Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller announced recently that she has secured funding to help improve our local communities. Earlier this Summer, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved funding through the Invest in Cook Grant Program, Community Development Block Grant Program (CBDG), the Emergency Solution Grant Program, and the HOME Investments Partnerships Program to help further increase access to housing, expand employment opportunities, spur business growth and development, enhance infrastructure, and restore our community by supporting local nonprofits serving those in need. “This crucial funding supports a variety of

Quintin E. Primo III is one of relatively few African Americans operating at the highest levels of the commercial real estate business. His company, the Chicago-based Capri Investment Group, boasts more than $14 billion in real estate investment transactions completed – with more high-profile deals in the pipeline. Capri Investment Group and commercial and residential real estate development company, The Prime Group, acquired the James R. Thompson Center, a historic building in Chicago’s Loop District. The deal, which Capri expects will take about three-and-a-half years to complete, came about

Roderick K. Hawkins (Credit: Powell Creative Services). In 2024, many emerging leaders are paving the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps. Their impact is improving the community in even bigger and better ways. Roderick K. Hawkins, a Southern gentleman at heart, has achieved numerous accolades. His family's support has shaped him into who he is today: a legendary Black man of excellence who stands for equality for everyone, especially for the LGBTQ community. Southern Roots and Family Values Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on July 30, 1974,

Farley “Jackmaster” Funk is an influential pioneer in the history of house music in Chicago. He was a prominent DJ and producer during the 1980s. Born Farley Keith Williams, he adopted the stage name Farley “Jackmaster” Funk as he rose to fame. Farley gained recognition for his DJ skills and his productions, which often featured a raw and energetic style that became characteristic of the Chicago house sound. One of his most famous tracks is “Love Can’t Turn Around,” a collaboration with vocalist Darryl Pandy, which became a

By Courtney Alexander  Chicago native and trailblazer Jahmal Cole discussed the adversities in his life that inspired his activism journey, revitalizing Black communities in Chicago, and his social impact organization, which transforms and renews the lives of the youth and elderly. The mission statement of the notable Chicagoland non-profit organization My, Block, My Hood, My City is to inspire the youth, empower communities, and build a better world one block at a time. My Block, My Hood, My City is a social impact organization founded in 2013 by Jahmal Cole,

Turner Drew Language Academy students celebrate teacher Alicia Carlisle’s Golden Apple Award (Credit: Tacuma Roeback).  Grade school children at the Turner Drew Language Academy on the South Side held pom poms or signs that read “#TeachGolden” but barely held onto their excitement over what would transpire at the school gym. As soon as the door flipped open and first-grade teacher Alicia Carlisle stepped into the room, it all came to a glorious head. They and staff members erupted. They cheered, shrieked, clapped and/or jumped because Carlisle, one of their