Local News
Donors needed now to address historically low blood supply
Nearly two years into the pandemic, everyone has earned a holiday break with their family and friends. But as the nation gathers again for celebrations this season, the American Red Cross, which provides 40% of the country’s blood, is facing historically low blood supply levels.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s National Educational Foundation Awards $125,000 Founders’ Centennial Scholarship
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, an international women’s service organization, and the Zeta National Educational Foundation, Inc. (ZNEF) announced that Janae Smith-Williams was awarded $125,000 as the recipient of its Triumphant Founder Pearl Anna Neal Centennial Scholarship. Applications for ZNEF 2022 scholarships for high school seniors, college and graduate students is now open at https://z-nefscholarships. smapply.org.
Mirrors & Misconceptions Series At The Stony Island Arts Bank
Rebuild Foundation, the arts, education and cultural development organization founded by artist Theaster Gates, and Court Theatre, the professional theatre of the University of Chicago, are partnering to present Mirrors & Misconceptions, a two-day activation at the Stony Island Arts Bank featuring poetry readings, gallery talks, collage activities, extended exhibition hours and more beginning December 17, 2021. This special series of events will mark the last weekend that the multi-site “Toward Common Cause” exhibition, a collaborative presentation in partnership with the Smart Museum of Art, is on view at the Stony Island Arts Bank.
Bally’s Eyes Two Locations For Chicago Casino
Bally’s Corporation has two of three proposals for a Chicago casino license. One location is at the McCormick Place Truck Marshalling Yard, in Bronzeville, the other is in River West at the site of the Chicago Tribune printing center.
Two Chicago Organizations set to receive $200,000 in funding from Bank of America
The Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program will reward two West side organizations with needed funding. The Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council and the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation will receive $200,000 in flexible funding, as well as leadership training for its executive director and an emerging leader in the organization.
Forbes Names Riverside’s Charlotte Smith for This Year’s 30 Under 30 List
Forbes magazine chose Charlotte Smith, a Riverside, California native, for this year’s 30 Under 30 list for her work in media relations at Google. Smith and her colleagues appear in this month’s issue of Forbes magazine (in stores starting December 15, 2021).
In The Case of Whose Is It?
I recently read a blurb on social media where a Cook County judge who was recently appointed to a judicial vacancy and is now a candidate for election to that same judicial vacancy indicated that he is running to keep “his seat” as a judge.
CALUMET CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM AND EXPANSION OF HOURS AND SERVICES
Thaddeus Jones- Mayor of Calumet City, Illinois- is announcing major changes to the Calumet City Public Library. Among the welcomed changes include opening the doors of the library on Saturdays in the first quarter of 2022, along with a current overhaul of library leadership and expansion of some services. In addition, the Library, which formerly closed its weekly hours of operation at 4:00 PM, is now open until 7:00 PM.
Edwardsville chief on Amazon warehouse: ‘It was definitely one of our worst days’
In the wake of Friday night storms that left six dead at an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, a disaster proclamation was issued Monday for 28 counties in southern and central Illinois. The proclamation will bring personnel or equipment from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to assist with storm recovery.
Coarse Culture’s Skincare Line helps with dry skin and hair
VaLanDria Smith-Lash was 14-yers old when she started Coarse Culture, a skincare line of whipped shea butter. She started the company because she wanted to help her mother, who was diagnosed with Lupus, find skincare that would soothe her dry skin and scalp.
Hoops in the Hood promotes peace and provides safe space
A basketball program has been able to bridge the gap between young people from the South, North and West sides of Chicago.
Noire Impact Collective looks to connect people to resources and career opportunities
When Sydney Holman started a position as a staff member of the Illinois Speaker of the House, she noticed there was a lack of representation of people of color and women of color in leadership. She wanted to create an avenue for job opportunities and professional development. She started hosting dinners in Springfield and reached out to her professional network of women of color there.
Ministers Don’t Want the Water Reclamation District to be absent of West Side representation
Current West Side Commissioner Barbara McGowan has been on the water reclamation district since 1998. She announced over the summer that she will not be seeking re-election. Her seat will be available with candidates all over the county vying to fill it. Pastor Ira Acree of Greater St John Bible Church and his supporters feel that he is the most competent and prepared leader from the west side to replace her.
The Always Giving Back Foundation and Walmart To Host 2nd Annual Bike Giveaway This Saturday, December 11, 2021
Christmas will come early for 200 children during The Always Giving Back Foundation’s 2nd Annual Bike Giveaway on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 11 a.m. at 7545 S. Western Avenue in Chicago’s Ashburn community. Residents with children living in the 60620 zip code will receive one free bike ranging from 12-20 inches intended for kids 2-10 years of age, until supplies last.
