South Suburban College Cuts Ribbon on SSC Circle

SSC Circle is a student assistance center that will serve as a “one-stop-shop” for students with questions about the registration, financial aid and payment processes, and will be a new “front door” for first time students, said Robin Rihacek, executive director of enrollment & retention services.

Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton remembered on his anniversary death

The 49th anniversary death of Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton Sr. was recently recognized by more than 100 people including his son Fred Hampton Jr. and widow Akua Njeri at the West Side home where he was shot dead by Chicago police. The annual public memorial at the two-story building now owned by the Chicago Housing Authority included speakers and a re-enactment by Njeri of the day Hampton Sr. was killed. Tenants occupy the building’s second floor while the first floor, where Hampton Sr. died, is boarded up. Hampton Jr. opened the memorial by asking participants for a moment of silence and to clench their fist and raise their arm in the air for five minutes. He ended the moment of silence by screaming out ‘Black Power.’

Soulful Chicago’s Holiday Book Fair Is Largest Of Its Kind That Showcases Books by Black Authors

Just in time for holiday shopping, Soulful Chicago’s annual holiday book fair will feature more than 100 Black fiction, non-fiction and children’s titles by many of the most sought-after and lesser-known Black authors in Chicago. This exciting literary event takes place on Saturday, December 15, from 10am to 6pm at the AMC Center, 4421 S. State Street, Chicago.

Chicago Park District Neighbored Ice Rinks Now Open

The Chicago Park District has announced that the Chicago Blackhawks ice rinks at parks citywide are open for the season, weather permitting. Skate rentals are available at all rinks. Patrons may also bring their own and enjoy amazing views of Chicago’s skyline and city parks while skating.

CHICAGO COMEDIAN HOSTS TWO-NIGHT STAND-UP PERFORMANCE

Emmy-nominated actor and well known Chicago comedian, Melissa DuPrey, recently performed the highly anticipated SEXomedy 2.0: The Second Coming at Chicago Dramatists. DuPrey’s well-received comedy show brought humor to many taboo topics surrounding sexuality and her own personal experiences.

Eli Lilly Announces Lilly Diabetes Solutions Center to Assist People With Insulin Affordability

The American Diabetes Association estimates that over 30 million Americans are affected by diabetes and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. In the African American population, studies show that we are disproportionately affected by diabetes in comparison to the general population. The rates of diagnosed diabetes among African Americans is 12.7% compared to 7.4% of whites.

FOOTPRINTS TO RECOVERY NATIONWIDE "SOCKS OF LOVE" CAMPAIGN TO DONATE 10,000 PAIRS OF SOCKS -- LEAST DONATED ITEM -- TO HOMELESS SHELTERS IN TIME FOR HOLIDAYS

Footprints to Recovery clients and alumni process incoming donations and coordinate their delivery. Each treatment facility will provide socks to local homeless shelters. In addition, the treatment facilities located in major metropolitan areas will assist clients in delivering some of the socks to public spaces that serve as shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Congresswoman Kelly Talks About Gun Reform And Shows Support For Medical Professionals

Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly recently held a press conference alongside several highly regarded doctors to demand congressional action when it comes to gun violence across the nation. The press conference was held in Washington D.C. and included comments from Dr. Niva Lubin-Johnson who is a physician at Mercy Hospital in Chicago.

SOUTH SUBURBAN COMMUNITY GATHERS TO CELEBRATE HISTORY AND CULTURE

The Village of Robbins recently hosted Robbins Day at the Rainbow/PUSH headquarters, 930 E. 50th St., as a way to highlight and celebrate the culture and history of the Village of Robbins. Tyrone Ward, Mayor of the Village of Robbins, spoke at the event about the many notable events that have taken place in the community and how he is working to ensure that the Village continues to rise.

CITY CLUB OF CHICAGO HOST PANEL DISCUSSION ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE IN CHICAGO

The City Club of Chicago recently hosted Eddie Bocanegra, John Hardy, and Asiaha Butler in a panel discussion to talk about the ways that their prospective organizations are addressing gun violence in the city and what strategies they have found to be effective in preventing violence in Chicago.

