Local News
Sonia Manzano Best Known as “Maria” on “Sesame Street Gives MLK Commemorative Address
Tickets are now available to hear Sonia Manzano deliver the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m. at Elon University in North Carolina. The event will take place at McCrary Theatre and Manzano’s talk is titled, “Multi-Racial Latinos & the Civil Rights Movement.”
Powerful Book For Young Black Boys Celebrates 25 Years With a Pledge to Get 1 Million New Readers
Jerald LeVon Hoover became the published author of a Young Adult (YA) title, one of a few books targeted toward young Black and Brown boys ages 12 and up, My Friend, My Hero. This novella has become a staple, as recommended reading in elementary through high schools across the country and around the world. That is a distinct honor Hoover shares with a short list of African-American male YA authors including: Walter Dean Myers, Kevin Powell, Kwame Alexander, and Ralph Burgess.
Public invited to take IDOT traveler survey
Th e Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on the state’s transportation system through its annual Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey, available now through Dec. 31. Th e survey is available online by visiting idot.illinois.gov.
Leo Burnett Chicago Names Aki Spicer Chief Strategy Officer
Leo Burnett Chicago recently named Aki Spicer to the role of chief strategy officer. Elevated from the role of EVP and Global Strategy Lead, Spicer will report to Andrew Swinand, Leo Burnett Group CEO.
BLACK NEWS CHANNEL IN ‘THE RED ZONE’ READY FOR LAUNCH
As the historic launch on January 6, 2020, of the Black News Channel (BNC) approaches, officials can count members of Congress among those eagerly anticipating the new platform. Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-Calif.), the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, the chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, joined a gathering of BNC officials, anchors, and other guests at a reception on December 3 in Washington, D.C., to toast the launch of the network.
Howard University Awards Six Students with the 2019-20 Patricia Roberts Harris Public Affairs Fellowship
Howard University recently announced the selection of six students who will receive the Patricia Roberts Harris Public Affairs Fellowship (PRH). Administered by the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University, the fellowship seeks to prepare Howard University students for careers in public affairs in an increasingly global world. To date, more than 200 Howard University alumni have been Patricia Roberts Harris fellows.
NEW GROCERY STORE KICKS OFF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR SOUTH SHORE
The latest sign that economic development is on the horizon in South Shore came last week with the grand opening of Local Market, a full-service grocery store, which anchors the Jeffery Plaza Shopping Center. But there are other plans for the area beyond a new grocery store, something not seen in South Shore since Dominick’s closed its store in December 2013.
Mayor Lays Out Vision for Boosting Economic Growth in Minority Neighborhoods
During her first media roundtable discussion with the Black Press at City Hall, Mayor Lori Lightfoot adamantly spoke about her plan for boosting economic development in minority neighborhoods, particularly on the South and West Sides.
Announces 2020 Black Creativity Innovators
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago located on 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, has unveiled the full list of 2020 Black Creativity Innovators to be honored during Black History Month. This group’s achievements will be on full display to guests during the Museum’s Black Creativity program, which offers the Innovation Studio, Jr. Science Cafés, Career Showcase and Juried Art Exhibition.
BLACK MCDONALD’S OWNER MAKING MOVES FOR STATE CHESS CHAMPIONS
Long before St. Ethelreda School in Auburn Gresham won first place in the state championship, one black McDonald’s owner was making space for chess players at his South Side restaurant. Lance Jones said he loves the game of chess even though he is an amateur player. And Jones said he loves to give back to the community and that is why five years ago, he began reserving tables at his restaurant, 9560 S. Halsted St., from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays for chess games.
Jesse White Announces New Operating Hours at Driver Services Facilities beginning Dec. 30 to Accommodate REAL ID Applicants
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White recently announced that beginning Dec. 30, some Driver Services facilities throughout Chicagoland and northern Illinois will change operating hours and add exclusive days just for REAL ID applicants to accommodate the increased volume of customers applying for REAL ID driver’s licenses and ID cards.
The ultimate gift — 5 things to know about being a living kidney donor
It’s not often that people are given the chance to give someone the gift of life, but that is exactly what being a living kidney donor offers. More than 6,400 people chose to be a living kidney donor in the U.S. in 2018, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing.
SUBURBAN POLICE DEPARTMENT TAKES DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
It’s not often that you see a police officer early in the morning doing some Christmas shopping with children, but that’s exactly what one south suburban police department did this year for 14 elementary students.
Student Literacy Program Fostering a Passion For Reading
Among the goals of a literacy program managed by the University of Chicago, is to encourage more students to read books more, especially black and brown students. “A definite goal we have is to get books in the hands of students attending schools in urban neighborhoods, who might not have access to programs that support reading,” said Duane Davis, executive director of K-12 Education Initiatives for the Office of the President at the University of Chicago. “Our program is currently in 18 schools and we are quickly growing with a goal of expanding to other schools beyond the Hyde Park area.”