Community Calls Meeting to Address University of Chicago Police Department Conduct
The Campaign for Equitable Policing (CFEP), a movement comprised of University of Chicago (UC) students and residents who live near the UC , whose aim is to end racial profiling by the University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD), held a meeting where its members, and other community stakeholders shared experiences, grievances, and concerns based on their encounters with UCPD officers. at
Quinn, Durbin Announce Google Plan to Create More Than 1,000 Illinois Jobs
On Oct. 28, Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.-D) joined Amazon.com Inc. to announce the creation of more than 1,000 full-time jobs and $75 million in investment in Illinois by 2017. Amazon is scouting sites and plans to open its first facility in Illinois next year.
Institute of Positive Education Receives Honorary Street Sign
In recognition of nearly a half of a century of service in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood, the Institute of Positive Education (IPE), a community based non-profit organization that strives to provide quality education to community youth, was bestowed an honorary street sign on the corner of 78th St. and Ellis Ave. last month.
Ombudsman Opens South Side Chicago Location
Recently, Ombudsman Chicago, an alternative school for young adults that provides them with the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma, opened a new location on Chicago's south side at 6057 S. Western Ave. Ombudsman Chicago opened its first Chicago location almost a year ago within the city’s East Garfield Park community, 2401 W. Congress Pkwy, which was then followed a Park Ridge, IL campus, 7500 N. Harlem Ave.
City of Chicago Celebrates First Year Anniversary of Recycling Program
This week marks the one year anniversary of Chicago's citywide rollout of the Blue Cart Recycling Program, which provides bi-weekly recycling services to single family homes and multi-unit buildings with four or fewer units according to the Department of Streets & Sanitation (DSS). Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, expanded the program to over 360,000 Chicago households over an eight month span in 2013.
City of Chicago Establishes Network of Hospitals to Prepare For Possible Ebola Outbreak
On Oct. 20, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that Rush University Medical Center, 1653 W. Congress Parkway; the University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 S. Maryland Ave.; Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 251 E. Huron St.; and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave., have agreed to form a network care centers in preparation for an Ebola outbreak in Chicago.
1st Annual Purple Hose & Heels 5K Walk Brings Awareness to Domestic Violence
A little bad weather was not enough to stem the tide of optimism at the 1st Annual Purple Hose & Heels 5K walk held on the walking trail adjacent to the Target, 4647 Promenade Way, in Matteson, Ill. on Oct. 18. The event served the dual purpose of raising awareness about domestic violence and as a fundraiser for the South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS), 18137 Harwood Ave., Homewood, Ill.
Mobile Ventra App Announced at CTA Meeting
A new Ventra mobile app for smart phones, developed to enhance the experience of CTA, Metra, RTA and Pace transit riders, was announced at the Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA) monthly board meeting at CTA’s main offices in downtown Chicago, 567 W. Lake St., on Oct. 15. (Ventra is the name of the new, joint fare system for CTA and Pace which launched system-wide July 1, 2014. Ventra replaces all of CTA & Pace’s old fare media with one card and system that does everything.)
Off The Street Club’s Third Thursdays Chicago's West Side Youth
For the first time this school year, on Oct. 16, Off The Street Club (OTSC), a non-profit foundation that provides a safe haven for youth to, opened its doors to approximately 300 club members, mentors and volunteers during its monthly, 3rd Thursday mentoring program, at its west Garfield headquarters, 25 N. Karlov Ave.
Chicago Park District Receives 2014 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation
Earlier this month, the Chicago Park District (CPD) was awarded the 2014 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This year's program was sponsored by Musco Lighting LLC.
Deadline Approaching for After School Matters Proposals
On Oct. 8, After School Matters (ASM) released its annual Request for Proposals (RFP) which provides the guidelines and pertinent information to independent contractors and community organizations who are interesting in to conducting after-school and summer programs for Chicago’s youth, through the ASM network. The deadline to respond is submit Nov. 7, 2015.
Sisters Network, Inc. Provides Vital Resource to African American Women
Sisters Network, Inc. (SNI) is a national non-profit organization and sisterhood of members that supports African American breast cancer survivors. With over 40 nationally recognized chapters, SNI’s Chicago chapter serves both the south side and south suburban Chicago municipalities.
