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Leather business 64TEN to name street after Ed Negron on May 30
On May 25-30, leather shop 64TEN, 6410 N. Clark St., will mark its 21st anniversary.
The celebrations will coincide with the International Mr. Leather (IML)/Memorial Day holiday weekend. ...
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Gov. Pritzker signs legislation addressing rise in organized retail thefts
-- From a press release
CHICAGO — On May 13, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker joined Attorney General Kwame Raoul, lawmakers, advocates and law-enforcement officials to sign legislation designed to combat a nationwide rise in coordinated retail thefts. "This new law represents ...
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Deadline for Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame nominations is May 31
The deadline to nominate individuals, businesses, organizations, and allies to the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame is on May 31 at midnight. Nominations may be made online at www.chicagolgbthalloffame.org/nominate. The goal is to honor people and ...
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Grindr going public in $2.1-billion deal
The people behind the LGBTQ+ dating app Grindr said the company would go public through a merger with a blank-check acquisition firm—a deal that values it at $2.1 billion and features Tiga Investments CEO Raymond Zage ...
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Mayor names Bally's at Tribune Publishing Center for Chicago's sole casino license
-- From a press release
CHICAGO —Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced May 5 that the City has selected Bally's Corporation to be the recipient of its sole casino license and the developer to create a world-class casino-resort and entertainment experience in ...
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Two Whole Foods stores to close; Lightfoot, Hunter respond
Whole Foods is closing two Chicago stores—including one it opened on the South Side six years ago amid promises to end the food desert in that area, Block Club Chicago reported. The Englewood spot and a ...
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Annual LGBTQ+ networking event 'Out of the Office' to take place June 1
The annual LGBTQ+ networking event Out of the Office will take place Wed., June 1, 4:30-7 p.m., at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago's rooftop lounge, I|O, 127 W. Huron St., to kick off Pride Month. The event ...
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Reader owner steps down; paper can now go nonprofit route
Chicago Reader co-owner Len Goodman and three board members stepped down April 26 amid protests from employees, freeing the embattled alternative newspaper to transition to a nonprofit organization, The Chicago Tribune reported. The Reader has been ...
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Exxon Mobil's plan to ban Pride flag triggers employee pushback
Exxon Mobil Corp. plans to prohibit the LGBTQ+ Pride flag from being flown outside its offices during Pride month in June, prompting backlash from Houston-based employees, Time Magazine reported. The company updated company guidance on what ...
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The Andersonville Wine Walk returns for its 16th year on May 15
-- From a press release
CHICAGO (April 21, 2022) — The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC), in partnership with In Fine Spirits, is pleased to welcome back its annual Andersonville Wine Walk, an afternoon of ...
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Florida legislature passes anti-Disney bills in wake of 'Don't Say Gay' fight
On April 21, the Florida legislature passed a pair of bills aimed at Disney—weeks into the company's feud with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis over its objections to a new law (the "Don't Say Gay" statute) that ...
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Andersonville/Wicker Park bakery fired employee after pay complaints
LGBTQ-owned Andersonville/Wicker Park bakery Lost Larson paid more than $2,000 last month to a former employee after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) supported her claim that she was fired for joining colleagues to address workplace ...
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Mayor Lightfoot, candidate Willie Wilson raise questions with gas giveaways
Both Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and businessman/mayoral candidate Willie Wilson are involved in new situations involving gas giveaways. Lightfoot is tweaking her proposed gas-card giveaway yet again in an attempt to mollify opposition and pave the ...
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Diversity training sessions for suburban executives May 19 and 26
On May 19 and 26, there will be half-day "Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism" training sessions via Zoom. The primary audience will consist of senior executives and board members. The event will be free for nonprofits ...
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Andersonville Farmers Market returns May 11 - Oct. 19
-- From a press release
CHICAGO (April 14, 2022) — The Andersonville Farmers Market (AFM) is pleased to return for its 13th season featuring 30 vendors on Wednesdays from 3 — 7 pm from May 11 — October 19, 2022 on ...
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Willie Wilson joining Chicago mayoral race again
Entrepreneur and previous Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson announced April 11 that he will also be part of the 2023 race to lead the city. According to Politico, Wilson, a business owner and McDonald's franchisee, has ...
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Andersonville Chamber of Commerce welcomes spring with Andersonville in Bloom throughout April
-- From a press release
CHICAGO (April 8, 2022) — The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) celebrates all things Spring during Andersonville in Bloom, a month-long celebration featuring Earth Month and Spring-inspired events, plus seasonal ...
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'In Chicago We Believe' targets anti-LGBTQ+ legislation with ad campaigns in Orlando, Dallas and Phoenix
On April 7, World Business Chicago launched the new advertising campaign "In Chicago We Believe." According to a press release, "the campaign promotes the city's long-standing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, not just as a ...
