homepage
NABJ Selects Elise Durham as Its Next Executive Director
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has selected Elise Durham as its next executive director. Durham comes to NABJ with more than 30 years of professional work experience in television news management, strategic communications, and government relations, and has an extensive background leading dynamic, results-oriented teams. She is also a longtime member of NABJ.
As Students Go Back to School, New Study Highlights the Importance of Clean Air in Classrooms
With students across the country preparing to head back to school in the weeks ahead, today the American Lung Association, in collaboration with Lakes International Language Academy (LILA), a charter school in Forest Lake, Minnesota, and Carrier, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, released findings from an indoor air quality (IAQ) study in schools, reinforcing the urgent need for clean indoor air to support student health and academic success.
DCASE Expands Leadership Team with Key Appointments
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth today announced the appointments of Kim Grigsby, Esq., and Erik Madsen. Their combined expertise in law, public safety and community engagement will support the organization’s objectives to foster transformation, ingenuity and equity across all areas of its operations,
Nicor Illinois Community Investment awards $500,000 in Impact Grants to boost local economies
Northern Illinois — Nicor Illinois Community Investment (NICI) has awarded five $100,000 Impact Grants to nonprofits in Rockford and South Suburban Cook County. These grants support programs advancing economic mobility, small business growth and workforce development.
Not for Profit Megan Butz Legacy of Hope Announces Opening of 2025 Grant Cycle
Megan Butz Legacy of Hope announces the opening of its 2025 grant cycle with $250,000 in funding available for Illinois-based organizations dedicated to providing mental health services focused on suicide prevention.
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE REMINDS MOTORISTS ABOUT SCHOOL BUS AND SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY
The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reminding motorists about school zone speed laws and sharing the road safely with buses as schools around the state prepare to open their doors for the new academic year.
MCA Chicago’s fourth annual Chicago Performs series planned for September 18–21
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s 2025 Chicago Performs showcase—an intimate festival of live arts highlighting essential local artists on a national platform—will kick off on Sept. 18-21, 2025. The fourth iteration of Chicago Performs includes work by Robyn Mineko Williams & Artists, Helen Lee/Momentum Sensorium, and Red Clay Dance Company. Taking place in the MCA’s Commons and Edlis Neeson Theater, this year’s performances will delve into themes of memory, remembrance, grief, and making space for joy and healing.
MCA Chicago’s fourth annual Chicago Performs series planned for September 18–21
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s 2025 Chicago Performs showcase—an intimate festival of live arts highlighting essential local artists on a national platform—will kick off on Sept. 18-21, 2025. The fourth iteration of Chicago Performs includes work by Robyn Mineko Williams & Artists, Helen Lee/Momentum Sensorium, and Red Clay Dance Company. Taking place in the MCA’s Commons and Edlis Neeson Theater, this year’s performances will delve into themes of memory, remembrance, grief, and making space for joy and healing.
Legendary Musician, Songwriter, and Producer Patrice Rushen to Headline Premiere Fireside Conversation at the Chicago House Music Conference
The Chicago House Music Conference will close out its Thursday programming with an unforgettable, premiere fireside conversation featuring one of music’s most respected and accomplished voices. On Thursday, August 21, from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Chicago Cultural Open House inside the Preston Bradley Hall located at 77 W. Washington Blvd., audiences will be treated to a rare, in-depth dialogue with the acclaimed musician, songwriter, and producer Patrice Rushen, whose artistry has shaped generations.
Congressman Davis Reflects On His Terms In Office
United States Congressman Danny K. Davis, D. Dist. 7, recently announced that he will not run for re-election at the end of his 15th term in 2027. Elected officials that currently hold office have announced their plans to run for his vacant seat.
Luella’s Southern Kitchen Celebrates Family Legacy
Chef Darnell Reed got into cooking at a very young age and began professionally at a young age. Growing up, he would watch Chef Justin Wilson on Channel 11. He chose culinary arts in high school while he was attending Dunbar Vocational High School. At 16, he worked in the kitchen at the Palmer House Hilton. Reed opened Luella’s Southern Kitchen in 2015 and recently re-opened the restaurant in a new location in Albany Park.
Production of Oliver! Features Two African American Leads
Erline Dorcy has always been a theatre kid. She grew up watching a lot of musicals, Annie, the Sound of Musical, Grease and Oliver. She knew she always wanted to be a performer. She performed while she was in elementary school, high school and majored in Musical Theatre and Performance at Columbia College. When Dorcy is not performing, she is teaching performance and theatre.
Tie Tuesday Foundation Makes Its Mark On Young People Through Mentorship
Daniel Jackson saw a great need for mentorship. As a Chicago Public School teacher, Jackson saw an opportunity to create something to support students outside of school. During his formative years, he had a mentor, and he wanted to be able to support young people in the same way he was supported when he was younger. He founded the Tie Tuesday Foundation in 2023.
Local Organization Helped Entrepreneurs Scale Their Businesses Through A Community Partnership
Dr. Tchicaya Robertson founded Tribe Insights in 2023 because she saw that people in the community needed support when they were upscaling their businesses as part of their entrepreneurship journey. Robertson said as an entrepreneur herself, helping other entrepreneurs is a passion of hers. She believes that because of the political climate and environment, it is necessary for the Black community to be more independent. She said entrepreneurship is one way for people to be more independent and not depend on corporate America. Robertson left corporate America in 2023, and it led her to create Tribe Insights.
