Joan Betty Henderson Johnson (89), transitioned peacefully at her home surrounded by her family September 6, 2019. Born October 16, 1929 in Chicago to Christine Wharton and Alonzo Henderson. As a child she spent a great deal of time with her godmother Lilian Harrison whom she greatly admired. Joan was married to her high school sweetheart George E. Johnson, Sr. for 69 years … and the mother of four children. Johnson Products Company was the First Black-Owned Company to be Publically Traded on American Stock Exchange.
As the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) prepares for it’s largest capital improvement plan ever, the CTA and Walsh-Fluor, the projects main contractor, are working together to make sure that the project’s workforce is just as diverse as the CTA’s millions of daily riders.
State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, recently welcomed Illinois Department of Agriculture Director John Sullivan to Chicago to tour Growing Home, an urban farming organization in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood.
Thanks to a $1.5 million investment from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and Advocate Aurora Health over the next three years, the City of Chicago was able to announce the expansion of the Chicago and Cook County Flexible Housing Pool which supports residents experiencing homelessness with wrap-around services and access to affordable housing.
Danielle Brown, vice president and chief information officer for Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), was recently honored among the “Most Influential Women in Corporate America” as chosen by Savoy Magazine. Savoy Magazine, which announced its 2019 designees in its recent Summer issue, states that this group comprises the “definitive listing of African American Women achievers impacting corporate America.” The full list can be viewed online at SavoyNetwork.com.
Many remember Mark Curry from the classic 90’s sitcom Hanging With Mr. Cooper and many also know him as a stand-up comedian. In just a couple months, Curry will add a new title to his resume as the host of the Life Luxe Jazz Los Cabos Jazz Experience in Mexico.
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot is leading a series of budget town hall meetings throughout the city to ensure residents have an opportunity to learn more about the budget process, the upcoming 2020 budget, and some ways the city will address its financial challenges.
Roosevelt University and the Chicago Public Schools have launched a unique residency program aimed at reducing teacher shortages in the high-need areas of Early Childhood and Special Education.
In August of 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his iconic I Have a Dream speech at the Lincoln Memorial where he called for an end to racism in the United States.
Though thousands of men participate in sports and exercise each day, they still do not see themselves represented in the athletes trending in social and traditional media. In fact, new research from Dove Men+Care confirms nearly 7-in-10 men want to see everyday athletes better represented in sports media, so the brand is shifting conversations from the professionals to the everyday athletes whose stories deserve to be celebrated.
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) recently announced that global media leader, producer, actress and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey will headline the 17th annual Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon as keynote speaker on Saturday, Sept. 28. This signature fundraising event presented by Wells Fargo is named after loyal UNCF supporter, the late Dr. Maya Angelou and honors local women whose footprints positively impact the Charlotte regional community. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit students in North Carolina and the historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that support them.
Live from the red carpet! Title sponsor Bon Appétit, presenting sponsor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and founding sponsor Illinois Restaurant Association have announced the complete starring lineup for the 12th annual Chicago Gourmet, taking place in Millennium Park September 27-29, 2019. With a theme of Lights, Camera, Napkin!, this year’s larger-than-life festival shines a spotlight on the exciting connections between the culinary and entertainment worlds.
The Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation is preparing to host it’s 5th Annual Jack Lanigan Sr. Memorial Big Shoes Award event. The event will take place on Sept. 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ravisloe Country, 18231 Park Ave., in Homewood.
Children’s Research Triangle along with the Partnership for Resilience recently announced they have received a 5-year, $4 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as part of the Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children’s Health Grant Program (Project LAUNCH). Over the five years, the grant will directly impact mental and behavioral health services for children in the south suburbs.
The Third Annual Chicago South Side Film Festival will soon take place from Sept. 29 to Oct. 6. at various locations on the south side of Chicago. The festival will showcase several films from south side film-makers and provide them with a local platform to share their work with the community.