Local News

Old Town School of Folk Music presents Global Carnival

Old Town School of Folk Music is delighted to present as part of the City’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Millennium Park Residency Program Global Carnival, an immersive performance experience free of admission that will feature Afro-Brazilian carnival block Ilê Aiyê and New Orleans Black Masking Indian artists Flagboy Giz & The Wild Tchoupitoulas. Also included will be performances by local ensembles such as the Windy City Ramblers, Muntu Dance Theatre, Azania Drum, Team Jukeboxx Mas Band, the Epic Steel Orchestra and DJ Shon Dervis. Old Town School's Global Carnival will take place on Sunday, September 22 from 5-9pm at Jay Pritzker Pavilion and throughout Millennium Park. More information can be found at oldtownschool.org.

Rep. Robin Kelly, Members of Illinois Delegation Urge President Biden to Grant Federal Disaster Declaration for Illinois Counties Following July's Severe Storms, Tornadoes

Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, including Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), sent a letter to President Biden urging the White House to grant Governor JB Pritzker’s request for federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help seven Illinois counties recover from storm damage. In July, severe storms passed through the state, with more than 40 tornadoes spinning through Central and Northern Illinois.

Olive-Harvey College and Governors State University announce new transfer agreement for those earning their Associate of Applied Science with a focus in Cannabis Studies

Governors State University (GovState) and City Colleges of Chicago announced a new transfer agreement for students earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) with a focus in Cannabis Studies from Olive-Harvey College’s Urban Agriculture Department. Students in this pathway now have the option to transfer all their credits to Governors State University.

MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON RELEASES FY2025 BUDGET FORECAST HIGHLIGHTING FISCAL CHALLENGES AND CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS

Mayor Brandon Johnson released the City of Chicago 2025 Budget Forecast, offering a comprehensive financial outlook that addresses the City’s current year-end estimates and outlines projected revenues, expenditures, and fiscal challenges for fiscal years 2025-2027. These projections are informed by historical revenue and expenditure data, current economic and expense trends, and other factors expected to impact the City’s finances.

Illinois Celebrates National Recovery Month

In a new proclamation, Governor JB Pritzker acknowledged September as National Recovery Month in Illinois — a celebration of those in recovery from mental health and substance use conditions and an opportunity to promote new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and its community partners will raise awareness of recovery from substance use and/or mental health conditions all through the month.

RED CLAY DANCE’S “TURNING POINTS” SHOWCASES COMPANY, GUEST CHOREOGRAPHERS

Red Clay Dance Company launches its 16th season with “Turning Points,” a program featuring the work of three choreographers. Performances take place October 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 East 60th Street, in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood.

Illinois Humanities and South Side Home Movie Project Bring Chicago Style to Art Design Chicago on September 21

Illinois Humanities and the South Side Home Movie Project present Chicago Style. Chicago Style uses the power of design to unite South Side home movies, fashion archives, personal narratives, and community legacies to link past and present This multifaceted project will culminate in a fashion show and film debut scored and curated by cultural historian, radio DJ and “fashion archaeologist” Ayana Contreras on September 21st at the Green Line Performing Arts Center.

Giannoulias Opens State Flag Redesign Contest

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced that the Illinois Flag Commission is accepting public submissions for a new state flag design.

NPU's Center for Civic Engagement Receives a $1.125M Lilly Grant to Support Youth Engagement in Black Churches

With the support of a $1.125M grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., North Park's Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) this fall will partner with the Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago, led by Rev. Phil Jackson, to empower youth and young adults in Chicago's Black churches.

Mentoring Youth Through Technology Receives $25,000 Grant from Comcast to Support Digital Skills Training Programs

Comcast joined Matteson, IL Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin, State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin and Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller on Saturday, September 7, at Mentoring Youth Through Technology (MYTT)’s annual Tech Day for Youth to announce it has awarded the organization a $25,000 grant to support digital skills training. The training will be housed at the organization’s Lift Zone, which Comcast opened at MYTT’s STEM Center in Matteson in October 2023. Lift Zones offer free, high-capacity WiFi in community centers nationwide, along with access to digital skills training.

Historic Achievement: Keeana Barber Becomes First Black Woman to Own a Signarama Franchise in Illinois

In a historic moment for both Chicago and the state of Illinois, Keeana Barber, CEO of WDB Marketing, has become the first Black woman to own a Signarama franchise on Chicago’s iconic Michigan Avenue. This latest venture marks Barber’s second Signarama location, following the success of her South Holland store, and serves as a significant milestone in her journey as a Black entrepreneur in the marketing and signage industry.

Hope Increases for Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease as Disparities Among Blacks Continue

They were nothing short of legendary in their professions. And their works continue to be celebrated nationwide. But, adding to the mystique of America's racial health disparities, they've all died of complications related to Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior.

HIRE360 Continues To Grow And Expand

HIRE360 started in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic with the mission to provide career opportunities for people interested in hospitality, manufacturing and construction.

A Step Beyond Helps Spur Homeownership For Black Families

Nicole Wheatly has a passion for changing the community, block by block, person by person. Wheatly believes solid collaborations lead to success. She knows that one organization cannot fix the multitude of issues that exist in neighborhoods.

Play Based On Memoir On Stage At Beverly Arts Center

Denise Jones’ life is the inspiration for a play that is based on her memoir “Who Said It Couldn’t Be Done.” In the memoir, Jones’ life of drug addiction and crime on the city’s West side is detailed, along with her journey to becoming a community leader. “Beyond the Door” will run Friday through Sunday, Sept. 13th through 15th, at the Beverly Arts Center, located at 2407 W. 111th St.