COMCAST LAUNCHES BLACK MUSIC MONTH COLLECTION ON XFINITY X1

This June, Comcast will celebrate Black Music Month with a one-of-a kind musical showcase on Xfinity X1 spanning genres of music pioneered by African Americans including hip hop, R&B, pop, gospel, and jazz. Available within Xfinity on Demand’s Black Film and TV destination, “A New Era of Sound” features curated music videos, playlists and more from top artists of today with nods to yesterday via X1’s music partners including XITE, Pandora, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and more.

Community Lender Partners With Nonprofit to Pilot Job Training Program For Ex-Offenders

The Chicago Community Loan Fund in collaboration with the Safer Foundation is in the midst of their three-year-long Chicago Neighborhood Rebuild Pilot Training Program. The program provides ex-offenders and young people with job training opportunities and allows them to assist with home renovations.

Scientific Games Expands Global Lottery Instant Game Manufacturing Technology In North America And Europe

Scientific Games Corporation has announced that it is significantly expanding its lottery instant “scratch” game innovation and production capabilities with the addition of advanced manufacturing technology in both North America and Europe.

Op-Ed: Prevent Long Hot Summer of Violence in America

Across the nation and throughout the world, millions of people are still morning the tragic and senseless killing of our Brother Nipsy Hustle. We are again reminded of the terrible sickness of violence in communities across the United States.

School Nominations Now Being Accepted For Annual School Supply Giveaway

Back 2 School Illinois, a nonprofit organization that provides free school supplies for low-income students, is currently accepting applications for their annual giveaway that will provide essential school supplies for all of the students at two Chicago schools.

SOUTH SUBURBAN OFFICIALS COME TOGETHER TO GARNER SUPPORT FOR A NEW AIRPORT IN THE REGION

Across the South Suburbs, elected offices are coordinating efforts to encourage Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to designate $150 million of the 2020 capital bill for investment in Chicago’s Southland. The money will be necessary for completing the proposed south suburban airport and will support a new interchange on Interstate 57, local road upgrades, and connectivity to utilities that will accommodate the new airport.

LOCAL TEENAGE ARTISTS CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THEIR NEW SOUTH SIDE EXHIBIT

The Hyde Park Art Center recently hosted a grand opening ceremony for their newest exhibit called It Be Like That Sometimes which features dozens of original artworks that were created by local teenagers who participated in the Hyde Park Art Center’s teen programs. The art on display includes paintings, drawings, photography, prints, clothing design, and multimedia projects.

Community Development Firm Launches South Side Revitalization Effort

A south side community development firm, Urban Juncture, recently led the launch of Build Bronzeville which is a collaborative effort that was created to uplift the historic Bronzeville neighborhood and empower local entrepreneurs to pursue their business ventures in the neighborhood.

The Jazz Institute of Chicago Celebrates “50 Years of Making Jazz Happen” Featuring Jazz Artists, Music, Dance and Spoken Word Performances, and Exhibits During Free Birthday Bash

The distinct, innovative sound and legacy of jazz music in Chicago takes center stage from June 28 -30 for Chicagoans of all ages to enjoy as the Jazz Institute of Chicago (JIC) and its partners celebrate “50 Years of Making Jazz Happen” during a multi-event, free Birthday Bash weekend at venues in Hyde Park.

Chicago Children’s Choir Announces Bank of America as Presenting Sponsor of its 2019 Community Concert Series

Chicago Children’s Choir (CCC) announced today that Bank of America has been named the presenting sponsor of its 2019 Community Concert Series, which directly supports CCC’s after-school programs across the City. Supporting the local Chicago arts community is a priority for Bank of America. This partnership marks Bank of America’s ongoing support of CCC and an increased commitment to $25,000 to directly impact the neighborhoods and youth where it serves.

CPS High School Students March Toward Brighter Futures in Paschen Engineering Scholars Hard Hat Graduation Ceremony

On Today, May 30th, the inaugural class of six Paschen Engineering Scholars will celebrate their graduation from the program at the annual Hard Hat Ceremony. This is the first group of CPS George Westinghouse College Prep students to graduate from the program. In addition to this inaugural class graduation, six freshmen from Westinghouse College Prep will be introduced as the latest class of Paschen Engineering Scholars. A total of 23 scholars will be in attendance across the four classes.

