A tribute to the untamed spirit of the American West, renowned equestrian jewelry designer Karina Brez unveils her latest signature collection, Cowgirl LUV, an ode to the inspiring mountains and cities that grace the landscape of the USA. The collection pays homage to the rugged beauty of the American West, featuring stackable rings that artfully symbolize various mountain ranges, and a thoughtful double entendre, with each mountain range doubling as a cowgirl name, embodying the spirit of adventure and independence.
The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF), the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), and 17 partner organizations announced the formation of the Data Equity Coalition, a new partnership to improve health outcomes through better, more accurate and more representative data on race, ethnicity and language (REL) and sexual orientation and gender identification (SOGI). Developing a standardized approach to this important data can be critical to ensuring everyone in America has an equal opportunity to attain their highest level of health.
PEPSI® Dig In, the brand's platform designed to drive access, business growth, and awareness to Black-owned restaurants, returns with its Restaurant Royalty Residency program in Las Vegas, giving restaurant goers a chance to discover every bite is Better With Pepsi and experience a new selection of exclusive dishes from Black-owned restaurants across the country. Following last year's successful partnership with MGM Resorts International, Pepsi Dig In is bringing six new restaurants and their concepts to the company's Fan Districts - popular go-to destinations for fans to rally before and after Allegiant Stadium events - at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and Luxor Hotel and Casino. For the first time, Esco Restaurant & Tapas from the multi-platinum, Grammy Award®-winning MC 2 Chainz will be featured alongside other renowned concepts.
The Biden-Harris Administration marked a critical step forward in its efforts to deliver student debt relief to as many borrowers as possible through negotiated rulemaking under the Higher Education Act, even as extreme House Republicans threaten a government shutdown that would hurt families, communities, and our economy. The U.S. Department of Education (Department) today released an issue paper laying out its initial set of policy considerations to create a path to debt relief for student loan borrowers in need. The paper identifies five questions about distinct categories of affected borrowers for which the Department is seeking feedback. This includes questions about borrowers whose balances are greater than what they originally borrowed, whose loans first entered repayment decades ago, who attended programs that did not provide sufficient financial value, who are eligible for relief under programs like income-driven repayment but have not applied, and borrowers who have experienced financial hardship and need support, but for whom the current student loan system does not adequately address.
REVOLT WORLD, presented by Walmart, made history and welcomed over 30,000 participants over a 3-day span that featured a daily lineup of prominent REVOLT shows, live performances, panel conversations, and experiential activations. REVOLT WORLD shattered records and solidified its place as the premier destination for Black music, art, and empowerment, as guests traveled globally to attend the celebration.
The Television Academy Foundation today announced it is now accepting submissions for the 43rd College Television Awards, a ceremony that recognizes and rewards excellence in student-produced programs from colleges and universities nationwide, to be held in spring 2024.
Hyde Park Art Center, the renowned non-profit hub for contemporary art located on Chicago’s vibrant South Side, hosts its annual Gala that activates its entire building from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, with an afterparty that goes till midnight. Co-chaired by Kimberly and James Elbaor, Wendy and John Minor, and Angelique Power, the lively event is packed with hands-on art activities, performances, open studios, art auctions, and DJs from Lumpen Radio, offering a unique and interactive experience while benefiting the art center’s various programs supporting Chicago art and artists. The Gala afterparty is hosted in partnership with Lumpen Radio.
LUMA8 proudly announces the 9th Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, a family-friendly happening featuring unique floats, spectacle puppets and all forms of creative performance taking place from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Attendees are urged to arrive early to find a good spectating spot and attend a pre-Parade candy giveaway starting at 5pm featuring HARIBO’s Goldenbear and more. Spectators are also encouraged to come dressed in their own colorful and creative costumes to join in the festive fun. This magical evening procession celebrates Halloween as the “artists’ holiday” and draws together participants from major cultural organizations, inspiring youth programs, and aspiring artists in every field. Named ‘One of the best Halloween celebrations in the world’ by UK-based Wanderlust magazine – this dazzling production annually delights an audience of 50,000+ gathered along historic State Street, from Lake to Van Buren Streets.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is celebrating the start of National Principals Month by highlighting the critical efforts made by principals across the District. Every October, the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) come together to recognize principals and their contributions to public education. This year, the Illinois Principals Association (IPA) will celebrate Principal Appreciation Week from Oct. 15-21, with official Principal Appreciation Day celebrations taking place on October 20. CPS joins schools across the country in recognizing the comprehensive role that principals play in supporting students, families, and educators.
Global Strategists Association will host its 10th anniversary celebration honoring Chicagoans whose global engagements contribute to Chicago being a global city. The event will take place from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at 4420 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
During a Chicago Board of Education meeting at Austin College & Career Academy High School, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) shared 20th day enrollment and attendance data, showing a slight (0.4 percent) increase in the student population to 323,291 students, as well as a steady attendance rate of 92 percent during the first four weeks of school. The enrollment figure reflects student growth in the District’s expanded preschool programming, growth at the elementary school level, as well as steady high school enrollment. This represents the first increase in the District’s enrollment in 12 years.
Washington, D.C. – On Sept. 18, Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), Congressman Dr. Michael C. Burgess (R-TX-26), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-13), and Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA-01) introduced H.Res. 692, a bill to Designate September as National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. This bipartisan House Resolution recognizes the critical need for sickle cell disease research, early detection methods, effective treatments, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from sickle cell disease and conditions.
“I strongly encourage property owners to review their reassessment notice to ensure their property characteristics and market value reflect their home,” said Assessor Fritz Kaegi. “It is important to understand that assessments in Cook County reflect market value over the last three years. My office will be partnering with Sam Brown, Rich Township Assessor, to assist property owners and explain reassessments in their community.”
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias released a report today that recommends adjusting the age requirement for mandatory driving tests from 75 to 79, making Illinois more consistent with other states.
Black Alphabet, a nonprofit committed to promoting equity awareness on behalf of the Black LGBTQ+ community through the use of media and the arts, announced today the 10th Annual Black Alphabet Film Festival (BAFF) will take place from Oct 13 – 15, 2023 in Chicago with the theme ‘Soul & Spirit.’ One of the longest running Black LGBTQ/SGL film festivals in the world, this year’s event includes more than 15 free film screenings, filmmaker discussions, and a Uganda Freedom Celebration fundraiser featuring three films about the LGBTQ+ experience in Uganda, as well as Ugandan entertainment, food, and dancing.