ComEd doubles jobs, boosts economy and improves customer satisfaction with Smart Grid

In 2011, ComEd proposed legislation that allowed the company to spend money to modernize its Smart Grid, which currently uses technology to help create more efficiency in the way ComEd operates and manages their distribution system.

ETSF Awards Scholarships to Young Black Males

Chicago native and former Quentis Bernard Garth (QBG) Foundation Scholarship recipient, Tenisha Taylor Bell is keeping her promise to send more black males to college and fewer to the coroner.

Local Designer Presents “Brave is Beautiful” fashion to support Domestic Violence Families

When the models of the “Br ave is Beautiful” fashion show walk the runway at Wine Women & Shoes on May 6 at Ravinia Festival, they will not only be wearing the unique silk, denim, and lace creations of Lake Forest fashion designer, Ave Sanjuan, they will be helping to raise funds to support domestic violence victims and their children.

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR AND AWARD-WINNING ACTOR HILL HARPER TO DELIVER KEYNOTE AT 49TH ANNUAL CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FAIR

Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, minority business enterprises, and Chicago-area resource organizations will converge for two days of events, networking and contract discussions on April 21-22, 2016 at the 49th Annual Chicago Business Opportunity Fair(CBOF49) presented by Allstate.

CHICAGO BRIDGE GETS A MAKEOVER

“The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced that $4.2 million dollars will be released for a City of Chicago project to repair two key [impaired] bridges that carry Lake Shore Drive over Lawrence Avenue and Wilson Avenue. The project’s total cost will estimate to $8.4 million combined, which will be split between state and federal funding,”according to an IDOT press release.

IT’S TIME TO GET EXCITED ABOUT ROBOTS!

The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), located on 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, is celebrating the exciting field of robotics during [the eighth annual] National Robotics Week Apr. 8-9 and 14-15, 2017. Guests can interact with a number of robots including PARO®, the furry baby seal therapy robot, and Sphero, the speedy robotic ball, which guests can control with an app. Robots designed by Chicago-area students and amateur teams will be on display and guests can watch a live robotics competition as well. Other activities will include make-your-own robot antenna, discover your robot name, and more, according to msichicago.org.

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PRESIDENT ENCOURAGES YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR IN THE AGE OF PRESIDENT TRUMP

Carlos Clanton, National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP) president provides words of encouragement for young professionals who may be living with intense uncertainty in the current political climate. In a recent blog post, he answered the question “what now?” Clanton draws upon the strength of leaders from previous eras and provides insights for action steps Millennials and Generation Z can take now to move forward.

PROPOSAL TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA SPARKS CONVERSATION ABOUT AFFECTS OF LEGALIZING THE DRUG

Marijuana advocates are trying to lay the groundwork for Illinois to become the first state in the Midwest and the ninth nationwide to legalize recreational pot, arguing the move will help solve the state’s notorious budget crisis, according to an Associated Press release.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters to keynote 2017 Phenomenal Woman Awards, kicko‘ to Black Women’s Expo

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), will keynote the Phenomenal Woman Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 6, paying tribute to ten outstanding Chicago area women whose excellence in a variety of fields commands recognition. The event is the kicko¨ to The Black Women’s Expo (BWE), one of Chicago’s most anticipated annual experiential events, and will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr., Crystal Ballroom beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Jermaine Dupri Presents SoSoSUMMER 17 Tour

Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, recording artist,and reality tv star Jermaine Dupri in association with Scream Nation and Live Nation, will see 20 cities in North America this summer with Jermaine Dupri Presents: SoSoSUMMER 17 Tour. The tour begins on May 25 in Louisville at the Louisville Palace, with stops in Detroit, Chicago, Baltimore, Memphis, and many more. Complete itinerary and more information on tickets can be found at www.livenation.com.

“Black Heritage Auction” to Feature Songs, Notes and Jewelry of Tupac Shakur

On April 7 th, rap legend Tupac Shakur will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Brooklyn, New York. On the same day and only a few blocks away, a large selection of Tupac’s lyrics, song lists, clothing, and jewelry will be offered in the first “Black History Auction” held specifically to honor the achievements and contributions of African-Americans.

Special Angel Pendant Just in Time for Easter

Anyone who loves high-quality Religious Jewelry will be happy to learn that Lifetime Jewelry has just announced a special deal on their 24K Gold Filled Guardian Angel with Halo Pendant and Chain. This small pendant has been designed to especially to appeal to women of all ages. With Easter not far away, this pendant and necklace is anticipated to be a popular gift item.

Maywood Creek Essentials Organic Facial Moisturizer by Castle Rock Gains Approval

There are organic beauty products out in the market but it is a dilemma for the customers to choose a product that is actually safe and 100% natural.

STATE HOMELESS PREVENTION FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR CHICAGO RESIDENTS

The State Homeless Prevention Fund, a fund of approximately $1 million, has been made available through June 30 to Chicago residents at risk of losing their homes.

A Successful African American Women’s “SisSTEMS” Symposium

They covered so many details and the presenters were totally professional. I felt so proud to be an African American Woman”, stated Latanya Sears, a STEM professional and educator.

FSCAC STANDS AGAINST GOV. BRUCE RAUNER

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner delivered his 2017 budget address to the Illinois General Assembly on Feb. 15, 2017 at the Capitol in Springfield, and stated that his 2017 budget proposal would potentially bring, “economic changes [and] it will also focus on the fabric of our society – investing in schools, public safety, criminal justice reform and human services,” according to an Illinois Government News Network press release.

Van Cleef Hair Studio, stylist for Michelle Obama relocates

Van Cleef Hair Studio (http://www.vancleefhair. com) a fixture on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and River North neighborhoods for more than 30 years, has relocated to University Village Maxwell Street (http:// www.uvmaxwellstreet.com) on the Chicago Weekend of the University of Illinois at Chicago campus.

LOCAL TEENS UPLIFTED BY ‘STAY IN SCHOOL’ PROGRAM

“There are wonderful people in all of our lives including these kids’ lives who help them succeed,” Stay in School’s mentor Linda Rhodes said. “But for a lot of folks, including some of these kids, there are also a lot of challenges that are out of their control, a lot of exposure in their neighborhoods, within their schools and in their families.”

Overcoming the Challenges of Autism

“Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. Autism’s most-obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months,” according to autismspeaks.org.

Hair Trends

The new trend in the hair market is “360 lace frontal,” or 360 Frontal – which go all the way around the circumference of the head. Some include elastic bands or standard Swiss lace for sewn in styling preferences.