Community Focus
The 27th Anniversary Englewood Jazz Festival Free Events To Be Held September 17-19, 2026 At Hamilton Park, Chicago
The 27th Annual Englewood Jazz Festival, presented by Live the Spirit Residency, returns to Chicago’s historic Hamilton Park, 513 W. 72nd Street on September 17–19, 2026. This year’s festival celebrates the next generation of creative musicians while honoring the centennial legacies of Oscar Brown Jr., John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. All music performed will be original compositions by the featured performers.
Bronzeville Festival Designed To Inspire & Equip South Side Youth To Pursue S.T.E.A.M. Careers
The sky is limitless for today’s youth when it comes to career paths. However proper choices, skill training, education and devoted mentorship are certainly a few of the proper tools needed to make a sound choice. Being able to integrate skills on all levels is important. Everything we do requires some form of Reading and Math. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M) solidifies the skill set needed for our future leaders.
CHICAGO'S ENGLEWOOD COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF ITS OLDEST PASTOR, 50-YEAR FAITH LEADER, CIVIC ANCHOR AND FATHER OF 16TH WARD ALDERWOMAN STEPHANIE D. COLEMAN
Hundreds of elected officials, faith leaders, community stakeholders, residents, and loved ones are expected to gather on Saturday, August 15, 2026, to celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Pastor David Coleman Sr., longtime pastor of New Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church and a towering spiritual and civic presence in Chicago's Englewood community. Among the prominent leaders set to attend the funeral services are Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, newly retired Englewood native Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, Interim Chicago Police Superintendent Fred Waller, and hundreds of local elected officials and community leaders who will join the Coleman family in honoring a man whose ministry and community service spanned generations.
Former Patient and Current College Basketball Athlete Hosts Basketball Camp for current La Rabida Patients
On Saturday, August 1st, former patient Cooper Farrall exemplified the future possibilities made possible by the best-in-class care he received at La Rabida Chicago Children’s Diabetes Center (CCDC).
Dyett High School Wins ‘The Support Group’s’ All-Star Game Championship During Its Annual Safe Summer Celebration
In 1988 Bennie Henry and NBA Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway Sr., formed ‘The Support Group’ organization with the mission in mind of shifting the narrative for young people in Chicago.
Local Tai Chi-Gong Practitioner Helps South Suburban Seniors Reclaim Their Balance
For twenty years, Brian Thompson has stood in senior centers and library meeting rooms across the South Suburbs — Park Forest, Lansing, Richton Park, Calumet City — leading residents through slow, deliberate movement many had never tried before. Tai Chi-Gong. And before every session, Brian begins each class the same way, asking participants a simple but profound question: “How do you want to feel?”
PsiQuantum Announces Major Investments in South Chicago Training, Education, and Quantum Workforce Development Programs
Recently, PsiQuantum announced a $250,000 philanthropic investment in local schools, higher education institutions, and STEM programs to advance the next generation of scientists, engineers, and quantum innovators in South Chicago. As the anchor tenant of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), PsiQuantum is committed to ensuring young people in the communities surrounding the campus have access to educational opportunities and career pathways into the growing quantum workforce.
Illinois raises compensation for wrongfully incarcerated under landmark Sims law
Freed and exonerated Illinoisans joined State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. and State Representative Justin Slaughter at a press conference recently to celebrate a newly signed law creating a clearer path to financial relief for people who have been wrongfully incarcerated in Illinois.
Community Violence Intervention Film Festival Highlights Stories of Healing, Prevention and Community Leadership in Chicago
Community Violence Intervention (CVI) professionals and community leaders gathered on July 8 for the CVI Film Festival, an evening of storytelling and dialogue focused on reducing gun violence and strengthening public safety across Chicago.
Despite Economic Woes A Local Entrepreneur Takes Her Business To Another Level
On a mission to build a strong legacy and create generational wealth all while changing the economic landscape of her community through job creation and beautification, Nikkita Randle of “Twisted Egg Roll” is doing just that.
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Welcomes Dr. Toni-Marie Montgomery and Bradley Byrd to its Board of Directors
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP), the nation's leading Third Stream orchestra and educational organization, is pleased to welcome Dr. Toni-Marie Montgomery and Bradley Byrd to its Board of Directors. Their appointments bring a wealth of experience in education, leadership, philanthropy, and community engagement that will further strengthen CJP's mission to transform lives through music, education, and cultural innovation.
Metropolitan Peace Academy Celebrates Newest Graduating Class of Community Violence Intervention Professionals
Metropolitan Peace Initiatives (MPI) proudly celebrated the graduation of its Spring 2026 cohort of the Metropolitan Peace Academy (MPA) on June 11 at the South Shore Cultural Center, marking another milestone in the effort to strengthen Chicago's Community Violence Intervention (CVI) workforce.
Taste of Chicago Returns to Prime Summer Season This July with Free Live Music, Family Fun and Local Flavors
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announces the return of Taste of Chicago, one of the world’s largest free-admission food festivals, July 8–12 for an expanded five-day celebration bringing residents and visitors together through acclaimed cuisine, live music and Chicago pride. From beloved neighborhood restaurants and emerging chefs to performances by globally recognized artists and family-friendly programming along the city’s iconic lakefront, Taste of Chicago 2026 will showcase the cultural diversity and creative energy that continue to make Chicago a premier culinary destination.
Advocate Health Care builds on Neighborhood Care
Advocate Health Care builds on Neighborhood Care expansion, bringing network to six South Side sites this spring. New locations expand access to same-day care in trusted community spaces