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200+ major U.S. companies oppose anti-LGBTQ+ state legislation
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Human Rights Campaign and Freedom for All Americans announced that more than 200 major companies have joined together to sign on to the Human Rights Campaign and Freedom for All ...
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LGBTQIA+-focused talent group launches in Orlando, Chicago and Miami
Orlando-based experiential marketing company, 82 South, Inc., has launched MODE (Made on Diversity and Equality) Talent Group this month to promote LGBTQIA+ and other underrepresented talent for bookings in fashion ...
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Disney employees stage full-scale walkout
On March 22, LGBTQ workers and employee allies at The Walt Disney Company staged a walkout in protest of Florida's Parental Rights in Education bill, nicknamed the "Don't Say Gay" bill by opponents, ABC News reported. ...
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Willie Wilson donating $1M in free gas on March 24
Businessman, minister and former Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson will give away $1 million more worth of gas Thursday, March 24—despite a similar move leading to long traffic snarls in Chicago recently, Block Club Chicago reported. ...
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Disney employees to walk in wake of company's 'Don't Say Gay' response
A group of Disney employees have planned a week of in-person and virtual walkouts in response to the company and CEO Bob Chapek's handling of Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill, Variety reported. Recently, the Twitter account ...
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Nobody's Darling named James Beard Award finalist
A month after being named a Chicago-area semifinalist for the 2022 James Beard Foundation Awards, the Black- and queer-owned spot Nobody's Darling has been named a finalist for Outstanding Bar Program. Nobody's Darling will compete against ...
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PASSAGES Mogul Marilyn Miglin, wife of Andrew Cunanan murder victim, dies at 83
Marilyn Miglin the Chicago beauty mogul who rose to fame as a saleswoman on the Home Shopping Network and was thrust into the national limelight again in 1997 when her husband, business tycoon/philanthropist Lee Miglin, ...
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The law nobody knows: Public bathrooms are gender-neutral in Chicago
August Hieber sometimes feels like a professional trans person. The manager of programs and advocacy at the Chicago Bar Foundation, Hieber (they/them) has the uncommon experience of being a transgender and non-binary attorney. For them, the ...
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Disney CEO apologizes for response to Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill
In a letter issued to employees on March 11, Disney CEO Bob Chapek said the company will pause all political donations in Florida after intense criticism over how the media giant responded to Florida's "Don't Say ...
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Steamworks holding $10K fundraiser to help Ukrainians
Steamworks Chicago is collecting donations in-house and online to benefit Sunflower of Peace. Sunflower of Peace "acquires and distributes first-aid backpacks, medicine, medical instruments, and other means of survival" to ...
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60+ major companies, HRC urge elected leaders across country to stop anti-trans moves
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON Today, The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, and 60+ businesses released a sign-on letter, published as ...
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Chicago Restaurant Week set for March 25-April 10
This year, Chicago Restaurant Week will span 17 days. The 15th annual event will run March 25-April 10, bringing together hundreds of the area's top restaurants that represent a multitude of cuisines. During Chicago Restaurant Week, ...
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Chicago Pride Parade taking place in person June 26
The Chicago Pride Parade is back in business. After being out of commission for three years, the event will take place for the first time this decade on Sunday, June 26. Organizer Tim Frye the widower of ...
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Andersonville Chamber of Commerce's annual 'InsideWalk Sale' returns March 18-20
-- From a press release
CHICAGO (March 7, 2022) The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to welcome back its annual InsideWalk Sale, as retailers make way for spring by clearing out winter merchandise. Throughout the weekend of March ...
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Andersonville Midsommarfest returns June 10 - 12 after two-year hiatus
-- From a press release
CHICAGO (March 3, 2022) Following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to announce the return of Andersonville Midsommarfest, one ...
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World Business Chicago suspends relationship with Moscow
World Business Chicago will suspend its relationship with Moscow, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced March 1, in light of events escalating surrounding the Russia-Ukraine crisis, NBC Chicago noted. In a statement Windy City Times received, Lightfoot said, ...
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LGBTQ+ spot 2Bears Tavern Uptown to open March 10
2Bears Tavern Group which owns and operates Andersonville's The SoFo Tap and Meeting House Tavern as well as Rogers Park's Jackhammer will open 2Bears Tavern Uptown on Thursday, March 10, at 5 p.m., in the former Nick's on ...
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Chicago Blackhawks Foundation announces 'Support West' spring cohort
-- From a press release
The Chicago Blackhawks Foundation today announced the Spring cohort of grant recipients through its small business fund, Support West. Support West, which is generously supported by United Airlines and Clorox ...
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NATIONAL Legislation, Alabama liaisons, homicide case, dashboard, Buttigieg
A bipartisan group of Arizona lawmakers that includes the Republican House speaker announced it was introducing legislation that would, for the first time, protect LGBTQ people from discrimination by businesses ...
