Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the state has officially repaid the remaining $1.36 billion unemployment insurance (UI) Trust Fund debt. The payment was made possible after an historic agreement was reached between the state, and representatives from business, labor, and bipartisan members of the General Assembly. It was then signed into law by the Governor.
The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago’s (LSTC) announces the theme for its Black History Month 2023; Reparations: Educate, Liberate and Celebrate! It is no secret that Black communities continue to suffer under oppressive regimes, both in the US and globally. This year’s theme was adopted to address the question, “How can the breach caused by decades of harm and oppression be repaired?” Hence, the goal is that through education, and liberation Reparations can be achieved for the millions of African American and BIPOC people who continue to bear the weight of white privilege and supremacy.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is celebrating the start of National School Counseling Week by recognizing the contributions of school counselors to the success of CPS students. Like school districts across the country, CPS is taking this week to reflect on and honor the many contributions of school counselors, especially as students and staff emerge from nearly three years with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Robert R. McCormick Foundation has made an $8 million matching gift donation to Project H.O.O.D. for its center. It will be named the Robert R. McCormick Leadership & Economic Opportunity Center.
Ida Nelson launched Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream and Treats in 2020 during the pandemic. The local ice cream and treats maker, who lives in North Lawndale, has collaborated with the Museum of Ice Cream to have two of her flavors featured during February.
Dr. James Dentley’s entire life has been about helping people grow and scale their businesses. He has been speaking, training and coaching those in business and those who are interested in starting a business for more than 25 years.
Morgan Malone is a social impact designer, a real estate advisor and has been an economic development practitioner for about 10 years. Most recently she has been managing the Michael Reese Redevelopment in Bronzeville.
Ayanna Clark always said she would never run for office. But two things happened in 2022 that made her decide to run for the 21st Ward Alderperson. The first thing that led her to run was a series of shootings that took place close to her oldest son’s school.
Respected Wall Street banker and Founder of 7Even Hills Venture Capital, a New York City-based fintech-focused VC firm, Delon Turner has been officially named chairman of the board of PoetrYY Finance; a digital financial technology services enterprise partnered with Mbanq.
As part of Black History Month activities, a faith unity forum will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 11:30 a.m. at the Living Sacrifices Ministries, 11824 S. Western Ave., Chicago, Illinois.
Black Magic Showcase will debut on February 18th at Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, 700 E. Oakwood Blvd, Chicago, IL 60653, from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM, The anticipated Black History showcase uses modern urban dance and performing arts to activate and engage with the youth to educate the importance of Chicago’s contribution to Black History Month.
Musical legends Dolly Parton and Dionne Warwick are having their first ever collaboration with their recording of a gospel duet entitled ‘Peace Like A River,” which Dolly wrote and Damon Elliott, Dionne’s son/manager produced for AND CUT… Productions. They are filming a video today in Nashville to accompany the musical release. The song and video will be released on February 24 on Dionne and Damon’s Kind Music Group label. The video was directed by Nick Pres and Damon Elliott.
Thaddeus Jones- Illinois State Representative of the 29th Legislative District- has officially introduced legislation that would reduce crimes at gas stations, grocery stores, pawn shops, and banks.
Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy (CAAIP) hosted a ribbon cutting on February 2nd for the outstanding multi-media photographic exhibition Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.
De’Jah Donahue has taken advantage of the Chicago Housing Authority’s full range of resources during her time as a high school and college student. She interned in the Resident Services department and worked in the Youth Opportunities division. She also used the CHA/Springboard to Success (S2S) Scholarship to help pay tuition at Bradley University, where last year she was named the College of Liberal Arts “Intern of the Year.”