Local News

Gov. Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker Join Special Olympics Illinois for Rally at the Governor’s Mansion

Governor JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker joined Special Olympics Illinois participants for a pep rally at the Governor’s Mansion. The event consisted of lawn games, a dunk tank, and family fun activities. The rally was in preparation for the 2024 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games, which will be held in Bloomington-Normal next weekend.

CITY OF CHICAGO UNVEILS COMPREHENSIVE SUMMER SAFETY PLAN

The City of Chicago announced a groundbreaking summer safety plan, underscored by a $100 million investment from the FY24 budget. This comprehensive strategy focuses on anti-violence programming, strategic CPD deployments and strengthened investigations, restorative justice, re-entry services, and domestic and gender-based violence prevention and intervention - all aimed at enhancing community safety and well-being.

IMPACT GRANTS CHICAGO AWARDS $475,000 IN GRANTS TO CHICAGO NONPROFITS

Impact Grants Chicago awarded $475,000 in grants to seven Chicago nonprofits at its Grant Awards Celebration on May 29 at Venue West in Chicago.

Chicago Urban League Releases Preliminary Observations from its Appraisal Bias Task Force at 2024 Policy SUMMIT

The Chicago Urban League said educating consumers about the home appraisal process and increasing diversity and cultural proficiency within the real estate appraisal industry will be important factors in addressing barriers to building Black wealth through homeownership. These observations were among several shared during the League’s 2024 Policy SUMMIT, which included an audience of nearly 300 business professionals, civic leaders, and community members at the Marriott Marquis Chicago.

Author’s Book Looks At How Theater Can Respond To Racial Reckonings

In Patrice Rankine’s field, he wanted to think about the tools of his discipline, which focuses on the past, and how they could be used to help to think through problems in the present. Rankine is a Professor in the Department of Classics, Division of Humanities at the University of Chicago. The murder of George Floyd in 2020 led him to think about myths and the symbolism around that murder.

FoundHers Suite Provides A Space For Women Entrepreneurs To Work And Collaborate

LaTanya Orr is a brand strategist and certified life coach who is also the author of “Strike A Pose: 7 Red Carpet Strategies Every Entrepreneurial Woman Must Have.” Orr recently opened the FoundHers Suite, located at 1808-10 W. 103rd St., on the second floor.

DEI Expert’s Book Focuses On ‘Diversity Done Right’

Tyronne Stoudemire’s book ‘Diversity Done Right: Navigating Cultural Difference in the Workplace and Beyond,” was written from his stories, journal writings, speeches and experiences working in diversity, equity and inclusion for 30 years. Stoudemire is the Senior Vice President of Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Hyatt.

Local Performer Inspires Young Girls And Releases New Music

Joryin Pender always strives to make her art a reflection of a serious message and a catalyst to spark conversation.

Celebrating Unsung African American Male Caregivers on Father's Day

Father's Day is a time to celebrate the men who have shaped our lives with their strength, wisdom, and love. This year, we shine a spotlight on a special group of fathers and father figures—African American male caregivers who are tirelessly caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Their stories of dedication and resilience deserve recognition and honor.

The Kehrein Center For the Arts Foundation Welcomes the Inaugural Experience of The Black Aura: A Weekend of Liberation & the Arts June 28th-29th

The Kehrein Center for the Arts Foundation is thrilled to present "The Black Aura: A Weekend of Liberation & the Arts" taking place on June 28-29, 2024, at 5628 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL. Positioned between Juneteenth and Independence Day, this weekend event will foster an immersive interaction among artists and community residents, providing opportunities to uncover new artistic talents and deepen our understanding of shared history and identities, ultimately strengthening community bonds in the Austin area and beyond.

Bally’s Chicago Casino Hosts Diversity Vendor Fair on June 11

Bally’s Chicago Casino hosted a Diversity Supplier Vendor Fair on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chicago Teachers Union Hall, 1901 W. Carroll.

UNCF’S “A MIND IS…” GALA FEATURES THE ARTWORK OF KUDZAI B. MUTASA, JUNE 15

As a major event during the year-long 80th anniversary celebration of UNCF (United Negro College Fund), the organization’s “A Mind Is…” (AMI) Gala, being held June 15 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, will feature the exquisite artwork of visual artist Kudzai B. Mutasa.

THE DUSABLE MUSEUM ANNOUNCES 2024 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

In honor of Juneteenth (June 19, 1865), the day when more than 200,000 enslaved African Americans in Confederate states were declared free, The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center will present a day-long Juneteenth Celebration on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 10:00 AM until 8:30 PM. The programming schedule will include activities, performances and discussions suitable for the entire family. As part of the Celebration line-up the museum will host “Step Up: The Divine Nine,” a Panel Discussion scheduled for 1:30 PM which will pay tribute to the Black Fraternities and Sororities; a Greek Step Show will take place at 2:30 PM and a special travelling exhibit, “The Heart and Soul of the Movement; The Influence of Greek Organizations,” will be on display. Headlining the day will be a 7:00 PM performance by the Grammy Award nominated artist and producer Glenn Jones.

Treasurer Maria Pappas featured in Women and Leadership Archives at Loyola University Chicago

More than 34,000 documents, multimedia files and other items highlighting the career accomplishments of Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas are featured in the Women and Leadership Archives at Loyola University Chicago.

Bally's Chicago Casino Maintains Strong Revenue and Admissions in May

May marked the most successful month yet for Bally's Chicago Casino with the highest revenue ($13.8M) and admissions (118,650) since opening on September 9, 2023.