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HBCU Green Fund Elevates Global Youth Leadership at COP30 and Launches Power of 10 Climate Action Campaign

The HBCU Green Fund (The Green Fund), in partnership with its youth-led Sustainable Africa Futures Network, hosted a powerful side event connecting 18 countries during the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. The gathering showcased a bold model for climate innovation across Africa and the United States and marked the global launch of the organization's Power of 10 Campaign-an ambitious initiative to raise $10 on behalf of every HBCU student to support youth-driven climate projects in frontline communities.

The Apollo x Kwanza Jones Announce "Culture In Motion," a National Roadshow Uniting Communities Through Arts and Empowerment

The Apollo and acclaimed artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Kwanza Jones announced Culture In Motion™, a new National Roadshow launching January 2026 to expand the Apollo's nearly 100-year legacy into communities across the United States. Designed to strengthen cultural access and community connection, the Roadshow brings Apollo programming, creative engagement, and SUPERCHARGED® by Kwanza Jones empowerment experiences directly to neighborhoods nationwide.

ANOK YAI RECEIVES MODEL OF THE YEAR AWARD AT THE FASHION AWARDS 2025 PRESENTED BY PANDORA

The British Fashion Council (BFC) is pleased to announce that Anok Yai will be honoured as the Model of the Year at The Fashion Awards 2025 presented by Pandora (TFA), which took place on Monday, 1st Dec. 2025, at the Royal Albert Hall in London. TFA is a vital fundraiser for the BFC Foundation and spotlights the cultural power of fashion, its most iconic moments and the visionary talents pushing boundaries and redefining the industry. The Model of the Year Award recognises the global impact of a model who has dominated the industry over the last 12 months.

Mielle, a P&G Brand, Makes the Roster as First Official Textured-Hair Care Partner of the NFL

Mielle, one of the fastest growing, Black-founded, woman-led textured haircare brands, announced a new campaign with the National Football League (NFL).

CHC: Creating Healthier Communities Joins the ALIVE Podcast Network's Connected TV Platforms to Advance Access, Opportunity and Wellness

The ALIVE Podcast Network is proud to welcome CHC: Creating Healthier Communities as its newest content provider, bringing timely and transformative health-focused programming to audiences nationwide. CHC's thought-provoking health and community wellness content will begin rolling out across the ALIVE Podcast Network's CTV platforms over the next few months, now available on Roku, AppleTV, and FireTV.

New United Steelworkers Leaders Prepare to Take Office

Pittsburgh – A historic new slate of officers will take over leadership of the United Steelworkers (USW) in March following the union’s regular four-year nomination and election process that took place this fall.

UrbanGeekz Partners with British-Nigerian Inventor to Spotlight Patented Modular Handbag System

Award-winning digital news platform UrbanGeekz has teamed up with a visionary British-Nigerian designer to showcase his ingenious patented handbag invention.

Malcolm X College to hold Kwanzaa celebration December 26 through January 1, 2026

Join Malcolm X College for a powerful Kwanzaa celebration like no other! This year’s theme is Building and Sustaining Community One Principle at a Time and Malcolm X College is partnering with dynamic community organizations, cultural leaders, and creative innovators to bring everyone an unforgettable experience inspired by the Nguzo Saba—the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. Each day features exciting new programs designed to educate, empower, and uplift.

COOK COUNTY LAND BANK AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES MICHAEL DAVIDSON AND JENNIFER PARKS TO JOIN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Cook County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA) announced the appointment of Michael Davidson and Jennifer Parks to its Board of Directors. As leaders in Chicago’s nonprofit and civic sectors, Davidson and Parks will play a key role in strengthening the Land Bank’s mission to equip local developers, community groups, small business owners, municipalities and potential homeowners with the tools to transform vacant and neglected properties and revitalize neighborhoods across Cook County.

RAINBOW PUSH COALITION AND PUSH FOR EXCELLENCE ANNOUNCE 37th ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. WEEKEND PROGRAM

The Rainbow Push Coalition (PUSH) and PUSH for Excellence announced a series of events as part of its annual celebration to commemorate civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., taking place January 17 - 19 in Chicago. This year, PUSH will explore the theme “the Beloved Community,” a phrase coined by Dr. King to symbolize his vision for a world free of injustice, poverty and violence. To reflect on Dr. King’s concept of the Beloved Community, PUSH will host a day of service and learning, an interfaith worship service and a breakfast. Special guests will include journalist Don Lemon, who will headline the annual breakfast, and the world-renowned Leo High School Boys’ Choir.

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases 2025 Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Illinois Office of Tourism released its annual Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide, featuring 17 small businesses from across the state that are part of the Illinois Made program. The 2025 guide features an exciting variety of handcrafted goods, culinary favorites and artisan-made products perfect for gifting. The guide also includes two curated boxes from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, providing even more ways to support local businesses across the state this holiday season.

HIRE360 CELEBRATES FIRST GRADUATION, MARKING A NEW CHAPTER IN CHICAGO’S WORKFORCE PIPELINE

HIRE360, with JPMorganChase, celebrated a major milestone for Chicago’s energy workforce with the graduation of the first cohort of the Clean Energy Construction Trades Pathway Program. Fifteen graduates were recognized during a ceremony at HIRE360’s Training and Business Development Center for completing a comprehensive program designed to prepare residents for in-demand careers in construction, building operations and renewable energy. The Clean Energy Construction Trades Pathway Program was made possible with support from JPMorganChase.

Governor Pritzker Announces $10 Million Investment in Job Training and Economic Development Program

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced an additional $10 million in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) Program for workforce training and wrap-around services that will bolster equitable workforce recovery for Illinoisans struggling to gain meaningful employment. As part of Illinois’ workforce recovery efforts, JTED grants focus on helping increase employment among workers and key sectors of the state’s economy. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

Chicago Public Schools Spotlight Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Programming

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) celebrated record participation and success in its nationally recognized dual credit and dual enrollment programs, which continue to expand rigorous college-level opportunities for students across the city. These programs are driving stronger outcomes for Black and Latinx students, and providing families with meaningful cost-effective savings as students earn college credit at no cost.

MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON AND DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ANNOUNCE CUT THE TAPE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced Cut the Tape for Small Business, a comprehensive effort to update and streamline the City’s administrative processes in service of making it faster and easier to open and operate a small business in Chicago. Cut the Tape for Small Business is designed to serve as both a strategic framework and a long-term resource for the small business ecosystem. Building on the success of Mayor Johnson’s Cut the Tape initiative, which has advanced more than 100 concrete actions to streamline and expedite housing and commercial development processes, the new program is designed to uplift and empower small businesses across Chicago while building upon the Johnson administration's long-standing work to support entrepreneurs and business owners.