Kidz Korna Prepares For Annual Weekend-Long Toy Giveaway

A local nonprofit organization, Kidz Korna, will host their 13th Annual Toy Giveaway Tour from Dec. 21 to Dec. 23 at four different locations on Chicago’s south and west sides. This year’s project theme is A Christmas Giveaway Weekend to Help Cure Violence.

Don’t Let Small Dollar Loans Ruin Your Holidays

In this wonderful time of the year when family and friends gather in good cheer to celebrate the holidays, nearly everyone has a number of lists. From greeting cards to shopping for gifts, decorations and more, lists are made and reviewed to keep pace with the barrage of seasonal activities.

Cook County Board Honors South Suburban Business Owner For His Philanthropic Work

During a recent Board meeting, the Cook County Board of Commissioners along with the Board President, Toni Preckwinkle, presented a proclamation to Early Walker, a south suburban resident and business owner, that honored the numerous charitable contributions he has made in Cook County.

RCA Inspiration Celebrates Two 2019 Grammy Award Nominations for Koryn Hawthorne and the Walls Group

The 61st Annual GRAMMY® Awards will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, February 10th, 2019 on CBS.

IIT PROFESSOR SHARES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Maurice Dawson is the director of the Center for Cyber Security and Forensic Education and an assistant professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). Dawson recognizes the risks that many shoppers face during the holiday season and has offered a few quick tips on how to protect your financial information.

Traveling Truth Civilization Banner Displayed In Chicago

A long-time Chicago activist known as EvAngel Mamadee Yhwhnewbn (Mama Dee) recently unveiled the Traveling Truth Civilization Banner in front of the DuSable Museum of African American History. The banner depicts centuries of global African history and the unveiling was hosted to commemorate the 400 year anniversary of the first group of enslaved Africans arriving in North America in 1619.

Fifth grader aims to donate 1,000 Barbie dolls for Christmas

A fifth grader whose favorite class is science, plans to give away Barbie dolls to girls living in poor neighborhoods as a way to give back to the community during Christmas. The goal is to collect 1,000 Barbie dolls at the 4th Annual Josilyn’s Barbie Brunch, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22 at The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. Organizers said the last three brunches, which included refreshments, were held at The Velvet Lounge, 67 E. Cermak Road, but was moved this year to a bigger venue to accommodate the growing attendees.

The Hyde Park Youth Symphony to Perform Annual Holiday Concert at Mandel Hall

The Hyde Park Youth Symphony will perform in concert at Mandel Hall on the campus of the University of Chicago on Friday, December 21, 2018. The concert will begin at 7:00 pm and last for approximately one and a half hours. Mandel Hall is located on 1131 E 57th Street in Chicago.

District 148 adds high-tech system to enhance existing safeguards

Dolton West School District 148 is adding a new comprehensive, high-tech system to further protect students and staff when emergencies arise.

COOK COUNTY LAND BANK AUTHORITY PREPARES TO GIVE AWAY FULLY REHABBED HOME

The Cook County Land Bank Authority (Land Bank) will soon be announcing the winner of their second annual Home Giveaway Lottery. The winner will receive a fully rehabbed move-in ready home located in the Village of Maywood. The purpose of the giveaway is to draw attention to the Homebuyer Direct program that the Land Bank offers.

Not everyone is sad to see Urban Prep is closing

Students and parents at Urban Prep West Academy High School said they are not surprised that Chicago Public Schools plans to close the charter school next year.

Recently Launched Online Database Connects Illinoisans To STEM Opportunities

The Creating Pathways and Access for Student Success Foundation (CPASS) recently launched a new online database that gathers all of the available Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education programs, resources, and opportunities in Illinois and makes them easily accessible through one online platform. The intention of the database is to provide statewide access to STEM education opportunities for students from minority and underrepresented backgrounds.

Pappas: There’s help for senior citizens struggling to pay Cook County property taxes

“When property taxes are due, too many of our elderly are forced to make difficult choices about which bills to pay,” Pappas said. “This program is one way to ease their worries.”

Advocates release transportation agenda for Chicago’s next mayor, city council

On Friday the Active Transportation Alliance released the Active Transportation Agenda for Chicago that describes how Chicago’s leaders can support policies and projects over the next four years that better connect all residents to jobs, schools, parks, healthcare, and other daily destinations.

CITY COLLEGES OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES MEN OF COLOR IN EDUCATION INITIATIVE

City Colleges of Chicago along with Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently announced the Men of Color in Education initiative which is a program designed to support men of color who are interested in pursuing careers in the education field. The program will provide students with college coursework, mentorship, and work-based learning experiences.

NEW SHARED KITCHEN SPACE WILL PROVIDE DIVERSE DINING OPTIONS FOR SOUTH SIDERS

The Bronzeville Culinary Kitchen will soon be located at 436 E. 47th St. and will feature a commercial kitchen that will be available for hosting pop-up restaurants with restaurateurs from across the city as well as provide space for special events on the south side of Chicago.

Public Forum Held To Hear From Three African American Mayoral Candidates

Indivisible Chicago - South Side and First Unitarian Church of Chicago, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., recently co-hosted a mayoral candidate forum that featured La Shawn Ford, Lori Lightfoot, and Amara Enyia who each had a chance to speak at the event about their ideas for the city.

City Officials Celebrate The Opening of Chicago Bee Branch In Bronzeville

Chicago Public Library Commissioner Brian Bannon joined 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell and city officials to cut the ribbon on the re-opening of the Chicago Bee library branch. The $2.32 million project, funded by Chicago Housing Authority, in the Bronzeville community included renovating two floors of the three-story historic property to improve library services.

Comcast Announces Agreements with Two New African American Majority Owned Independent Networks

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) recently announced it has selected two new African American majority-owned independent networks to be broadly distributed on Comcast Cable systems beginning in January 2019. After a thorough evaluation of dozens of proposals, Comcast selected AFRO and CLEO TV, both of which will provide quality entertainment that highlights and features TV and movie content about African American and black communities.

Could Saving With An Online Bank Help Your Money Grow Faster?

While there’s no doubt that putting money aside with each paycheck is an essential component to a healthy financial future, it’s important to keep in mind that not all savings accounts are going to give you the same pay back or benefits.