Community Focus

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.

DOLTON MAYORAL CANDIDATE EYEING VICTORY

Tiffany Henyard, trustee at large for the Village of Dolton, has won the Democratic primary for the mayor’s race there. Henyard will face independent candidate Ronnie Burge on Tuesday, April 6.

ORGANIZATION ADVOCATES FOR INVESTMENT IN BLACK COMMUNITIES

Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy recognized two local leaders during its annual Connecting Philanthropy and Community program, which took place in February. Corliss Garner and Jonathan Peck were honored for their work, which exemplifies a commitment towards advancing equity for Black communities in the city.

SOUTH SIDE LEADERS HONORED ON MARCH 18

Chicago Foundation for Women is recognizing the leaders of two Englewood-based organizations for its 2021 Impact Awards.

ComEd aims to create presence in Chatham

Chatham Education and Workforce Center, located at 640 E. 79th St., opened in January. ComEd sponsored the resource room and funded the computers in the room

LADIES OF VIRTUE SHOWS LOVE TO YOUNG BLACK WOMEN

For Valentine’s Day, Ladies of Virtue hosted an event to show young Black women how much they are loved. The mentoring program which aims to empower girls ages 9-18, provided 300 LOV boxes to young women on the South and West sides.

NEW MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH CENTER SET TO OPEN IN HARVEY

Black women are dying at a rate three times higher than that of white women both during and after pregnancy, according to a Spring 2020 Berkley Public Policy Journal article.

ORGANIZATION USES SPORTS TO MAKE POSITIVE IMPACT

LaVonte Stewart, founder of Lost Boyz, Inc., grew up in South Shore and uses his love of baseball to support and empower young people.

ORGANIZATION FOUNDER LEVERAGES RELATIONSHIPS TO UPLIFT COMMUNITY

Pha’Tal Perkins, founder of Think Outside Da Block, is a resident of Englewood. Perkins said growing up in an underserved community, he went towards the streets. But, one day he woke up and didn’t see forever in that life

Faith and Community Leaders Express Thanks to Illinois Legislators for Putting People Before Politics

The healthcare disparities that exist in Black and Brown communities are profound, systemic, and growing. Just look at the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on communities of color as evidenced daily in the numbers of those who test positive, are hospitalized, and are dying from this insidious virus.

ICE CREAM CONNOISSEUR CREATES ARTISAN ICE CREAM BUSINESS

What started out as a way to make extra income after being laid off due to COVID-19, has turned into a lucrative business venture for Ida Nelson.

COMMUNITY ACTIVIST USES INSTINCTS TO CREATE INITIATIVES

Jahmal Cole has been dedicated to making a difference in the community with his organization My Block, My Hood, My City. As founder and CEO, Cole is intrinsically motivated to improve the quality of life for the block clubs of Chicago.