Essence and Toyota’s Future 15 Event

Essence celebrated a new class of innovators, creators and risk takers at its Future 15 event.

FROM ENTREPRENEURSHIP TO SUPPORT IN THE COMMUNITY, AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES ARE BEING LIFTED UP

“I believe a person’s strongest qualities emerge when they’re backs are pushed against the wall. Entrepreneurship teaches you to act with a bit of desperation in a sense, which I think is imperative in order for a person to reach their goals on time and on target. It’s also important for African Americans to lift each other up and support black businesses in their own communities whenever and however possible. Doing so will teach our children, who are the future, how to take full advantage of the American Dream,” ~ Kahil Moore

HONORING CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS

The Rainbow PUSH Coalition recently honored several Civil Rights Leaders including the Rev. Jesse Jackson Jr., the Rev. Al Sharpton and the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth during its 46th Annual Convention held on July 12-15. Numerous issues including voter suppression, poverty and violence as well as health care and business initiatives were also addressed at the convention.

Beware of Universal Life Insurance!

Universal life policies became popular in the over 44-age group because investment returns paid to the policy account, could be applied to help pay the premiums instead of accumulating cash value. The policyholder knowingly sacrificed the savings component of the policy to instead make the premium payments a¦ordable and level, and still have the policy face amount remain constant.

HOW WILL ILLINOIS’ $5 BILLION TAX HIKE AFFECT YOU?

A 2017 study conducted by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates showed that 60 percent of Illinoisans believe that state taxes are currently too high and 80 percent wanted Illinois state lawmakers to pass major structural reforms before passing any type of tax increase.

BUILDING LOCALLY: Community Resources help Businesses Grow

Sweet Beginnings plans to hire more than 300 North Lawndale residents over the next five years.

BANK OF AMERICA STUDENT LEADERS PROGRAM

“We do a variety of workshops that hone in on the student’s community mindfulness, civil mindfulness, volunteering e‡orts and expose them to several speakers in the business sector, non-profit sector and government sector,” Julie Chavez, the Chicago market manager at Bank of America.

ENTREPRENEURS GET OFF TO A GOOD START WITH BENEFITS CHICAGO

Will Towns, who is the Executive Director for Benefits Chicago, said all applicants mus t have at least three years of business experience and must be able to elaborate on what kind of an impact their businesses will have on the communities they serve.

90210: THE MUSICAL WILL PLAY CHICAGO’S BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE AT WATER TOWER PLACE

THE MUSICAL, BAYSIDE! THE MUSICAL and KATDASHIANS comes the “unauthorized parody” of the 90’s TV cult-classic, “Beverly Hills, 90210,” playing September 13 - 17, 2017.

MUSIC FAMILY HONORS JAZZ LEGEND PHIL COHRAN

Jazz Legend Phil Cohran died at the age of 90 years old on June 28, 2017, but the musical impact that he began in the neighborhood of Bronzeville and left to the world will always be remembered by his family, friends and band-members.

ILLINOIS HAS A NEW BUDGET, BUT SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS STILL LACK STATE FUNDING

The crisis took a toll on social service organizations like LSSI where today it still lacks state funding

RISE UP

Through ‘Rise Up’, four young teens from the South Side of Chicago had the opportunity to create a film and share their personal stories on how they have witnessed loved ones become victims of violence in Chicago.

60 Percent of Employers Plan to Hire Full-time, Permanent Employees in the Second Half of 2017

The odds of landing one – and getting paid more - are in your favor, according to CareerBuilder’s 2017 Midyear Job Forecast.

DEATH AFTER SWIMMING IS EXTREMELY RARE – AND IS NOT “DRY DROWNING”

“Parents are being unduly alarmed by media reports suggesting that children can die from drowning a week after swimming,” said Rebecca Parker, MD, FACEP, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

ONEUNITED BANK’S CONTROVERSIAL MURAL FORESHADOWS THE #BANKBLACK MOVEMENT- ANNIVERSARY

The emotionally charged work of art by internationally acclaimed, Miami based muralist Addonis Parker, directly confronts issues and events facing the Black community: racism, bigotry, violence, protest, the massacre in South Carolina, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and first responders. OneUnited Bank has offices in California, Florida, and Massachusetts.

ROLAND MARTIN LAUNCHES FUNDING INITIATIVE FOR HBCUS

The movement began with a lapel pin. After a series of speeches at academic institutions, Martin accumulated a collection of pins representing each school. Inspired, he began to promote the cause, #HBCUGivingDay, by wearing a different pin on his show daily.

THROW THE DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY WIDE OPEN FOR OUR YOUTH

We must resist. We must reverse their damage and prevent them from doing it again. Let’s push forward and throw wide the doors of opportunity for all.

Barbie® Brand Reveals Most Diverse Ken® Lineup To Date

In 2016, Barbie introduced three new Barbie body types – tall, curvy and petite – along with new skin tones, eye colors, hairstyles and countless on-trend fashions and accessories. The Barbie brand has always reflected the times, so modernizing Ken is the next step in the brand’s evolution to offer more diverse products.

Duckworth, Durbin Announce Over $40 Million for Community Health Centers

“Community health clinics help children, families and seniors across Illinois access essential healthcare services,” said Duckworth. “This funding will enable these clinics to continue providing quality, affordable care to thousands of Illinois families, which is crucial to the overall strength of our state.”

Thornton Township To Host Free Workshop

"It's important for our residents to be knowledgeable about their property tax assessments and know how to appeal if necessary," said Frank M. Zuccarelli, Thornton Township supervisor.