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Former County Official Convicted of Fraud

Carla Oglesby, the former deputy chief of staff to former Cook County President Todd Stroger, has been convicted of theft of government property (Class X felony), theft of government property by deception (Class X felony), unlawful stringing of bids (Class 4 felony), and money laundering (Class 1 felony), is facing a possible sentence of up to 30 years in prison. Oglesby’s activity accounts for more than $300,000 of Cook County tax payer funds that have been lost.

2013 African Festival of the Arts

Themed “Asali” which means “Origins,” the 24th Annual African Festival of the Arts, (AFA) the largest neighborhood-festival in Chicago took place throughout Labor Day Weekend with headline artists Brandy and Otis Clay. R&B singers Syleena Johnson, Monifah, Oliver Mtukudzi and Joe B, joined the main stage lineup.

March on Chicago Public Schools

On the 50th Anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington, several local community organizations staged a day long boycott of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) schools; held a rally in front of CPS’s downtown office at 125 S. Clark; and then led a march to Chicago’s city hall at 121 N LaSalle St. in coordination with 25 other U.S. cities holding similar public demonstrations.

CTA Reps Share Construction Project Contract Information at Community Forum

Business owners and entrepreneurs who are not aware of Chatham Business Association (CBA) may want to connect with the organization which provides a wealth of information on construction projects, business and networking opportunities.

Life Time Tri Chicago Engages Chicago’s Youth

For more than three decades, experienced triathletes and determined newcomers have flocked to the shores of Lake Michigan for one of the largest triathlons in the world. Life Time Tri Chicago is an action-packed tour along Chicago’s lakefront, offering kids, supersprint, sprint and international distance courses. Nearly 9,000 pro, elite amateur and first-time triathletes competed, and more than 15,000 spectators attended the events which took place on Saturday, Aug. 24. (L-R) Alison Withers, 12, from Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood, Camryn Clanton, 13, from Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, and Jamir Madrey, 11, Chicago, all participated in the Life Time Kids Tri, one of the many Chicago Triathlon events.

Cook County President: Jails Are Intersection of Racism & Poverty, More Judges of Color Needed

Cook County Board Commissioner, Stanley Moore, held his first annual 4th District Economic Development Forum in conjunction with the Chatham Business Association (CBA) at the QBG Foundation building (806 E. 78th St.) last week.

Rioting Follows King's Assasination

On April 4, 1968, Dr. King, had returned to Memphis to lead a nonviolent march in support of the city's striking sanitation workers and was assassinated by a sniper's bullet while standing on the second-floor balcony of his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. As news of King's death spread, violent riots broke out in African American neighborhoods in over one hundred cities across the United States.

Dr. King’s Chicago Stay

On January 26, 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. moved with his wife Coretta and their four children to a third floor apartment at 1550 South Hamlin in the North Lawndale community of Chicago. From North Lawndale, King launched what he called the “action phase” of his agenda. The Chicago campaign was focused on (highlighting) racism as a national issue. He led marchers into the Marquette Park and Cicero neighborhoods and declared that “I have never in my life seen such hate … not in Mississippi or Alabama.” He also came to Chicago to show the deplorable living conditions and poverty of African-Americans in the urban north and to display the segregation of housing in northern cities. The 1550 S. Hamlin location was the only place in the North Dr. King ever lived.

McDonald’s Plays Active Role in Chicagoland Communities

The Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicagoland (BMOA) is serving Chicago’s communities in and outside of their restaurants. According to its’ website, the Chicagoland BMOA is made up of 15 Chicago and northwest Indiana McDonald’s owners who take pride in providing leadership while creating and nurturing their African-American communities while providing education and health-focused initiatives.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson March on Washington: Then and Now

On August 28, 1963, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, participated in the March on Washington as a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Then, a very young Rev. Jackson was fighting for voting rights, public accommodation equality, jobs, and to stem the tide of uncontested violence against African Americans and their supporters. And in nearly 50 years since that historic day, Rev. Jackson has tirelessly continued to fight and advocate for civil rights for all Americans.

50th Anniversary March on Washington

Today, as we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, undoubtedly the most famous protest rally in recorded history, we also celebrate the legacy of the man behind it all--Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.--who on that day, August 28, 1963, delivered his iconic “I Have Dream” speech on the steps of the nation’s capitol, mesmerizing the nation and the world.

President Clinton takes Swipe at Human Rights Groups, Backs Kagame

Former President Bill Clinton, on an African tour with daughter Chelsea, praised the Rwandan government lead by President Paul Kagame despite increasing evidence that Rwanda is backing ruthless rebels in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

NYC Begins Appeal of Police Stop-And-Frisk Ruling

New York City officials have taken the first step in appealing a federal judge's ruling imposing reforms on the police department's stop-and-frisk strategy after finding the policy intentionally singled out minorities.

August is Black Business Month

This August has been proclaimed as the 10 Annual Black Business Month.

New “Safe Passage” Routes Designated on Chicago’s West Side

Safe Passage signs are popping up on Chicago’s Westside. So far, signs in have been spotted in the East Garfield and Humboldt Park neighborhoods. With the placement of the new signs comes an announcement from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) that CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett is recommending to the Board of Education the expansion of its Safe Passage program to include 19 new community-based vendors.