Juneteenth Festival in Morgan Park set for June 15

The nonprofit Far South Community Development Corporation (Far South CDC) — an organization that provides strategic community-building services to residents and businesses across Chicago’s Far South Side neighborhoods and south suburban Cook County — is excited to announce its 2024 Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 15 from 12-4 p.m. on the northwest corner of Halsted Street and 115th Street in Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood.

Chicago Public Schools Celebrates Class of 2024 Historic Savings of More Than $8 Million in College Tuition

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Pedro Martinez, City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) Chancellor Juan Salgado, DeVry University President and CEO Elise Awwad, school administrators and families came together to recognize more than 800 Class of 2024 scholars from 79 CPS high schools who are graduating with a high school diploma, plus 15 or more transferable college credits. Among the Class of 2024 seniors are 144 graduates who earned their associate degree, more than any previous class in CPS history.

South Suburban Custodian Wins National Award

Sergio Nuno, a custodian for Matteson School District 162, has been named a winner of a national award recognizing his impact on students and his community.

Biden-Harris Administration Allows Borrowers More Time to Consolidate Loans to Get Credit for Progress Toward Loan Forgiveness Programs

The Biden-Harris Administration today announced an update on the timing of the payment count adjustment. This administrative fix ensures borrowers get proper credit for progress borrowers made toward income-driven repayment (IDR) forgiveness and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). The payment count adjustment is now anticipated to be fully implemented in September 2024. At that time, borrowers with Direct Loans or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans held by the U.S. Department of Education (Department) will see a full and accurate count of their progress toward loan forgiveness. Because of this updated timeline, borrowers with non-federally held FFEL loans who apply to consolidate by June 30 can still benefit from the payment count adjustment. The prior consolidation deadline was April 30.

CITY CRUISES CHICAGO ANNOUNCES SERIES OF SUMMERTIME CRUISES

Time to set sail this Summer! City Cruises Chicago, the operator of Chicago’s largest and leading water-based experiences -- with a fleet that includes Chicago’s most iconic names including Odyssey Lake Michigan, Odyssey Chicago River, Spirit of Chicago, Spirit of Navy Pier, Chicago Elite, and the Seadog -- announced its exciting lineup of summer offerings. From the ever popular Brunch Cruises and Fireworks Dinner Cruises, to the exciting After Dark Dance Cruises, Holiday Cruises, and Sunset Cocktail Cruises, City Cruises Chicago presents some of the most unique and memorable ways to enjoy summer in the Chi. Friends, families and couples alike will enjoy Chicago’s spectacular panoramic views as they are treated to lavish and delectable chef-prepared menus complemented with Chicago-inspired libations and mocktails. Cruises take place on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, allowing guests to enjoy the city from entirely different vantage points.

Salaam Community Wellness Center to Kick Off Monthly “Peace of Mind” Health and Wellness Pop Up Events

After four years, most of us have tried our best to get back to normal because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, its residue continues to linger for millions of Americans. According to a Household Pulse Survey posted by the Centers for Disease Control, more than 40% of adults in the United States reported having COVID-19 in the past, and nearly one in five of those (19%) currently are still having symptoms of “long COVID.”

Alzheimer’s Association Encourages Americans to Take Charge of Their Brain Health

This June during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging all Americans to take charge of their brain health.

Actress In “Six” Loves Show’s Pop Vibe

Kelly Denice Taylor got into theater by performing in a marching band and color guard at a young age, then going on to performing in musicals in middle school and high school. Taylor is portraying Jane Seymour in the musical “Six,” at James M. Nederlander Theatre through July 14th.

Aetna Better Health Of Illinois Wants To Engage And Educate The Community About Health Issues

When it comes to preventing disease, promoting health, and delivering healthcare to racial and ethnic minorities, Shaan Trotter believes race has no metabolism and there is nothing about a person’s race that makes them automatically susceptible to diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

United States Master Chess League Celebrates African American Chess Players

Inez Kelley founded the United States Master Chess League (USMCL) in honor of her brother, who passed away in 2019, he was a chess advocate. This is the first year USMCL has been a full-fledge league. It evolved from the Battle of the Masters, a competition between the top master level chess players in New York City in 2023.