SOUTH SIDE ORGANIZATION HOSTS VILLAGE MEETING AND INVITES CITY OFFICIALS TO SPEAK

The Resident Association of Greater Englewood (RAGE) recently hosted a village meeting at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy of Social Justice located on 644 W. 71st St. The purpose of the meeting was to share relevant and timely information with Englewood residents and allow them to ask questions and provide feedback.

UNCF to celebrate 75 Years of Impact at upcoming 19th Annual Chicago “A Mind is …” Gala

During the past 75 years, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) has empowered nearly half a million students to earn college degrees. As the largest and most effective minority education organization in the United States, UNCF actively supports 37 private historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and advocates for minority higher education. As it marks such a major milestone, UNCF is planning a year-long celebration via its fundraising events across the country including the 19th annual UNCF “A Mind is …” Gala set for 6 p.m., Saturday, June 22 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

70% of American Singles Are Looking for a Serious Relationship

Today, for the first time ever, eharmony is looking at what singles want out of their dating lives — and what they value most in potential partners. The first-ever “Singles & Desirability” study commissioned by eharmony revealed that indeed, both men and women want a partner who is kind, funny and honest. Nearly half of all singles said that honesty is the most important attribute when considering someone to date. They ranked kindness (44%) and a sense of humor (34%) as the second and third most desirable traits, respectively.

HUNDREDS OF PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS PRESENT PROJECTS AT ANNUAL ACTION CIVICS SHOWCASE

As the school year comes to an end, Mikva Challenge recently partnered with the Chicago Public Schools’ Department of Social Science and Civic Engagement to host the 17th Annual Action Civics Showcase where three hundred teenagers from 60 public schools came together to present their ideas on how to solve problems in their neighborhoods.

Washington Park Serving Up Second Jerk Festival During Caribbean American Heritage Month in June

On June 23rd, 2019 from 10am until 10pm, Jabari C G Productions and Africa International House (Producers of African Festival of the Arts) will serve the 2nd Annual Chicago Jerk Festival promising to turn Washington Park to an exciting melting pot of exotic Jamaican and Caribbean foods and music.

Most Admired Woman and Forever First Lady Michelle Obama Confirmed to Headline the 25th Anniversary ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans

ESSENCE Communications recently announced that former First Lady Michelle Obama will headline its 25th Anniversary ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans, LA, taking place July 4-7, 2019. On the heels of the historic success of her book Becoming, the appearance will mark Mrs. Obama’s first engagement at the Festival and will include a sit-down interview on July 6 at the Louisiana Superdome. Mrs. Obama also appeared on the December 2018 cover of ESSENCE magazine and will contribute the monthly closing article – A Word – to the July/August issue.

CHICAGO STREET WEAR LEGEND STAYS TRUE TO HIS COMMUNITY WHILE BUILDING HIS BRAND

Founder and CEO of PHLI Brand clothing, Dave Jeff, was born and raised in Hyde Park where his deep love for fashion began at a young age. Jeff grew up under the watch of his mother who was his sole provider and according to him was “always on her fresh” which inspired him to try and keep up with changing fashion trends. “I got to see a lot of different things and fashionable stuff because of my mom and where I grew up so that has always been a Dave Jeff thing I guess, just being fresh or whatever,” said Jeff.

South Side Trolley Tour Explores Art Institutions In Historically Black Neighborhood

Every third Friday from June to Sept., locals and visitors will be invited to visit Bronzeville for a free trolley tour of the historic neighborhood. The tour will visit the South Side Community Art Center and several Bronzeville art galleries where participants will be able to view the exhibits, listen to music, eat, and have a drink. The first Bronzeville Art District Trolley Car Tour of the season will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 21.

Foster Grant® Sunglasses Turns 90!

FGX International, a leading eyewear designer and marketer, is celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Foster Grant® brand with the launch of a special anniversary collection of sunglasses with styles reflecting the nine decades of the brand’s existence and a nod to what comes next. The 90th Anniversary collection is sold exclusively on FosterGrant.com.