Community Focus
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.
CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY NAMES Z SCOTT AS PRESIDENT
“Z brings an infectious energy, confident leadership, a distinguished academic record and a lifetime immersed in leading initiatives that strengthen Chicago communities,” said Reverend Marshall Hatch, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Chicago State University and Pastor of New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. “This is a pivotal moment for Chicago State University and I look forward to working closely with Z to lead transformative changes and meet our important mission.”
GRADUATION STORIES SHOWING GRIT AND DETERMINATION
“I grew up on the south side of Chicago,” said Joya. “Chicago State has always been a place known for its nurturing faculty and I wanted to attend a university where I knew I would be known by name and not by number. I encouraged my daughter to apply to Chicago State as well. I was confident that CSU would give her the positive experience she needed.”
THIS YEAR’S PRAYER ON THE 9 WILL FOCUS ON YOUNG VOICES
Pastor John Hannah and the New Life Covenant Southend Church are preparing for this year’s annual Prayer on the 9 initiative. This year Hannah is calling for the congregation and the entire Chicago community to March and Pray For Our Lives starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 19 at the corner of 79th St. and Greenwood Ave.
Former Robert Taylor Homes Resident Releases Book About Experiences
Over the weekend, Crystal Lampkins-Banks released a new book, Hi’Yella: Life in the Projects, that details her experiences growing up in the Robert Taylor Homes, a low-income high-rise housing development in Bronzeville that has since been demolished.
SSC’s 10th Anniversary Women’s Conference a Huge Success
Women’s History Month may have come and gone, the event chairpersons (Alexandra Glumac and Rebecca Garcia-Westburg) of South Suburban College’s 10th Anniversary Women’s Conference now know what others have suspected all along—this year’s Women’s Conference was a huge success!
MOVING IDEAS INTO ACTION WITH THE CHICAGO COMMUNITY TRUST’S ACTING UP AWARDS
Over the past two years, Acting Up awards totaling nearly $200,000 have been given to 135 diverse projects discussed during On the Table. This year, the Trust will be giving away more than $150,000 – in $1,500, $2,500 and $5,000 increments – to help encourage people to work together and take action for the public good.
