Local News

FOUNDER OF THE HOPE IS FOUNDATION CREATES ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP

David Robertson is the founder of the Hope Is Foundation, an organization that aims to expand local communities’ capacity to respond to the health, educational and economic needs of the community.

More Than 85 Percent of Black Homicide Victims Killed With Guns, Study Finds

Guns are by far the most common weapon used to kill Black homicide victims in America, according to a new study by the Violence Policy Center (VPC). The study found that 86 percent of Black homicide victims nationwide were killed with guns. Of these, two thirds were killed with a handgun.

HOSPITAL SEEKS STATE INVESTMENT TO REMAIN OPEN

West Suburban Medical Center, located at 3 Erie St., in Oak Park, has been in the community since 1914. Now it is seeking financial help from the state of Illinois to keep its doors open. According to a press release, the medical center has treated more than 38,000 patients in its Emergency Department and more than 140,000 patients annually.

DuSABLE MUSEUM ANNOUNCES SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE DuSUMMER TO FEATURE JAZZ, HOUSE MUSIC AND MORE FROM JUNE THROUGH SEPTEMBER

To celebrate the reopening to the public of the DuSable Museum of African American History, the Museum has announced “DuSummer” a robust schedule of outdoor entertainment programs from June 2, 2021 through September 31, 2021 …and there’s something for everyone included in the lineup.

Why clinical trial diversity is key to increasing access to routine care and innovative treatment options

The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on longstanding health care disparities and amplified the importance of clinical trial diversity, especially participation of those patients and communities disproportionately impacted by the disease being studied. Since clinical trials function as the gatekeeper to bringing new medicines safely to patients and communities, it has become increasingly important that diverse communities be represented in our research efforts.

FOUNDATION SEEKS TO CLOSE THE RACIAL AND ETHNIC WEALTH GAP

Chicago Community Trust is more than 100 years old, but its mission of bringing greater equity and economic development to the Chicagoland region remains the same. Dr. Helene Gayle is the president and CEO of Chicago Community Trust. She said the community foundation is able to connect philanthropy to impact because there is a broad base of donors who want to invest in the community. “We work with donors who want to invest in the Chicago region and help to connect them to opportunities that can allow them to use their dollars in ways that make the biggest difference,” Gayle said.

McDonald’s partners with the Biden Administration to provide trusted, independent information on COVID-19 vaccines

As part of our ongoing efforts to support communities and local neighborhoods during the COVID-19 pandemic, McDonald’s is partnering with the Biden Administration to make access to information on vaccines even easier for the millions of customers who enjoy McDonald’s each day in the U.S.

Pritzker now says budget can include added $350 million for K-12 schools

Citing an “improved” economic outlook, Gov. JB Pritzker recently announced his support to increase evidence-based education funding in the state by $350 million in fiscal year 2022 which begins July 1. In his February budget proposal, Pritzker originally proposed flat spending for education, citing “financial uncertainty” amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fleeting, a Black-Owned Company Receives $500,000 Investment from NBA Star Kyrie Irving and New Fund Lockstep Ventures

Fleeting, a Black-owned commercial trucking and fleet management services company, recently announced that it received a seed round investment of $500,000 from Kyrie Irving, NBA superstar and founder of new consulting firm, KAI 11 Consulting, and Lockstep Ventures, the new venture fund founded by Michael Loeb, Bonin Bough, and Marcus Glover.

FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT HEADED TO MIT

Marcus Russell, who will graduate from Jones College Prep High School, will head to Massachusetts Institute of Technology this fall.

DuSABLE MUSEUM ANNOUNCES JUNETEENTH REOPENING

After having been closed since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the DuSable Museum of African American History is scheduled to reopen to the public on “Juneteenth” (Saturday, June 19, 2021), at 11:00 AM with a “Welcome Back” Ceremony celebrating the return to business for the nation’s first independent Black History Museum.

Black Women Talk Tech Presents Their Fifth Annual Roadmap to Billions Conference

Black Women Talk Tech has officially announced its Fifth Annual Roadmap to Billions Conference. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will be virtual via a customized experience on Hop.in on Aug. 12-13.

RESIDENTS AND STAKEHOLDERS BEAUTIFY COMMUNITY

Greater Englewood Unity Day was the brainchild of Jane Carter-Hill, co-founder of Imagine Englewood If… Hill was devoted to having people connect, communicate and collaborate.

STATE FARM ROLLS OUT GRANT FOR NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Individuals and organizations are once again able to win $25,000 in grant money for neighborhood improvement projects with State Farm’s Neighborhood Assist program. Last year, there were four Illinois organizations that won.

IL Department on Aging Celebrates Older Americans Month

May is Older Americans Month in Illinois and the state’s Department on Aging (IDoA) is encouraging all Illinoisans to build strength in the lives of our older adults. “Communities of Strength” is the theme of this year’s recognition, which highlights the differences everyone can make in the lives of the state’s more than 2.8 million older adults and in support of our more than 600,000 caregivers.