Community Focus
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.
Future of Chatham Food Market Still Uncertain
After temporarily closing its doors earlier this year for remodeling, the future of the Chatham Food Market appears bleak even though outside signage says it would reopen soon as a meat and produce store.
Budget Proposal Would Open All Public Libraries on Sundays
If Mayor Lori Lightfoot has her way, the City Council will approve her proposed $11.65 billion budget for 2020 that includes funding to open all libraries on Sundays.
CTA Partnership with Cleanslate Aimed at Reducing Poverty
A community effort by the Chicago Transit Authority and the nonprofit Cleanslate is taking aim at reducing poverty by providing job-training skills that hopefully lead to employment opportunities.
