Michelle Obama Launches Becoming Book Tour In Chicago With Special Guest, Oprah Winfrey
Former First Lady, Michelle Obama, recently visited Chicago to host the first stop on her book tour for the newly released memoir Becoming by Micelle Obama. She was joined by Oprah Winfrey who interviewed Obama about the book and her life.
Ford Honors Over A Dozen Unsung Heroes For Their Work In Chicago’s African American Communities
Ford Motor Company recently hosted the Freedom Unsung Awards at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., to honor Chicago activist that have made significant contributions to the African American communities across the city. “Ford has always honored people for their legacy and we have honored a lot of very famous people. We had an exhibit on the women of the Civil Rights Movement that toured the country for four years and we realized as we did that and as we do other programs that there are so many heroes in the community that never ask for anything and are just doing what they are doing,” said Pamela Alexander, director of community development for the Ford Motor Company Fund.
University Of Chicago’s Civic Leadership Academy Unveils Three-Year Evaluation
After three years of operation, The Civic Leadership Academy at the University of Chicago has released a formal evaluation of their first three cohorts. The results of the evaluation show that the interdisciplinary programming the University is providing has benefited the individuals and organizations that have participated and Chicago’s civic network as a whole.
Fashion Designer Mieka Joi Celebrates Rich Girl Candy Clothing Five Year Anniversary Fusing EDM and Hip Hop Culture
When clothing designer Mieka Joi introduced her Rich Girl Candy concept in 2013, fashionistas knew she was unveiling an imaginative new concept Fusing the psychedelic exuberance of the electronic dance music (EDM) lifestyle with the street savvy of hip hop culture, Mieka's Rich Girl Candy exploded on the fashion scene with an abundance of colorful creativity. She captured the hearts of women who wanted to feel as electric as the music that sound tracked their lives.
Muntu Dance Theatre’s “New Dimensions” Fall Concert To Feature World Premiere Work by Iddrisu Alhassan Abdulai
The dynamic and always colorful Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago will present its fall concert series “New Dimensions,” an amazing show of skill, expertise, culture, versatility and power featuring the world premiere work by Iddrisu Alhassan Abdulai entitled "AGBEKOR" – a story of the Ewe people of Ghana. Abdulai has been sharing West African culture around the world and is originally from Ghana, having spent eight years with the Ghana Dance Ensemble. He also served as artistic director of Afrique Dance Ensemble and the residents dance ensemble of the W.E.B. DuBois Memorial Center in Ghana. Currently, he resides in Bloomingdale, IL, and has been with Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago for nearly three years.
Region’s Largest Multi-Sport and Education Center Opens On Far South Side of Chicago
A grand opening ceremony was recently held for the new Pullman Community Center located on 10355 S. Woodlawn Ave. The 135,000 square-foot complex features three indoor turf playing fields for baseball, soccer, football and lacrosse, three hardwood courts for volleyball and basketball, batting cages, and classrooms where free tutoring will be offered for student-athletes.
Local College Hosts Month-Long Veterans Celebration
Throughout the month of November, the Student Veterans Center at Prairie State College will be celebrating veterans with various activities that will honor all of those who have served in the military. Most events will be held on the college’s main campus, 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights, and all events are open to the public.
Nationally Syndicated AfroZons Show Is Looking For A Lucky Winner To Take To Lagos, Nigeria For RBRM (Bobby Brown and Bel Biv De Voe) Concert
The first syndicated Afrobeats radio show in the United States is giving a lucky listener (and guest) a round trip; 5 Days and 3 Nights stay in Lagos, Nigeria to attend the Flytime Rhythm Unplugged Festival V.V.I.P Concert with RBRM (Bobby Brown and Bel Biv De Voe) with city tour December 19th – December 23rd.
