Senior Volunteer Program Receives Funding
A Triton College-sponsored program that actively engages individuals 55 years of age and over in volunteer opportunities, was awarded a $49,416 grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to help the program continue its volunteer efforts.
Illinois Legislative Intern Program Taking Applications
African Americans are not participating in the Illinois Legislative Staff Intern Program (ILSIP) at the same high rate that Caucasians are participating, according to Barbara Van Dyke-Brown, Director Legislative Internships and Advocacy Programs the University of Illinois at Springfield.
Brother Jacob & His Blues Crew Opens UIC’s 24th Annual Blues Cabaret
Brother Jacob & His Blues Crew, a blues band featuring a young African American blues singer, who has emerged on the scene with 10 years of performing already under his belt, will serve as the opening act for the University of Chicago’s (UIC) 24th Annual Blues Cabaret on Feb. 28 as part of the school’s Black History month celebration.
CSU Student Receives Future Teachers Scholarship Award
Angela Moore, 39, a disabled, single mother of two children, one of which is a special needs child, refused to allow the challenges of her personal life, to stand in the way of a new career path as she pursues a teaching degree at Chicago State University. Moore is now the recipient of The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) 2013 Barbara Lotze Scholarship for Future Teachers award.
U of C Crime Lab Awarded $1 Million MacArthur Foundation Grant
The University of Chicago made national headlines last week as the recipient of a $1 million John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation grant that was awarded to its Crime Lab; one of seven nonprofit organizations around the world to receive the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions.
Urban Partnership Bank Sells Its South Shore Branch and Will Close in March
Urban Partnership Bank (UPB) is selling its South Shore banking center at 7054 S. Jeffrey and will close March 22 to make way for much needed retail development in the area as it shifts from a bricks and mortar to an online and mobile application strategy.
Historic Pullman Porter Museum to Host Black History Film Series
As we continue into Black History Month and as the nation marks the historic anniversaries of the Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington, the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum will present Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle Film Screenings, a series made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
U of C Student Found Deceased in Dorm Room
A foul smell emanating from a University of Chicago (U of C) dorm room led to the discovery Saturday, of a deceased student who reportedly had not used his key card to enter his room since Feb. 7, according to a United Press International news report.
Seaway Bank Robbed
A South Side bank was robbed Tuesday morning but no injuries were reported. The FBI is offering a reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person who committed the act.
Oak Park Highlights Black History with Several Events
Years after the 1951 firebombing of Dr. Percy L. Julian’s Oak Park home, Oak Park residents--in recognition of Black History Month--will discuss “Why Oak Park Needs a Regional Housing Center in 2014,” part of a series of free discussion forums and film presentations at the Oak Park Library that will continue into March.
State Rep. Rita Continues Gambling Expansion Efforts
Proponents of gambling expansion in Illinois are continuing their efforts to make it happen as Illinois State Rep. Bob Rita (D-IL), the lead House Democrat negotiator for the legislation, announced the second of several planned public hearings on the matter with the next one scheduled for 6 p.m. on Feb. 17 at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive.
Kennedy King College has New President
Former Chief Information Officer of City Colleges and Chicago Public Schools, Arshele Stevens, 45, is the new president of Kennedy King College, 6301 S. Halsted. Stevens, was hired into the position following a nation-wide search.
A First-Hand Account of Events Leading to the Murder of Emmett Till
The story of Emmett Till, the 14-year-old African American youth from Chicago who was murdered Aug. 1955 while visiting with relatives in Money, Miss., is one that for years haunted his family and the entire African American community and, some would say, helped galvanize the Civil Rights Movement.
App Challenge for 2nd Congressional Dist. Students
With the fear that the U.S. will fall short in filling technology job openings with American citizens, more and more programs and initiatives are being offered to involve high school and college students in math and technology through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Match) projects and education.
University of Chicago Creates Presidential Library Foundation
Establishing its competitive footing in its quest for the Barack Obama Presidential Library, the University of Chicago (U of C), announced last week the establishment of the Barack H. Obama Foundation, created to oversee planning for the university's possible future attraction.
City Provides Two New Locations for Free Tax Preparation Help
The City of Chicago is promoting its free Tax Preparation Assistance Program in an effort to encourage, eligible Chicago residents, to apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). According to the Mayor’s office, 100,000 households in the City fail to claim the EITC, leaving as much as $200 million in unclaimed dollars.
Legislation for Year-Round School Announced
U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk announced new legislation at a press conference last week held at Alain Locke Charter School, on Chicago’s West Side, pushing for year-round schools throughout the nation as a way to close the achievement gap.