Local College Student Throws Out First Pitch At White Sox Game

Simeon High School graduate Malik Elzy threw out a ceremonial first pitch at the Chicago White Sox Wednesday, May 22nd, game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Soprano Karen Slack Named Lyric Opera Artist-In-Residence

Karen Slack discovered Opera while attending the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. Her high school choir teacher played opera every morning and she fell in love with it. She heard singers like Jessye Norman and Maria Callas and recognized a similarity with her sound.

COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER MONICA GORDON TO BE JOINED BY PACE OFFICIALS, HEALTH OFFICIALS, SOUTHLAND ELECTED OFFICIALS, AND IN INTRODUCING NEW METHOD TO COMBAT THE ALARMING OPIOID CRISIS IN SOUTHERN COO

Monica Gordon-Cook County Commissioner of the 5th District and Ronald J. Vlasaty Jr-COO of Family Guidance. Centers, Inc (FGC)- will be joined by Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer, PACE Bus Officials, various Southland Elected Officials, Civic Leaders, and community leaders in officially presenting to Cook County an all-new grant funded concept created to assist in reversing the alarming opioid crisis that has negatively impacted the Chicagoland Metropolitan area.

PEPSI® Dig In Taps Slutty Vegan's Pinky Cole Hayes as Ambassador To Uncover the Nation's Best Black-Owned Restaurants and Reward Diners for Nominating Their Favorite

The platform supporting Black-owned restaurants brings back its Restaurant Royalty program to reward restaurants and diners alike when fans nominate their favorite business, with this years' prizing including foodie experiences across the country and bringing a nominated restaurant to MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas

JUNETEENTH TO BE OBSERVED WITH PRAYERS ON JUNE 22

With the focus on the Great Commission, unity, and progress, African, African-American, and Caribbean Christians will assemble in Chicago for the first in-person Black World Prayer Day on Saturday, June 22nd, from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. The event will be held at the New Hope C.M. Baptist Church, 1033 E. 95th Street, with a Facebook screening. Organized as part of Juneteenth celebrations, the event theme is, "Lord, Hear Our Cry."

CHICAT is enrolling now for its No-Cost Career Training Programs in Food Manufacturing, Advanced Maintenance, and Medical Billing

The Chicago Center for Arts and Technology (CHICAT) (located 1701 W. 13th Street; Chicago, Illinois) is currently enrolling for 3 no-cost classes for individuals interested in pursuing careers in Food Manufacturing Quality Technician, Advanced Maintenance Mechanics, and Health Information Technology (HIT) Medical Billing and Coding. These programs will start on June 10th and run Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM for nine months.

Advocate Health Care hospitals named among best for maternity care

Six Advocate Health Care hospitals, including Advocate Christ Medical Center, have been nationally recognized as leaders in advancing maternity and postpartum care by Newsweek and Statista Inc., a statistics portal and industry ranking provider. This distinction reflects the safe, high-quality care parents and their newborns can expect from our compassionate physicians, nurses, and teammates.

VONtv Premieres CBS 2 Chicago Dorothy Tucker’s Special Report INVESTIGATING INJUSTICE

VONtv, WVON’s OTT Digital Streaming network will premier award-winning journalist Dorothy Tucker of CBS 2 Chicago’s special investigative report on the enormous impact of crime on Black Women in Chicago. The two-part program, Investigating Injustice, will air Thursday May 30th at 7pm central on VONtv.

Obama Foundation Continues To Engage The Community As the Obama Presidential Center Construction Presses On

The Obama Presidential Center is set to open in 2025-2026. Phase one of the opening will take place in Fall 2025, with Home Court, the Programs and Athletic Center. Phase two will be the big grand opening of the full campus in Spring 2026.

Missing and Murdered Black Women And Girls Are Subject Of Hearing

Local elected officials, community activists and community stakeholders are calling on more resources when it comes to looking for missing and murdered Black women and girls.