Community Focus
Chicago State University Reinvents Athletic Program With New Hires
Chicago State University recently held a press conference to announce two new head coaches for the school’s basketball teams. The school has hired Misty Opat to lead the women’s basketball program and Lance Irvin for the men’s basketball program. Both teams will kick off their 2018-19 seasons in November.
Local Chef Launches Grab-And-Go Vegan Burrito In 187 Jewel-Osco Stores
The Fiesta Wrap from Moon Meals, Inc. is a vegan burrito that recently became available in the grab-and-go section of 187 Jewel-Osco stores in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. Moon Meals was founded by LaForce Baker who created the Fiesta Wrap to be a fast, affordable, and healthy food option for people. Over the last four years, Moon Meals has perfected their production of plant-based meals and their ingredients. Most of their recipes use vegan meats, cheeses, and sauces and along with local and organic products.
A CUSTOM FRAME IS WHAT GREAT ARTWORK DEMANDS, ACCORDING TO THE WOODSHOP
“I was just filling a void when I first opened up. There was very little African or African American art available to the community, the community meaning Chicago and the United States. When I first started selling art every major city in the country didn’t have a serious brick and mortar art gallery displaying and selling African and African American Art,” said Lawrence D’Antignac, owner of The Woodshop.
Reception Held For Rebranding of ISF Bank
The African American owned Illinois Service Federal Savings and Loan Association (ISF Bank) is a long time stakeholder in Chicago’s south side community and a recent reception in their main office, 4619 S. King Dr., celebrated the official rebranding of the financial institution as GN Bank.
JOS LUC WEEMS COMPETES IN JUNIOR GOLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: 8 Year Old Bowling Sensation!
Jos Weems is eight years old competing in the 12 and Under Boys (U12B) Junior Gold Championships bowling division. The Junior Gold Championships is an annual national tournament for the top male and female youth bowlers in the United States.
South Side Church Hosts Worlds Largest Baby Shower
New Beginnings Church of Chicago and Project H.O.O.D. are hosting the Worlds Largest Baby Shower on Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on King Drive From 65th to 67th Streets. At the event, expectant and single parents will have the opportunity to receive much-needed baby items for their family. All are welcome to attend the event and engage in community fellowship whether they are in need or not.
BETTER MAN THAN ME FOUNDATION PREPARES FOR ROOFTOP AWARDS CEREMONY
The Better Man Than Me Foundation is preparing to award their seventh academic scholarship at the Better Man Than Me Rooftop Party on Aug. 17 at the Cliff Dwellers Club. Aside from preparing for the upcoming event, the organization is developing a new 12-week training program for young men and continues to impact the community by providing young men with the tools and information they need to succeed.
DINING ON THE FIVE EXTENDED TO LABOR DAY
Several businesses along 75th Street in Chatham are participating in the second annual Dining on the 5 event hosted by the Greater Chatham Initiative. Several participating restaurants are offering a $5 to $10 special for the duration of the event which has already been extended twice and will now last through Labor Day weekend.
COMMUNITY LEADERS EXPRESS CONCERNS ABOUT NEW BUSINESS
Members of several community organizations in Chatham and the surrounding areas along with the 6th Ward Alderman, Roderick Sawyer, recently held a meeting to discuss the many concerns surrounding King Food and Deli which recently opened on the corner of 87th St. and King Dr. in Chatham.
LORETTO HOSPITAL PUSHING TO BRIDGE GAP IN HEALTHCARE DISPARITY
The Loretto Hospital Foundation (LHF) honored Spencer Leak, Sr. and Spencer Leak, Jr., of Leak & Sons Funeral Homes, at its 10th Annual Spirit of Achievement Awards Gala held recently at Galleria Marchetti. The Leaks, known for a decades-long funerary business, were recognized for their outstanding leadership in public service. To date, the Foundation has raised nearly $1 million, but the need for support of health initiatives in the Austin community is greater.
Summer Bootcamp For Teens Focuses On Film, Photography, And Entrepreneurship
On July 9, the Teenpreneur Bootcamp will kick off at The Woodlawn, 1200 E. 79th St. The six-week summer program, organized by Nicole Bridges and Tiffany Joi, is for teens from 13 to 18 years old who want to learn more about film, photography, and how to be a successful entrepreneur in a creative field.
Soulful Chicago Book Fair Showcases Black Authors
The Soulful Chicago Book Fair is returning for a third year on July 15 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on 61st St. between S. Cottage Grove Ave. and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. in Woodlawn. The event showcases African American authors and provides live entertainment and great food options.
ART INSTALLATION IN BROWN MEMORIAL PARK HONORS FIRST RESPONDERS
A temporary art installation, We Honor You, was recently on display in Brown Memorial Park to honor 200 first responders who live or serve in the Greater Chatham community. We Honor You was a collaborative effort between the Greater Chatham Initiative (GCI), the Greater Chatham Alliance, and the Brown Memorial Park Advisory Board.
Long Time Woodlawn Activist Supports Obama Presidential Center
With the recent news of the nearly-unanimous Chicago City Council vote to approve the construction of the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) in Jackson Park, Dr. Leon Finney Jr., founder and CEO of Urban Broadcast Media and longtime community activist in Woodlawn, is beaming. At a recent meeting of the Chicago Plan Commission, Finney presented a petition with 5,038 signatures asking that the Plan Commission vote in favor of the OPC.