Young Chicagoan Represents The United States At Human Rights Defenders World Summit
A young activist, Eva Lewis, who grew up on the south side of Chicago recently traveled to Paris to participate in the Human Rights Defenders World Summit 2018. Lewis spoke on the Americas panel, alongside activists from Latin America, and discussed youth-led movements in the United States as well as the state of black and brown people in the country.
Millennials discuss voting with mayoral candidate Dorothy Brown
There are more than 15 mayoral candidates running in next year’s election, including Dorothy Brown, who currently serves as clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Recently, she met with millennials who told her what they are looking for in the next mayor. They also shared stories as to why some millennials don’t vote.
SOUTH SUBURBAN COLLEGE STUDENTS ATTEND ANNUAL DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS CONFERENCE
Ten South Suburban College students were recently invited to attend the Second Annual Dirty Little Secrets Conference at the Swissotel in Downtown Chicago. The event was created by Louis Carr, president of media sales for BET Network, as a way to provide men with the tools and strategies they may need to succeed in work and life.
Chicago Students Awarded Thousands In College Scholarships, On The Spot
Six students were surprised on the spot with a $2,500 scholarship each. Serena Echols and Benjamin Todd of Morgan Park Academy; Reginelle Sanders of Collins Academy; Amber Anderson of Kenwood Academy; Sheniya Jenkins of Roberto Clemente Community Academy and Lawrence Pope of Hyde Park Academy. “Earning this scholarship starts my financial future on the right path,” says Lawrence Pope who ranks number seven in his senior class. “I come from a low-income family. My mother works at Cook County jail and barely earns a living wage. I try my hardest in school to help my mom. I want her to worry less,” adds the 17-year-old.
Chicago Activist Aims To Replace Guns With Hammers To Reduce Gun Violence
A local activist, Demetrius Nash, recently founded the nonprofit organization Replace Guns With Hammers as a way to reduce violence in Chicago’s most underserved communities. The goal of the organization is to give young men an opportunity to work on a building renovation as an alternative to committing violence.
33 Agencies to Receive Sub-Grants to Help Families Rent or Buy Affordable Homes
HUD has awarded $1,259,176 to Housing Action Illinois to distribute funds to local nonprofits whose housing counseling programs help families rent or buy safe, affordable homes and prevent foreclosures. This year’s network of 33 housing counseling agencies, listed below, serve low- and moderate-income communities in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Missouri.
Padilla discusses his immigrant experience during Thornton Township’s Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
Thornton Township celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with music, dance, and authentic food. This year’s event was held at Thornton Township Senior/Youth & Family Services Center located at 14323 S. Halsted, Riverdale, Illinois.
CHICAGO CHILDREN’S THEATRE RELEASES MUSIC VIDEO TO SPOTLIGHT HUNGER IN CHICAGO
The Chicago Children’s Theatre and the Greater Chicago Food Depository recently collaborated to create a Hunger Awareness music video. The music video doubles as a public service announcement and shows Chicago kids sorting food, having fun, dancing, and singing at the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s main donation and sorting facility on Chicago’s Southwest side.
North Side Non-Profit Expands To New South Side Location
The Albany Park Community Center (APCC) recently announced that it will soon open the new APCC-South service center at 4455 S. King Dr. in the Bronzeville neighborhood. The new location will provide several different services to the community, including counseling services, community access to a newly designed computer lab, and job training programs.
Wilsyn Receives Black Excellence Award From AAAA
Bobbi Wilsyn, long-time Columbia College Chicago faculty member and coordinator of the Vocal Studies program, received a 2018 Black Excellence Award from the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago (AAAA) for Outstanding Achievement in Jazz Music. Wilsyn was honored at the AAAA’s annual awards event held at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center on Oct. 29.
South Side Pharmacist Answers Common Questions About The Flu Shot
David Martinez, the pharmacy manager at the Walgreens located on 1554 E. 55th St. in Hyde Park, is deeply committed to his job and to serving the community. Martinez said that he is happy to be able to answer questions and provide the flu shot for residents at the south side pharmacy which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
