Community Focus
SOUTHLAND COLLEGE PREP CLASS OF 2021 ALL ACCEPTED INTO COLLEGE
All 138 seniors at Southland College Prep Charter High School have been accepted into college. To commemorate the accomplishment, the class hosted a virtual “All-In” Celebration.
ADOPTION ADVOCATE PENS ‘MY JOURNEY TO JOSHUA
Deborah Farmer always knew she wanted to foster a child and possibly one day adopt a child through foster care.
ARTIST TALKS ABOUT EMPOWERMENT THROUGH POETRY
Leslé Honoré is known for her poems about Meghan Markle, Vice President Kamala Harris and Serena Williams. The Blaxican artist, activist and author is a graduate of Xavier University in New Orleans and has read her work at Obama Foundation events as well as at the Silver Room Block Party.
Culinary apprenticeship program prepares students for a career in the hospitality industry
Fifteen students, some of whom have been laid off during the pandemic, began an eight-week culinary apprenticeship program where they will learn skills that will prepare them for a career in the hospitality industry.
ENTREPRENEURS TALK ABOUT ACCESS TO RECREATIONAL CANNABIS LICENSES
4-20 is known to many as Cannabis Cultural Day. On January 1, 2020, Illinois legalized recreational marijuana use. Since then, sales have netted more than $600 million. Since January 2021, marijuana sales have netted more than $100 million. Apriel Campbell is the founder of Ivy Care, LLC, a self-care beauty and wellness brand, and Ariel DeNey Rainey is CEO and founder of The Mary Jane Group.
STUDENTATHLETES TALK ABOUT PANDEMIC’S IMPACT ON SPORTS
When COVID-19 caused school buildings to close for in-person learning, student-athletes’ seasons were put in limbo. A new docuseries, “Champions Adjust,” from True Star Media, gives voice to students on how COVID-19 has affected their lives.
ALDERMAN TO RUN FOR ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE
Pat Dowell, alderman of the third ward, has announced that she is running for Illinois Secretary of State, a role held by Jesse White since 1999.
Chicagoans Mourn The Loss of Christ Universal Temple Own Rev. Dr. Helen Carry
On Thursday, April 8, 2021, our beloved teacher, former Executive Minister and spiritual mother, the Reverend Dr. Helen Ward Carry, made her transition. We lovingly hold her up in prayer as we release her into the grace, peace, and harmony of God's presence.
GIVEAWAY PROVIDES COMMUNITY WITH MUCH NEEDED GOODS
“Have you ever seen anything like this in your life,” asked Larry Huggins, founder of Christmas in the Wards, while people set up for the Burnside Giveaway.
MECRO responds to the needs of seniors
Sharon “Sy” Lewis describes herself as a lover of all things clean and green. The lifelong resident of South Shore and Hyde Park started Meadows Eastside Community Resource Organization, located on 2734 East 79th St.
OOOH WEE IT IS OPENS LOCATION IN CHATHAM
Mark Walker parlayed his successful Oooh Wee Sweet Tea business into a carry out restaurant in Burnham, Ill., last October. Now, Oooh Wee It Is has a location at 33 E. 83rd St. Walker said he spent a lot of years in Chatham, his family home is in the neighborhood. He said when the opportunity to purchase the location became available, he jumped on it. The site was once Mather’s More Than a Café.
SENATOR SIMS REFLECTS ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
The Criminal Justice Reform Bill, HB 3653, also known as the Safe-T Act, was signed into law in February. Elgie Sims, Jr. who serves as state senator for the 17th Illinois Senate District, sponsored the bill.
SKILLED WORKERS PROGRAM LAUNCHES WOMEN-ONLY COHORT
Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny) recently began an all-women’s cohort of its popular Communities Builders program. Project H.O.O.D. is a not-for-profit organization established by Pastor Corey Brooks in 2012.
FORMER TARGET SITE TO BECOME DISCOVER CUSTOMER CARE CENTER
Discover will turn the former site of Target, located at 86th and Cottage Grove, into a 100,000 square foot customer care center. It is expected to bring around 1,000 full time jobs to the community by 2024.
