EMERGENCY COMMUNITY MEETING HELD TO SEEK SOLUTIONS TO GUN VIOLENCE

Alderman Michelle Harris (8th Ward) recently participated in an emergency community meeting at Bethlehem Star Missionary Baptist Church where six people were shot leaving a funeral on Oct. 22.

Money expert Clark Howard releases annual rating of 529 plans by state

According to money expert Clark Howard, a 529 plan is the best way to save for college. However, plans vary so wildly by state that it is crucial to carefully select the right plan for you and your family. For this reason, Clark reviewed every commission-free plan in each state and selected the top options for consumers.

The New Shine 'n Jam® Black Castor and Flaxseed Oil Styler is Now Available in Variety Wholesale and Dollar General Stores Nationwide

Ampro Industries recently announced that their DIY-inspired Shine 'n Jam® Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Styler is now available at Variety Wholesale and select Dollar General stores nationwide. The roll out of the product has resulted in huge consumer demand that is greatly benefiting its retail partners. This release also marks another huge success for the Shine 'n Jam® brand that boasts such winning products as the Shine 'n Jam Extra Hold Conditioning Gel, Shine 'n Jam Regular Hold Conditioning Gel, Shine 'n Jam Silk Edges, and Shine 'n Jam Shea Edges – which are all fan favorites of professional braiders

South suburban Matteson changing for the better

Up until two years ago, Sheila Chalmers- Currin was a longtime resident of south suburban Matteson, but today she is the village’s mayor and its biggest advocate for change.

Suburban Cook County residents take advantage of early voting

Early Voting for the November 6 Gubernatorial Election got off to what Cook County Clerk David Orr called, “a great start” in suburban Cook County Monday, October 22 with more than twice as many voters casting their ballots as did on the first day of Early Voting for the 2014 Gubernatorial Election.

Jane Elliot Visits South Suburbs To Discuss Race and American Bias

The Youth & Family Services Department of Thornton Township recently hosted Jane Elliot, at the South Suburban College Performing Arts Center in South Holland, to speak about conscious and unconscious bias and to give a message on equality and ways to overcome racism.

The Magic of the Wizard of Oz Opens at the Paramount Theatre

Acclaimed Chicago director Amber Mak dazzled audiences with Paramount’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. She made kids of all ages believe in Santa again with Elf The Musical. Now she’s taking audiences over the rainbow and into another fantastical world with The Wizard of Oz, Nov. 14, 2018-Jan. 6, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in Aurora.

Treasurer Frerichs Testifies Before Senate Special Committee on State and Pension Fund Investments

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recently testified before the Senate Special Committee on State and Pension Fund Investments about the improvements made in the treasurer’s office to help increase growth and opportunity for Illinois firms owned by Minorities, Women, Veterans and Persons with a Disability (MWVD).

FIRST BLACK WOMAN NAMED PRESIDENT CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD INITIATIVES MICRO FINANCE GROUP

Erica King, formerly Vice President of Lending at Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives Micro Finance Group (CNIMFG), was recently promoted to President. In her new role, King is now one of the few minority women in the country leading a financial services organization. King plans to continue moving forward with the momentum she built as vice president and continue to grow and expand CNIMFG lending portfolio.

CAREER AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FAIR HOSTED TO PREPARE CHICAGOANS FOR OBAMA CENTER JOBS

Lakeside Alliance, the construction manager of the future Obama Presidential Center, recently hosted a Career Training and Opportunities Fair at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., to connect Chicagoans with construction jobs and training resources.

Annual #GoalGetHer Conference Hosts Diverse Entrepreneurs From Across The City

Afenya Montgomery, the founder of the iCAN Collective, will hosts the 2018 #GoalGetHer Conference on Nov. 16 to 17 at The Connection, 4321 S. Cottage Grove, in Bronzeville. The annual conference celebrates diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship and features inspirational speakers, panel discussions, and interactive workshops.

New Public Art Work Dedicated At 39th Street Lakefront

A dedication ceremony was recently held for a new sculpture, Letter to Bessie Coleman, that was installed at 39th Street and Lake Shore Drive on the lakefront. The public artwork is a result of Chicago’s 50x50 Neighborhood Arts Project and was created by Bernard Williams, a local southside artist, in partnership with 4th Ward Alderman, Sophia King.

South Side Filmmaker Premiers New Movie Titled Law of Moises

Two recent events were held in Chicago to celebrate the premiere of Law of Moises, a new film that was written, produced and directed by Crystal Barnes. Barnes, who lives in Greater Grand Crossing and grew up on the south side of Chicago, is a 20- year veteran in the film industry.

International Bestselling Author Shares How to Love Yourself More After You've Hit Rock Bottom, Been Trampled and Gone Through the Wringer

Life is full of experiences that shape us as individuals and change who we are. Rather than breaking us, traumatic experiences can make us stronger and more beautiful than ever. That is the premise of Rani St. Pucchi's just-released book, Gold in the Cracks: Move From Shattered to Whole and Reveal Your Light.

Dance Concert, entitled 'Hatch,' to take place this fall

The West Indian Dance Theater Company will celebrate its 40th year Anniversary since arriving in Chicago. The celebration will consist of a weekend of performances including a special benefit night. This takes place October 19 at 7:00 pm, Oct. 20 at 7:00 pm and Oct. 21 at 4 pm at the DuSable Museum of African American History at 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, IL.. The exclusive ruby red benefit night will take place on Saturday evening following the concert.

100 Black Men of Chicago Host 16th Annual Scholarship Fair

100 Black Men of Chicago recently hosted their 16th Annual Scholarship Fair at the University of Illinois at Chicago Pavilion. Representatives from over 100 colleges and universities were onsite to provide information about scholarship opportunities. There were also workshops held through out the day for potential students and their parents to learn more about paying for college.

Fossil Group and CITIZEN Partner to Grow the Global Hybrid Smartwatch Market

Fossil Group (NASDAQ: FOSL) and CITIZEN Watch Company, Ltd. recently announced that the companies have entered into a global strategic technology licensing partnership designed to expand the worldwide reach and scale of hybrid smartwatches. The partnership leverages CITIZEN's globally-respected watch movement expertise while providing CITIZEN access to Fossil Group's hybrid smartwatch technology.

Illinois Representative-Elect Hosts Listening Tour In South Suburbs

The Democratic Nominee for State Representative of the 38th House District of Illinois, Debbie Meyers-Martin, recently hosted a listening tour gathering at the Richton Park Library to connect with constituents and hear their concerns and desires for their communities.

Mayoral Veto Overridden in South Suburbs, 10 Village Employees Laid Off

The Village of Dolton Board of Trustees recently voted to override a Mayoral veto of the previously approved Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the fiscal year 2018-19. The 4-2 vote in favor of overriding the veto subsequently caused the immediate lay off of 10 Village employees, but the Mayor, Riley Rogers, thinks those jobs are essential.

Local Teen Gun Control Advocate Raises Money for The Hate U Give Movie Screening with Talk Back on in Illinois and Detroit

Free event gives back to community by providing access to screening and books, while raising gun violence awareness and activism and the impact on African American teens