Local News
16th Annual Firefest Hip Hop Block Party
The Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago is excited to present the 16th Annual Firefest from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at 2111 S. Hamlin Ave in North Lawndale. The anticipated family-focused event is the only hip-hop block party on the west side featuring viral sensation LaRussell.
Landmarks Illinois provides grant funding to preservation projects at landmark churches on Chicago’s South Side
Landmarks Illinois has awarded three grants through the Timuel D. Black, Jr. Grant Fund for Chicago’s South Side to preservation projects at historic places of worship in the Bronzeville and Englewood neighborhoods.
Hyde Park Art Center presents Candace Hunter’s largest solo exhibition The Alien-Nations and Sovereign States of Octavia E. Butler November 11, 2023—March 3, 2024
Hyde Park Art Center, the renowned non-profit hub for contemporary art located on Chicago’s vibrant South Side, announces Chicago-based artist Candace Hunter’s largest solo exhibition to date. Exploring ideas from Parable of the Sower and Xenogenesis Trilogy (Lilith’s Brood) by speculative fiction author Octavia E. Butler (1947-2006), this will be Hunter’s third and most immersive exhibition inspired by Butler’s work. Hunter will present a series of collage-based works, installations, video, and sound works that illustrate the meticulously sculpted worlds Butler imagined in her novels, examining their significance for Black bodies and future societies. Candace Hunter: The Alien-Nations and Sovereign States of Octavia E. Butler will be on view from November 11, 2023 to March 3, 2024.
Reps. Kelly, Balderson Introduce Legislation to Combat Prescription Opioid Abuse
Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12) introduced legislation to enable health care providers to track and ensure the well-being of patients who are prescribed opioids. The Remote Opioid Monitoring Act would create a study focusing on the benefits and efficacy of remote monitoring.
Nicor Gas announces $100,000 in funding for educational programming
Expanding on its commitment to enhance opportunities and social mobility for the communities it serves, Nicor Gas is announcing $100,000 in funding to support secondary and post-secondary educational programs as well as technical and vocational programs.
Chicago Public Schools Fills Leadership Roles
hicago Board of Education approved the appointment of the District’s new chief operating officer and a new chief for Network 13. The Board unanimously approved Charles Mayfield to serve as the District’s chief operating officer and Dr. Terrycita Perry to serve as the Network 13 chief.
LIVE @ LIGHTHOUSE SUMMER CONCERTS CONTINUE WITH ALLAN HARRIS JULY 13
Soul/Jazz singer hailed by Tony Bennett as "my favorite singer" featured in performances at 7 & 9 p.m. at Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago (108 W. Germania Pl.) continues its Live @ Lighthouse summer concert series with Allan Harris. Legendary jazz and showtune singer Tony Bennett has called Harris “my favorite singer.” Harris will be showcased in 7 and 9 p.m. performances Thursday, July 13.
ComEd’s New and Enhanced Online Solar Calculators Help Customers Navigate Clean Energy Options
ComEd announced it has introduced new enhancements to its private rooftop and community solar calculators to make it easier for customers to learn more about costs, benefits and savings as demand for these options continues to grow and contribute to the goals of Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), one of the nation’s most ambitious plans for renewable energy development.
U.S. Department of Education to Launch Application Process to Expand Federal Pell Grant Access for Individuals Who Are Confined or Incarcerated
The U.S. Department of Education (Department) has launched a new process through which institutions of higher education can apply to offer postsecondary programs to confined or incarcerated individuals. For the first time in nearly 30 years, as a result of statutory changes enacted through the FAFSA Simplification Act, individuals enrolled in approved prison education programs (PEPs) will be eligible for Federal Pell Grants outside a limited pilot program known as the Second Chance Pell Experiment. The Department will begin accepting applications on July 3, 2023, and will approve applications on a rolling basis.
The 35th Annual GhanaFest Brings Authentic Cultural Display to Washington Park July 29th
The Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago (GNC) and its Affiliates (tribes) will present its flagship, the 35th Annual Ghanafest, in Washington Park on July 29th from 11:00 AM until 10:00 PM. The “Forward Together” themed event is the most prominent display of authentic Ghanaian culture in the Midwest.
ENTREPRENEUR GAINS IMPACTFUL EXPERIENCE FROM FOUNDERS FORWARD PROGRAM
Brenda Nelson started Stitch Me Apparel in 2010 as a hobby. Nelson and her husband would attend trade shows and they would come back with gifts from those events. Nelson thought creating custom apparel was something she could do and decided to buy a machine to use for her projects.
ARTISTS CREATES MURAL DEPICTING WORK OF CONGRESSMAN DANNY DAVIS
Janel Young has been creating art since she was a child. Art chose her and she’s always come back to it. Her path to doing art professionally was not linear.
HARVEY RESIDENT NAMED HUMANA GAME CHANGER
James Lewis has been playing 3-on-3 basketball since back in the early 1980s. He had an injury and stopped playing, then he returned to the sport after his son encouraged him to be more active.
Mark Clements Recognized as a Leader for a New Chicago
Mark Clements is in and out of prisons and courtrooms in his quest to help people. The work that he does as a community organizer with the Chicago Torture Justice Center is personal to him.
