ComEd Installs Off-Grid Renewable Lighting at Bronzeville Schools
Powering the lights are 30-foot-tall Remote Power Units (RPUs), miniature power plants that are not connected to the electric grid but draw energy from a wind turbine, solar panels and battery storage. Manufactured by ARIS Renewable Energy, the RPUs were officially activated recently in a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Beethoven Elementary School Principal Mellodie Brown. Speakers included Third Ward Alderman Pat Dowell and Illinois State Sen. Mattie Hunter.
What Does the Lightfoot Election Mean for Chicago’s Black Businesses?
When Lori Lightfoot is sworn in next month as Chicago’s first Black woman and openly gay person mayor, her administration’s first term will commence with the support of at least one national organization while under the watchful eye of another. The nonprofit, “In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda,” said it looks forward to Lightfoot’s leadership after her historic April 2 victory, but publishers from Chicago Area Black-owned newspapers said they’ll keep an open mind and a watchful eye
Active Transportation Alliance and Fifth Third Bank team up for 18th annual ride on Lake Shore Drive
For the 18th consecutive year, the heavily anticipated Fifth Third Bank Bike the Drive event will once again serve as the city’s unofficial kickoff to summer on Sunday, May 26, 2019. Held by the Active Transportation Alliance — a non-profit organization dedicated to improving conditions for bicycling, walking and transit — the event will offer nearly five hours of car-free riding along the city’s crown jewel roadway, Lake Shore Drive. After Fifth Third Bank’s recent merger with MB Financial Bank, Fifth Third took over title sponsorship of the Active Transportation Alliance event
SECOND ANNUAL FACE SUMMIT FOSTERS ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN SCHOOLS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITY
Thornton Township High Schools District 205 recently hosted their Second Annual Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Summit at Thornton Township High School in Harvey. The purpose of this event was to recognize students, parents, stakeholders, and township leaders in the school district for their support, and to empower them to stay involved in the school district.
Organizations around the country, representing thousands of small businesses, send open letter to state officials
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce joined state and regional business organizations across the country recently in sending an open letter to governors and state lawmakers urging them to carefully consider privacy laws that will protect consumer privacy and support businesses. The group specifically asked Illinois state officials to avoid modeling privacy laws after legislation that California passed last year.
CHICAGO FUND FOR SAFE AND PEACEFUL COMMUNITIES IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
For a fourth year, The Chicago Fund for Safe and Peaceful Communities is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for qualified community-based organizations who operate violence-prevention activities and violence intervention programs in 21 specific communities on the south and west sides of Chicago. Applications are being accepted now through April 10 and grants will be awarded on May 22.
Building Bridges Arts Now Offers Creative Workshops At Gary Comer Youth Center
Building Bridges Arts is a non-profit organization based in Chatham that focuses on allowing teenagers to explore their artistic and creative passions. Recently, Building Bridges Arts began hosting workshops at the Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S. Ingleside Ave. The workshops allow young people to explore podcast production and clothing design
SOUTH SUBURBAN REPRESENTATIVE SUPPORTS RAISING MINIMUM SALE AGE FOR TOBACCO PRODUCTS
The Illinois House of Representatives recently passed a bill that will raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21 in the State of Illinois. Debbie Meyers-Martin represents the 38th District of Illinois and was a chief co-sponsor for this piece of legislation because she believes that this will be beneficial for the health of her constituents and for the entire state.
CITY COLLEGES OF CHICAGO UNVEILS NEW TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION, AND LOGISTICS CENTER
A ribbon cutting ceremony was recently held at Olive-Harvey College, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave., to celebrate the completion of the school’s new Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics (TDL) Center. The facility will prepare students for the many TDL jobs and careers that are expected to come to Chicago and the surrounding area over the next 10 years.
Want To Be A P.O.P Star?
H & M, Hennes and Mauritz Inc., one of the world’s largest fashion retailers famous for offering fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way, recently announced the launch of its latest Place of Possible (P.O.P) campaign; H&M’s employer branding campaign aimed at attracting the best in retail talent.
Unemployment rate up in most metros
Unemployment rates increased over-the-year in February in ten of Illinois’s metropolitan areas, decreased in two, and was unchanged in two, according to preliminary data released recently by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Data also show nonfarm jobs increased in eight of the metropolitan areas.
U.S. Rep. Kelly Announces $14.3 million in Federal Health Funding for the Second District
Congresswoman Robin Kelly recently announced that Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness Center, based in Olympia Fields, was awarded two federal grants totaling $12.1 million and Harvey-based Family Christian Health Center was awarded $2.2 million in federal funding.
AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTIST CREATES EXHIBIT TO PROVIDE A SPACE FOR RELAXATION AND REFLECTION
The Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave., recently hosted an opening reception for the new Dark Matter: Celestial Objects as Messengers of Love in These Troubled Times exhibit that was created by Folayemi Wilson. The sights and sounds of the exhibit are meant to create a peaceful atmosphere for reflection, meditation, and healing.
$32 MILLION INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS WILL MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE WEST SIDE
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recently announced that they will be investing $32 million across the district to expand educational programs at 32 different schools. This investment will impact nearly 17,000 students and will be the largest academic program expansion that CPS has ever implemented.
Major Athletic Brand Partners With South Side Business To Talk About Probation Reform
Global sportswear company, Puma, recently released the Clyde Court #Reform sneakers which are more than just a basketball shoe, they are part of a movement. The new sneakers made their debut in Chicago at The Alpha Space, 2014 S. Michigan Ave., where Puma was able to collaborate with Dave Jeff, owner and founder of Chicago’s own PHLI brand, to host a Forum on Probation and Parole Reform.
Lori Lightfoot Wins 2019 Mayoral Election, Community Leaders React
For the first time in the city’s history, Chicago will be led by an African American woman. Lori Lightfoot was elected to be the next Mayor of Chicago in yesterday’s historical election that saw two female African American candidates go into the final runoff. Both candidates fought hard by participating in multiple mayoral forums, running advertisements, visiting neighborhoods, and executing massive fundraising efforts.
State Representative Hosts Community Healing Fair On The South Side
Illinois State Representative Sonya Harper (6th) recently hosted an inaugural Community Healing Fair in collaboration with several community partners throughout her district that includes parts of Englewood and West Englewood. The Community Healing Fair was held at The Port Ministries, 5017 S. Hermitage, and included several healing workshops and a youth panel discussion.
South Side Resident Creates Natural Cosmetic Line After Struggling With Sensitive Skin
For years, Tracy Allen, founder and chief executive officer of Freedom Naturally Beautiful Cosmetics, struggled with her sensitive skin and was unable to find a makeup line that didn’t cause breakouts and inflammation on her face.
SOUTH SIDE BALLET SCHOOL GIVES DANCERS OF COLOR A WELL ROUNDED EXPERIENCES
Back in 2012 when Kristi Andarcia founded the Kenwood School of Ballet, 1100 E. Hyde Park Blvd., she was in the middle of completing a masters degree in occupational therapy. Motivated by her love of teaching ballet and seeing a great need for affordable dance classes on the south side of Chicago, she decided to put her education on hold and open a dance studio.
