Community Focus

Hugs No Slugs Is Hosting The Fourth Annual Back To School Drive

TODAY!! BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAYS FOR CHI STUDENTS WITH SURPRISE SPECIAL GUESTS

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COLLABORATES TO CREATE MORE PUBLIC MURALS IN THE COMMUNITY

Over the summer, the Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce has been partnering with AB Productions to host an ongoing series of artistic community-based events called Xsite. The events acted as a point of engagement for the community and small businesses in the area and also showcased several new public murals.

New Creative Arts School Welcomes First Class Of Students

Art in Motion (AIM), a new creative arts charter school in South Shore, recently welcomed its first class of students. The first class of students at AIM is made up of about 200 seventh-graders and eighth-graders from across the city.

SOUTH SIDE COWORKING SPACE PROVIDES MENTORS AND WORKSHOPS FOR LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS

The University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is home to Polsky Exchange, a co-working space on Chicago’s south side. As a Polsky Exchange member, small business owners and entrepreneurs gain access to new resources, mentors, workshops, and events to help them succeed

Local Company Makes Big Move

Collaboraction Theatre Company recently announced that it will hosts several of its 2019-20 season performances in Englewood at Kennedy-King College. The theme of the upcoming performance season is We Are Each Others Business.

CONCERNED SOUTH SUBURBAN LAWMAKERS CALL FOR PUBLIC REVIEW OF METROSOUTH CLOSURE

A letter signed by State Representatives Robert Rita, William Davis, Justin Slaughter and State Senator Emil Jones III was recently sent to the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board to request a public hearing on the proposed closure of MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island.

45th ANNUAL SCDAI 8K WALK/JOG/BIKE-A-THON FUNDRAISER SHINES LIGHT ON SICKLE CELL DISEASE AWARENESS

June 28, 2019 — On July 20, the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois (SCDAI) (www.sicklecelldisease-illinois.org) invites friends, family and supporters to participate in the 45th Annual 8K Walk/Jog/Bike-A-Thon, a yearly fundraising event that brings awareness to those living with sickle cell disease. The family-friendly race will take place at Chicago’s beautiful Lakefront at 39th Street, rain or shine, and has a fundraising goal of $100,000.

South Side Creative Arts School Set To Open This Fall, Principal Says The Concept Is A Dream

For the last several weeks, there has been a steady buzz on the south side surrounding the new Art in Motion creative arts school that is set to open in South Shore this coming fall. The school, which is a Chicago Public Schools charter school, will be tuition free with no entrance exams or auditions and will not have a mandated attendance boundary thus making it fully accessible to students across the city.

Family Memorializes Daughter By Hosting Orange Peace Party In Pendleton Park

Hadiya Pendleton was 15 years old when her life was cut short and she was shot to death on Jan. 29, 2013, while standing in the park with her friends. In order to honor her memory and to call for an end to senseless gun violence in Chicago, Pendleton’s parents recently hosted the fifth annual Orange Day Peace Party in Hadiya Pendleton Park, 4345 S. Calumet Ave., on the south side.

LOCAL TEENAGE ARTISTS CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THEIR NEW SOUTH SIDE EXHIBIT

The Hyde Park Art Center recently hosted a grand opening ceremony for their newest exhibit called It Be Like That Sometimes which features dozens of original artworks that were created by local teenagers who participated in the Hyde Park Art Center’s teen programs. The art on display includes paintings, drawings, photography, prints, clothing design, and multimedia projects.

CHICAGO STREET WEAR LEGEND STAYS TRUE TO HIS COMMUNITY WHILE BUILDING HIS BRAND

Founder and CEO of PHLI Brand clothing, Dave Jeff, was born and raised in Hyde Park where his deep love for fashion began at a young age. Jeff grew up under the watch of his mother who was his sole provider and according to him was “always on her fresh” which inspired him to try and keep up with changing fashion trends. “I got to see a lot of different things and fashionable stuff because of my mom and where I grew up so that has always been a Dave Jeff thing I guess, just being fresh or whatever,” said Jeff.

LOCAL MCDONALD’S RESTAURANTS ANNOUNCE PLAN TO HIRE OVER 2,000 NEW WORKERS THIS SUMMER

With over 36,000 restaurants spanning across 100 countries and territories, McDonald’s is recognized as a global fast food restaurant chain and the company employs over a million people worldwide, according to information provided by McDonald’s.

ROBBINS MAYOR ELECTED TO LEAD THE SOUTH SUBURBAN MAYORS AND MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

Tyrone Ward-Mayor of Robbins, Illinois- has been overwhelmingly elected to the position of President of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA). The full body vote was taken on Thursday, May 16th during the regular meeting of the SSMMA. Mayor Ward takes over for outgoing President Mayor Vernard L. Alsberry of Hazel Crest.

SOUTH SIDE NON-PROFIT HOSTS RECORD-BREAKING FUNDRAISER UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP

Growing Home Inc. recently hired Danielle Perry to serve as their new Executive Director. Within the first month of her taking over, the organization hosted its 17th Annual Benefit fundraiser and was able to raise $50,000 more than ever before to support their mission.

Alum Designs New Uniforms to Reflect Cultural Pride for Betty Shabazz Academy Students

The creative genius of author, fashion designer Desmond “Des Money” Owusu, a 2002 graduate of Betty Shabazz Academy on Chicago’s South Side, is always at work. Last month, the 31-year-old organized a unique fashion show at Shabazz featuring his newest collection, We Real Cool school uniforms. The project is a fundraiser to provide free uniforms to Shabazz’ 300 students.