Community Focus
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.
SOCIAL SERVICES CENTER PARTNERS WITH LYFT TO PROVIDE RIDES
Centers for New Horizons, Inc., located at 4150 S. King Drive, has partnered with Lyft to offer transportation to those who are seeking jobs and job training.
BLACK FASHION WEEK FOUNDER CREATES BLACK BOUTIQUE GUIDE
Melody Boykin, founder of Black Fashion Week, wanted to highlight Black-owned fashion boutiques in the Chicagoland area. So, she decided to create “The Little Black Boutique Guide Book,” which will debut in February.
NEW INITIATIVE PROVIDES FOR BIPOC ARTS AND CULTURE ORGANIZATIONS
A new initiative has launched to support Black Indigenous People of Color-identified arts and cultural organizations in Chicago, with $16.5 million. Chicago’s Cultural Treasures is a four-year initiative, with a mission to reach arts and culture groups that aren’t always included in funding, through capacity building and technical assistance, as well as general operating grants.
SISTERS OPEN SECOND LOCATION OF POPULAR PRIMA LASH
Whitney and Diamond Cumbo opened their first Prima Lash & Beauty Bar, located at 754 W. 35th St., in 2019. Now, they are set to open their second location in 2021
REAL ESTATE STRATEGIST EMPOWERS OTHERS
Whitney B. Hampton is the founder and owner of Hampton Real Estate and Investments, CEO of Urban Community Builders (NFP), and lead broker and team leader at A. Progeny Global. Hampton uses her platform to empower people to cultivate wealth through homeownership and property ownership.
Two Fish Crab Shack expands into frozen food section
Two Fish Crab Shack, located at 641 E. 47th St., opened more than 4 years ago as a restaurant where people could get their seafood boil in a bag fix.
BLACK-OWNED, WOMAN-OWNED PEST CONTROL COMPANY MAKES MARK
For Robiar Smith, pest control is a passion. It is a profession she learned from her father, who was in the extermination business. Smith is the CEO of R.B. Pest Solutions, located at 8243 S. Cottage Grove.
ORGANIZATION SEEKS TO EMPOWER YOUNG WOMEN TO BE HEALTHY, OPTIMISTIC AND OUTSTANDING
Chez Smith worked in public health for more than 15 years. While she served as the administrator of the family planning clinic, she realized there were a lot of young girls coming in repeatedly for sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
DESSERTS FOR THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving is here and while gathering together for the holiday isn’t recommended, a dinner with immediate family members in your household, should end with dessert. Even in a pandemic, some family traditions are important and help maintain a sense of normalcy.
ORGANIZATION CONTINUES TO MAKE IMPACT ON COMMUNITY
Christmas in the Wards, the 501c3 nonprofit led by Larry Huggins and Everett Rand, continued its longstanding tradition of helping out those in need by passing out food and other goods during two events, one at Soldier Field and the other at Universal Entertainment Center.
CATERING COMPANY OWNER IS OUT THE BOX Anthony Waller has always had a passion for food. Growing
Anthony Waller has always had a passion for food. Growing up, he was surrounded by family members who cooked. Waller started his career in the food industry as a busboy at the Hyatt and is now the founder of Catering Out the Box, which has been around for 18 years.
