Community Focus
Bronzeville Community Microgrid To Provide Sustainable Energy To Residents
A sustainable solar project that will leverage smart grid technology with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for Bronzeville residents recently celebrated its completion.
United States Master Chess League Celebrates African American Chess Players
Inez Kelley founded the United States Master Chess League (USMCL) in honor of her brother, who passed away in 2019, he was a chess advocate. This is the first year USMCL has been a full-fledge league. It evolved from the Battle of the Masters, a competition between the top master level chess players in New York City in 2023.
Obama Foundation Continues To Engage The Community As the Obama Presidential Center Construction Presses On
The Obama Presidential Center is set to open in 2025-2026. Phase one of the opening will take place in Fall 2025, with Home Court, the Programs and Athletic Center. Phase two will be the big grand opening of the full campus in Spring 2026.
Advocate Trinity Hospital Opens Walk-In Clinic
Advocate Trinity has opened a new walk-in clinic to help serve community members with non-emergency symptoms. The clinic, which is located at 2301 E. 93rd St., suite 201, is one of the developments from a series of community meetings the hospital hosted between March and April.
Capital One To Continue Its Commitment To The Community
In February, Capital One announced plans to acquire Discover. Locally, community stakeholders had questions about what the acquisition would mean for the Discover Customer Care Center in Chatham. Recently, leaders from Capital One met with local elected officials and community stakeholders for listening sessions to hear concerns and answer questions they had about the acquisition.
City Colleges Of Chicago And Chicago State University Support Transfer Students with Admission Agreement
A new partnership between the City Colleges of Chicago and Chicago State University aims to remove the barriers students may experience when it comes to transferring from a two-year college to a four-year college. The partnership is offering students from City Colleges guaranteed admission to Chicago State University once they complete their Associate’s Degree.
Male Mogul Initiative Opens CO-LLAB
The Male Mogul Initiative recently celebrated the grand opening of its CO-LLAB Warehouse. The warehouse, which is located at 6055 S. Wentworth, will serve as a hub for creativity.
Art Exhibit Shows And Tells The Stories Of Widows
LaTrice “Elle” Davis believes that everyone has the ability to bounce back from life’s challenges. One of her most frequent social media hashtags is #obstacle2opportunity, because she believes that with every obstacle people face there is an opportunity to do something greater or support someone, even in the midst of those challenges.
Farm Provides Fresh Produce To Community
A five hundred square foot container farm in Altgeld Gardens is being used to teach young people entrepreneurship and bring fresh produce to the community. By The Hand Club for Kids, along with Freight to Plate and the Kenilworth Union Church, have launched Bowen Harvest in Altgeld Gardens. In March, the farm harvested its first crop.
Community Blood Center Opens In Beverly
The Community Blood Center has opened a location in Beverly, which is the first one in Chicago, to meet the needs of those local hospitals and those who want to donate blood. It is located at 9920 S. Western.
On The 9 Run Crew Builds Community Through Running
A community of runners have made their mark by running on the South Side. On the 9 Run Crew began on Feb. 24th, with a run, which started from the Regal Theater to the Mahalia Jackson Court on 79th and State St. On the 9 Run Crew was founded by Neishe Russell, Philip Weatherspoon, Tess Branklin and Danya Rosen. They wanted to run on the South side in communities like Chatham, Avalon Park and South Shore.
Spiritual Coach Wants People To Get In Alignment With Their Spirit
Rita Ricks has been a spiritual business coach since the mid 2000’s. She started out as a teacher, then a trainer and decided she wanted to spend more one-on-one time with people. Ricks has written a book called #Just for Today.
Unsung Heroes Are The Subject Of Art Exhibit
Kristen Williams is using her talents as an artist to highlight community leaders and memorialize them with portraits for an art exhibit. Williams’ Unsung Heroes exhibition is on display at Mahalia’s, which is located at 735 E. 79th St.
Environmental Justice Advocate Mari Copeny Speaks At Girls In STEM
Mari Copeny loves helping people. She’s not doing it for clout, she genuinely loves helping people, especially kids. It is why she has so much courage to do what she does.
