Gov. Pritzker Announces the 2024 Order of Lincoln Recipients

Governor JB Pritzker announced the 2024 recipients of the Order of Lincoln, the state’s highest civilian honor for professional achievement and public service. This year’s Lincoln Laureates will be honored at the upcoming 60th annual Convocation and Investiture at 5:30 p.m. on April 13, at the Chicago History Museum.

BronzeLens Announces Multi-Hyphenate Award-Winning Actress Anika Noni Rose as the 2024 Legendary Women SuperStars Honoree

BronzeLens Women SuperStars Honors launches the festival's Fifteenth Anniversary by celebrating the accomplishments of women of color who work in the entertainment industry in front of and behind the lens on March 2. Award-winning film, screen, and stage actress Anika Noni Rose is the 2024 Legendary SuperStar.

Simmons talks over impact of proposed state-level child tax credit with single moms in the 7th District

State Senator Mike Simmons reconvened his People's Legislative Council for Single Moms, bringing together moms and caregivers to hear from them how a permanent child tax credit in Illinois would benefit their daily lives.

"Dive into a Saucy Adventure" with New Gullah-Inspired Products from Chef Carlos Brown

Acclaimed "Lowcountry Cuisine King" and television personality Chef Carlos Brown brings a taste of the Gullah Geechee culture of the Carolinas and Georgia to kitchens across the country with the launch of his brand-new line of signature sauces, marinades, and dressings this February. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of his ancestors, Chef Brown's "Gullah Gourmet" collection infuses bold, authentic flavors with a modern twist, promising to tantalize taste buds and transport diners to the sun-drenched shores of the coastal South.

State Treasurer Frerichs Eclipses $3 Billion In Investment Earnings for State Portfolio Another $1.75 billion earned for cities, school districts through Illinois Funds

The State Treasurer’s Office has made more than $3 billion in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio during Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ tenure. An additional $1.75 billion in gross investment earnings has been earned for cities, villages, school districts, counties and other units of government that take part in the highly rated Illinois Funds local government investment pool operated by the State Treasurer’s Office.

Coach today unveiled "Find Your Courage," a campaign featuring virtual human, model and digital creator imma and Coach Family Lil Nas X, Camila Mendes, Youngji Lee, Kōki, and Wu Jinyan. Set in a virtu

Coach today unveiled "Find Your Courage," a campaign featuring virtual human, model and digital creator imma and Coach Family Lil Nas X, Camila Mendes, Youngji Lee, Kōki, and Wu Jinyan. Set in a virtual universe, the campaign introduces the Coach Spring collection within a story about finding the courage to discover what it means to be real in your own way.

Auditorium Theatre announces return of ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER

World renowned ambassadors of Dance and Culture, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to its Chicago home – the landmark Auditorium Theatre at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive – for its 55th engagement here, with six dynamic performances, April 17-21. Celebrating its 65th Anniversary season in 2023-24, the company will perform three distinct programs certain to appeal to both longtime Ailey fans and new audiences discovering this joyous company for the first time: AUDIENCE FAVORITES, ALL-NEW, and AILEY CLASSICS. Tickets, starting at $40, are now on sale at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater | Auditorium Theatre.

W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation Awarded $5m Grant by Mellon Foundation

The W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation (WEBDBMF) received a $5 million grant from the Mellon Foundation (Mellon) of New York to support the restoration of the final home and resting place of Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois in Accra, Ghana and the preservation of his library. The grant provides leadership funds for four years in Phase 1 of the Du Bois Museum's plans to restore the historic site and develop an expanded museum and academic research center to celebrate his life and legacy. The award is consistent with Mellon's Humanities in Place's goal of supporting, "a fuller, more complex telling of American histories and lived experiences."

The BOSS Network to Award $250,000 in Grants and Scholarships to Benefit Divine Nine Sororities and the Chicago Urban League

The BOSS Network, an online community of professional and entrepreneurial women who support each other through digital content, programs and event-based networking, has announced awarding $50,000 each in grants and scholarships in partnership with Sage ($250,000 in total) to the Divine Nine sororities — including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated — the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated, and the Chicago Urban League. Led by CEO Dr. Cameka Smith, this investment is a part of The BOSS Network's yearlong celebration highlighting its 15th anniversary milestone year. Four women from each organization will receive a $10,000 grant from the BOSS Impact Fund and a scholarship to BOSS Business University (valued at $2,500).

