BLACK GIRL MAGIC: “HIDDEN FIGURES” OUTSHINES “LA LA LAND” AT U.S. BOX OFFICE

Looks like the myth that Black films can’t make big money in Hollywood is about to become a thing of the past.

BALDWIN DOCUMENTARY “I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO” RECEIVES OSCAR NOD

On February 1, the first day of Black History Month, the National Museum of African American History and Culture premiered the Oscar-nominated documentary “I Am Not Your Negro,” which features commentary by James Baldwin. The film is a tribute to the staggering contribution of one of America’s greatest men of letters.

Celebrating Black History ‘Harambee’ style

Northwestern University’s Student Aairs Marketing Organization kicked off Black History Month by celebrating the African tradition called “Harambee”.

Students, community benefit from Fellows program at U of C

In 2013, the University of Chicago created the “Institute of Politics” (IOP) Fellows Program. Since it’s creation, political leaders from around the globe have come together to use political strategies to help serve Chicago in multiple ways.

kEYNOTE HELPS BLACK WOMEN BREAK THE GLASS CEILING

Northwestern University is honoring Black historic leaders during Black History Month with several events that will include award winning multicultural marketer Lizette Williams, who will discuss ‘Cracking the concrete ceiling: Bringing Black Girl Magic to Corporate America,” on Feb. 22, 2017 at the McCormick Foundation Center located on 1870 Campus Drive. “ Williams, a Northwestern University Kellogg alumna, will share real-life lessons of her two-decade-long climb up the corporate ladder as an Afro-Latina woman,” according to a press release.

CCC CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY

In celebration of Black History Month, the Chicago Children’s Choir (CCC) will perform February 22nd and 23rd at the Symphony Center, 220 S Michigan Ave., beginning at 10:45 p.m., according to Dave Adams, director of Marketing and Communications for the Chicago Children’s Choir.

THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO PAYS TRIBUTE TO GWENDOLYN BROOKS

Our Miss Brooks 100 is an ongoing centennial celebration of the life and legacy of Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks. If Ms. Brooks were alive today she would be celebrating her 100th birthday on June 7, 2017.

Website Helps Visitors Improve Black Economic Conditions

On Thanksgiving Day of 2015, Fred Bethel and Tavares Bethel (brothers) were discussing the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the many shootings of Black men across America as well as the deplorable conditions surrounding Black communities. With approximately 46 million Black Americans in the U.S. that generate roughly 1.2 trillion dollars in the purchase of goods and services yearly within this country, it’s alarming to know that a group of people can generate such wealth and, yet, only possess 13 cents of wealth to every dollar of wealth obtained by White Americans.

Oprah Winfrey Becomes a Special Contributor to 60 Minutes

Oprah Winfrey, the esteemed broadcaster, producer, actress and philanthropist, will become a special contributor to 60 MINUTES, the #1 news broadcast in television, it was announced recently by the news magazine’s executive producer, Je¯ Fager

ART EXAMINES THE STATE OF BLACKNESS

“My main desire is for people to be challenged by my two-dimensional paintings and for the gallery to be a space of healing, exchange, dialogue and an encouragement space where people can see not just a show with pieces on a wall,” she said. “But [my] ideas and concepts [which will] make them think about black history and black people.”

AS COMMUNITY BANKS DISAPPEAR, ISF BANK FILLS THE GAP

Illinois Service Federal Savings Bank (ISF Bank) will celebrate its 83rd anniversary with a customer appreciation event on May 18, 2017 and has plans to serve Chicago’s black community better now and into the future.

AMERICA CHOSE DONALD TRUMP, NOW IT WILL CHOKE ON HIM

Now that we have Donald Trump as our president, most Americans know that we have really screwed up. Since early November, we have heard numerous influential Americans “whistling past the graveyard” by making comments about how Trump might surprise us and turn out to be a good president.

Burlington Stores Team up with Kelly Rowland to Fight Heart Disease

For the sixth consecutive year, Burlington Stores, the national off price retailer, and WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, have teamed up to educate women nationwide about the importance of their heart health, as heart disease is the leading cause of death in women.

Marching Beyond the Mountain

Thornton Township presents Marching Beyond the Mountain: A Black History Month event featuring civil rights activists, comedian and writer Dick Gregory. The event, which is co-sponsored by the Human Relations Commission and the Youth and Adult Family Services Department, takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, February, 17 at the Kindig Performing Arts Center at South Suburban College.

4 Ways To Stretch Your Health Benefits

Avoid surprises. About 91 percent of adults in the United States are confused about what their benefits cover, according to a recent Harris poll. The best starting point is to review your plan so you understand the care and services covered

If You Have to Hold This Article at Arm’s Length, You Should Read This

As the author Oscar Wilde said, “With age comes wisdom.” For a lot of us, though, age also means we have difficulty seeing things up close, including this article.

FBI Chicago Division develops FBI student Explorers

The FBI Chicago Division created its Explorer Post program five years ago to help teach Chicago teens about the fundamentals and skills of FBI Agents and staff workers. The FBI Chicago Division’s Edwin C. Shanahan Explorer Post #1920 was established in 2012 in honor of Special Agent Edwin C. Shanahan. Special Agent Shanahan joined the FBI in Chicago in 1920 and was the first Chicago agent killed in the line of duty in 1925. The Explorer Post #1920’s mission is to instill basic tenets of civic responsibility, foster an interest in and respect for law enforcement, and develop responsible and intelligent youth in Chicago communities, according to the FBI.

Walgreens Expression Challenge honors area students

Walgreens honored seven Chicago area students for their talents in creative writing, visual arts, and multimedia. According to Vanessa Abron, Walgreens Expression Challenge spokesperson, this gave them the opportunity to off“er their opinions of what today’s teens face. The 2016 Walgreens Expressions Challenge was recently held at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

HIDDEN FIGURES HIGHLIGHTS STELLAR ACHIEVEMENTS OF BLACK WOMEN

Since Hidden Figures hit the box o ce last December, there is a buzz of excitement in the air from audiences everywhere who’ve flocked to theaters to see the true story of three highly intelligent black women who helped launched John Glen into orbit.

Business partnership gives access to culturally relevant books

African Ancestry, Inc. recently announced its partnership with MahoganyBooks, an awardwinning online bookstore that specializes in books written for, by, or about people of the African Diaspora. The partnership underscores the power of Black businesses with aligned missions uniting to deliver produc ts and services that educate, uplift and empower Black communities across the world.