Community Focus
Project Hope continues to make impact in community
A program that began more than 30 years ago is still changing the lives of pregnant and parenting teenage girls and young women. Project Hope began with Maureen Hallagan and her mother, Kay, who had been doing some volunteer work at Marillac. They wanted to do a teen care program. And, what began as a three-year pilot program, became Project Hope.
Bevel to Fund College Access Initiatives for Chicago’s Renowned Urban Prep Academies
Known for their 100% college acceptance rate each year, Urban Prep Academies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates three open enrollment public charter high schools in high-need communities in the city of Chicago.
Fathers of NBA players bring message to Robbins
Fathers of NBA players visited Robbins to participate in a forum, which brought youth from the community together with local politicians and others with the goal of inspiring the youth.
SOCIALWORKS GIFTS TICKETS TO IGROW CHICAGO
Students from IGrow Chicago were gifted tickets to attend the Rising Stars Game during NBA All Star Weekend by SocialWorks, the non-profit organization started by Chance the Rapper, Essence Smith and Justin Cunningham.
NEW DOCUMENTARY ABOUT BEN WILSON HIGHLIGHTS FORGIVENESS AND HEALING FROM FAMILY
An upcoming TV documentary about slain Simeon Career Academy High School basketball star Benjamin “Ben” Wilson will show not only Wilson’s life leading up to his murder, but also his family’s pain and suffering before their healing process began.
Rob Rose, Executive Director of Cook County Land Bank Authority, Appointed to Fannie Mae’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council
Fannie Mae recently appointed Robert Rose, executive director of Cook County Land Bank Authority, to a two-year term as a member of Fannie Mae’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council.
NEW ADDITION TO FOOD HALL SET TO OPEN IN FEBRUARY
Lexington Betty Smokehouse is set to open at One Eleven Food Hall, 756 E. 111th St., on Saturday, Feb. 1. Dominique Leach, owner, said the opening of the restaurant’s second location is part of her short-term goal to open five locations throughout the city
April Fowlkes Shares with the Citizen her experience’s seeking employment in a male dominated Industry
Four years ago, I had no money and few prospects I signed up for a free 12-week job training program called Community Builders that provides the basic construction skills and certification.
Design Center opens in Chatham, hosts ribbon cutting ceremony
Frantzie Bourdeau-Griffin wanted a space that could accommodate her interior design showroom, as well as her husband, Gerald Griffin’s art gallery, so they found a 46,000 square foot location close to Chatham Market and Simeon High School to house Bourdeau-Griffin Interiors and Architectural Designs, Inc.
Speaker reaches young Black men through books and mentoring
Jermaine L. Anderson wants to lead by example. As founder and executive director of I Am A Gentleman, Inc., Alexander empowers young men to be successful. And, as the author of the “Carson Cares” book series, Alexander inspires young men to be respectful, responsible and generous.
SOUTH SIDE ALDERMAN HAS NO PLANS TO REJOIN CITY COUNCIL’S BLACK CAUCUS GROUP
A relatively new member of the City Council’s Black Caucus resigned after a December 18 City Council meeting and said he has no plans to rejoin the group of black aldermen until he sees unity among them.
HEALTHY EATING DISCUSSED BY TOP COOK COUNTY DOCTOR AT PARK MANOR CHURCH
A top, Cook County health official recently led a two-hour discussion at a Park Manor church about the importance of healthy eating and explained why he no longer eats meat of any kind as a vegan. Dr. Terry Mason, chief operating officer for the Cook County Department of Public Health, recalled how he would routinely eat a steak almost every day.
BIG CHANGES UNDERWAY FOR BJ’S MARKET & BAKERY
BJ’s Market & Bakery is making changes to its business strategy that includes relocating to a South Side shopping center, opening more locations and focusing more on carry out orders. According to Hank Meyer, who co-owns BJ’s Market & Bakery at 8734 S. Stony Island Ave. with his brother John Meyer, the longtime black-owned restaurant is moving to the Stony Island Plaza, 9501 S. Stony Island Ave., this month.
HYDE PARK SHOE STORE SNAGS TOP RANKING
A black-owned shoe store in Hyde Park recently won top honors as the number one independent retail shoe store in Illinois and ranked 13 nationally.
