The U.S. Department of Education (Department) announced the availability of more than $368 million in new grant opportunities through the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program and the Teacher and School Leader (TSL) Incentive program that advance investments in teacher recruitment and retention. These investments particularly prioritize promoting educator diversity and career advancement and leadership opportunities for effective educators tied to increased compensation.
Hyundai Motor America and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago hosted a child safety seat check at this year's Move for Kids walk and rally for patients, families, and neighbors at Busse Woods Forest Preserve in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The event is part of the partnership previously announced in February as Hyundai continues its support of the hospital's Buckle Up Child Passenger Safety Program.
CAN TV, a community-access broadcast media center that offers access to hyper-local stories and educational resources in Chicago, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Since its founding in 1983, CAN TV has been dedicated to providing Chicagoans with meaningful programming, reflecting the diversity and vibrance of their community through its five local cable channels (CAN TV 19, 21, 27, 36 and 42) and streaming platforms.
On Monday, Monday, June 12, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Pedro Martinez, and Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates honored 156 new resident teachers who will join classrooms next fall through an innovative CPS program that helps current employees or career changers obtain the credentials and training to become CPS teachers.
Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Pedro Martinez and Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) President Stacy Davis Gates to announce that CPS employees will be eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave beginning in the 2023-24 school year. Details will be finalized over the summer, but the policy will be similar to paid parental leave policies previously adopted by the City of Chicago. Under the Board’s proposed policy, eligible employees, regardless of gender or gender identity, may receive up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for the birth of the employee’s child or for the adoption or fostering of a child.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), announced the annual scheduled increase in Chicago’s minimum wage and a scheduled enhancement of the Fair Workweek Ordinance requirements. Additionally, BACP has awarded Arise Chicago a $100,000 grant to conduct outreach and education on Chicago’s labor laws. Arise Chicago will work in partnership with the City to create resources for vulnerable workers. The scheduled changes support the vision of building an inclusive, prosperous city that values and supports its workforce. Information on Chicago’s labor laws can be found by visiting Chicago.gov/Labor Standards.
The passion of the fan base in the inaugural season for the MLR’s Chicago Hounds was so impressive, the league announced the team’s home field, SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, will host the 2023 MLR Championship Match on Saturday, July 8th.
The Black Futures Lab is engaging Black communities in Illinois to participate in its Black Census Project as part of its efforts to collect 200,000 responses from across all 50 states and identify the issues, needs, and ideas that must be addressed for Black communities to thrive.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) posted a proposed $9.4 billion FY2024 District budget that supports the critical investments that have guided students’ academic recovery from the wide-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and increases investments in key areas to support the District’s Diverse Learners and students with the greatest needs, from Pre-K through high school. The CPS budget, covering the educational and operational mission of the District and its more than 600 schools, is posted on its public website and available at the District’s central office for review in advance of budget hearings next week and the Board of Education’s monthly meeting June 28.
Dove announced a strategic alliance with "Gracie's Corner," a beloved children's YouTube series, to celebrate the beauty of natural hair and help educate families about the CROWN movement and need to Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. In this special new short titled "Gracie's CROWN," Gracie explains the importance of loving your hair and the CROWN Act to her audience and their parents. This short will kick-off a series of celebratory events and initiatives leading up to National CROWN Day on July 3, 2023, a nationwide celebration of Black Hair Independence Day.
A new Safer Foundation mural honoring U.S. Representative Danny Davis and his work making the successful reentry of citizens with arrest and conviction records a national priority is in its final days of completion.
Steve Evans, vice president of community development for Smithfield Foods, was honored with a Black Business Ink Power 100 Award as one of the 100 most influential leaders in North Carolina.
Future Publishing announces that Ariana DeBose covers Marie Claire's Ambition Issue, which just went live across Marie Claire's digital platforms. This digital issue's theme explores ambition and the intricacies that women have to navigate when they are labeled as such.
Sustainability Expert, Luxury Vegan Lifestyle Influencer and Serial Entrepreneur Dominique Side is announcing the launch of her latest venture, Nikki Green. Nikki Green is a luxury, 100% vegan ready-to-wear apparel line for individuals seeking chic yet sustainable pieces. The collection is black-owned, opulent, and aims to work towards higher levels of sustainability with each collection. Collection previews and showroom appointments can be made at shopnikkigreen.com.
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards, Gospel music's biggest night, is set to return to Las Vegas for its 38th annual celebration. This year, the event is taking its renowned festivities to new heights with the introduction of the ultimate fan experience, the Stellar+ Experience (Stellar+EXP). Co-founders Rhonda Jackson-Sams and Michele Murphy have curated an unparalleled lineup of activities that will showcase the talents, vision, creativity, and innovation of the Gospel music industry.