Local News
Chicago Urban League Names Lionel Kimble Jr., Ph.D., as Vice President & Executive Director of its Research & Policy Center
The Chicago Urban League has named Lionel Kimble Jr., Ph.D., as Vice President & Executive Director of its Research & Policy Center. Dr. Kimble, who also serves as Associate Professor of History and Africana Studies at Chicago State University, began the role in mid-January. He is responsible for developing and overseeing the League’s mission-aligned advocacy and research agendas, program development, and certain strategic project activities. He will report to the President and CEO and serve as a vital member of the executive management team.
GOGO Charters Launches Fleet of Charter Buses and Shuttles in Greater Chicago
GOGO Charters®, the premier national charter bus and shuttle brand, announced its official launch servicing greater Chicago. GOGO Charters provides one-time and recurring group transportation services for a variety of trips, events and special occasions.
New Course at Malcolm X College Offers New Approach to Support Caregivers of Veterans, Firefighters, Police, and Others Suffering in Silence Due to Traum
The Chicago Caregivers Course, a two-day symposium to introduce a new approach to supporting caregivers of veterans, police, firefighters, first responders, and trauma victims in the city of Chicago, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 21-22 at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Street in Chicago.
Treasurer Frerichs Invites Nonprofits to Apply for $200,000 in Grants Available Through Charitable Trust Program
Small nonprofits that provide people with food or workforce and economic development assistance are encouraged to apply for funding through the Charitable Trust Stabilization Program, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said. Grant applications will be accepted through March 31.
Gov. Pritzker Announces Rodney Boyd Becomes Highest-Ranking Black, Officer of Color in Illinois National Guard History
Governor JB Pritzker announced that Brigadier General Rodney Boyd, the Assistant Adjutant General – Army of the Illinois National Guard and the Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, has been promoted to Major General. This makes him the highest-ranking Black and officer of color in the nearly 300-year history of the Illinois National Guard.
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot Announces $11M in DCASE Grants for Chicago Nonprofit Arts Organizations—Including New “Chicago Arts Recovery Program”
“Nonprofit arts organizations are essential to the fabric of our city," said Mayor Lightfoot. "The 2023 Cultural Grants program will support the nonprofits that empower artists and creative workers and ensure their continued recovery from the pandemic. This latest program builds upon our ongoing commitment to revitalize and strengthen our city's diverse arts community.”
Illinois Humanities Grants to Provide Critical Support for 14 Organizations Around the State
Illinois Humanities announces that 14 Illinois organizations will receive General Operating Grants, the organization’s newest funding opportunity for humanities work statewide. Illinois Humanities’ General Operating Grants provide unrestricted funding, meaning organizations can allocate support wherever they need it most rather than being limited to utilizing the funds for a specific project or program. For organizations of varying development, size, and staffing, flexibility is critical – and far more impactful.
ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW NAMED THE BENJAMIN L. CRUMP COLLEGE OF LAW
On Wednesday, Feb. 8, the College of Law at St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, was named the Benjamin L. Crump College of Law. This will be the first law school in the country named after a practicing Black attorney. The only other law school in the country named for a Black person is named after Attorney Crump's personal hero, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.
Chicago Public Schools and Children First Fund Partner with Cabrera Capital Markets to Strengthen the Financial Literacy of Students and Families
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Children First Fund (CFF), CPS’ Foundation, today announced a new partnership between Lee Elementary and Cabrera Capital Markets to strengthen the financial literacy and planning skills of Lee students and their families. CPS CEO Pedro Martinez joined Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs and Cabrera Capital Markets Founder and CEO – and CPS alumnus – Martin Cabrera, Jr. and the firm’s president, and fellow CPS alumnus, Robert Aguilar, to observe a classroom budgeting lesson for Lee Elementary sixth graders as they celebrated the collaborative effort.
School District Superintendent wants support for educators and students
Thomas, who grew up on the West side of Chicago, worked for the Department of Children and Family Services for 4 years. He also worked at Hartgrove Hospital and at the Chicago Public Schools. He has been a school administrator for about 15 years. The last 11 have been as a school superintendent.
Podcast connects and highlights thriving Black businesses
Larvetta Loftin always enjoyed sharing and telling stories. With her Black Businesses Matter Podcast, she shares the stories of Black entrepreneurs whose businesses are thriving. On Thursday, Feb. 16th , Loftin will host a live event for the Black Businesses Matter Podcast. It will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Polsky Center, located at 1452 E. 53rd St. on the 2nd Floor. Guests include Kimberly Lewis, CEO and Co-Founder of CurlMix; Robert Johnson, Chief Equity Officer at Bozos Academy; Irfan Jafrey, CEO of Roosterly; and Jacqueline Campbell, Founder and CEO of Alexander Legacy Private Wealth Management.
Cleopatra Draper wants to bring Roses to Roseland
Cleopatra Draper is running for 9th Ward Alderperson. This is her second time running for the office. She ran the first time in 2019. Draper worked at Chicago Public Schools for seven years. Cleopatra Draper is the organizer of the Roseland Peace Parade. She also is a radio host on WVON.
Black History in the Making: Kevin Brown
Growing up in Kingston, Jamaica, Kevin Brown was a curious child, especially when it came to why and how. When he was young, he would stay late at the library, roaming around and flipping through books, discovering new things about new topics he didn’t know anything about. At home, he would take apart appliances to see how they worked.
Chicago Public Schools Celebrates Crossing Guard Appreciation Month
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is commemorating Crossing Guard Appreciation Month by recognizing more than 600 crossing guards from February 14 to March 14, 2023. Crossing guards play a vital role in ensuring students traverse busy intersections safely and help with the security of students as they arrive and leave school premises.