies series presented by Third World Press Foundation (TWPF) and the Institute of Positive Education (IPE). As part of the presentation, Madhubuti will read from his recently released Black Panther: Paradigm Shift or Not? A Collection of Reviews and Essays on a Blockbuster Film. The book is co-edited by acclaimed author, journalist, activist, and noted Black history historian Herb Boyd.

Student From Wendell Phillips Academy Receives Youth Change Maker Award

Mikva Challenge, a nonprofit youth development organization, recently hosted their 20 Year Anniversary Fundraiser where three young people were honored with a 2019 Youth Change Maker Award for their work and leadership in health, justice and equity, and peace and public safety initiatives.

Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot continues to build out her transition team Announces top communications transition staff

Marielle is on leave from the University of Chicago, where she has served as Director of Public Affairs since 2015. A veteran communications strategist, Marielle previously held the position of Press Secretary for Chicago Public Schools, the Office of the Governor of Illinois, and for the Illinois Department of Human Services.

NETFLIX ANNOUNCES FIRST ORIGINAL AFRICAN ANIMATED SERIES MAMA K'S TEAM 4

Johannesburg, ZA and Hollywood, Calif. - April 16 2019 - Netflix, the world's leading internet entertainment service, today announced its first original African animated series, Mama K’s Team 4, produced by Cape Town-based Triggerfish Animation Studios and leading London-based kids’ entertainment specialist CAKE.

McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Announces 13th Annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour and Talent Lineup

McDonald's announced the return of one of its staple events, the 13th annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour. The longest-running, brand-owned gospel music tour is back with an award-winning talent line-up sure to please fans nationwide. This free concert tour begins April 27 and runs until December 13.

HBCU Grad Returns with First Ever Adult Coloring Book Celebrating Black Colleges

Latoya Nicole, bestselling author and owner of Entrepreneurs Color Too is back with the release of her newest edition “Alma Mater” and it’s just in time for graduation! The coloring book is full of highlights that showcase the Black College Experience including its education, diversity and culture. The illustrations are inspired by beautiful black women and range from Greek life and the Royal Court to STEM and science labs. It even includes activities that test your HBCU knowledge.

Chesterfield Community Council Prepares To Host Annual Home Expo

The Chesterfield Community Council will host its 15th Annual Greater Chatham Home Expo on April 20 from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. at the Tuley Park Field House, 501 E. 90th Place. The event will serve as a one-stop shop for current and potential homeowners to connect with helpful resources for purchasing and maintaining a home.

OneUnited Bank Announces 9th Annual ‘I Got Bank’ Youth Financial Literacy Contest

Ten Middle School Age Children Are Eligible to Win $1,000! For National Financial Literacy Month, OneUnited Bank, the nation’s largest black-owned bank, recently announced its 9th Annual “I Got Bank!” Financial Literacy Contest where ten children will win a $1,000 savings account. The contest represents the best essays and art projects that embody the “I Got Bank!” theme.

Walmart Plans Estimated $87.5 Million in Illinois Store Improvements, Innovations in 2019

Walmart expects to spend an estimated $87.5 million this year in Illinois through the remodeling of 16 stores, as well as the launch and continued expansion of several customer-focused innovations.

Collaboration sets the stage for Unique.Fashion Launch

The partnership will lay the groundwork for FIT to launch its own branded lines of apparel and accessories. FIT will develop a brand and a series of labels designed, marketed, and retailed by students through Unique.Fashion and manufactured using OnPoint’s innovative mass personalization on-demand manufacturing solutions and services.

THE ‘DAUGHTER OF ENGLEWOOD’ MAKES HISTORY

The daughter of a former Englewood alderman made history on April 2 when she was elected alderman of the 16th Ward at age 30. Stephanie Coleman, who turned 31-years-old on April 13, will be among the new City Council members sworn in on May 20 along with Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot. Coleman said she adopted the nickname ‘Daughter of Englewood’ since she was born and raised in Englewood.

Over 40 Chicago Students Celebrate National Volunteer Week On The South Side

Students from Perspectives Charter School’s Rodney D. Joslin Campus in South Loop recently traveled to the South Side of the city to participate in a day of volunteering in honor of National Volunteer Week. The students visited iGrow Chicago’s Peace House in Englewood and created care packages for members of their community.