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News is Out queer media collaborative launches reader survey
-- From a press release
As reported a few weeks ago, Windy City Times recently joined the News is Out: A Queer Media Collaborative supported by the Google News Initiative Innovation Challenge, and managed by the Local Media Association. We join ...
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Biden criticizes Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill
On Feb. 8, President Joe Biden offered support to LGBTQ students while speaking out against a Florida bill that would ban the discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the state's public schools, Business Insider ...
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Fairy Stud Mother, Stud Model Project normalizing images of masculine-presenting people
While she was growing up, Teresa Morcho "didn't have the words" to describe the masculine parts of her identity. She just knew she hated wearing her white Confirmation dress so much that she showed up to ...
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New harassment allegations levied against Washington Commanders owner
Dan Snyder—a billionaire businessman who co-owns the Washington Commanders football team with wife Tanya—received new allegations of sexual harassment during a congressional roundtable investigating the team's "toxic workplace" and what ...
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LGBT Chamber opens new office in Springfield
The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois announced the opening of an additional office in Springfield, according to a press release. The headquarters will remain in Chicago. "We are committed to LGBT business advocacy and our ...
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Andersonville Chamber of Commerce to present annual Hygge Fest Feb. 4 - 6
-- From a press release
CHICAGO (January 25, 2022) The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to present its annual Hygge Fest featuring a weekend of "Hygge-themed" promotions from participating Andersonville businesses from ...
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Founders First offering grants to underrepresented Chicagoland business owners
-- From a press release
CHICAGO — Founders First CDC— a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that empowers expansion in diverse founder-led, revenue-generating businesses—announced a second and expanded Job Creators Quest Grant ...
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Human Rights Campaign Foundation releases new data on the LGBTQ+ wage gap
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released ...
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Skydeck Chicago announces Valentine's Day 'Love on The Ledge' contest
Skydeck Chicago has announced its annual "Love on The Ledge" social media contest. The event at the Willis Tower observation deck gives adventurous couples of all backgrounds the chance to tie the knot or renew their ...
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Former LGBT Chamber head Holston starts new position at Chicago Community Trust
Jerome' Holston, who recently left his position heading the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, is now the campaign fundraising manager at Chicago Community Trust. When he left the chamber, he said, in part, "As my ...
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A look at Northalsted/Boystown bars since 2020 town hall on racism
Video below
Zola Chatman began her drag career in 2018 at a drag brunch at Kitchen 17, a local vegan restaurant. Chatman, a Black trans woman from Chicago, entered the drag world thinking she was joining a supportive ...
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Filmmaker B. Danielle Watkins discusses her 'Higher Spirit'
Although lesbian filmmaker/screenwriter/author B. Danielle Watkins has now made two films about Christmas, she admitted she really doesn't like movies that center on the holiday. "My best friend and business partner, Onyx Keesha, loves them," Watkins ...
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Hungry Souls Collective founders talk genesis of company, other work endeavors
Licensed clinical social workers Victoria Aron and Mikki Guerra have joined forces to create Hungry Souls Collective—a woman-, LGBTQIA- and minority-owned business that specializes in trauma, addiction and spirituality. According ...
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Five Worth Finding: Gift ideas
With the holidays almost upon us, here are a few items to consider: Samsung items: Some people may just think phones and computers when they think of Samsung, but the company offers so much more. For ...
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Downstate Donuts starts Kickstarter campaign for Andersonville shop
Chicago's award-winning Downstate Donuts, known for its signature line of authentic potato donuts, has launched a Kickstarter campaign to open its first retail shop in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood. Since founder ...
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Windy City Times 2021 recipient of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists Legacy Award
--From a press release
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 9, 2021) — Today, NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists announced that the Windy City Times is the 2021 recipient of the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists Legacy Award. The NLGJA: The ...
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Webber cleared of criminal charges in spring incident
Criminal charges against business owner Christy Webber that arose from an alleged altercation on the West Side this past spring have been dropped. Webber, a prominent LGBTQ+ activist who also owns Christy Webber Landscapes and Christy ...
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Chicago queer hair artists carve out safe spaces to cut and style hair
When Blue Line Barbers moved locations, Talia Roxit immediately knew which barber chair she wanted to claim: the one closest to the window. "It's not that I want the attention, but I want to draw in ...
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Yoshi's Cafe to close permanently after Dec. 12
Yoshi's Cafe, a Northalsted restaurant that specialized in the fusion of French and Asian cuisines for almost four decades, will close permanently after Dec. 12, The Chicago Tribune reported. "Yoshi's Cafe's last day will be Dec. 12th ...
