Treasurer Frerichs Testifies Before Senate Special Committee on State and Pension Fund Investments

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recently testified before the Senate Special Committee on State and Pension Fund Investments about the improvements made in the treasurer’s office to help increase growth and opportunity for Illinois firms owned by Minorities, Women, Veterans and Persons with a Disability (MWVD).

FIRST BLACK WOMAN NAMED PRESIDENT CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD INITIATIVES MICRO FINANCE GROUP

Erica King, formerly Vice President of Lending at Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives Micro Finance Group (CNIMFG), was recently promoted to President. In her new role, King is now one of the few minority women in the country leading a financial services organization. King plans to continue moving forward with the momentum she built as vice president and continue to grow and expand CNIMFG lending portfolio.

CAREER AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FAIR HOSTED TO PREPARE CHICAGOANS FOR OBAMA CENTER JOBS

Lakeside Alliance, the construction manager of the future Obama Presidential Center, recently hosted a Career Training and Opportunities Fair at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., to connect Chicagoans with construction jobs and training resources.

Annual #GoalGetHer Conference Hosts Diverse Entrepreneurs From Across The City

Afenya Montgomery, the founder of the iCAN Collective, will hosts the 2018 #GoalGetHer Conference on Nov. 16 to 17 at The Connection, 4321 S. Cottage Grove, in Bronzeville. The annual conference celebrates diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship and features inspirational speakers, panel discussions, and interactive workshops.

New Public Art Work Dedicated At 39th Street Lakefront

A dedication ceremony was recently held for a new sculpture, Letter to Bessie Coleman, that was installed at 39th Street and Lake Shore Drive on the lakefront. The public artwork is a result of Chicago’s 50x50 Neighborhood Arts Project and was created by Bernard Williams, a local southside artist, in partnership with 4th Ward Alderman, Sophia King.

South Side Filmmaker Premiers New Movie Titled Law of Moises

Two recent events were held in Chicago to celebrate the premiere of Law of Moises, a new film that was written, produced and directed by Crystal Barnes. Barnes, who lives in Greater Grand Crossing and grew up on the south side of Chicago, is a 20- year veteran in the film industry.

International Bestselling Author Shares How to Love Yourself More After You've Hit Rock Bottom, Been Trampled and Gone Through the Wringer

Life is full of experiences that shape us as individuals and change who we are. Rather than breaking us, traumatic experiences can make us stronger and more beautiful than ever. That is the premise of Rani St. Pucchi's just-released book, Gold in the Cracks: Move From Shattered to Whole and Reveal Your Light.

Dance Concert, entitled 'Hatch,' to take place this fall

The West Indian Dance Theater Company will celebrate its 40th year Anniversary since arriving in Chicago. The celebration will consist of a weekend of performances including a special benefit night. This takes place October 19 at 7:00 pm, Oct. 20 at 7:00 pm and Oct. 21 at 4 pm at the DuSable Museum of African American History at 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, IL.. The exclusive ruby red benefit night will take place on Saturday evening following the concert.

100 Black Men of Chicago Host 16th Annual Scholarship Fair

100 Black Men of Chicago recently hosted their 16th Annual Scholarship Fair at the University of Illinois at Chicago Pavilion. Representatives from over 100 colleges and universities were onsite to provide information about scholarship opportunities. There were also workshops held through out the day for potential students and their parents to learn more about paying for college.

Fossil Group and CITIZEN Partner to Grow the Global Hybrid Smartwatch Market

Fossil Group (NASDAQ: FOSL) and CITIZEN Watch Company, Ltd. recently announced that the companies have entered into a global strategic technology licensing partnership designed to expand the worldwide reach and scale of hybrid smartwatches. The partnership leverages CITIZEN's globally-respected watch movement expertise while providing CITIZEN access to Fossil Group's hybrid smartwatch technology.

Illinois Representative-Elect Hosts Listening Tour In South Suburbs

The Democratic Nominee for State Representative of the 38th House District of Illinois, Debbie Meyers-Martin, recently hosted a listening tour gathering at the Richton Park Library to connect with constituents and hear their concerns and desires for their communities.

Mayoral Veto Overridden in South Suburbs, 10 Village Employees Laid Off

The Village of Dolton Board of Trustees recently voted to override a Mayoral veto of the previously approved Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the fiscal year 2018-19. The 4-2 vote in favor of overriding the veto subsequently caused the immediate lay off of 10 Village employees, but the Mayor, Riley Rogers, thinks those jobs are essential.

Local Teen Gun Control Advocate Raises Money for The Hate U Give Movie Screening with Talk Back on in Illinois and Detroit

Free event gives back to community by providing access to screening and books, while raising gun violence awareness and activism and the impact on African American teens

Skills For Chicagoland’s Future Hosts Annual Employment Champion Breakfast

Skills for Chicagoland’s Future recently hosted its fourth annual Employment Champions Breakfast to celebrate the placement of more than 5,500 Chicagoland residents in open jobs.

Chicago Football Classic Founder Hopes To Fill Soldier Field In Coming Years

For 21 years the Chicago Football Classic has been hosting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for a special football game at Soldier field and an HBCU college fair. The founder of the event, Larry Huggins, recently came by the Citizen Newspaper’s offices to sit down and discuss the history of the event, the robust scholarship program, and what he has envisioned for the future of the event.

STARS OF THE INDUSTRY AND ANNUAL TOURISM AWARDS PRESENTED IN CHICAGO SOUTHLAND

The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau recently hosted their Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon at the Tinley Park Convention Center. During the event, the 2018 Stars of the Industry Award and Annual Tourism Award Winners were recognized for their outstanding service in the hospitality and tourism industry during Fiscal Year 2018.

The Nature Conservancy of Illinois Hosts Awe of Nature Festival In South Suburbs

The Nature Conservancy in partnership with the Cook County Forest Preserves and The City of Markham recently hosted the first Awe of Nature Festival at the Midlothian Meadows Forest Preserve located on 15440 S. Pulaski Rd. The goal of the festival was to connect visitors to nature and showcase the Illinois Prairies.

Economic Development Grant Announced to Create “Smart Roads”

Congresswoman Robin Kelly recently announced the Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation has been awarded a $60,700 federal grant to plan an applied research center for testing new technologies that will improve freight movements by creating “smart roads” throughout the south suburban region.

City and Community Leaders Discuss The Perception Versus The Reality Of Crime in Chicago

The City Club of Chicago recently hosted a panel discussion about crime in Chicago and how the perception of crime in the city differs from the reality. The panel included the voices of Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, Chicago journalist Mary Mitchell, and community activist Father Michael Pfleger.

Danielle Brown has been elected the 26th national president of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

"I'm humbled by the great opportunity to serve as the 26th National President of Jack and Jill of America, Inc..," Mrs. Brown said. "Opportunities have never been greater for children of color, yet at the same time, they continue to face challenges that have plagued generations before them. The purpose of our organization has always been to equip our children with the tools needed not just to get by in America, but to succeed, to thrive, to lead and to serve in the 21st century. I'm looking forward to continuing the great work done by my predecessors in this regard."