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The coronavirus pandemic has posed big challenges for Black communities, and local businesses are still adjusting to the challenges. Learn how three local business owners – Liz Abunaw of Forty Acres Fresh Market, Chamille Weddington of Schweet Cheesecake and James Cole of Shine King – are coping.
If two key federal agencies approve the vaccines in coming days, as expected, Chicago would receive its first doses of Pfizer’s vaccine as early as next week and Moderna’s the week after, a local health official told members of the Leaders Network. Members of the group asked what the city is doing to build confidence and trust among the African American community to take the vaccine. Chicago health officials are reaching out to community ambassadors, partners and organizations, incudling churches on the West Side, to help educate residents and encourage them to get vaccinated.
See Christmas trees decorated in different cultures and meet others celebrating life on the West Side. The socially distanced event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at 622 and 623 N. Lorel – two vacant lots that have been transformed into community gardens with the help of Block Club President Dollie Sherman. Refreshments will be served. Please, wear a mask.
Austin Coming Together is one of several organizations involved in a new initiative unveiled Monday by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago’s Office of Racial Equity and Justice. The “Together We Heal” initiative calls on all residents to play their part in fostering connection, restoration and learning around the topic of racial healing. Chicagoans are encouraged to join in this challenge by hosting candid conversations, healing circles and other activities. The challenge will run from now until the end of January with a culminating, virtual healing summit that will reflect on progress made and build a path forward together.
Many in the African American and Latinx communities remain wary of immunization and the medical establishment at large, writes state Rep. La Shawn Ford. That’s why “we have to make sure that people trust the vaccine will work, and we need to do everything that we can to bring an understanding to our community about how important it is to take the vaccine and to be able to trust it,” Ford says.
The 30th annual event – which will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 12th at Columbus Park Refectory – will include Christmas gifts for children 12 and under. Space is limited to the first 200 families; the deadline to register is Monday, Dec. 7.
The “Everyday Activists” project entails interviewing and taking photos of West Side heroes who are too often unheard and overlooked. Once the pandemic has subsided, organizers plan to hold two in-person exhibits – one in Austin and the other in Oak Park. Another project titled “Austin has the Mic” also aims to empower Austin residents to share their stories and help depict the community in a more authentic and positive light.
Several churches and organizations are distributing food to those in need on Chicago’s West Side and nearby suburbs. No one should go hungry, especially at this time of year.
A few dozen people stopped by “No Shave November,” which was held earlier this month at AJ Styles Beauty & Barber Salon, 6624 W. North Ave. See who stopped by to get a haircut and share in some fellowship.
The newly launched website -www.BlackShopFriday.com – provides a guide to more than 500 local Black-owned businesses – more than 40 of them in Austin – that can be searched by category and/or neighborhood. Black Shop Friday is a partnership of the city of Chicago, the Chicago Urban League and advertising agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul (OKRP).