State and County Announce $250 Million Commitment to Help Close Budget Gap in Asylum Seeker Response

Governor JB Pritzker and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced their commitment to a joint funding plan to ensure shelter, wraparound services and healthcare remain available for asylum seekers sent to Chicago from the Texas border. Following a long-term planning exercise, State, County and City teams concluded that an additional estimated $321 million is needed to maintain shelter and services this calendar year, on top of previously committed funding. The Governor and President are pledging a combined investment of over $250 million to help close this gap.

MASS GROUP TO KICK OFF NATIONAL KIDNEY MONTH BY ADVOCATING FOR POPULAR GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE WITH ONLY A 5% FUNCTIONING KIDNEY

Government leaders, Medical Professionals, Civic and Community leaders will gather at the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois Offices as they advocate for a woman of distinction, selflessness, and grace in a kickoff of National Kidney Month. Trinette Britt, considered by many as a pioneer for women in government, is now in the fight of her life as she seeks a kidney that will allow her to continue her remarkable life of service. Her current kidneys are functioning at an alarming 5%.

Pappas urges property owners to pay First Installment tax bills by Friday, March 1 due date

First Installment Tax Year 2023 property taxes are due Friday, March 1, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas reminded taxpayers today.

Howard University’s Moorland-Spingarn Research Center and National Newspaper Publisher Association to Present Black Press Day Celebration, March 14

Howard University’s Black Press Archives Digitization Project at Moorland-Spingarn Research Center receives a major grant from Google to support archival and preservation work.

McDonald's Corporation Makes $1 Million Contribution to Operation HOPE's '1865 Project'

Operation HOPE today announced that McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is deepening its partnership with the Atlanta-based non-profit as a 'Founder's Circle' member of The 1865 Project. McDonald's Corporation's generous contribution of $1 million, reaffirms the company's dedication to supporting national financial literacy initiatives that uplift and empower communities. The substantial donation will bolster Operation HOPE's groundbreaking endeavor, inspired by the historic Freedman's Bureau, which was established to educate newly freed Americans about the principles of free enterprise.

Alzheimer’s Association's Illinois Chapter Executive Director, Delia Jervier, “Shines Light on Alzheimer’s and The Impact in Black/African American Community”

Among Black Americans ages 70 and older, 21.3% are living with Alzheimer's, a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. While older Black Americans are twice as likely as older Whites to have Alzheimer's or another dementia, research hasn't yet identified the cause. Higher rates of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) disease may play a role. Some studies indicate that after correcting for overall health and socioeconomic status, these differences disappear.

La Femme Dance Festival Celebrates Black Women Choreographers

As a Black woman, Vershawn Sanders-Ward wanted to create a dance festival that celebrated the voices of Black women and brought their work to Chicago stages. Sanders-Ward, Founder and Artistic Director of Red Clay Dance Company, created La Femme Dance Festival for that reason.

Richard J. Daley College Announces New Hospitality Course for Job Preparation

City Colleges of Chicago, in collaboration with the Illinois Restaurant Association Foundation, will launch a new education program aimed at supporting those who want to work in the hospitality industry.

Marketplace Becomes Space For Black-Owned Small Businesses

A recently opened marketplace has become a place for Black-owned small business owners to sell their goods. Mahalia’s, located at 735 E. 79th St., is a part of the City of Chicago Small Business Storefront Activation Program and the program is sponsored by the Greater Chatham Initiative.

MAYOR JOHNSON AND DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION LAUNCH THE GOOD FOOD FUND AND THE FOOD BUSINESS INCUBATOR PROGRAM

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the awardees of the Good Food Fund and The Food Business Incubator Program.

LOUIS XIII COGNAC AND LAQUAN SMITH UNITE TO UNVEIL AN EXCLUSIVE LIMITED-EDITION COLLECTION OF ACCESSORIES FOR LOUIS XIII THE DROP

LOUIS XIII Cognac and renowned ready-to-wear designer LaQuan Smith unveil The LOUIS XIII x LaQuan Smith Collection, a limited-edition collaboration that brings a high-fashion perspective to LOUIS XIII's timeless tasting rituals, synonymous with a luxurious cognac experience. This exclusive collection draws inspiration from LOUIS XIII's centuries old wisdom, combined with LaQuan Smith's signature silhouettes and runway-ready innovation.