Chicago Legend Oscar Brown, Jr. Receives Tribute
A historical tribute ceremony was held Oct. 10, at the Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave., to pay homage to the legacy of one Chicago’s most influential and multi-faceted native sons, the late Oscar Brown, Jr.
Metra Announces New Investments in Modernization
On Oct.9, Metra announced at its monthly board meeting at its downtown Chicago office, 547 W. Jackson Blvd., details about a $2.4 billion dollar plan to replace and modernize its fleet of rail cars and locomotives and to address key safety measures. Additionally, the plan includes funding for the installation of the Positive Train Control (PTC) system, a federal mandated program that according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR) is advanced technology designed to automatically stop or slow trains before potential accidents.
CBA Meeting Focuses on Health Care Insurance for Small Businesses
The Chatham Business Association’s (CBA) monthly membership meeting at the QBG Foundation Building, 806 E. 78th St., on Oct. 14, highlighted health benefits and services available to small businesses under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Metropolitan Family Services Address Domestic Violence via Town Hall Meeting
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Metropolitan Family Services (MFS), a community outreach agency servicing families in the Chicagoland area, will host a Call to Action Town Hall event that will include domestic violence education, a panel discussion and a teen breakout session, on Oct. 16 at its Calumet center facility at 235 E. 103rd St.
Karen Lewis Visits with Chatham Residents
As part of her “Conversations with Karen” public speaking series, Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) president, Karen Lewis, visited Crerar Presbyterian Memorial Church, 8100 S. Calumet Ave., on Sept. 24 where she addressed some of Chicago’s "hot topics" and rumors about whether or not she would run for mayor of Chicago.
Advocate Trinity Hospital’s Gala Raises Funds to Benefit Breast Cancer Research Initiatives
Advocate Trinity Hospital, 2320 E. 93rd St., hosted its 2014 gala, Shades of Pink: The Tapestry of Trinity at the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., on Sept. 20 in order to raise funds to benefit Breast Health Initiatives at the facility.
Gov. Quinn Invests $3 Million in Divvy Program Expansion into Chicago and Suburbs
Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn recently announced a $3 million state investment in the Divvy bicycle-sharing program that will install 700 new bikes and 70 docking stations in Chicago, Evanston, and Oak Park neighborhoods.
Maya Angelou Elementary School Rededication Ceremony
On Sept. 22, Harvey School Dist. 152 held a rededication ceremony to commemorate the 10th year anniversary of the renaming of Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School as Maya Angelou Elementary School (15748 Page St., Harvey, Ill). The commemorative ceremony was as a celebration of the life of Dr. Maya Angelou, who was present at the school's initial renaming ceremony on Sept. 22, 1995.
First Ever AAHH! FEST Involves the Community
The first ever AAHH! FEST presented by Chicago rappers Common, Kanye West and Che “Rhymefest” Smith on Sept. 21 at Union Park, 501 W. Randolph St., provided a platform for local artists to showcase their talents and promoted peace and positivity.
8th Annual Hyde Park Jazz Fest Continues to Reach the Community
The 8th Annual Hyde Park Jazz Fest, a free two-day festival featuring local, national, and international jazz artists, is now a community staple that honors the history of jazz on Chicago’s south side of and will take place at several different venues spanning the Hyde Park community Sept. 27 and 28.
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Releases New Mobile Incident Reporting App
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) has released a new mobile incident reporting app as an extension of its online incident reporting application released last May. The free app is currently available on Apple operating system products only.
Morehouse College Defeats Central State University
The 17th Annual Chicago Football Classic (CFC) held at Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Dr., on September 20 and played between Morehouse College and Central State University attracted thousands of spectators, despite the downpour of rain that plagued the earlier part of that day. In the end, Morehouse College from Atlanta, Ga. defeated Central State University from Wilberforce, Ohio, by a score of 43-9.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and Illinois State Historical Society to Host Maya Angelou School Rededication Ceremony
On Monday, Sept. 22, Harvey Public Schools District 152 will rededicate the Maya Angelou Elementary School at 15748 Page St. in Harvey Ill. The school was formerly known as Waldo Emerson Elementary School before being renamed on Friday, September 22, 1995 in honor of Angelou’s legacy. At that time, Dr. Angelou was present for the event.
