Local News
The Most Powerful Black Social Impact Network That You've Never Heard of Just Turned 10 and Is Changing Minds on Equity
In 2013, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation spun off BMe Community, an innovative Black leadership network. Since then, its members have created hundreds of award-winning social impact programs, achieved extraordinary policy breakthroughs, and are leading a paradigm shift in philanthropy's approach to equity.
The HBCU Founders Initiative Selects 5 Additional Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to Its Pre-Accelerator Program Designed to Scale Entrepreneurial Education
The HBCU Founders Initiative (HBCUFI), a nonprofit organization that supports HBCU students and alumni along their entrepreneurial journey, has announced that it has selected five additional HBCUs to join its Pre-Accelerator program, which is in place to provide specialized support to students and alumni exploring entrepreneurship and the launch of tech-fueled ventures across HBCU campuses.
Gov. Pritzker Names Precious Brady-Davis to Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board
Governor JB Pritzker announced his appointment of Precious Brady-Davis to the board of commissioners for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago. Brady-Davis currently serves as Associate Regional Communications Director at the Sierra Club and has an extensive history as an advocate and nonprofit coordinator. She will fill the currently vacant seat on the nine-member board of commissioners.
CITY OF CHICAGO AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS ANNOUNCE NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHICAGOANS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CITY’S CUMULATIVE IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Mayor Brandon Johnson, Office of Climate & Environmental Equity (OCEE), Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and community co-leaders announced new opportunities for Chicago residents to participate in Chicago’s Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA). The CIA is the City’s first initiative to comprehensively examine and assess how combined environmental, health and social stressors affect Chicago residents, and to identify communities that experience the greatest impacts.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON APPOINTS BEATRIZ PONCE DE LEÓN TO SERVE AS DEPUTY MAYOR OF IMMIGRANT, MIGRANT AND REFUGEE RIGHTS
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that Beatriz Ponce de León will serve as the City of Chicago’s first-ever Deputy Mayor of Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee Rights.
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.
