Local News

Rep. Jackson Introduces Bipartisan Bill, The Marshall “Major” Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act

Today, U.S. Representatives Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL-01) and Jim Baird (R-IN-04) led 32 of their colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Marshall “Major” Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act. This legislation would posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor — America's first Black sports star, but someone many have never heard of — in recognition of his significance to the nation as a trailblazing athlete.

𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐯𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐠𝐨’𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞

West Garfield Park was recently dubbed the 'most violent neighborhood in Chicago' by the Chicago Sun-Times. This historic neighborhood has witnessed nearly 1,000 shootings in the last five years – approximately one shooting every other day. West Garfield Park, however, is fighting back. A resilient and progressive hope has birthed: The Sankofa School of the Arts. Sankofa is a new, dynamic and collaborative arts showcase supported by leading West Side institutions: New Mount Pilgrim Church-Chicago, the innovative men's group – the MAAFA Redemption Project, and the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation.

JOINT CONGRESSIONAL RACIAL EQUITY BRIEFING EMPHASIZED THE NEED FOR POLICY CHANGES AND UNITY IN SEEKING TO ENACT IMPACTFUL SYSTEMIC REFORMS

The National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE) called the Joint Congressional Racial Equity Briefing “a significant event,” bringing together leaders, experts, and activists to discuss pressing issues regarding racial equity in the United States.

Great Lakes Credit Union Collects 815 Winter Apparel Items for Children and Families in Need

Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) is proud to announce the impact of their annual coat and winter gear drive, which collected 815 winter items to support Cradles to Crayons Chicago.

Biden-Harris Administration Prepares for Third Student Debt Relief Negotiation Session

The Biden-Harris Administration today took another step in its continued efforts to provide financial relief to significant numbers of student loan borrowers with the release of an updated copy of proposed regulatory text. The proposals build on the Biden-Harris Administration’s actions to date to provide student loan borrowers with much-needed breathing room. Already the Administration has approved a total of $127 billion in student debt relief for 3.6 million borrowers through a variety of actions.

Hyundai Motor North America's Olabisi Boyle Named a 2023 Automotive News All-Star

Olabisi Boyle, vice president of product planning and mobility strategy for Hyundai Motor North America, was named a 2023 Automotive News All-Star in the operations executive category. The esteemed awards program includes an annual selection of thirty-eight outstanding individuals who are leaders in the highly competitive automotive industry. In addition to Boyle's recognition, Euisun Chung, executive chair of the Hyundai Motor Group received the Industry Leader honor.

Feed the Soul Foundation Provides $850K of Support to Culinary Businesses

According to the Small-Business Labor Crisis Report by Ramsey Solutions, 42% of small business owners state they have experienced burnout in the past year and 56% small business owners express they feel alone in solving problems and making decisions when faced with current challenges within the culinary industry. In its third year of service, Feed the Soul Foundation, a national non-profit continues to provide financial relief and solutions for marginalized businesses that experienced the hardest constraints by the pandemic.

ASME Foundation Honors STEM NOLA Founder and CEO Calvin Mackie, Ph.D., at New Orleans Event

The engineering community recently honored Dr. Calvin Mackie, engineer, advocate, entrepreneur and founder and CEO of STEM NOLA, for his leadership of the organization in reaching more than 125,000 children in more than 5,100 schools across the U.S. and five other countries with STEM programming. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) recognized Mackie’s vision and dedication with the donation of a 2024 scholarship for a STEM NOLA Fellow, the ASME Foundation announced at a gala event held Nov. 2 in New Orleans.

Kwanzaa and Holiday Specials Highlight December Programming at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) celebrates Kwanzaa throughout December. From Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, 2024, NMAAHC will feature its first- Kwanzaa display in Heritage Hall, including a kinara, mkeka mat, and a Kwanzaa playlist.

Cook County Board of Commissioners Pass Budget Amendments Sponsored by Commissioner Donna Miller to Support Veterans, Address Maternal Mortality

The Cook County Board of Commissioners passed the FY2024 budget, which included two amendments championed by Commissioner Donna Miller to secure funding and support for veterans and pregnant women to reduce maternal mortality rates

Dr. Shernita Mays Honored for Leading Illinois School of Park Forest to Earn ISBE ’s Highest Designation

Words that began with the letter, E, rang out in Southland College Prep’s Fieldhouse during a rousing recent celebration to honor Dr. Shernita Mays, principal of Matteson District 162’s Illinois School.

McDonald’s Relaunches Grant Program to Benefit Chicago-Based Youth Organizations

McDonald's has served up special moments that feed and foster communities all across the world for decades. Amidst a global footprint, the community of Chicago will always hold a special place, with our roots in the community dating back to 1955. It’s why now, as one of the largest employers headquartered in the Second City, we’re continuing to support Chicago’s neighborhood organizations.

Lifeline Theatre Seeks Writers of Color For 3rd Annual Adaptation Development Workshop

ifeline Theatre’s 3rd annual adaptation workshop is accepting submissions from writers of color through December 17. The workshop offers Lifeline’s expertise in literary adaptation to support playwrights/writers of color (BIPOC) seeking to adapt for the stage. The workshops will culminate in public readings and the potential to be included in future Lifeline seasons.

AWARD-WINNING CHAMBER ENSEMBLE IMANI WINDS PERFORMS FEB. 24 AT NICHOLS CONCERT HALL

The Music Institute of Chicago presents Grammy-nominated quintet Imani Winds performing “Black and Brown, a celebration of composers of color” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston.

City Colleges of Chicago to Host Kwanzaa Celebration at Malcolm X College, Free and Open to the Public

Malcolm X College has a strong history of celebrating Kwanzaa and for more than 17 years. This year’s celebration theme is Building and Sustaining Community One Principle at a Time.