homepage

Small Business Owners – Catalysts for Economic Growth

Almost half of all U.S. employees work for small businesses, defined as companies with fewer than 500 employees, and a staggering 99 percent of all U.S. companies fall under the “small business” designation, according to the Small Business Association.

ALICIA KEYS RE-IMAGINES HER ICONIC SONG ‘IF I AIN’T GOT YOU’

Music plays a pivotal role in the Bridgerton universe. In celebration of the launch of Netflix and Shondaland’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, fans will witness HERstory in the making with 15-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist and global superstar Alicia Keys and Queen Charlotte’s Global Orchestra.

MGM+ Announces a Greenlight for the Docuseries ‘Hollywood Black’

MGM+, a premium linear channel and streaming service, announced a greenlight for the docuseries Hollywood Black, from Justin Simien’s Culture Machine, Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi’s Significant Productions, and the Academy Award-winning creative production company RadicalMedia. Based on the book by historian Donald Bogle, this four-part docuseries—directed by Justin Simien (Dear White People), whose upcoming Disney film Haunted Mansion will be released this summer—tells the epic story of the actors, writers, directors, and producers who fought for their place on the page, behind the camera, on the screen, and in the credits. It is a definitive chronicle of a century of the Black experience in Hollywood, and a powerful reexamination of a quintessentially American story—in brilliant color.

59FIFTY Day Celebrates Global Influence of New Era's Iconic Cap

It's the official cap of Major League Baseball, the National Football League and National Basketball Association. It's a cultural icon that has been celebrated in music, featured on screen and stage, and graced runways and red carpets.

New Jewelry Brand, ZAM Jewelry, Telling People To "Shut Up"

Launched in March 2023, ZAM Jewelry is a black-owned, women-owned business creating bold jewelry in eye-catching designs inspired by a passion for expression and women empowerment. The Los Angeles-based brand prioritizes affordability, craftsmanship, and environmental business practices.

Bally's Names Marcus Glover Executive Vice President And Chief Financial Officer And Appoints Jaymin B. Patel As Vice Chairman

Bally's Corporation (NYSE: BALY) announced that Marcus Glover has been appointed as Bally's Executive Vice President ("EVP") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"). Bobby Lavan, Bally's current CFO, will be leaving the Company to pursue another opportunity. He will be available to management, as needed, to ensure a seamless transition. Mr. Glover's appointment is subject to receipt of customary regulatory approvals.

Pearl Milling Company Continues to Invest in Community Impact with P.E.A.R.L. Pledge

Pearl Milling Company, the pancake mix and syrup brand that has been creating memorable breakfast moments for over 130 years, continues its mission to uplift Black women and girls across the U.S. with P.E.A.R.L. Pledge, a multi-year community funding initiative that launched in 2021. Starting today through June 14, eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for a chance to receive a grant of up to $100,000 to develop and grow meaningful programming in their communities. People can also nominate organizations through June 7 to participate in the application process. Grant recipients will be announced in the fall.

The McBride Sisters SHE CAN Fund Opens Applications for 2023 Program: "The Business of Wine"

The McBride Sisters SHE CAN Fund announced its continued commitment to invest in professional women on their journey to learn and master the business of wine. Specifically, it will focus its efforts on supporting women pursuing professional advancement within at least one key area of the wine industry including Sommelier Certification, WSET Certification or Business of Wine Education course completion.

Congo Square Theatre Company celebrates Black artistry with its bodacious 2023 Homecoming Benefit: Blackity, Black, Black

Chicago’s Congo Square Theatre Company, one of the nation’s premier African American theatres, kicks off Juneteenth weekend with a celebration of all things Black, beautiful and bodacious! Blackity, Black, Black, Congo Square’s 2023 Homecoming Benefit, takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, June 15, at LM Studios, 808 S. Michigan Ave.

ART ON THE MART’S SUMMER SEASON FEATURES NEW COMMISSIONS BY DESIGN FIRM GENSLER AND THE CHICAGO BLACK DANCE LEGACY PROJECT

ART on THE MART, an innovative digital art project that transforms a Chicago architectural landmark into a larger-than-life canvas, will introduce two new commissions this summer. Building Light, a new projection by Gensler, the largest global design and architecture firm, will kick off the summer season on June 8, followed by a projection featuring new choreography from the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, an organization celebrating and archiving Black Dance, on July 6. Timed to Chicago Pride Fest (June 17 to 18) and the Chicago Pride Parade (June 25), ART on THE MART’s seasonal Pride celebration will return from June 1 to 28, followed by its annual Independence Day projection, which illuminates the building in red, white, and blue, from June 29 to July 5. Projections during the summer season will be on view nightly from 9 to 10 p.m. CT.

Chicago Universities to Advance Broadband Equity Through $3.25 Million Grant

Chicago State University (CSU), Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Northern Illinois University (NIU), and the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) recently received $3.25 million in funding under the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

BMO Commits $5 Million to Advance Homeownership and Grow Small Businesses

BMO continues to deliver on BMO EMpower 2.0, the bank's more than $40 billion community benefits plan, by announcing a $5 million investment in strategic partnerships to help community organizations throughout its U.S. footprint. To help support local communities, these grants will be directed towards housing counseling agencies, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI), and other non-profits that support and preserve affordable homeownership and provide support for small businesses. Approximately $2 million will be targeted for the State of California.

The Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Announces New Initiative to Support Boys and Young Men of Color Across the Country

The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, a program of the Obama Foundation, announced four MBK Model Communities, a new initiative that seeks to expand the implementation of evidence-based practices and impact for communities across the country. These MBK Model Communities were selected from a network of hundreds that have an evidence-based track record of success in positively shifting outcomes for boys and young men of color. The four are: Newark, New Jersey; Omaha, Nebraska; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Yonkers, New York, each representing a tangible example of the systems-level impact that communities can have when working to achieve the MBK Milestones. The MBK Milestones are six key life milestones that research shows are especially predictive of later success, and where interventions can have the greatest impact.

DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND SUPPORT SERVICES ANNOUNCE $15.9M INVESTMENT FOR COMMUNITY SAFE SPACES AND RESOURCES FOR YOUTH

A part of the My CHI. My Future. initiative expansion, the City will support community organizations connecting Chicago’s youth in 15 communities across the South and West sides through youth employment, engaging events, and community convenings for strategic planning

Veteran Legislator and Social Justice Advocate Confirmed as Illinois Human Rights Commissioner

With that quote in mind and a dedication to public service at heart, Jacqueline Collins continues her commitment to public service as a member of the Human Rights Commission after being confirmed on Tuesday, May 16 by the Illinois Senate. “It is an honor to take on this role,” said Jacqueline Collins. “When we embrace our differences and fight for human rights for all, we strengthen ourselves.”