MY BLOCK, MY HOOD, MY CITY MAKES PLANS TO LIGHT UP KING DRIVE

A local nonprofit organization, My Block, My Hood, My City, has organized Be A Part Of The Light which will bring holiday lights and decorations to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive from 51st to 95th streets. The decorating will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 8th, Dec. 9th, and Dec 15th and each day will focus on a different section of King Drive.

Unsilence Announces New Chicago Initiative At Benefit Concert

Unsilence, a Chicago based nonprofit, recently held a Human Rights Benefit Concert at Victory Gardens Theatre in Chicago to support human rights and equity for all. During the concert, the organization unveiled a new initiative called Unsilence Voices: The Sisterhood.

Free Lunch Academy Prepares to Host Inaugural Brunch For A Cause Fundraiser

The Free Lunch Academy, a performance arts outreach program based in Chicago, is preparing to host their first ever Brunch For A Cause fundraiser. The event will be held on Dec. 30 at Latinicity, 108 N. State St., in downtown Chicago and will feature all-you-can-eat brunch, bottomless brunch beverages, live entertainment, photos, games, and gift bags.

SocialWorks Expands Donation Window For Warmest Winter Clothing Drive

A Chicago based nonprofit, SocialWorks, is in the midst of their Warmest Winter clothing drive. Originally scheduled to run from Nov. 5 to 18, SocialWorks recently announced that they would be extending the drive to Dec. 15 to allow Chicagoans a little more time to make donations.

ONE OF CHICAGO’S REMAINING “GODFATHERS OF THE BLACK CHURCH” SUCCUMBS AT 98

Reverend Bass was the Organizer and retired Pastor of Mt. Olive M.B. Church, 5729 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL. “Pastor Bass was a mentor to all of us who dared to be leaders of congregations. He taught us all that our greatest presence is outside the walls of the church.” says Bishop Larry D. Trotter of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church of Chicago.

Walter Clark Former Chairman of the Board for the CTA Has Died

“It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing of our beloved husband, father, and family member, Walter Clark.” His passing was announced today by his family. The arrangements for his services are as follows:

SOUTH SIDE COMMUNITY SERVICES ORGANIZATION PREPARES FOR CHRISTMAS TREE GIVEAWAY

Centers for New Horizons Inc. is preparing for their third annual Christmas Tree Giveaway for community residents. On Saturday, Dec. 1, from noon to 2 p.m., the nonprofit organization will be giving away 100 Christmas trees and providing an opportunity for children to meet and take photos with Santa Claus at their offices, 4150 S. King Dr., in Bronzeville.

Greater Chatham Initiative Hosts Greater Chatham Strong Fundraising Gala

The Greater Chatham Initiative recently hosted their inaugural fundraising gala, Greater Chatham Strong, at the Stony Island Arts Bank. Funds from the event will be used to further the organization’s mission to invest in the communities of Avalon Park, Auburn Gresham, Chatham, and Greater Grand Crossing.

Friend Of Late Mayor Harold Washington Says The Future Is In The Hands of the Black Community Once Again

Conrad Worrill is a highly regarded African American writer, educator, and activist from Chicago. Worrill was also a friend of the late Chicago Mayor, Harold Washington who died in office 31 years ago. In honor of the anniversary of Mayor Washington’s death, Worrill took the time to recall some of his memories and spoke on how the political climate has changed from then to now.

Cultural Icon Timuel D. Black, Jr. Feted on 100th Birthday, Receives French Legion of Honour

In his Bronzeville neighborhood, he is known as Baba, Griot. Teller of tales, fighter of the good fight, protector of our history. He is a cultural icon, a larger than life figure whose legacy encompasses more than 80 decades. His life’s journey has been one of serving country, building family, securing civil rights and supporting community. On December 8-9, 2018, Chicago will celebrate the 100th Birthday of Timuel D. Black, Jr. with events in Chicago at Logan Center and at the South Shore Cultural Center.