LONG TIME HUMANITARIAN GIVING AWAY OVER A QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLARS TO ASSIST HOMEOWNERS, SENIORS AND LESS FORTUNATE

– For more than 20 years, Humanitarian Dr. Willie Wilson has given away his heart…and his money, to those less fortunate and those who simply need a helping hand. This year, the man who puts his all into everything he does is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, Wilson is stepping things up – bigger and better!

David M. Luna highlights how illicit trade poses many harms across the international community

Numerous international organizations have estimated that today’s global illicit markets, and various forms of “convergence crime”, account for several trillions of U.S. dollars every year, to include the trafficking of drugs, people (especially women and children), arms, counterfeit and pirated goods, illegal cigarettes and alcohol products, endangered wildlife, pillaged natural resources, and many other illicit commodities, corrupt proceeds and illicit financial flows.

LORETTO HOSPITAL PUSHING TO BRIDGE GAP IN HEALTHCARE DISPARITY

The Loretto Hospital Foundation (LHF) honored Spencer Leak, Sr. and Spencer Leak, Jr., of Leak & Sons Funeral Homes, at its 10th Annual Spirit of Achievement Awards Gala held recently at Galleria Marchetti. The Leaks, known for a decades-long funerary business, were recognized for their outstanding leadership in public service. To date, the Foundation has raised nearly $1 million, but the need for support of health initiatives in the Austin community is greater.

Cook County Board President Visits The Citizen

Three major efforts that Preckwinkle is currently working on are the comprehensive Policy Roadmap for her third term, the redevelopment of Cook County Hospital, and the South Suburban Economic Growth Initiative. The Policy Roadmap is a countywide planning process that calls for participation from all residents, industries, civic partners, and stakeholders in Cook County to provide their direct input on what they want to see over the next five years.

Get Ready to Break in to the Old Joliet Prison

The Great Joliet Prison Break-In fundraiser will be taking place on Saturday, August 25 from 5:00pm to 11:00pm. Ticket holders will be able to step onto the historic prison yard and listen to the music of The Blooze Brothers, M&R Rush, Petty Cash and Hot Mess. while enjoying the tastes of various options from food trucks and beer vendors. The event is the grand opening and first major event of the “Old Joliet Prison,” which closed in 2002. The prison is featured in many movie and television projects, including The Blues Brothers and Prison Break.

A VILLAGE OF DOLTON BOARD MEETING RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT LACK OF POLICE

The Village of Dolton recently held a Committee of The Whole meeting where they discussed several current projects, programs, and concerns within the community. One woman, who identified herself as Beth, raised the questions of why three retired police officers have not been replaced in the Village.

How to Choose the Perfect Gloss For Your Lips

What is lip gloss? It is a product used in cosmetology to add a bit of color and some shine to a person’s lips. Sometimes its form is liquid; sometimes it is solid, but simple-to- apply. And the greatest news is that no gloss requires any prep work, comparing to lipstick, which makes it very convenient to reapply it during a day. So, are you lured into going for gloss once again? Th en let’s discuss how to pick the ideal gloss for you.

Local Craft Beer Festival Showcases South Side Brewers

The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild and Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism bureau, have partnered to bring the Chicago Friday Night Flights event to Pier 31 at the 31st Street Beach on July 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will feature neighborhood breweries and local craft beer along with music and food to enjoy. Sampling passes are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and include 10 three-ounce samples of craft beer.

Annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards Honors Notable Celebrities, Community Leaders and Entertainers

Several notable celebrities, community leaders and entertainers descended on the city of New Orleans once again to attend the 15th Annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards, held recently at the Ritz Carlton, New Orleans. They were joined by attendees from across the nation who converged to recognize this year’s recipients of the distinguished awards, including popular Political Commentator Symone Sanders, renown actress/activist Sheryl Lee Ralph, Black Girls CODE CEO Kimberly Bryant and next generation McDonald’s Owner/Operator Monique Vann-Brown.

Sarah Kim appointed String Orchestra and Preparatory String Director for the Hyde Park Youth Symphony

The Hyde Park Youth Symphony (HPYS) recently announced the appointment of Sarah Kim as String Orchestra and Preparatory String Director for the HPYS. In this position, Kim will be responsible for rehearsing the organization’s two string ensembles which focus on beginning and intermediate young musicians from area grade and middle schools.

COMMUNITY LEADERS EXPRESS CONCERNS ABOUT NEW BUSINESS

Members of several community organizations in Chatham and the surrounding areas along with the 6th Ward Alderman, Roderick Sawyer, recently held a meeting to discuss the many concerns surrounding King Food and Deli which recently opened on the corner of 87th St. and King Dr. in Chatham.

Southside Author Shares Her Story Of Childhood Abuse

Author of Bruises From My Mothers Love, Danette King, lives on the Southside of Chicago and recently re-released her novel that strongly mirrors the details of her upbringing and the abusive relationships she survived, specifically the one she had with her mother. King hopes that by sharing her story people will gain a better understanding of how to heal from the trauma of childhood abuse and to be more compassionate to children that may be suffering at home.

MAYOR OF MATTESON HOSTS INAUGURAL GOLF OUTING

The inaugural Friends of Sheila Chalmers-Currin Golf Outing will take place on July 19 at the Glenwoodie Golf Club in Glenwood, IL. The event is a fundraiser for the Village of Matteson and offers golf, breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with an opportunity to network with elected officials from Matteson, surrounding communities, and the Southland region as a whole.

Young Center at the University of Chicago Gets Support from Airbnb

Airbnb recently announced a donation to the Young Center -- a Chicago-based human rights organization that advocates for the rights and best interests of immigrant children -- in support of their efforts to reunify families.

OGDEN PARK HOSTS THINK OUTSIDE DA BLOCK PARTY

Think Outside Da Block, local non-profit organization, is hosting their Think Outside Da Block Party at Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine Ave., in Englewood on July 28 from noon to 6 p.m. to bring together residents, community business owners, and members of the Chicago police force to encourage engagement and build stronger bonds between all of the people and organizations that make up the neighborhood.

Rev. Jackson Calls for Disbarment of D.A. Who Called Rep. Waters a “C” and a “Ghetto B”

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. recently joined a group of ministers and elected officials at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1575 W. 17th St., San Bernardino, California to call for the disbarment of San Bernardino County Deputy District Attorney Michael Selyem who is under fire for calling Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) racist, hateful names and making veiled threats.

Local nonprofit recruiting professionals to mentor community college scholars

One Million Degrees (OMD), a Chicago nonprofit organization that empowers low-income, highly motivated community college students to succeed in school, in work, and in life—is now accepting applications for its volunteer coaches.

STATE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE POST CONFERENCE REPORT RELEASED

The State of the African American Male Post Conference Report comes as a result of the State of the African American Male Conference that was held on Sept. 17 which was used bring community stakeholders together in an effort to create a plan of action to uplift the young black men in Chicago and give them the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty.

New Mural On The Major Taylor Trail Honors World Champion Cyclist

A new mural on the Major Taylor Trail honors the story of legendary cyclist Marshall “Major” Taylor.

HANDS OFF, PANTS ON ORDINANCE GOES INTO EFFECT

Starting on July 1, a new city ordinance went into effect known as the Hands Off, Pants On ordinance. The new safety measure provides certain hotel workers in Chicago with panic buttons that would allow them to call for help if they were in a dangerous situation while at work. Michelle Harris, Alderman of Chicago’s 8th Ward, was instrumental in passing the new safety measure.