Local News
Chicago Department of Public Health Hosts 4th Annual Chicago Day of Prayer
The Chicago Department of Health (CDPH) assembled faith leaders across all denominations in Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods to pause in a shared moment of prayer for a safe and healthy holiday season. This moment also offered a reminder for residents to update their COVID and flu shots. CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo “Simbo” Ige and CDPH Medical Director Dr. Geraldine Luna stressed the importance of vaccines, especially as we head into cooler temperatures and the holiday season.
JOFFREY BALLET WELCOMES NEW WOMEN’S BOARD PRESIDENT FARISSA KNOX
Greg Cameron, President and CEO of The Joffrey Ballet, and Anne Kaplan, Board Chair, are pleased to announce the appointment of Farissa Knox as the new President of the Joffrey Women’s Board. Named one of Crains Chicago Business 2024 Notable Black Leaders, Knox joined the Joffrey Women’s Board in the spring of 2019. In 2020, she became Co-Chair of Joffrey Women’s Board Crisis Stabilization and Membership Committees. Knox was elected to the Joffrey Board of Directors in 2021, and in 2023, she served as Co-Chair for the highest-grossing Women’s Board Luncheon in the event’s history.
Exhibitions align city-wide to celebrate the History and Future of the region's Indigenous Art as part of “Art Design Chicago”
Over the coming months, a series of powerful exhibitions is highlighting the rich history and contemporary culture of Chicago’s Native American communities. Presented as part of the Terra Foundation for American Art’s Art Design Chicago initiative, six exhibitions are showcasing the breadth and depth of the work of Indigenous artists with ties to the region, including:
NBCSL to Host 48th Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. “Rebuilding the American Dream”
The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) proudly announces its 48th Annual Legislative Conference, scheduled for December 2-7, 2024, at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. This event will gather over 500 African American state legislators, policymakers, and community leaders from across the nation to tackle pressing issues impacting Black communities, including health, education, transportation, labor policy, diversity and inclusion, and social justice.
Tips to Stay Healthy In The Winter Months
Iris Patterson launched Chicago Integrated Health in 2020, with the goal to combat lifestyle diseases with a holistic approach. Patterson credits health, wellness and nutrition with saving her life. A few years ago, she was diagnosed with bipolar depression and used stress management, fitness and eating to heal and to help her. In 2023, she was diagnosed with cancer and said that her focus on holistic health, diet, exercise and prioritizing her mental health helped her get through chemotherapy treatment.
Mariott Theatre’s Production Of ‘Cinderella’ Filled With Magic
Jaeda LaVonne knew theatre would be the thing she did for life when she went to see Romeo & Juliet at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. She was dressed up, sitting in the velvet chairs and compelled by the actors she saw on the stage. She recalls saying that she wanted to do what the actors on the stage were doing and she knew she would do it and she would be really great at it.
Former Athlete and Lung Cancer Advocate Talks About Lung Cancer Screening
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer (small cell and non-small cell) is the second most common cancer in both men and women in the United States (not counting skin cancer). Each year, more people die from lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
Racial Unity Dialogues Create Opportunities For Understanding
An organization that works with Black Chicagoans who engage in informal work and an organization that works to advance the rights of low-wage workers partnered to create opportunities for open dialogue among Black and brown people. Equity and Transformation Chicago and Working Family Solidarity recently partnered on a series of Racial Unity Dialogues with the hope the discussions would build power and unity of the two groups.
Black Energy Empowerment Council Launches to Drive Fair and Equitable Energy Access for Black Communities Amid Shifting Political Landscape
Today, the Black Energy Empowerment Council (BEEC) proudly announces its launch as the first organization dedicated solely to advocating for fair and equitable energy access within Black communities nationwide. Founded on the principles of energy justice, resilience, and accessibility, BEEC’s mission is to address the economic, social, and environmental disparities that Black Americans face in accessing affordable and reliable energy.
New Medicare reforms can help seniors -- but only if they opt in
October 15th marked the start of Medicare's annual open enrollment period. Seniors can choose to stay on their current plan or switch to a new one. But this year, that choice is far more important -- and complex -- than usual.
COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER TO SEARCH FOR MISSING ARMY VETERAN
"ON THIS VETERANS DAY WE NEED EVERY VETERAN TO JOIN IN THIS SEARCH" TO FIND 2ND LT. ARMY VETERAN CALVIN HOLLIDAY
Veterans Reminded to Check for Property Tax Savings
On Veterans Day, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi reminds veterans that they may be eligible for property tax-saving exemptions that reduce their tax bills. “Today, we honor the sacrifice and service of millions of American veterans throughout our nation’s history,” said Assessor Kaegi. “Here at the Cook County Assessor’s Office, we are committed to assisting our veterans in any way that we can.”
Stories About Children Accomplishing Goals Meant To Inspire Young People
Dr. Veronica Appleton always knew children’s literature was a space where she could create an impact, with stories about children accomplishing their goals and dreams. Despite being rejected by multiple publishers over the course of five years, she decided to continue to write. “Journey to Appleville” was the first in her collection of books. This summer, Appleton released “Mama Why,” a comic book about a young boy who loses friends to gun violence and becomes a community activist.
Program Provides Training In The Clean Energy Industry
David Hampton was bouncing in between jobs. He worked as a cashier and a busser, but was looking for stable employment, and ultimately, a career. His grandfather talked to him about the emerging jobs that would come along with Illinois’ push to phase out fossil fuels by 2050 as part of the Clean Energy Jobs Act. He found ComEd’s Market Development Initiative training program.
