AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/category/news/page/16/)
EATS Groceries hopes to open a store on Madison Street, after years of exploring possible sites across the West Side. Meanwhile, Forty Acres Fresh Market continues to make progress on its building on Chicago Avenue.
The group pushed for more contracts and jobs for the Black community and for the league to increase its advertising in the Black press. “This is an opportunity for the NFL to say, ‘Yes, we would like to engage with Black businesses, to do our part, to make sure that we can help communities develop and grow, and try to put people to work and try to help with the violence that is happening in the streets,'” said state Rep. La Shawn Ford.
Every Wednesday in February, the Mid-America Club will be spotlighting a business leader from Chicago’s West or South Side. Malcolm Crawford, executive director of the Austin African American Business Networking Association, will be speaking Feb. 9th.
As the effort to restore voting rights to people in prison moves forward, lawmakers including state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford have high hopes that the bill will be passed. On Monday a town hall was held to spotlight the issue and encourage Chicagoans to support the legislation.
Though votes are still being tallied, more West Side residents took part this year than in past years. They’re helping decide how $1.5 million in “menu money” will be spent.
Angela Gregg joined other victim advocates and state Rep. La Shawn Ford Thursday at a virtual press conference to push state and local officials to do more to help grieving families. Gregg’s 4-year-old son was hit by gunfire last year while he sat in a barber shot and got his hair braided. He was one of dozens of children killed last year in Chicago.
A six- to 12-month program is being considered by Ald. Chris Taliaferro. The high-definition cameras could be installed at any place in the ward, and residents would be able to monitor them.
The three businesses – POTLUC, Soul City Chicago and Third City Cafe – are receiving about $3 million out of $14.4 million being funded through the Chicago Recovery Plan. More than 180 proposals were submitted during the latest round of funding. The next deadline to apply for a grant is Jan. 31.
Rev. Ira Acree urged Providence St. Mel students to take action in the tradition of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Honor him by becoming activists in your community, the Austin pastor said. Also Monday, state Rep. La Shawn Ford met with young detainees at the Cook County Jail.
Later this month, patrons at 14 branches across the city will be able to get a free Narcan kit. The Austin locations are at 5615 W. Race Ave., 5724 W. North Ave. and 4856 W. Chicago Ave.