LL Kool J Contributes Annual Scholarship Funding to Chicago State University
Who knew Chicago State University was keeping time with Holywood celebrities. A surprise announcement by rapper/actor, LL Cool J, on a recent Ellen De’Generes show, revealed his philanthropic connection with the south side University.
Chicago Mayoral Candidates will Take Part in Chicago Women’s Mayoral Forum
The five candidates vying to become Chicago’s next mayor, will assemble to answer questions on Saturday at the first-ever Chicago Women’s Mayoral Forum.
Mayor Emanuel Guest of Honor at South Side Business Community Luncheon
As temperatures rose to balmy temps on Saturday, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was among those who moved about without a jacket during a planned stop on East 75th Street as the guest of honor for a luncheon hosted by the Chatham Business Association's Executive Director, Melinda Kelly, Stephanie Hickman, a Chatham resident and business owner and Mae Whiteside, who planned the event as way for local business owners and area residents to express concerns and ask questions of the mayor.
29th Annual Interfaith Breakfast Pays Tribute to Dr. King, Honors Rev. Clay Evans
Members of the faith community gathered with elected officials and civil rights leaders for the 29th Annual Interfaith Breakfast honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., held at the Chicago Hilton and Towers, 720 S. Michigan Ave., last Friday, with dual highlights that included Rev. Dr. Clay Evans as the honoree and recipient of the City of Chicago’s 2015 Champion of Freedom Award and 13-year-old, Mae Ya Carter Ryan who stole the show with her resounding performance of “Everything Must Change."
UIC Study Show Stark Changes in Chicago Neighborhood, Calls for Solutions
With just one quick look around Chicago neighborhoods, one will immediately realize the stark differences in neighborhoods, where some are blighted, as others are changing its racial makeup, while others are prospering and growing. A recent University of Chicago study has highlighted these issues.
Brother of Rekia Boyd Graduates College with Public Health Degree
Martinez Sutton, 32, brother of Rekia Boyd, the 22-year-old Black woman who was fatally shot March 2012 by an off-duty Chicago police detective, graduated from Chicago State University last month with a Public Health degree and aims to deal with Chicago’s gun violence as a public health matter.
Ford Heights Man Charged with Illegal Gun Possession after Facebook Threats
A south suburban man is the latest news headline grabber relating to tensions between police and civilians nationwide after allegedly posting threats on his Facebook page to kill police officers and children.
Seaway Bank Marks 50th Anniversary
Seaway Bank and Trust Company, Chicago’s largest African-American owned bank, marked the New Year with its 50th anniversary celebration that included customers, city officials and other supporters who gathered at the bank’s 645 E. 87th Street location on Friday.
New Law Aims to Help Common Interest Home Owners
Purchasing property in a “common interest” development, defined as condominiums, cooperatives, townhouses--developments governed by a Home Owner’s Association (HOA)--can be stressful due to the horror stories sometimes associated with dealing with HOA's which can be daunting enough to discourage some buyers from going the condominium route altogether.
Urban Partnership Bank Offers New Services
With approximately 25% under-served banking households, or households without a traditional banking relationship or access to a credit or checking account in Urban Partnership Bank’s (UPB) service areas of Chicago and Detroit, the launch of UPB's new Check Cashing services and first-ever, prepaid Mastercard®, will offer a lower priced alternative to currency exchanges and a variety of banking services to customers.
Kwanzaa Principles Much Needed for African American Community Building
Dr. Maulana Karenga, Professor and Chair of Africana Studies, California State University-Long Beach and Executive Director, African American Cultural Center, Los Angeles, Ca. created the Kwanzaa celebration to reinforce the basic values of African culture, called the Nguzo Saba which in Swahili means the Seven Principles, with hope that the seven principles of the festivity would serve as the building blocks to reinforce and enhance African American communities and culture.
