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Advocating for change

Howell said she believes that God has told her time after time that writing is her purpose in life. “I found if I could find a way to creatively express myself, other people have similar stories and we’re all more similar than different whether we want to acknowledge that fact or not,” she said. “God’s been diligent in reminding me of my purpose, even if I end up in other occupations, doing other things, he finds a way to get me back in track.”

Know Your History, Know Your Risk: Saving Black Lives From Breast Cancer

According to Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, the inequities laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic have long been experienced by Black women with breast cancer.

Governor Can and Should Stop Predatory Lending in Illinois with the Stroke of His Pen

If we want to build economic stability in communities that have been devastated by the deadly COVID pandemic and its destructive economic wake, we must first shore up protections against practices that strip the meager wealth of those very communities. That’s why I call on Governor Pritzker to swiftly sign SB 1792, the Predatory Loan Prevention Act, and bring down 297% interest rates on payday and car-title loans to 36%.

Honoring Black Doctors During Black History Month

Throughout the month of February, the American Urological Association (AUA) and Urology Care Foundation join is joining the nation as we formally celebrate the many contributions of African-Americans to American society and culture.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America Names H Walker as Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Officer

Boys & Girls Clubs of America has named H Walker as its new Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Officer, underscoring the organization’s ongoing commitment and legacy of building opportunity and great futures for kids and teens. Walker will be charged with building upon the diversity, equity and inclusion strategy and creating new initiatives for Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide and key organization partnerships.

Experience a Historic Civil rights Moment in Augmented Realityon a Smartphone

To participate, point your smartphone at any MLK street sign in the U.S. to unlock an opportunity to watch Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his groundbreaking speech and an immersive experience where you can walk up to 3D sculptures inspired by those who may have been present during that pivotal moment in history.

Artist showcases greatness of Black creatives

Brandon Breaux is a local, contemporary multidisciplinary artist known for his work with musical artists, including Chance the Rapper and Leon Bridges. Now, Breaux’s work is part of a Rebuild Foundation exhibit celebrating Black creatives. “28 Days of Greatness” is a project Breaux conceived and includes 28 digital portraits, one for each day of February, of people who exemplify Black excellence.

HELLO BABY HELPS CHILDREN LEARN AND PLAY

Hello Baby, located at 600 E. 61st St., was founded by Debbie Frisch, who wanted to provide resources to children and to caregivers. Frisch said she saw how much harder it is, as a single mother, when there are not adequate resources when it comes to social services.

National Park Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Preserving Black History and Culture in National Parks

Established in 2001, with the support of the 15th Director of the National Park Service (NPS) Robert G. Stanton, the first African American NPS Director, AAEF’s mission is to connect all people to the role of African Americans in U.S. history through national parks.

OLYMPIA FIELDS TRUSTEE ENERGIZED, PRIMED AND READY FOR STRETCH RUN IN THE RACE FOR VILLAGE PRESIDENT

DESIREE WATKINS HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND UNMATCHED EXPERIENCE Desiree believes that her current role as Village Trustee as well as her successful corporate career has positioned her to become the next Village President. She has long held a vision of people first when working in civic positions and wants to be the person to create positive and deliberate change in her community. She believes in a local government that works for the people. Watkins is firm in her philosophy that resourcefulness and relationships is key to bringing the needed change. Watkins adds, “I am not a career politician, as a matter of fact I’m not a politician at all but I’m doing politics due to the lack of leadership of those in office who choose personal interests over the community”.

Cancer Advocates React to Governor’s Budget

Today, Gov. J. B. Pritzker released his proposed budget for Illinois. Shana Crews, director of government relations in Illinois for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), made a statement in reaction.

Comcast RISE to Award $1 Million in Grants to BIPOC-Owned, Small Businesses in Chicago and Cook County

The Comcast RISE Investment Fund is focused on small businesses that have been in business for three or more years with one to 25 employees. “Comcast RISE is designed to give BIPOC-owned small businesses tools to not only survive the pandemic, but thrive afterward,” said Jeff Cobb, Regional Vice President of Comcast Business. “We’re pleased to be able to make these resources available in Chicago and Cook County, which is home to one of the most pandemic-impacted small-business communities in the nation.”

PERSONAL TRAINER WANTS PEOPLE TO BE HEALTHY AND COMPLETE

Joy-D Williamson is a certified personal trainer who has developed a 12-week program to help people improve their quality of life by becoming healthier.

LINDA-DENISE FISHER-HARRELL NAMED ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) today announced that former company member Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell has been named Artistic Director of the contemporary dance company effective March 1, 2021.

American Families’ Desire to Save For Their Children’s Future Increases During the Pandemic, According to New Research Survey

UNest, the first-of-its-kind mobile app that helps parents invest in their children’s future financial wellness, has announced the results of a survey that it commissioned focused on family savings through the pandemic. The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll and Caliber Intelligence on behalf of UNest, has shown that despite new financial strains from COVID-19, parents conclusively place their children’s future as their most pressing savings goal.