Local News
Black Ensemble Theater extends That's What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne and Patti
Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announces That's What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne and Patti, a musical celebration of sisterhood, soul, and legendary voices written and directed by Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks. The production has been extended through August 10, at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago.
Chicago Board of Education Appoints 2025–2026 Honorary Student Board Member
The Chicago Board of Education (Board) has named Destiny Singleton, a rising senior from Ogden International High School as its 2025-2026 Honorary Student Board Member (HSBM). She succeeds Carolina Carchi, a recent Roberto Clemente Community Academy graduate.
Famous Amos Recognizes 3 Emerging Black-Owned Enterprises with $50,000 Business Awards
Famous Amos, in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc (USBC), has announced the winners of its fifth annual Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative (IFS). IFS supports pathways for early-stage Black business owners to thrive by providing $50,000 to three organizations each, in addition to mentorship, networking and educational resources.
Super Bowl Champion Willie Colon Drives Discovery at 2025 Annual Lupus Research Alliance Golf Fundraiser
The Lupus Research Alliance, the world's largest private funder of lupus research, partnered with Super Bowl Champion and current Fox Sports 1 co-host Willie Colon on the 11th Annual Willie Colon Golf Outing – raising an incredible $450,000 for lupus research.
Mental Health Services For Men Are Important And Accessible
While June was Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, the topic of men’s mental health is one that should be considered all year round. Mental health is a part of overall health.
Modular Homes Pilot Program Will Bring New Homes To Chicago Heights
Cook County and Inherentance recently hosted a ribbon cutting for two homes in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. These two homes are part of a $12 million housing pilot program that will bring 120 new modular homes to Chicago Heights, Proviso Township and Humboldt Park.
Red Clay Dance Company Continues To Engage The Community
The Red Clay Dance Company is gearing up for its 17th season in September. Founding Artistic Director and CEO Vershawn Sanders-Ward is encouraging community members to take advantage of the dance classes that are available at the Red Clay Dance Company Center for Excellence, which is located at 808 E. 63rd St. Red Clay Dance Company offers dance classes in the beginner and intermediate/advanced levels in Afro-Contemporary and Jazz Funk.
UCAN Scholarship Recipient Is Recognized For His Work In The Community
Robert Benson II has always been around UCAN. His mother worked with Safe Passage and his father worked in the office. While there with his parents, he was exposed to the programs and services that are available. He realized that the programs provided necessary resources and services. He ended up participating in the Violence Intervention and Prevention Program, which helps young people thrive in a safe environment while empowering them to fulfill their potential as future leaders.
WORKING WITH OUR CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
At the Alzheimer's Association, we believe that engaging diverse perspectives is critical to achieving health equity — meaning that all communities have a fair and just opportunity for early diagnosis and access to risk reduction and quality care. Historically marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia, and yet are less likely to be diagnosed; less likely to be recruited to participate in research; and less likely to have access to care and support services. This is unacceptable and must change.
Don’t Forget the Least In Our Midst
Over the months that I have been writing this column, there is one area of planning that I have not identified or stressed enough. This week I have been confronted with the sad outcome of a parent who did not plan for the care and upkeep of their dependent adult child. Simply put, when the parent died, the child is now forced to move into housing for the homeless without the skills required for independent living.
Say “Om” with Friends of the Forest Preserves
Just in time for summer, Friends of the Forest Preserves (FOTFP) increases their commitment to help Cook County residents connect with nature, free health and wellness sessions featuring yoga, stretching and walking are being held weekly at two forest preserve locations in south suburban Riverdale. The free classes are held on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and run until September 24, 2025. Residents of all ages and skill levels are welcome.
Brandy & Monica Announce First-Ever Co-Headlining Tour: The Boy Is Mine - Fall 2025
The highly anticipated The Boy Is Mine Tour was officially announced on CBS Mornings by Brandy and Monica. The iconic GRAMMY Award-winning artists will embark on their first-ever co-headlining run this fall. Produced by Black Promoters Collective, the 24-city arena tour kicks off October 16 and travels across the U.S. through December 7. It also marks a historic moment more than 25 years in the making, building on the legacy of their 1998 game-changing duet "The Boy Is Mine," which spent a record-shattering 13 consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a defining cultural touchstone of late '90s R&B. The song also placed them in an elite group of artists — including Whitney Houston (14 weeks with "I Will Always Love You") and Mariah Carey (16 weeks with "One Sweet Day") — who have commanded the Hot 100's top spot for 13 weeks or more.
UrbanGeekz Chief Exec Kicks Off Roadmap to Billions Conference with 'Founder Firsts Masterclass'
UrbanGeekz founder and CEO Kunbi Tinuoye opened this year's Roadmap to Billions Conference with a dynamic 'Founders Firsts Masterclass', setting the tone for two days of high-impact programming for Black women in tech.
Rep. Kelly rejects deadly cuts to Medicaid at health center
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) gathered elected officials, healthcare leaders and those who would be directly affected by Medicaid cuts at Cook County Health Blue Island Health Center.