Rev. Johnnie Coleman Dies at Age 94
Elected officials, along with her church community and friends are mourning the death of Rev., Dr. Johnnie Coleman, who died Dec. 23 at age 94. Referred to as the “First Lady of the New Thought Christian Community,” Dr. Coleman founded Christ Universal Temple, that first opened on 61st and Cottage Grove Ave. in Chicago in 1956, and today stands at 11901 S. Ashland Ave., as a progressive, new thought church. Rev. Coleman served as Senior Minister there for 50 years and founded the Universal Foundation for Better Living, an international organization of affiliated ‘new thought’ churches and study groups that embrace a metaphysical interpretation of the Bible with a focus on healing, meditation and positive thought.
Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. to Deliver Keynote Address at U of C’s MLK Event
At a time when protests calling for justice are occurring across the nation in response to high profile instances where African American men, that many feel were unjustly killed at the hands of police officers, followed by grand jury decisions not to indict them, longtime civil rights leader, the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. will speak on the topic of “injustice” as part of his keynote address at the University of Chicago’s (U of C) 25th Annual, Martin Luther King Jr., celebration next month.
Mayor Emanuel Halts Petition Examination of Mayoral Challenger
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel withdrew his challenge as to the validity of signatures on ballot petitions belonging to challenger, Dr. Willie Wilson, halting the Chicago Board of Election’s examination of the documents on Christmas Eve, according to Wilson's attorney Frank Avila.
Alternative School Holds Holiday Event on Historic Site
Saturday’s cold weather and snow flurries provided the perfect setting for Prologue, Inc.’s annual Winter Wonderland event. Founded in 1973, Prologue, a nonprofit organization serving Chicago communities for 40 years, provides community services, educational and job-training programs for young people, ages 17 to 24, who want to earn a diploma, but find traditional learning environments challenging.
Mayoral Candidate Willie Wilson Responds to Mayoral Emanuel’s Petition Challenge
Chicago Mayoral candidate, millionaire businessman, Dr. Willie Wilson and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel are creating quite an election campaign ruckus, over the validity of nominating petitions Wilson submitted to the Chicago Board of Election.
Mayor Emanuel’s Son Robbed Near North Side Home
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, on Saturday, attended the funeral of Demario Bailey, the twin teenager who was killed under a viaduct in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood last week, while coming to the aid of his twin brother who was being robbed of his coat. Ironically, now comes news that the Mayor's own teenaged son, was the victim of a robbery last Friday, which left him bruised and battered.
UIC Submits Multi-Site Proposal for Obama Library
Proposals to host and build the Barack Obama Presidential Library and Museum have been submitted to the Barack Obama Foundation by the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), and the University of Chicago (U of C) who met the Dec. 11 deadline for final proposal submission. Universities in New York and Honolulu are also competing for the right to build the presidential library that promises an economic boon for the area that lands the deal.
Paralegal Training Offered at South Suburban College
A person qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity, and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work primarily for a lawyer, is typically defined as a paralegal. It is a worthy profession that perhaps many will aspire to, if given the chance.
CSU to Restructure Foundation Board in Light of Anticipated Cuts in State Funding
According to a Chicago State University (CSU) spokesman, the current economic climate and limited funds available from the state of Illinois, has led the CSU Board of Trustees to the restructuring of the CSU Foundation, a non-profit entity governed by its own set of board of directors, that is responsible for raising funds for the University's advancement.
Urban Partnership Bank Brings on New Board Member, Receives CDFI Designation
Urban Partnership Bank’s (UPB) board of directors is now a 12-member team with the addition of recently elected, Michael W. Lewis, a respected civic and financial services leader.
Cook County Board President Seeks End to Automatic Juvenile Court Transfers to Adult Criminal Court
Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle, is seeking to end automatic transfer of juveniles to Adult Court, a system she says disproportionately impacts African American and Hispanic youth charged with certain felony offenses.
Funding for Graymoor Subdivision Sewer Work Project
Funding put together by various sources will allow sewer repair other work in the Graymoor Subdivision in Olympia Fields.
Dorchester Art + Housing Collaborative Opens in Grand Crossing
World Renowned artist, Theaster Gates’ unique approach to neighborhood revitalization is taking off in the Hyde Park/Grand Crossing neighborhood with the grand opening last of week of the Dorchester Art + Housing Collaborative, an art-centered mixed-income community that provides affordable housing opportunities in the Grand Crossing neighborhood.
