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.

LOCAL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY SHOW

More than 300 students from Betty Shabazz Academy, 7822 S. Dobson Ave., and Barbara A. Sizemore Academy, 6547 S. Stewart Ave., were recently invited to attend the International Manufacturing Technology Show. Students were able to participate in hands-on learning experiences and technology demonstrations.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Opening First Neighborhood Center

A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held for the new Blue Door Neighborhood Center that will soon be located in the 111th Street Gateway Retail Center, 756 E. 111th Street, in the Pullman neighborhood. The neighborhood center is being made possible by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and will give residents the ability to access in-person health services.

CHICAGO CHILD CARE SOCIETY LOOKS AT TWO-GENERATION APPROACH TO COMMUNITY SERVICE

As the Chicago Child Care Society (CCCS) prepares to celebrate their 170th year of operation, the organization has been focusing on a new approach to providing services to the people of Chicago. The organization will soon adopt a two-generation approach that will look at the needs of children in the city, their families, and work to create economic security that can be passed from one generation to the next.

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.