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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Adia Evans began singing opera as a teenager. She always loved to sing, for anyone who would listen. With artists as parents, she was encouraged to sing. She attended Baltimore School of the Arts, the same school her parents attended. There, she was introduced to opera by her teacher Robert Cantrell. She really fell in love with opera and has fond memories of seeing Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca” for the first time.
When Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed in its early stages, individuals can often maintain independence, continuing daily activities like driving, working, or volunteering. Early-stage Alzheimer’s, which may last for years, presents a unique caregiving role—offering support, companionship, and assistance with future planning.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 24 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in United States v. Idaho to protect access to emergency abortion care in Idaho. The brief urges the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to uphold a lower court’s preliminary injunction blocking Idaho’s restrictive abortion ban.