Local News
bp invests in future talent with HBCU Fellowship Program
bp announced it is investing $4.05 million in three historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) to provide students with scholarship funding, exposure to the energy industry, and career development experience.
Nicor Gas opens applications for second year of environmental stewardship initiative grants
Nicor Gas is announcing $100,000 in funding to support environmental stewardship programs. This commitment expands on the company’s value of protecting the environment and enhancing natural green spaces through investments in nonprofit organizations that contribute to clean air, conservation, preservation and sustainable activities.
Celebrating Black History Month: Q&A with JPMorgan Chase’s Byna Elliott
In celebration of Black History Month, we sat down with Byna Elliott, global head of Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorgan Chase, to discuss what Black History Month means to her, how the firm is advancing racial equity and Elliott’s goals for 2023.
Harvey Mayor aims to a build better Harvey
Christopher Clark is a lifelong resident of Harvey. He was elected Mayor of the City of Harvey in 2019. Clark, who is an attorney by trade, also has a degree in Electronic Engineering. “I love my city and I am happy to be serving it at this particular time,” he said.
‘WE WILL CHICAGO’ PLANNING PROCESS CULMINATES WITH ADOPTION BY THE CHICAGO PLAN COMMISSION
A 10-year framework to promote equity and resiliency throughout Chicago was formalized with the Chicago Plan Commission’s unanimous adoption of the first citywide plan in more than 50 years. Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot also announced that she will issue an Executive Order to ensure the plan’s implementation at all levels of City government.
DOLPHLAND POPS UP IN CHICAGO
There’s a new Pop-Up Coming to the space that once housed the Woman-Ish immersive experience. The Dolphland Museum is coming to Chicago Friday through Sunday, March 3rd thru. 5th, at 114 S. State St.
Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Small Black Businesses in Chicago
CHICAGO — Governor Pritzker joined the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA) to celebrate Black businesses in Chicago. The Black McDonald’s Operators Association and three local Black-owned businesses were honored during the event, which was designed to celebrate the more than 141,000 Black-owned businesses that call Illinois home.
Recently elected Cook County Commissioner reflects on first months in office
Monica Gordon has been a Cook County Commissioner, representing the 5th District, since November of 2022, when she was elected to office. “It has been a wonderful experience thus far. Getting to know my fellow Commissioners, being able to get out into the community right away to make an impact. I am really excited for what’s to come,” she said. The 5th District of the Cook County Board includes 49% of the Far South side of Chicago and 51% of the South Suburbs.
Event highlights importance of CPR and AED Training
February was American Heart Month. To celebrate, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, who represents the 6th District, hosted a CPR/AED Training at the Cook County Building, located at 69 W. Washington. The event on Tuesday, Feb. 21st, was the first in-person CPR/AED Training since the COVID-19 pandemic. During the day, staff at the Cook County Building participated in hands-on CPR training.
CHICAGO’S PROCUREMENT REFORM TASK FORCE CONCLUDES WORK WITH UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released its evaluation of the implementation of recommendations of the Chicago Procurement Reform Task Force (PRTF). Established in 2015, PRTF identified opportunities for the City of Chicago and sister agencies to work together to establish and implement best practices for procurement operations. Over the past seven years, Participating Members of the PTRF have made progress in implementing 28 of 31 recommendations. However, the PRTF declared its work complete in November 2022, despite not having implemented three of the most critical recommendations: to create a single website providing contracting information and guidance from all Participating Members (#7); to adopt best practices for routine audits of procurement processes, ideally using shared services to that end (#19); and to implement a universal procurement system—a single point of entry for posting and responding to all Participating Members’ contracting opportunities (#28). As is required by ordinance, OIG publishes today’s evaluation within 90 days of PRTF’s November 2022 report.
“Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited”
An overflowing crowd of over 200 filled the Chicago Cultural Center on Feb. 21 for Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy’s (CAAIP) Premier Reception for the exhibition Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited. While the event was a recognition of the Chicago icons, legends and community honorees featured in the highly lauded exhibit, it was also a homecoming filled with inspiring moments.
Black History Month event at MWRD focuses on environmental justice and advocating for equity
Raising awareness for environmental justice, equity and the African American experience, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) continued its tradition of Black History Month programming and celebration by hosting a forum that featured a talented lineup of insightful speakers.
OVER 1000 ELECTED OFFICIALS, BUSINESS LEADERS, AND ENTERTAINERS TO TRAVEL TO TINLEY PARK FOR THE LARGEST UNCF GALA IN ILLINOIS
SUBURBAN SCHOOL DISTRICTS PARTNER WITH UNITED NEGRO- COLLEGE FUND TO RAISE THOUSANDS IN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR LOCAL STUDENTS
Clerk Yarbrough Receives Award for Recordings Legal Help Desk
Cook County Clerk Karen A Yarbrough was awarded the 2023 Impact Award from the Center for Disability and Elder Law (CDEL) at their annual “Light Up The Loop” Winter Awards Benefit, Thursday evening for her key role in establishing the Recordings Legal Help Desk.