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Recap: Mogul's holds first-ever International ERG Day
Employee resource groups (ERG), affinity groups, business networking and diversity councils have helped unite likeminded tribes of people throughout the workplace for more than 30 years. ERGs are aligned with one clear focus in mind: fostering ...
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Designer and entrepreneur Kiki Bryant discusses future of 'Lollipop Lola'
On Jan. 21, 2021, Kiki Bryant set a $2,000 fundraising goal on Kiva.org to launch a children's doll based on her original book character, Lollipop Lola. The goal was met that same day. "That was a ...
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Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce elects first Black LGBTQ president in organization's history
In November, the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce elected Darien Marion-Burton to serve as the organization's first Black LGBTQ president. Marion-Burton will begin his role in January 2022 and said he's excited to bring a ...
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LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois head stepping down
LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois Director Jerome' Holston has publicly acknowledged that he will be leaving his post at the end of this month. In a statement, he said, "As my role as Director of ...
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Andersonville Chamber of Commerce plans holiday shopping events supporting 100+ businesses
--From a press release
CHICAGO (November 22, 2021) - The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to kick-off the holiday season with a festive line-up of neighborhood events encouraging residents and visitors to "shop local" in support of the ...
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Eychaner helps launch Midwest media outlet
Major Chicago-based Democratic donor Fred Eychaner is funding a new media outlet that launched Nov. 18, and which is aimed at covering state and local political races in the Midwest, Politico reported. The outfit combines Heartland ...
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Local chef heading sixth annual 'Chefsgiving' for local shelters
For the sixth year running, Chef Bill Kim and Cornerstone Restaurant Group will host Chefsgiving the weekend before Thanksgiving. In partnership with Inspiration Kitchens, Kim and more than 45 Chicago chefs will prepare meals and come ...
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Word is Out: Queer Media Collaborative launched by LMA
--From a press release
Local Media Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of Word Is Out: The Queer Media Collaborative, with initial funding from the Google News Initiative Innovation ...
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Word is Out: Queer Media Collaborative launched by LMA
--From a press release
Local Media Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of Word Is Out: The Queer Media Collaborative, with initial funding from the Google News Initiative Innovation Challenge. The Queer Media Collaborative (QMC) will focus on business ...
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Rebirth Garments, Roscoe's among HRC/Showtime grant recipients
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Showtime announced the 20 recipients of "Queer to Stay: An LGBTQ+ Business Preservation Initiative" to support and uplift small businesses that focus on LGBTQ+ people of color, women and the ...
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More than a quarter of LGBT state, local employees face discrimination at work
--From a Williams Institute press release
More than one-quarter of LGBT state and local employees have experienced discrimination at work About half of LGBT people who work in education and law enforcement are not out to their supervisors Over 600,000 LGBT employees ...
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Chamber of Commerce elects Marion-Burton Board President,first Black, LGBT Pres.
--From a press release
[Oak Park, IL] On Tuesday, November 2, the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce elected Darien Marion-Burton as President of its Board of Directors. Marion-Burton, who will take over for Dr. Mary Ann Bender starting January ...
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Actress Angelica Ross transfers leadership of trans talent incubator to E.C. Pizarro III
In 2017, E.C. Pizarro III listened as Angelica Ross presented about TransTech Social Enterprises, an incubator to build and promote transgender talent in technology fields. He approached her afterward, volunteering to design artwork for TransTech. Now, ...
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Mayor Lightfoot: $20M+ in grants will support business, nonprofit recovery
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced today a $20M Chi Biz Strong Grant Program for small business and nonprofit relief and a ...
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Local business gives historic Edgewater storefront new life with holiday pop-up
--From a press release
Oct. 20, 2021 - Chicago, IL - The iconic former Granville Pictures storefront at 6200 Broadway in Edgewater is getting a second life with a holiday pop-up from local business City Grange. For nearly 90 years ...
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Wizard World Comic Con returns to Chicago
After being canceled last year because of the COVID pandemic, Wizard World Comic Con Chicago returned to Rosemont's Donald E. Stephens Convention Center on Oct. 15-17—and thousands of people attended. People ranging from attendees to vendors ...
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LGBT Chamber of Commerce to build 1,000 school supply kits for underserved kids
--From a press release
CHICAGO Back 2 School Illinois (B2SI), the state's largest free school supply program, in partnership with the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, will host a build-A-kit event at the Center on Halsted on Monday, ...
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Chicago Plumbing Code allows all-gender multiple occupancy restrooms
--From a Community Restroom Access Project (CRAP) press release
CHICAGO — The Community Restroom Access Project (CRAP) applauds passage Thursday by the Chicago City Council of the plumbing code modernization ordinance that will allow businesses and building owners to ...
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Dozens of celebrities, companies set to take part in Spirit Day on Oct. 21
--From a press release
New York, NY, Thursday, October 14, 2021 - Today, GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, announced a preliminary list of celebrities, shows ...
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