Bruce Rauner Greets Illinois Citizens at 95th & Dan Ryan as Quinn Enhances Parks
Ill. Republican gubernatorial candidate, Bruce Rauner, visited the bus/train terminal at 95th & the Dan Ryan during the early morning rush hour on Sept. 15, where he wished commuters “good morning” and encouraged them to vote on election day, as part of a daylong campaign route on that crisscrossed Chicago’s south and west side communities.
The 2015 Miss Black Illinois USA Pageant Focuses on Community
The 28th Annual Miss Black Illinois USA Pageant 2015, to be held on October 25, 2014, at the DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56th Pl. in Chicago, provides African American women from across the state an opportunity to earn academic scholarships by showcasing their talents, beauty, and commitment to community service.
Chicago Mayor Lends Support to Chicago Football Classic
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined Chicago Football Classic Inc. co-founders.
On Sept.10, at Chicago's City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined Chicago Football Classic Inc. co-founders, Everett Rand and Larry Huggins, for a press conference where he lent his support for the 17th Annual Chicago Football Classic (CFC) game which showcases the football teams and marching bands of two top historically black colleges or universities (HBCUs).
Paul Laurence Dunbar Statue Unveiled at Dunbar Park
The creation of the statue was commissioned by the Chicago Park District and The Friends of Dunbar Park (TFDP).
Mayor Emanuel Signs Executive Order to Raise Minimum Wage for Contractors
The Executive Order applies to all service contracts, including construction contracts, advertised after October 1, 2014.
Last week at a press conference, held at 33 W. Monroe St., Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel signed an Executive Order requiring City contractors and subcontractors to pay employees a $13 per hour minimum wage of for contracts advertised after October 1, 2014.
Jackie Robinson West All-Stars’ Manager Darold Butler:
Magic of His Own
Jackie Robinson West All-Stars Little League (JRW) Manager, Darold Butler, a volunteer little league baseball coach, returned home to a hero’s welcome after guiding his team on a historic and magical run to become the first all African American Little League Baseball team to become U.S Champions.
Mo’ne Davis Takes the Mound and Center Stage
Davis made history as the first female pitcher to win a game in the LLWS when she struck out eight batters.
The undisputed feel good story that came out of the 2014 Little League World Series (LLWS) was none other than 13-year-old African-American female pitcher, Mo’ne Davis, of the Taney Dragons Little League Baseball Team from Philadelphia, Pa.
Chicago State University Welcomes New Athletic Director
Officials at Chicago State University (CSU), 9501 S. King Dr., announced during a press conference last week, the hiring of the school's new athletic director, Dr. Denisha L. Hendricks, formerly of Kentucky State University, where she served in the same capacity.
The Black Harvest Film Festival
Entering its 20th year anniversary
“I gathered together a group of people from the community and invited them to join me in discussions about what kind of festival that showcased films that deal with issues and the life of the black diaspora and of African Americans and what a festival like that would be like,” said Barbara Scharres, Director of Programming and founder of The Black Harvest Film Festival. “Each year it’s grown and we feel like we’re always learning something and doing new things to develop it further and develop an audience because the whole point is to bring the audience and the films together.”
Congresswoman Kelly Commemorates 50th Anniversary of Freedom Summer
In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Freedom Summer, U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-2nd) recently organized a bus tour for youth that made stops at several historical African American sites across the Chicagoland area.
South Holland’s Annual Art Gallery Unites Community
The Village of South Holland is presenting its 2014 Artists’ Gallery at the South Holland Community Center, 501 E. 170th St., South Holland, Ill., from Wednesday, Aug. 27 through Saturday, Aug. 30 as part of its Heritage Fest. Heritage Fest, a staple community engagement event that has been a South Holland tradition for over 60 years, pays homage to South Holland’s past while, celebrating the diversity and future of the village, and usually is held on Labor Day weekend.
Bronzeville Nights Brings Culture and Commerce to Community
The second annual Bronzeville Nights, a series of events designed to support local businesses in Chicago's Bronzeville community, kicked-off last week on the corner of 47th St. & King Dr. Presented by the Quad Communities Development Corporation (QCDC), Bronzeville Nights are scheduled to place on the second and fourth Wednesdays of August and September in Bronzeville and will promote arts and culture in the community.
2014 Chicago Football Classic Remains Rooted In Education
The game will be played between Central State University, hailing from in Wilberforce, Ohio and Morehouse College of Atlanta, Ga.
