MULTIPLE GRAMMY-AWARD WINNING GOSPEL RECORDING ARTIST AND RENOWNED PASTOR HEZEKIAH WALKER SET TO BREAK GROUND ON EAST BROOKLYN AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Hezekiah Walker has long been a beacon of light and hope in the bustling streets of East New York, Brooklyn. Born and raised in Fort Greene Housing Projects, Brooklyn is where Hezekiah Walker developed a love for Gospel music and a heart for people. The renowned Gospel artist, multi-Grammy award winner, and Pastor of the Love Fellowship Tabernacle (LFT) has always believed in the transformative power of music and faith, and he has always had a desire to make a difference in his community – a difference that extended beyond the four walls of the church.

MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON APPOINTS CLINÉE HEDSPETH AS COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the appointment of Clinée Hedspeth as Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). With a background in arts administration, public policy and community engagement, Hedspeth brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to supporting and expanding arts and culture in Chicago.

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL SUPPORTS EFFORTS TO VACATE RULE ALLOWING HEALTH CARE DISCRIMINATION

Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of today a coalition of 19 attorneys general, today filed an amicus brief with the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts supporting a motion to vacate a 2020 federal rule that strips nondiscrimination protections from the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

April is Donate Life Month: New Heart Means New Life for an Indiana Teen

April is celebrated nationwide as Donate Life Month, which was instituted by Donate Life America and its partnering organizations in 2003. It features an entire month of local, regional and national activities to help encourage Americans to register as organ and tissue donors … and to celebrate those who have saved lives through the gift of organ and tissue donation. In addition, the third Sunday each April launches National Volunteer Week (April 21-27, 2024) across the country.

Local Skater Performs On National Stage With Usher

Sydney Blaylock has been roller skating her whole life. Her mother and her friend’s roller skated at The Loop. On Wednesdays and Fridays, Blaylock’s mother would take her to skate at The Rink.

Ticker Tracks Spending To Black And Ally Businesses

Dr. Charles Walker has created a way to track the spending of people, companies and organizations that want to align themselves with the interests of Black people. The Black Wall Street Ticker is part of Our Money United, a campaign with partners that include the city of Atlanta and civil rights organizations throughout the country.

Advocate Trinity Wants Community Input

Advocate Trinity Hospital has been hosting community conversations to get feedback from the community on improving health and wellness. The input the hospital receives during these free conversations will help with future investments in the community.

Woman Provides ‘The Answer’ For Parents Of Children With Autism And Developmental Differences

Debra Vines founded The Answer in 2007 after seeing a need for help with people that had Autism and Developmental Differences.

Pretty Me Inc. Summit Aims To Elevate, Educate And Empower

Dominique Robinson wanted to provide a more positive representation of young Black women and girls, so she founded Pretty Me Inc. in 2016. Eight years later, the mentorship organization for girls and young women, between the ages of 12 years old to 22 years old, continues to make a positive impact.

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CHARGES WILL COUNTY WOMAN OVER FRAUDULENT FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE PURCHASES

Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that his office charged a suburban Will County woman for allegedly purchasing three vehicles via Facebook Marketplace using fake identification and fraudulent checks.

Shaheen Raises Concerns About SBA Plan to Approve License for Lender Actively Being Shopped by Its Parent Company

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, wrote to Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabel Guzman to highlight issues with the agency’s decision to move forward with the approval of a Small Business Lending Company (SBLC) license for Funding Circle, a company whose U.K.-owned parent recently stated that it is seeking to sell its U.S. business.

Acclaimed Documentary Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land Becomes Capstone Event for 2024 Illinois Black Farmers’ Week at the Reva and David Logan Center at the University of Chicago

The (In)Justice for All Film Festival International, in partnership with Faith in Place, presents a screening of the acclaimed documentary Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land which is framed with resource sharing, advocacy engagement, policy updates, and is a celebration of the history and contributions of Illinois Black farmers. The screening takes place on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 East 60th Street, Chicago.

Assessor’s Office Encourages Veterans to Apply for Property Tax Savings

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi urges veterans in Cook County to apply for property tax–saving exemptions this spring

“Abysmal” Minority Participation Numbers Despite 30% Goals, says Black Business Organizations

The Chicago Southland Black Chamber of Commerce, together with other Black business and contracting organizations, has called for a Subject Matter Hearing with the Illinois House of Representatives Appropriations - Higher Education Committee, chaired by State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, to bring to attention the abysmal minority participation numbers reported by state-funded colleges and universities. The press conference, scheduled for 9:15 am on Thursday, March 28, is being held before the 10 am hearing at the Michael A. Bilandic Building in Chicago.

New Poll from Higher Heights: Top Issues for Black Women Voters in 2024 are Inflation, Cost of Living and Affordable Housing

Higher Heights, the leading national organization exclusively dedicated to advancing Black women's political power, released new polling data on the top issues of concern to Black women voters in 2024.

Operation HOPE Ventures Invests $25,000 in The Black Coffee Company

Operation HOPE Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of Operation HOPE, is proud to announce its recent investment of $25,000 in The Black Coffee Company (TBCC). The first-of-its-kind donation comes as a culmination of TBCC's participation in the One Million Black Businesses (1MBB) initiative, aimed at fostering the growth and scalability of Black-owned ventures nationwide. The move signifies confidence in TBCC's leadership and mission to drive sustainable growth.

Mielle and The Lip Bar Join Forces To Create Limited-Edition Lipstick, Celebrating Women's History Month And Sisterhood

In celebration of Women's History Month, Mielle, the number one haircare brand, and The Lip Bar (TLB), the award-winning inclusive beauty brand, have united to launch a limited-edition lipstick. The collaboration between these two influential Black women-founded and led brands emphasizes their commitment to uplifting all women and recognizing the power of sisterhood.

Afro Unicorn® Launches Magical Tresses Haircare Collection in Target Nationwide, Transforming the Beauty Landscape for Black and Brown Girls

Afro Unicorn, the rapidly growing Black-owned lifestyle brand celebrating the uniqueness of women and children of color, is excited to announce the expansion of its Magical Tresses haircare collection in Target stores nationwide, solidifying its position as a leading, inclusive beauty brand. This retail expansion represents a major milestone for the brand. Afro Unicorn initially debuted its haircare collection on Walmart's website in August 2023 before reaching its stores the following month and CVS locations in January 2024.

Nyesha Arrington, Rodney Scott and Mashama Bailey Among Top Returning Talent at 2024 Family Reunion

The Family Reunion, the epicurean experience celebrating diversity within the hospitality community, is returning for a fourth year from August 15-18 at Salamander Middleburg in the heart of Virginia's wine country. Overnight packages and multi-event passes are now available at www.salamanderhotels.com/familyreunion or by calling 844-505-9235. The event is expected to quickly sell out.

City Colleges of Chicago Exceeds the State Community College Average for Spring 2024 Enrollment Growth for Second Year in a Row

City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) Spring 2024 enrollment is up 9.2 percent from spring 2023 to spring 2024, exceeding the Illinois community college average of +5.1% according to a report released by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).