Community Focus
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.
Human trafficking takes center stage at movie premiere
A south suburban man is among the cast of “Ring of Silence,” an independent film available online at Amazon.com, which shows why sex trafficking is a $32 billion business
South Side Native Chosen To Lead Development Around Future Obama Center
The Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative has officially named Ghian Foreman as their first CEO and will soon begin implementing their development plan for the Woodlawn, Washington Park, and South Shore neighborhoods on Chicago’s south side. These three neighborhoods surround the site of the future Obama Presidential Center and Emerald South will work to bring new investment to these communities.
Chesterfield Community Council Prepares To Host Annual Home Expo
The Chesterfield Community Council will host its 15th Annual Greater Chatham Home Expo on April 20 from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. at the Tuley Park Field House, 501 E. 90th Place. The event will serve as a one-stop shop for current and potential homeowners to connect with helpful resources for purchasing and maintaining a home.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPERS AND RESIDENTS COME TOGETHER TO DEDICATE A NEW PUBLIC SCULPTURE
Woodlawn residents recently gathered at the corner of E. 61st Street and S. Cottage Grove Avenue, right in front of the new Jewel-Osco store, to participate in a dedication ceremony for the new 17-foot sculpture known as the Wonder of Woodlawn.
Gift of Hope Will Open Community Partnership Center On The South Side
Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network recently acquired a 48,000 square-foot three-story-building at 7936 S. Cottage Grove Ave. in the Chatham neighborhood that will soon be transformed into a Community Partnership Center. The building will be home to a healthcare training facility, several allied health care operations, a community development incubator, and the organization’s new Chicago office.
CITY COLLEGES OF CHICAGO UNVEILS NEW TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION, AND LOGISTICS CENTER
A ribbon cutting ceremony was recently held at Olive-Harvey College, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave., to celebrate the completion of the school’s new Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics (TDL) Center. The facility will prepare students for the many TDL jobs and careers that are expected to come to Chicago and the surrounding area over the next 10 years.
Major Athletic Brand Partners With South Side Business To Talk About Probation Reform
Global sportswear company, Puma, recently released the Clyde Court #Reform sneakers which are more than just a basketball shoe, they are part of a movement. The new sneakers made their debut in Chicago at The Alpha Space, 2014 S. Michigan Ave., where Puma was able to collaborate with Dave Jeff, owner and founder of Chicago’s own PHLI brand, to host a Forum on Probation and Parole Reform.
Lori Lightfoot Wins 2019 Mayoral Election, Community Leaders React
For the first time in the city’s history, Chicago will be led by an African American woman. Lori Lightfoot was elected to be the next Mayor of Chicago in yesterday’s historical election that saw two female African American candidates go into the final runoff. Both candidates fought hard by participating in multiple mayoral forums, running advertisements, visiting neighborhoods, and executing massive fundraising efforts.
South Side Principal Brings School From The Verge Of Closing To A Level 1+ Rating
At one point, Esmond Elementary in the Morgan Park neighborhood was under-performing and on the verge of being closed permanently. Where many educators would have looked at Esmond as a lost cause, Dr. Angela Tucker saw the school as an exciting and challenging opportunity when she signed the contract to take over as Principal in 2005.
New entertainment complex coming to South Shore
The resurrection of South Shore continues with new developments from a full-service grocery store set to open later this year to an upcoming project that will include a movie theatre.
8th Ward Alderman Shares Information About Responsibilities and Challenges
Michelle Harris is Alderman of Chicago’s 8th Ward which includes parts of South Shore, Chatham, Calumet Heights, Pullman, Avalon Park, Burnside and South Chicago with about 51,000 residents living in the ward, according to Alderman Harris’s website.
Local Couple Presents Natural Hair Care Line To Investors On Shark Tank
Kim and Tim Lewis are high school sweethearts, parents and co-founders of CurlMix, a clean beauty brand for curly hair. The pair recently had an opportunity to pitch CurlMix to a panel of big name investors on the mid-season premiere of ABC’s Shark Tank.
South Shore gets a full-service grocery store
A full-service grocery store is set to open this fall in South Shore and that means residents no longer have to live in the middle of a food dessert.
