Local News
AKArama Foundation Donates Supplies
The AKARAMA Foundation’s Women’s Health and Wellness Committee celebrated the start of school by presenting a bounty of school supplies to Dulles School of Excellence and John Fiske Elementary School students in the Woodlawn community. The Foundation – the charitable arm of Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated –- transported boxes and bags to the schools. The Foundation acknowledged Alderman Jeanette Beatrice Taylor of the Twentieth Ward, where both schools are located. She responded to the call by generously donating 23 boxes of supplies.
Jesse White Warns Consumers to Beware of Flood-Damaged Cars
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is warning consumers interested in purchasing used vehicles to beware of flood-damaged cars resulting from flooding caused by Hurricane Ida or other natural disasters.
Lecrae Partners With Experian
Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Lecrae, has partnered with Experian North America, a leading information services company, to present, “Protect The Bag,” a six-part web series, that provides viewers with a blueprint for building a financial legacy.
National Museum of African American History and Culture Celebrates Fifth Anniversary
In September, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture will celebrate five years as the nation’s largest cultural destination dedicated to exploring the African American story and its impact on history. After operating virtually for 10 years, the museum opened on the National Mall Sept. 24, 2016.
15th Annual National Business Leaders Virtual Conference and Awards Gala
Diversity MBA will host its 15th Annual National Business Leaders Virtual Conference and Awards Gala on September 22 - 23, 2021 with its theme: REIMAGINE THE FUTURE: Lean into Possibilities. This two-day event will be an information filled virtual experience that provides real talk on corporate people of color recruitment, hiring accountability and trends, and teaches people of color job seekers and students valuable corporate insights on how to land their dream job and how to be successful in climbing the corporate ladder. The conference will also feature the book release: The SkiNy On Diversity Recruiting – The Best Practice Guide to Current Trends on Recruiting Strategies by Pamela A. McElvane, CEO of Diversity MBA.
Mayor Lightfoot Announces $9 Million Fund
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Interim Chicago Public Schools CEO Dr. José M. Torres announced the creation of the Chicago Families Forward Fund. Driven by Chicago families’ high level of continued financial need, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Families Forward Fund will provide emergency assistance to eligible students and families. The Fund, aimed at supporting families with educational and living expenses, will distribute more than $9 million in assistance before the end of the Fall 2021 semester.
Sickle Cell Disease: Getting to the Root of the Problem
Chances are you probably know someone who is or has been impacted by sickle cell disease (SCD). In fact, 1 in 13 African Americans have the sickle cell trait. While it’s considered a rare genetic disease, it’s actually the most common inherited blood disorder in the world. Every September, we recognize Sickle Cell Awareness Month in the U.S. As we mark the month this year, we’re taking this opportunity to raise awareness about this devastating disease, elevate voices in the community to share their experience living with the disease and highlight potential treatments scientists at Vertex Pharmaceuticals have been working on. Read on to learn more about the underlying cause of SCD and how scientists are currently investigating a potential gene-editing therapy to address this serious disease.
LEGISLATION BRINGS HEALTHY CHOICES TO CHILDREN’S MEALS
LEGISLATION BRINGS HEALTHY CHOICES TO CHILDREN’S MEALS
15th Annual McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration® Gospel Tour
In honor of Gospel Music Heritage Month, which takes place annually in September, McDonald’s is serving inspiration with a side of friendly banter for music fans of all ages. Starting Sept. 19 through Oct. 10, the 15th annual McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration® Gospel Tour, a long-standing event that fosters community through the deeply rooted tradition of gospel music, will take place virtually every Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on BET Network’s YouTube channel and BET.com.
SCHOOLS STRUGGLE WITH REOPENING AMID PANDEMIC SURGE
With coronavirus cases rising across the U.S. as a result of the highly contagious Delta variant, school districts nationwide are moving quickly to implement public-health precautions in preparation for fall reopenings.
Oooh Wee! It Is! Restaurant expands to Beverly and Wicker Park
Mark Walker has been in the retail business for seven years, starting out with Oooh Wee Sweet Tea. The tea was being sold in the Harold’s Chicken at 87th and Dan Ryan in December of 2014, at a tea stand set up on vintage luggage, with one flavor, lemon honey. It blossomed. In the first year, there were 286,000 cups of tea sold and name recognition from celebrities and elected officials. Walker hired staff and was able to get tea in more places.
Artist transforming shuttered school into creative incubator
Artists are known for taking elements and transforming them into something beautiful. That’s exactly what artist Theaster Gates and Rebuild Foundation are doing with a shuttered elementary school on the South Side, by turning it into a creative incubator.
Young People Get exposure to professional careers
This summer the University of Chicago launched a Youth Internship Program. The program paid Chicago Public High School students and paired them with an internship supervisor in different units throughout the University. There were 10 students who participated in the program this year remotely. There is an aim to expand to 30 students next year and ultimately get to 100 students by 2024.
The Pullman National Monument Is Open To The Public
The Pullman National Monument site opened on Labor Day weekend after years of planning. The National Park Service site is unique in that it is an urban park that tells the story of the planned community founded by George M. Pullman, who designed and manufactured sleeping train cars.