Community Focus
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.
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
