Community Investment Corporation Announces $15 Million Gift from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott
Community Investment Corporation (CIC), a Chicago non-profit lender that finances the acquisition, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable rental housing, today announced a $15 million unrestricted gift from renowned philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This transformational gift marks the largest individual gift ever received in CIC’s 50-year history, helping advance its mission to support community development efforts in underinvested neighborhoods across Chicagoland, with a focus on affordable housing and economic equity.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON AND THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING TO INVEST $20 MILLION IN VACANT AND ABANDONED BUILDINGS IN THE CITY VIA REBUILD 2.0 PROGRAM
Under Mayor Brandon Johnson’s leadership, the Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) has launched Rebuild 2.0, a program aimed at rehabilitating vacant buildings in disinvested communities, to be run by the department’s Bureau of Neighborhood Preservation.
#GIVING TUESDAY KICKS OFF UNCF CHICAGO GIVING SEASON
(Nov. 26, 2024)—Kicking off the season of giving, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) Chicago’s 2024 #GivingTuesday campaign is encouraging giving to correct the challenges facing minority higher education.
South Suburban College Named a 2024 Bellwether Finalist
South Suburban College (SSC) is excited to announce it has been selected as a top ten finalist for the 2024 Bellwether Award in the Planning, Governance, and Finance category. The nationally recognized Bellwether Award celebrates innovation and excellence in addressing critical challenges in higher education. Continuous Improvement in Teaching and Learning is being highlighted by finalists from 30 different states.
Gov. Pritzker Joins DPI to Launch Cannabis Research Institute (CRI)
Governor JB Pritzker joined University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen, government officials, and cannabis researchers with Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) to launch the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI). The launch event introduced CRI and its director, Reginald “Reggie” Guadino, to key stakeholders through an interactive panel moderated by Mike Marshall. Marshall, a journalist for Chicago News Weekly’s “Cannabis Corner,” contributed to the development of language for Illinois HB1438, which legalized cannabis use, possession, and purchase.
CTA Red Line Extension Project to Provide Financial Assistance to Far South Side Residents Seeking Training and Careers
The Barrier Reduction Fund will help residents of the Red Line Extension (RLE) Project area who face financial barriers to purchase work clothing, tools, basic skills training and more
Africa International House Celebrates 2024 Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Marketplace and Kwanzaa Principle, “Imani,” (Faith)
Africa International House, USA, Inc. (AIH) is excited to announce its free Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration, taking place from December 6th to 8th. This vibrant weekend will honor the Kwanzaa principle of “Imani” (Faith), while supporting local vendors and raising funds for AIH’s Senior Community Arts Program.
20 Year Public Servant Appointed to the Board of the Public Building Commission
The Public Building Commission of Chicago (PBC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michilla Blaise, a distinguished public servant with more than 20 years of experience, to its esteemed board. This appointment underscores the PBC’s commitment to fostering strong leadership and expertise in public service as it continues its mission to deliver high-quality, community focused infrastructure.
Robinhood Launches First HBCU Partnership with Howard University
Robinhood, the popular financial app, has partnered with Howard University as its first historically Black college and university (HBCU) participant for its Money Drills program, extending comprehensive financial education to student-athletes. The partnership, announced earlier this month at Howard's campus, underscores the critical need to advance financial inclusion and build generational wealth within historically underserved communities.
Black Church PAC, Live Free USA Secure Gold Awards in Human & Civil Rights Category for the 4th Annual Anthem Awards
Pastor Mike McBride, a celebrated community champion and changemaker, is celebrating not one, but two gold wins awarded by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences for the 4th Annual Anthem Awards! As the executive director of Live Free USA, which won in the category of Human & Civil Rights: Awareness for their compelling "A Case Study In Hope" impact report, and as the co-founder of the Black Church PAC, which also won in the category of Human & Civil Rights: Community Outreach & Engagement for their "Organize the Church" mobilization campaign, Pastor Mike, and those who work alongside him, are proud of these acknowledgements highlighting their tireless efforts establish safe, equitable and empowered communities.
After 11-month review, independent judge tells ICC Commissioners
A filing made today in the Illinois Commerce Commission’s (ICC) review of Peoples Gas work to replace rapidly corroding energy pipes beneath Chicago’s streets says the critical safety program needs to continue. The filing is called a “Proposed Order.” It was filed by an independent judge, who also says the plan for construction that Peoples Gas put forth is the best and most cost-effective option for ensuring safety.
Savoy's Prestigious 2024 Most Influential Corporate Directors List Reveals Corporate America's Top Board Leadership
Savoy magazine announced the release of its 2024 Most Influential Corporate Directors listing in its winter issue. The leading business and lifestyle publication features Ursula Burns, former CEO of Xerox, on its cover, highlighting her groundbreaking career and enduring influence in corporate leadership.
Foot Locker Unveils Star-Studded Holiday Campaign Featuring Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and Coi Leray
unveiled its 2024 multi-brand holiday campaign, Step Into Your Gift, just in time for the season of gifting. Featuring a star-studded lineup, the campaign highlights NBA athletes Anthony Edwards (adidas) and LaMelo Ball (PUMA), Grammy-nominated artist Coi Leray (adidas), and leading style influencers alongside Foot Locker's iconic Stripers. Each ad celebrates the distinct style of these talents, elevating holiday fashion and underscoring Foot Locker's role as the Heart of Sneakers.
Residents’ Feedback Requested On 95th Street Corridor Draft Plan
As plans for the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line Extension get underway, the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, the Chicago Transit Authority, and the 95th Street Community Advisory Group are seeking the public’s input on its 95th Street Corridor Plan.
Black Woman-Owned Tequila Brand Seeks to Gather, Grow and Give
Ingrid LaVon first came up with the concept for Geneba Tequila in 2012. She had started her health and fitness journey after having her son and wanted a drink option that was healthy, natural and had less sugar.
Power Up Academy Receives City Colleges Of Chicago Accreditation
A ComEd program that trains participants for careers also is now enabling those students to earn up to 13 college credit hours as part of the training program. Power Up Academy, a 14-week ComEd career training program, has received accreditation from the City Colleges of Chicago.
BRONZEVILLE TRAIL TASK FORCE RECEIVES $900,000 GRANT FROM THE MELLON FOUNDATION
Mr. Walter Freeman, Chairman of the Bronzeville Trail Task Force (BTTF) announced it is the recipient of a $900,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation for its Bronzeville Trail Landscape Initiative. Coming from the foundation’s “Humanities in Place” grant making area, the work of the initiative will evolve institutional and urban landscape research and design methodologies.
National Tax Security Awareness Week, Day 2: IRS, Security Summit partners urge people to watch out for bad tax advice on social media
The Internal Revenue Service and the Security Summit partners issued a consumer alert today about the growing threat of bad tax advice on social media that continues to dupe people into filing inaccurate tax returns.
COOK COUNTY CLERK-ELECT MONICA GORDON TO BE SWORN INTO OFFICE
Monica Gordon- Current Cook County Commissioner and the Cook County Clerk-Elect- will be sworn into office during a ceremony in the Cook County Board Room. Clerk-Elect will be surrounded by numerous City of Chicago, State of Illinois, and Cook County Elected Officials, family, friends, supporters, and residents.
