Local News

DOVE AND RISE.365 CALL FOR BLACK HAIR REPRESENTATION IN EMOJIS

Emojis are one of the most universal forms of communication today. They shape how we express emotion, identity, and culture in a digital world. Despite 92% of the world's population using the nearly 4,000 emojis currently available, there is a significant gap in the representation of Black people*.

Greenwood Launches New Initiatives to Boost Spending at Black-Owned Businesses

Greenwood, the digitally-native financial platform dedicated to the Black community, has launched two programs designed to build wealth within the Black community cooperatively. Available today, these initiatives include the Cash Back for Buying Black™ program for Greenwood Premium Members and a new partner marketplace connecting the community with third-party loan providers and financial resources for Black entrepreneurs and families.

National Urban League and DoorDash Expand the Virtual Financial Empowerment Center with New Mobile App

The National Urban League, in partnership with DoorDash, is proud to announce the expansion of the Virtual Financial Empowerment Center (VFEC) through the launch of the VFEC App in April 2025. Since its launch, the VFEC has offered personalized financial coaching and self-paced learning opportunities that equip individuals and families with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve financial stability and build generational wealth.

ZERO Prostate Cancer Appoints New Powerhouse Members to Board of Directors

ZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO), the nation's leading prostate cancer organization dedicated to improving and saving lives through advocacy, awareness, education, and support, is proud to announce the appointment of five new influential voices and thought leaders to its Board of Directors.

Not So Divine Nine

I hope I’ve convinced readers that estate planning is essential to protecting assets and ensuring they pass according to your wishes. In my years serving our community, I’ve realized that what seems obvious to me may not be as clear to others. I hope this column helps your family avoid the pitfalls of a poor or nonexistent estate plan.

Social Wellness Club Creates A Third Space For Black Women

Aley Clark created Black Girl Playground in 2023 as an Instagram community. During the pandemic Clark was looking for moments for joy and play. She believed there was a need for a space for Black women to gather. Once she moved to Chicago, the Black Girl Playground turned into a social wellness club where women could meet and connect at events.

Tap Dancer Wants To Inspire A New Generation of Dancers

Kevin Igus saw Savion Glover perform in “Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk” and he fell in love with tap dancing. His father was a comedian, singer and dancer and had a connection to Gregory Hines. His mother supported his endeavor by getting Igus in contact with any dance instructor she could. He took dance at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, as well as the Tap Academy in Santa Monica, Calif.

‘Grace’ At The Center Of Play’s Theme

Namir Smallwood’s first foray into performing in front of an audience was when he would recite Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speeches at events throughout New Jersey during Black History Month. He realized he had a gift for being able to elicit emotions from people.

Fully Immersive Production ‘Complexions’ Encourages Women To Rest

Enneréssa LaNetta Davis and Praize Productions, Inc. are gearing up for their 12th annual production, “Complexions,” will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 13th, at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, which is located at 915 E. 60th St.

Harnessing Emerging Technologies to Power Your Business

Nearly every area of our lives has been transformed by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. For small business owners, AI is no longer a buzzword — it’s becoming a cornerstone of business strategy.

Tips to Help Families Facing Alzheimer’s Plan for Financial Impact

As Tax Day nears, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging families to take a closer look at their financial picture, especially those who may be impacted by Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. With nearly 7 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease, the financial toll is growing right alongside the health burden.

Not So Divine Nine

I hope I’ve convinced readers that estate planning is essential to protecting assets and ensuring they pass according to your wishes. In my years serving our community, I’ve realized that what seems obvious to me may not be as clear to others. I hope this column helps your family avoid the pitfalls of a poor or nonexistent estate plan.

Record Number of Property Tax Appeals Filed for 2024 Tax Year

The Cook County Board of Review (CCBOR) has received a record number of property tax appeals, involving a nearly 41% increase in the total of Property Index Numbers (PINs) compared to the 2023 tax year. Appeals filed for tax year 2024 increased by 11% over tax year 2023 and also by more than 10% above 2021, which was the last time the city was reassessed.

BlackPressUSATarget Continues to Pay the Price for Breaking Promise to Black America

Target is losing more than its commitment to equity, it’s losing customers. For the eighth consecutive week, shoppers have turned away from the retail giant following its decision to dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program in January. New data from Placer.ai shows store visits during the week of March 17 fell by 5.7% compared to the same time last year. That follows a 7.1% decline the week before, bringing the average drop over the past two months to 6.2%. The fallout has been swift and steady. Target’s quiet retreat from DEI—after years of vocal support for racial and social justice and a multi-billion-dollar pledge—triggered an immediate backlash. Faith leaders, civil rights organizations, and everyday consumers responded with public pressure and calls to action.

Assessor Kaegi Reminds Seniors to Apply for Property Tax Savings

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi reminds all senior homeowners in Cook County to apply for their property tax saving exemptions before the April 21 deadline.