Local News
New Book Examines the Evolving Meaning of Civil Rights in America
A new book by American Bar Foundation (ABF) Research Professor Christopher W. Schmidt examines the history of America’s fight over the meaning of civil rights. Published by Cambridge University Press, Civil Rights in America: A History is the first book to trace the evolution of the term “civil rights” in America from the Civil War through today.
Karat Launches “Brilliant Black Minds” to Unlock Opportunities for Black Software Engineers
Karat, the world leader in technical interviewing, recently announced Brilliant Black Minds, a program to improve access, fairness, and inclusion across the technology industry. The program, which formalizes Karat’s commitment to providing Black software engineers with $1 million in practice interviews, kicked off last year and is growing to support more computer science students and professional engineers in 2021.
PRESIDENT-ELECT OF LYNWOOD MAKES HISTORY
Jada D. Curry made history on Tuesday, Feb. 23, when she was elected as President- elect of the Village of Lynwood. When Curry is sworn in, she will be the first African American woman to hold that office.
Illinoisans can turn over a new leaf on cannabis past
Systemic racism, as an abstract concept, has been much discussed over the last year. If anyone needs an example of where systemic racism actually lives in practice, look no further than the war on drugs of the last four decades. While people of all races illegally grew, smoked and sold marijuana, it was Black and Brown people who were much more likely to be arrested and incarcerated for it. Communities of color across the board have borne the disproportionate impact of this ill-conceived and ill-enforced policy.
Pappas and ABC 7 Chicago to host “Black and Latino Houses Matter” on March 11, a phone bank to help Cook County homeowners with their property taxes
Treasurer Maria Pappas and ABC 7 Chicago will host “Black and Latino Houses Matter” on March 11, 2021, a phone bank to help Cook County homeowners find refunds, apply for property tax exemptions and avoid the Tax Sale, Pappas said today.
CITY TREASURER WANTS TO INCREASE DIVERSITY IN THE FINANCE INDUSTRY
City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin recently hosted a webinar entitled, Youth in Finance and Investment, as part of her Mondays with Melissa series. During the discussion, financial and investment experts talked about roles and opportunities within the financial sector.
What Illinois can learn from the Texas energy crisis
When parts of Texas’ independent power grid went offline recently due to unusually extreme cold weather in the south, the amount of expected energy production lost was equivalent to the amount of electricity used to keep the lights on in the entire state of Illinois.
Transportation access provides vaccinations for vulnerable communities
Millions of people lack access to essential resources — including healthcare — simply because they can’t get a ride.
President Biden Taps Meharry Medical College President for COVID Task Force
Meharry Medical College President and CEO Dr. James Hildreth has been named by President Joe Biden as a member of his COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force.
Exelon Utilities CEO Honored with BEYA Chairman’s Award for Contributions to STEM
Exelon Utilities CEO Calvin G. Butler Jr. was honored February 13 with the BEYA Chairman’s Award during the organization’s annual BEYA STEM conference, hosted virtually.
Designing A Better Chicago
If there was ever a time to recognize and support individuals and organizations using design for civic good, it’s now. Designing a Better Chicago, a collaborative initiative organized and supported by NeoCon® and theMART, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and the Design Museum of Chicago, is now accepting nominations for its second annual Design Impact Grant Program. The 2021 initiative will provide $25,000 in project-specific grants to individuals and organizations using design or design principles to directly address pressing issues in Chicago communities.
High School Sisters Launch New “Vaccinated While…” Clothing Line To Combat Vaccine Skepticism
High school students Zoe and Jordan Sims Rhodes, recently launched a new fashion and accessory line, Vaccinated While... Part of a campaign aimed at raising vaccine experience awareness among impacted communities and across social media, the “Vaccinated While…” branded clothing, face masks and accessories are now available for purchase at https://www.redbubble.com/people/VaccinatedWhile/explore
PIGMENT INTERNATIONAL PRESENTS SAVING DEMOCRACY:
“There are some years that ask questions and some years that answer.” So said author and cultural anthropologist, Zora Neale Hurston. When we look back on the year 2020 it will be hard to tell which this year was. Already enduring a once in a century viral pandemic, the long-simmering cauldron of Black anger and resentment toward an America that has ignored our grievances came to a head in 2020 in response to the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. Floyd was the match that lit the tinderbox of centuries of grievances too numerous to mention.
HIGHER EDUCATION AGENCIES ENCOURAGED BY STEADY FUNDING FOR EDUCATION AMIDST PANDEMIC CHALLENGES
Despite budget woes stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. JB Pritzker recommended several increases for programs to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in his budget address.
