Local News
Inaugural DuSable Museum Day Weekend Honoring Black History and Culture
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, founded in 1961 by Dr. Margaret T. Burroughs, stands as one of the nation’s first independent museums dedicated to preserving and celebrating Black history, culture and art. Named after Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, Chicago’s first non-Indigenous settler, the Museum has been a beacon of education and inspiration for generations. From its humble beginnings in Dr. Burroughs’ home to its status as a Smithsonian-affiliated institution, the DuSable Museum remains a cornerstone of historical preservation and cultural empowerment.
The Obama Foundation Brings World-Class, Affordable, Local Culinary Experience to the Obama Presidential Center
As the Obama Foundation prepares to open the Obama Presidential Center to the public in 2026, today they announced Chicago Chef Cliff Rome and Bon Appétit Management Company will collaborate to provide food service and catering operations across the majority of campus, including at the Center’s restaurant and café, which are open to the public.
THE BLACK CAUCUS 2ND ANNUAL CITY OF CHICAGO JOB FAIR AT MALCOLM X COLLEGE
Alderman Stephanie Coleman-Chairman of the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus- will be joined by her fellow Black Caucus colleagues in hosting the 2nd Annual City of Chicago and Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus job fair.
Get ready, Chicago! The 2025 Soar Awards are bringing gospel’s biggest superstars to the city for an unforgettable night of powerful performances, legendary honors and soul-stirring music!
The highly anticipated 2025 Soar Awards will take place on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the Greenwood Oasis located 7621 S. Greenwood in Chicago, IL, bringing together some of the most influential figures in gospel music. Hosted by a dynamic duo of award winning recording artist Jekalyn Carr and talk show host Willie Moore Jr., this unforgettable evening will honor Yolanda Adams, Smokie Norful, and Archbishop William Hudson, celebrating their remarkable contributions to the gospel music industry.
Chicago Federation of Labor Endorses 209 Students 1st Slate in the Proviso Township High Schools District 209’s School Board Race
The Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL), one of the metropolitan area's most influential organizations, has endorsed the 209 Students 1st Slate in the Proviso Township High Schools District 209’s School Board race. This endorsement is significant as the CFL is the umbrella group for 300 unions in suburban Cook County and Chicago.
Illinois Partners for Human Service to Launch “Living Wages, Thriving Communities” Campaign to Advocate for Fair Pay
Illinois Partners for Human Service (Illinois Partners) has officially launched the Living Wages, Thriving Communities website to bring attention to the urgent need for human service workers to earn livable wages: LivingWageIL.org. On Wednesday, February 26, at noon, advocates, community leaders, and frontline workers will gather in the rotunda of the Capitol Building in Springfield, Illinois, for a pivotal rally and press conference to launch the campaign demanding fair pay and sustainable funding for the human service sector.
REVIVER® CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND FOUNDER NEVILLE BOSTON'S ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY
Reviver is proud to celebrate Black History Month and the journey of founder, Neville Boston — from creating the world's first digital license plate to becoming the first Black-founded technology jersey patch partner among the NBA.
Cathleen Richardson Joins Agtech Company Ponix as President and Executive Director of Upcoming Nonprofit Arm
Ponix, a minority-owned agtech company, today announced the appointment of Cathleen Richardson as president and executive director of its nonprofit arm, launching later this year. Ponix drives sustainable urban agriculture and community empowerment with its modular climate-smart indoor farming solutions and through the Coalition for Food Security, an initiative in partnership with 24 minority farmers backed by a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Richardson will help launch the nonprofit and oversee its business operations, fundraising and strategic growth for farmer and education programs, fostering partnerships with Ponix to strengthen local food production and economic resilience for urban and rural communities.
Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit Heads to Las Vegas with Inspiring Lineup of Trailblazing Speakers
The Women of Power Summit, BLACK ENTERPRISE premier leadership event dedicated to advancing Black women in corporate America, is returning to Las Vegas in 2025 at the iconic Bellagio Hotel & Casino from March 5–9, 2025. This empowering, four-day event will gather thousands of influential women from across the country for an unforgettable networking experience, professional development, and celebration of excellence.
Gov. Pritzker Announces Investments in Freedman Seating Company’s Chicago Manufacturing Facility
Governor JB Pritzker joined Freedman Seating Company and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to announce new investments in the company’s Chicago manufacturing facility that will create 50 new full-time jobs and retain 676 full-time jobs. Freedman Seating Company’s $4 million investment in capital expenditures, bolstered by an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement, will enable the company to make site improvements to accommodate new manufacturing equipment at its nearly 100-year-old facility in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.
EAT Chicago Releases New Report on Guaranteed Income
Equity and Transformation (EAT) Chicago has released its latest report, “Chicago Future Fund: The Impact of Guaranteed Basic Income on the Lives of Post-Incarceration Individuals,” this morning, February 3, 2025. The report features original research into the impact of guaranteed basic income on recidivism, physical and psychological well-being, and income volatility. It also highlights the experiences of participants in EAT’s guaranteed income program.
ComEd Announces $100 Million in EV Rebates Now Available to Boost Charging and EV Adoption Across Northern Illinois
ComEd joined a variety of local and industry stakeholders at the annual Chicago Auto Show to announce that it has made $100 million in rebates available to help more customers take steps toward electric vehicles (EVs) in 2025. To reduce upfront cost barriers to EVs, the rebates cover three distinct programs: residential EV charger and installation costs, all-electric fleet vehicles and business and public sector make ready charging infrastructure. ComEd EV investments are available for residential, business and public sector customers, and are designed to equitably provide funding for communities to promote the widespread adoption of EVs in Illinois.
Chicago Cultural Center New Play Residency Offers Funding and Support for New Play Readings in Time for Chicago Theatre Week
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is pleased to announce the four awardees of the Chicago Cultural Center New Play Residency. The selected works will be showcased with free public readings during Chicago Theatre Week and February 22-23, 2025, at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Studio Theater (78 E. Washington St).
ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL SHARES BEST PRACTICES FOR DEVELOPING PREVENTION PROGRAMS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul encouraged families, educators and other professionals working with children to plan online safety education programs and share best practices for developing effective programs.