Cusic Family Commands Three Chicago Stages in ‘A Christmas Carol’ and “If Scrooge Was A Brother”
Seldom do parents get to share the spotlight with their children but one lucky family is getting to do just that as they showcase their talents simultaneously on three different stages across Chicago.
Mayor, City Council Approves $13 Minimum Wage Increase by 2019
Chicago employees currently earning the $8.25 minimum wage, received an early Christmas gift with the City Council ordinance approval on Tuesday that hikes hourly worker’s pay over the next four years to $13 per hour by 2019.
Injured War Hero Receives Mortgage-Free Home on Chicago’s South Side
A Chicago military service man was the recipient of a mortgage-free home courtesy of Military Warriors Foundation in partnership with Bank of America as a way to help ease his transition back to civilian life. A 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, founded by Lt. Gen., Leroy Sisco, (Ret.), in 2007, the Military Warriors Foundation, provides support for the nation’s combat wounded heroes and Gold Star Families as they transition out of the military and into their new civilian life.
Triton College Community Orchestra to Hold High School Concerto Competition
High school students looking to show off their musical skills will be happy to learn that Triton College, next month, will hold auditions to participate in the first-ever, Triton College Community Orchestra Concerto Competition (TCCO).
Old Property Equals New Revenue for Cook County
As you do your Christmas shopping this holiday season, you might want to consider online purchases from the Cook County auction site. Approximately two years ago, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s administration considered selling surplus equipment and other valuables through auction, as a creative way to generate revenue.
CSU Lands $1.9 Million Grant for Cybersecurity Education
An Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence (IC-CAE) will soon become part of the Chicago State University (CSU) campus thanks to a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency ( DIA,) which plans, manage, and execute intelligence operations during peacetime, crisis, and war.
Young Fathers Parenting Organization to Receive U of C Program Support
The Dovetail Project, a Southside non-profit agency that provides parenting and life skills to “high risk,” young African American fathers, is among the first round of agencies selected to receive up to $50,000 in funding and other support from the University of Chicago’s (U of C) Community Programs Accelerator initiative aimed at strengthening organizations near the U of C campus.
Brown Sugar Bakery Owner Competes in Food Network Holiday Competition
A South Side bakery owner who was eliminated during the Sunday night premiere of the Food Network’s Holiday Baking Competition, was a winner at shining a positive spotlight on the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood where she operates her business.
Westside Domestic Violence Program to Expand to South Side
A pilot domestic violence program launched by the 14th Chicago Police District earlier this year as a collaboration between Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s office and State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and social service providers, has shown promising results, according to information from the Mayor’s office.
South Suburban College Offering Free Business Workshops
One never knows if a new business or product will be successful. Some take off, while others fail.
St. Bernard Hospital Breaks Ground on New Ambulatory Care Center
Having exhausted the capacity to expand in their current buildings, St. Bernard Hospital broke ground on its new 70,000-square-foot, Englewood, Ambulatory Care Center Center last Wednesday at the corner of 63rd St. and Stewart Ave.
Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Investigates Ald. Hairston on Gifts for Vote Offer
Steve Campbell, spokesperson with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, confirmed for the Chicago Citizen Newspaper, that prosecutors are investigating Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th Ward), for allegedly offering raffle tickets to anyone who brought a voting receipt to her office, which would have allowed them to enter a drawing for a chance to win prizes from local retailers.
Voters Turnout for South Side Mayoral Candidates Forum
Chicago Mayoral candidates Dr. Amara Enyia; Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd Ward); former Cook County Commissioner, Robert Shaw; Chicago police officer, Frederick Collins; community and political activist, Bill “Doc” Walls, put their best foot forward on Saturday, during a mayoral candidates forum put on by Probation Challenge, a youth advocacy organization and the South Shore Gardens Betterment Association, a community advocacy group, at the St. Paul Community Development Ministry, 4550 S. Wabash Ave.