Founders, stakeholders, co-sponsors, and well-wishers gathered in front of Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Dr., on Monday to reaffirm the values and generate excitement about the upcoming Chicago Football Classic (CFC). The game will be played between Central State University, hailing from in Wilberforce, Ohio and Morehouse College of Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday, September 20 at Soldier Field football stadium. Kick-off time is 3:00 pm.
Cook County Department of Veteran Affairs Hosts Workshop for Entrepreneurship
The Cook County Department of Veteran Affairs (CCDVA) in collaboration with the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) held a small business workshop at the County Building, 118 N. Clark St., on Monday for military veterans. The workshop entitled, Veterans 2 Business (V 2 B), and was open to all veterans who work for Cook County and for those who do not, and for their dependents.
Chicago Votes Registers Young Adult Voters
Chicago Votes works with several organizations on voter registration.
Chicago Votes, a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that encourages young adults to get involved in the electoral process, has set a goal of registering 25,000 individuals ages 18-35 – particularly people of color- to vote in the Chicagoland area.
L.U.P.U.S. Holds Disease Awareness Event
Loving U Pass Ur Sickness (L.U.P.U.S.), a non-profit designed to assist individuals suffering from lupus, live full, productive and healthy lives, held its first fundraising/awareness event at the Hubbard Street Loft, 1821 W. Hubbard St., this past weekend. The event provided a platform for testimonials, networking and shopping.
Young Women's Leadership Charter School Recognized by City Hall
Chicago’s only all-girls public school, Young Women's Leadership Charter School (YWLCS), 2641 S. Calumet Ave., was recognized by the Chicago City Council last week, via a resolution for its academic excellence – most notably for producing a Gates Millennium Scholar for the second consecutive year .
South Suburban College to Offer Adult Basic Education Courses
South Suburban College’s (SSC) Division of Adult Education is offering new courses for adults to develop core educational skills.
Chicago State West Campus Q&A
Chicago Citizen Newspaper recently spoke with CSU’s West Side Campus Development Project Manager, Bruce Washington
In recognition of Chicago State University (CSU) recently announcing that it will be expanding to Chicago's west side, the Chicago Citizen Newspaper recently spoke with CSU’s West Side Campus Development Project Manager, Bruce Washington, to learn more about the highly anticipated addition to CSU’s educational network.
Museum Campus South Collaboration Unites Cultural Attractions
The free shuttle will run every weekend in August, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and from noon until 4:00 PM on Sundays.
Throughout the month of August, seven south-side Chicago cultural institutions who have joined forces and who have agreed to now to be collectively called, “Museum Campus South, ” will provide free weekend shuttle service for sightseers who visit the attractions.
Chicago Bulls Star Joakim Noah Stands Against Chicago's Gun Violence via PSA
As an initiative of his non-profit organization, the Noah’s Arc Foundation (NAF), Chicago Bulls all-star Joakim Noah debuted a public service announcement (PSA) video urging all Chicagoans to stand up against gun violence at a press conference at Major Adams Community Center (MACC), 125 N. Hoyne Ave., last week.
Former Simeon HS Electrician Teacher Rallies Community
Former Simeon Career Academy electricity teacher, Latisa Kindred, held a press conference last week outside the entrance of Simeon, 8147 S. Vincenness Ave., to alert the community about the closing of the school’s electricity shop class.
Welcome Inn Manor: Bronzeville’s Hidden Gem
Welcome Inn Manor is one of the highest customer rated bed and breakfast establishments in Chicago
Welcome Inn Manor, 4562 S. Michigan Ave., is one of the highest customer rated bed and breakfast establishments in Chicago and one of the city's best kept secrets.
Chi-League All Star Game Unites the Community
A fun array of summer activities and basketball that was free and open to the community.
The Chi-League All Star Game, held at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, 211 S. Laflin St., a fun array of summer activities and basketball that was free and open to the community, showcased this past weekend. Chi League was created in 2013 by Nike to bring dynamic summer "hoops" options to the Chicagoland area.
Chicago Public Schools Holds Public Budget Hearings
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) held one of three public hearings last week.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) held one of three public hearings last week, at Kennedy King College (KKC), 6301 S. Halsted St., to publicly provide an overview of its FY15 budget. CPS held the meetings in separate locations across the Chicagoland area where community members were briefed on specific budget items, spending constraints and were given an opportunity to voice concerns.