South Side Youth's Path to Innovation and Entrepreneurship
There’s no shortage of news about African American youth who take the wrong path in life. Here’s a story however, that highlights an African American youth who started down the wrong path but changed his course and is now an entrepreneur with a device that soon will be on store shelves as a product that benefits children and their families. It's called the Thermofier.
U.S. Legislators Introduce Bill Designating National Park Status for Historic Pullman Area
A legislative measure originally introduced by former U. S. Cong. Jesse Jackson, Jr., is once again being presented by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mark Kirk (R-IL), along with Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL), during the first session of the 113th Congress this week to establish a national park in Chicago’s Historic Pullman neighborhood.
Match Program Expands to Include 1000 CPS Students Next Year
Following a study that shows CPS (Chicago Public Schools) high students who were at risk of dropping out but improved their math scores with the help of an intensive tutoring and mentoring program, the City of Chicago and the University of Chicago will expand the program to include 1000 students next year.
Chicago Maintains Status as Place to Film Movies and Television Shows
Chicago is maintaining its status as the place for major film and television productions, with an overall increase in filming activity, according to information released from the Chicago Film Office at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). “This past year has been an outstanding year for film in Chicago with major films and six full-time TV shows in production,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
28th Annual Interfaith Celebration, Honors Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago's local church community and various elected officials paid homage to Rev., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the City of Chicago’s 28th Annual Interfaith Breakfast where women of the Civil Rights movement were also recognized.
New Online Tools for Chicago Small Business Startups and Entrepreneurs
Chicago Small Business owners and entrepreneurs now have two new online tools designed to help launch and grow business and both are available in English and Spanish. A Small Business Center (SBC) website will serve as a one stop shop for entrepreneurs and a new and improved Site Selector tool will help small businesses search for commercial sites available for lease or sale.
U of I Approves $5 Million Matching Grant for New Illinois Manufacturing Lab
Trustees at the University of Illinois recently approved a $5 million grant to support a new manufacturing initiative that hopefully will advance economic development throughout Illinois.
Triton College Offers Firearms Training Course for General Public
In response to a federal court striking down Illinois’ ban on public possession of concealed guns last year—Triton College’s School of Continuing Education will offer a new course that will provide individuals with the education and training needed to apply for the Concealed Carry License in Illinois.
MLK Memorial Exhibit Center Scheduled to Open
A West Side organization will unveil a new exhibit that honors the legacy and also marks the now historic site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s., home during his stay here in Chicago back in 1966--part of the first phase of a multi-phased project included in the MLK Memorial District located in Chicago’s North Lawndale Neighborhood.
Mayor Emanuel Appoints former Obama Staffer as Deputy Chief of Staff
Mayor Rahm Emanuel started his new year off by appointing Ken Bennett, a long-time Chatham resident, and now former staff member of President Barack Obama's, as his new Deputy Chief of Staff and the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement.
Chicago State Receives Grant for Substance Abuse Recovery Research
Chicago State University (CSU) is embarking upon cutting edge research as it looks into the benefits of meditation as a therapeutic tool for recovering substance abuse addicts and substance abuse case managers in urban areas.
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick to Serve as Keynote Speaker at Dr. King Celebration
A former Chicago South Side resident, who is now governor of another state, will come back to Chicago this month to help celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
New Bronzeville Arts and Recreation Center Planned for 2015
A long planned and much needed recreation center project may finally come to fruition in 2015, providing the Bronzeville area with a place for youth to spend time and engage in positive endeavors. Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly, 4th Ward Ald., Will Burns and 3rd Ward Ald. Pat Dowell and Quad Communities Development Corporation announced last week plans for a new arts and recreation center at Ellis Park, 535 E. 35th Street.
Additional Accountable Care Organizations Added to Serve Medicare Patients
As the health care world adjusts to changes in laws due to the passage of the new Affordable Care Act, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are growing in number.
Mayor Announces Grocery Store Task Force Members
Shortly after announcing a Grocery Store Task Force in response to the 72 Dominick’s store closures throughout Chicago as of Dec. 28, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced last week, the Task Force team's members.
UIC Receives $1.14 Federal Grant to Address Special Education Teacher Shortage
According to researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), public schools nationwide face a shortage of special education teachers, disproportionately affecting minority students particularly in metropolitan areas like Chicago because of the large African American and Latino student body that exist there, and because minority students are placed in special education programs at a disproportionally higher rate than students of other ethnicities.
Mayor Announces Task Force to address with Dominick Store Closures
In response to the recent announcement that Dominick’s will close all of its 72 stores located throughout Chicago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a City task force is in place to find operators for the closed stores to ensure that affected citizens continue to have access to food and fresh produce and to address the economic impact and jobs lost due to the closures.
