Community Focus
THE CHICAGO LIGHTS’ TUTORING PROGRAM HELPS STUDENTS
The Chicago Lights’, a one-on-one tutoring program has returned in-person this year for the first time in two years. Chicago Lights’ is the nonprofit organization at Fourth Presbyterian Church, located at 126 E. Chestnut St. The tutoring program began in 1964 as a way to provide support to students who needed help North, West and South sides of the city. Each year, between 300-400 students are serviced. Each student is matched with a mentor.
Chicago Integrated Health takes a holistic approach
Iris Patterson founded Chicago Integrated Health because of the growing epidemic of Heart Disease and Diabetes in the Black community. Personally, Patterson had family members who had been diagnosed with Diabetes, and she wanted to make a difference.
ILLINOIS ACTION FOR CHILDREN IS BUILDING STRONG FAMILIES AND POWERFUL COMMUNITIES
Illinois Action for Children began in 1969 with the mission to create opportunities for young children to reach their full potential, educationally and personally.
ILLINOIS JUSTICE PROJECT WORKS TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY
Ahmadou Drame’ is the Project Director at the Illinois Justice Project. Drame’ works to advance policies, programs and initiatives that reduce violence, gun violence and reduce incarceration.
CSU Celebrates History of Illinois Black Legislators with Exhibit Rededication Event
Chicago State University hosted a rededication of its Illinois Black Legislators exhibit with an on-campus event in the Gwendolyn Brooks Library. Attendees included local leaders and special guests who took part in an opening event, panel discussion and ribbon cutting ceremony.
TWO NEW DEVELOPMENTS PENDING APPROVAL ON THE FAR SOUTH SIDE
Two new developments have chosen the Far South Side. A full-service grocery store on 130th and Eberhardt and a 101-room full-service hotel at 111th and Doty. The business owners and 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale are hopeful both developments will approved by the Department of Planning and Development and construction will begin.
Mahalia Jackson Court opens to public
Mahalia Jackson, a native of New Orleans, called Chicago home from 1927 until 1972. During that time, she won Grammy Awards and sang at the March on Washington. She was known as the Queen of Gospel Music and the World’s Greatest Gospel Singer. She was a resident of the Chatham neighborhood.
CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER WANTS TO SUPPORT GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONS
Dr. Maurice Swinney was recently named Chief Innovation Officer for Chicago Beyond. Swinney, who was in education for 21 years, was the first Chief Equity Officer for Chicago Public Schools.
New Principal at Epic Academy wants students to be proud
Dr. Kyla Mathews’ grandfather sowed a seed when she was in seventh grade that is now fully blossomed. She told her grandfather that she wanted to be a teacher, a math teacher, and he told her that she would be a principal. Thirty years later, she is the new principal at Epic Academy.
COMMUNITY MICRO EQUITY FUND HELPS SMALL BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES
Nine small, Black-owned business have been selected to receive a portion of $160,000 as part of the Community Micro Equity Fund (CMEF), which was launched by Greenwood Archer Capital, in partnership with Sunshine Enterprises.
CITY CALUMET ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
The City of Calumet City is inviting sealed Bid Proposals from interested and qualified union-only parties for the City of Calumet City, Lead Water Service Replacements.
JACKSON PARK TERRACE ACQUIRED BY JONATHAN ROSE COMPANIES AND POAH
The Preservation of Affordable Housing and Jonathan Rose Companies have partnered to acquire the Jackson Terrace Apartments, located at 6040 S. Harper Ave. The acquisition of this building is one of many for POAH in its mission to stem gentrification in Woodlawn.
Chicago State University names new Athletic Director
Dr. Monique Carroll has been named the new Athletic Director for Chicago State University. Carroll begins on Thursday, Sept. 1st. When Carroll found out about the open position and learned about the University’s trajectory, she decided to apply for the job. Throughout the interview process, everything Chicago State University had to offer was positive, including the commitment of President Zaldwaynaka Scott to the University.
Discover Shines Bright with opening
The Discover Customer Care Center opened the Shine Bright Community Center on Monday, Aug. 1st. During the event, Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Congressman Bobby Rush and 6th Ward Alderman Roderick Sawyer talked about the commitment Discover made by opening a call center in the Chatham community and hiring employees who lived in communities surrounding the center.
