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LOOP INVESTING TECHNOLOGIES CEO CREATES APP

Sean LeDree is using his more than 15 years of financial expertise to create access opportunities to those in underserved and underbanked communities.

Generation Brings Opportunities to Communities Hit Hardest Amid the Pandemic

Generation USA, a workforce development nonprofit transforming the education to employment ecosystem, offers reskilling and training programs at no cost to the unemployed with priority admissions for Black and Latinx communities, as well as women— the communities who have been hit hardest amid the resurgence of the pandemic in late 2020.

ILLINOIS STATE TREASURER SAVES FAMILIES MONEY IN COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS

Illinois State Treasurer’s Office has been able to save Illinois families $100 million in Bright Directions and Bright Start College Savings Plans since 2015. It also has been able to more than double the assets in accounts for students to go to college.

ORGANIZATION FOUNDER LEVERAGES RELATIONSHIPS TO UPLIFT COMMUNITY

Pha’Tal Perkins, founder of Think Outside Da Block, is a resident of Englewood. Perkins said growing up in an underserved community, he went towards the streets. But, one day he woke up and didn’t see forever in that life

CTA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SCHOLARSHIP

The Chicago Transit Authority is continuing its commitment to provide a path for economically disadvantaged youth through the CTA Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund.

Unmet Need for Afterschool Programs Skyrockets in the Black Community

Satisfaction with afterschool programs has reached a new high among African American parents, but unmanageable costs and limited access are preventing many Black students from participating. The result is tremendous unmet demand for afterschool in the Black community. In fact, for every Black child in an afterschool program today, three more are waiting to get in.

Faith and Community Leaders Express Thanks to Illinois Legislators for Putting People Before Politics

The healthcare disparities that exist in Black and Brown communities are profound, systemic, and growing. Just look at the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on communities of color as evidenced daily in the numbers of those who test positive, are hospitalized, and are dying from this insidious virus.

Assessor Kaegi Reminds Property Owners that Many Exemptions will Auto-Renew this Year Due to COVID-19

In the next couple of weeks, hundreds of thousands of households will receive mail from the Assessor that confirms the auto-renewal of the exemptions placed on their homes. All exemptions will be applied to the second installment property tax bills issued in summer of 2021.

Restaurateurs Announce Joint Openings of Black-owned Businesses Red Star Restaurant and Sip & Savor Coffee Shop in Matteson

“It’s extremely important for black businesses to remain visible for our youth, consistent for our customers, and helpful towards the community” said Pugh. “My goal has always been to create jobs and change communities

Pay First Installment Cook County property taxes through May 3 with no late fee

Tax bills should start arriving in the mailboxes of the owners of about 1.8 million homes, businesses and land, Pappas said.

MATTESON MAYOR’S 8 YEAR FIGHT TO LAND MAJOR GROCERY STORE COMES TO A SUCCESSFUL ENDING

The grand opening of the 85,000 square feet fully renovated store represents and puts a successful conclusion to President Chalmers-Currin’s 8-year fight to land a full line grocery store to Matteson.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM LEGISLATION PASSES IN SPRINGFIELD

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus passed legislation meant to eliminate systemic racism. The legislative package included a bill to address disparities in education and workforce development, eliminate healthcare disparities, as well as criminal justice reform, violence reduction and police accountability.

All taxpayers now eligible for Identity Protection PINs

The Internal Revenue Service has expanded the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to all taxpayers who can verify their identities.

Despite Economic Uncertainty, Businesses Must Increase Salaries to Remain Competitive, New Report Finds

Despite the uncertain economic outlook for the first quarter of 2021, businesses will need to increase salaries by up to 3.5 percent for high-demand roles in order to remain competitive in the race for top talent, according to a new report by Randstad US.

Veteran Investor Damien Dwin Launches Lafayette Square with $100 Million Financing from Morgan Stanley

Damien Dwin, a Black American businessman, philanthropist and veteran investor, recently announced the official launch of Lafayette Square Holding Company (“Lafayette Square”), an impact-driven, minority owned investment platform.