Winnie Mandela: Her Life and Legacy
As we commemorate the life and legacy of the late South African President, Nelson Mandela, one has to also acknowledge the woman who played a prominent, political and private role in his life.
Women Needed for U of C Fibroid Treatment Study
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine are testing to see if MRI-guided HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) will yield quicker recoveries and fewer side effects than current treatments for the removal of uterine fibroids in women.
Local School Council Member Charged with Indecency exposure
A South Side Local School Council (LSC) member was charged in Sept. with a serious crime. Chicago Police News Affairs Officer Michael Sullivan confirmed that Reginald Jones, 43, was arrested and charged at 9:18 a.m., Sept. 9, on the 1000 block of west Taylor Street with 1 felony count of indecency exposure and driving on a suspended license.
South Shore Drill Team March in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
It came down to the wire but a group of South Side youth had a chance to venture outside of their neighborhoods for an opportunity to take part in a world class, out-of-state, holiday event thanks to the help of a few generous donors and sponsors.
University of Chicago Buys the New Harper Court Property
Just days after a ribbon cutting event celebrating the opening of the new Harper Court shopping complex in the Hyde Park neighborhood on Nov. 8, the University of Chicago (U of C) purchased Harper Court from its developers, Harper Court Partners, LLC.
CPS Calling for Nominations for Local School Councils
Parents and community members who want to play a role in helping to shape Chicago Public Schools (CPS) can do so by becoming a member of a Local School Council (LSC).
South Suburban College’s Adult Literacy Night
South Suburban College’s (SSC) Adult Volunteer Literacy Program’s fourth annual Family Literacy Night event will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21st.
Low-Income College Students Not Meeting Financial Assistance Deadlines
It’s easy to surmise that college students from low income backgrounds would be first in line to meet deadline requirements for financial assistance. However, a University of Illinois at Chicago study, found that students with the greatest need for financial aid, are not submitting applications early enough to receive it.
Residents Protest to Abolish Red-light Enforcement and Speed Cameras
Community activists in Chicago, led a red-light enforcement and speed camera protest and petition drive recently in an ongoing effort to obtain enough signatures to place a referendum (a general vote by a body of people entitled to vote on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct decision) on the ballot for the 2014 general election, to abolish red light and speed light cameras.
Mayor Emanuel Proposes New Corruption Ordinance
Acting on recommendations from Chicago’s, Inspector General, Joseph Ferguson, Mayor Rahm Emanuel proposed to the City Council, a new ordinance that mandates all City contractors report corrupt or unlawful activity, expanding current reporting requirements already in place.
Seed of Hope Food Giveway Planned for Saturday
The Seed of Hope Food Pantry of New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, located at 740 E. 77th St., will distribute Thanksgiving Food Baskets from 9 to 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 23 along with the church’s Women’s Ministry.
Entrepreneurial Training for Veterans Offered at UIC
Military veterans who are planning to start or grow a business, gathered at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) on Veterans Day to sign up and take advantage of a program that offers training and mentorship.
Sharpton and Thomas Deliver Message of Love and Respect to Magnet School Students
Self-empowerment, love and respect for your fellow man, was the message shared on Thursday by Civil Rights Leader Rev. Al Sharpton, President of the National Action Network (NAN) and former NBA basketball player, Isiah Thomas, as the pair addressed students at Frazier International Magnet School, 4027 W. Grenshaw, during Sharpton’s first day in Chicago as a temporary resident.
City Expands Crackdown on Illegal Cigarettes Sales
Those involved in the sale of illegal cigarettes may soon find it harder to do so. The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) unveiled its 2014 strategy for maintaining momentum in an on-going effort to crackdown on illegal tobacco sales.
Property Fraud Meeting Held in Chatham
Area residents packed the Crerar Memorial Presbyterian Church (8100 S. Calumet Ave.) on Chicago’s South Side on Saturday to hear what Cook County Recorder of Deeds (CCRD) Karen Yarbrough had to say about the often occurring practice of property and deed fraud, something even City of Chicago Treasurer, Stephanie Neely has been a victim.
South Suburban College Seeks Literacy Volunteers
South Suburban College (SSC) needs tutors for its Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program. "Tutoring is a very rewarding opportunity for anyone who is able to read and/or process mathematical problems, because it will give the volunteer the opportunity to help someone who desperately is in search of assistance to improve his or her abilities in these areas,” said Jane Ellen Stocker, Vice President of Enrollment & Community Education South Suburban College.