State and Local Officials Opens New Interchange Connecting I-57 and Tri-State Tollway
Ill. State Rep. Bob Rita (Dist.-28th) joined Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn and other state and local officials on Saturday for the official opening of the new, first-ever, interchange connecting I-57 and the Tri-State Tollway (I-294).
Nov. 1st Mayoral Candidates Forum at St. Paul Community Development Ministries
Probation Challenge, a youth advocacy and educational program and the South Shore Garden Betterment Association (SSGBA), recently partnered to hold a Mayoral Candidates Debate/Forum centered on issues pertaining Chicago’s youth and senior citizens.
CPS Accepting Proposals for the Dyett School Site
Following protest by parents and community groups over the slated closure of Dyett High School on Chicago’s South side, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced on Friday, it will issue a request for proposal (RFP) in Dec., seeking plans for a new open enrollment neighborhood high school at the Dyett school site, 555 E. 51st St.
Kurt Summers Chosen City Treasurer Neely’s Replacement
Pending City Council approval, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced, Kurt Summers Jr., former chief of staff for Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle, as the City of Chicago’s interim Treasurer to replace current City Treasurer, Stephanie Neely who will leave Mayor Emanuel’s administration Nov. 30 to start a new private sector job on Dec. 1.
Early Voting Gets Underway
While President Barack Obama was in town to support Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn’s quest for re-election, he urged voters on Sunday during an Early Vote Rally, put on by Quinn’s campaign team, to take advantage of Early Voting which opened on Monday. The President joined almost 2 million voters as he cast his ballot early Monday morning at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center at 47th St. and Cottage Grove Ave. in Chicago.
New Mariano’s Store Under Consideration for Current Sears Site
Word around town is that Mariano’s Fresh Market is considering opening a site at Harlem and North Ave. in Chicago.
Walmart Celebrates Grand Opening in Bronzeville
For weeks now, residents of the newly constructed, mixed-use, mixed-income complex at 47th St. and Cottage Grove Ave. in Chicago, have been moving into their new residence, a combination of condos, apartments and businesses, including a new Walmart Store.
A Talk with Social Activist, Dr. Conrad Worrill
Activist and scholar, Dr. Conrad Worrill, 73, director and professor at the Jacob Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, Northeastern Illinois University, began teaching at Northeastern in 1976, where he is the coordinator and professor of inner-city studies education.
Indoor Track Facility Slated for Chicago’s South Side
The cold and rain on Saturday did not deter the many who turned out to hear Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announce a $20 million investment for a new state-of-the art, indoor, track and field facility slated for construction on Chicago Park District land next to Gately Stadium on Chicago’s south side.
President Obama Supports Quinn at South Side Early Vote Rally
Throngs of media from as far away as France, and spectators turned out on Sunday for the Early Vote Rally with President Barack Obama and Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn at Chicago State University’s (CSU) Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center, named for named for former Ill. Senate president, Emil Jones, Jr. and his late wife.
Indoor Track Facility Slated for Chicago’s Far South Side
Slated for construction on Chicago Park District property near Gately Stadium
Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel are expected to announce a $20 million investment for a new state-of-the art, indoor, track and field facility for Chicago’s south side, according to Dr. Conrad Worrill, director and professor of the Jacob Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, Northeastern Illinois University, 700 E. Oakwood Blvd.
UPS Hiring Events Scheduled this Month
A series of hiring events are scheduled this month, courtesy of the City of Chicago and Chicago City Colleges, in an effort to fill positions at 11 Chicagoland United Parcel Service (UPS) operating centers including both facilites at the O’Hare International Airport, 616 South Access Rd., the facility at 1400 South Jefferson Street, and the Chicago Area Consolidation Hub at 1 UPS Way in Hodgkins, IL.
Urban Partnership Bank Achieves Lending Milestone, Receives Award
Following the announcement this year that Urban Partnership Bank (UPB) sold its South Shore banking center at 7054 S. Jeffrey in Chicago, to make way for retail development in the area and to shift from a bricks and mortar to an online and mobile application strategy, UPB officials announced last week, the bank exceeded $200 million in total loans since the bank began lending in 2012.