The Rainbow PUSH family mourns the passing of one of its own, Spencer Leak, Jr., a distinguished civic leader, businessman, philanthropist, and pillar of both Chicago's business community and the broader African American business community, whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
Spencer Leak Jr devoted his life to lifting people in poverty, the marginalized, and those pushed to emotional distraught. However, his contributions could never be merely limited to his role of a funeral director. Through the family business, he pushed barriers and opened doors so people of excluded communities could step into opportunity and dignity. Spencer cast a bold vision of an inclusive society—uniting people across race, class, and faith to build power together and expand the table of economic opportunity.
On Friday, June 19, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s Juneteenth Festival is the place to be with a day of family and community fun, featuring performances, guest appearances, and local vendors selling food, art, and more. New this year, the event will provide free shuttle service from Proviso West High School [4701 Harrison St, Hillside, IL].
St. Bernard Hospital invites Chicagoans to its third annual Community FitFest on Saturday, June 6, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at its Ambulatory Care Center (ACC), 6307 S. Stewart Ave. This year’s event will celebrate the ACC’s 10th anniversary. Built in 2016, the ACC was created to bring accessible, high-quality, and community-centered specialty and primary care closer to home for residents who once traveled miles for basic services. Over the past decade, it has reduced those barriers and expanded access to preventive care—helping patients seek treatment earlier and avoid unnecessary ER visits.
Dr. Twin Green- CEO of The Link & Option Center- will be joined on Wedenesday, June 3rd @ 10:00 a.m. by several Cook County Commissioners, State and local elected officials, mental health advocates, mental health providers, and residents in the unveiling and launch of the first Mental Health Mobile unit in Illinois.
As the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (ILBCF) continues expanding its statewide impact, Executive Director and CEO Tiffany Hightower is leading the organization into a new era centered on equity, civic engagement, economic empowerment, and transformative policy initiatives designed to uplift Black communities across Illinois.
Today, Rainbow PUSH announced it would honor three faith leaders during its annual national convention taking place June 10–13, 2026, at its headquarters in Chicago.
Created by Jay Davis, Creative Hustle comedy series has quickly built a reputation for spotlighting Chicago’s vibrant creative community through a unique blend of sketch comedy, stand-up performances, music, and authentic storytelling. What started as a platform to showcase local talent has evolved into a growing entertainment brand drawing attention from audiences and creatives alike.
For generations, we Black Americans have survived obstacles that were never accidental. Political exclusion, economic inequality, health disparities, struggling schools, unstable housing, and social fragmentation have been with us for centuries. What we are experiencing now did not emerge overnight. Our ancestors encountered and endured these same conditions for generations. However, the policies, practices, and systems that we as a people developed over the generations to survive—and often thrive—now seem forgotten.
Christian Searles is a partner in the Francis Construction firm. The young Searles has been busy working alongside his father Steve Searles building their family legacy.
In a room filled with elegance, emotion, and intention, Dear Me Care Circle’s Third Annual Pre–Mother’s Day Awards Brunch held recently at Malcolm X College, was a deeply moving tribute to a special group of unsung heroes of families and communities—caregivers.
Twenty-eight high school students from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) just took a big step toward launching bright careers. The students and their families came to the Peoples Energy Training Center in Little Village to celebrate their completion of a training program called Bright Futures U. The program is a joint initiative between CPS and Peoples Gas that provides classroom and hands-on experience in the energy industry. Students who complete the training have jobs waiting for them when they graduate high school.
Rich Township High School senior Queen Thigpen walked across the graduation stage in May with more than a high school diploma. Before completing her senior year, Queen earned an Associate degree in Computer Science from Prairie State College, an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence.
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) today announced the lineup for the 2026 Chicago Blues Festival, taking place June 4–7. The nation’s largest free blues festival returns with a citywide lineup honoring Chicago’s blues legacy, while highlighting established musicians and the next generation of blues performers.
SHIBA & Co., the New York-based dog lifestyle and fashion brand, announces the launch of the Sakura Limited Edition — a strictly limited series of numbered pieces inspired by the cherry blossom season and the cultural heritage of Shiba Inu's homeland, Japan.