A large broken mirror hangs on the wall, with black soap dripping from it and books stacked on the shelves. “The Shuttle” looks like an alien spaceship. The piece is one work in “Message to Our Folks,” the current show by artist Rashid Johnson at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). Born in 1977...
Read on...

The world’s premier event dedicated to sustainability, social justice and ecological balance returns to Navy Pier in downtown Chicago this May 5-6! Known for its rich and inspiring keynote presentations, workshops, demonstrations, extensive green marketplace and interactive fun, Chicago Green Festival is not to be missed. And with easy parking, accessible public transportation and...
Read on...

More people are going to Chicago area food pantries and shelters because of the stagnant economy, but many food pantries and shelters can not help because they lack funds. Since the recession, Lakeview Pantry, located at 3831 North Broadway Street, has seen major increases in clients, as well as volunteers. Erin Stephens, director of...
Read on...

The mint-green walled room is filled with Chinese-Americans sitting at folding tables, all talking at the same time. The language is constantly changing, sometimes even within the same sentence. The Cup of Tea Discussions, hosted by the Chinese-American Service League, is a volunteer-based program that helps Chinese immigrants learn conversational English, a much needed...
Read on...

The Greek music is piped through the store, where a hint of strong coffee first greets many to this Greektown market. This authentic cultural mini-shop gives the appearance of a traditional market from a small village in Greece that could be located in the middle of any busy street. Elea Mediterranean Food Market, located...
Read on...

The Resurrection Project, a non-profit community development organization on the city’s Southwest Side, is building “La Casa,” a student-housing complex in the heart of Pilsen. According to project director Maria Bucio, La Casa, under construction at 1818 S. Paulina Street, was created to provide a dorm-like living space for students who otherwise might not...
Read on...

The Jewish United Fund (JUF) / Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago hosted the 64th anniversary of Israel’s Independence Day at the Daley Center in downtown Chicago on Thursday. “Israel is a remarkably diverse society,” said Aaron Cohen, vice president of communications at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. “I think that’s one aspect of...
Read on...

Chicago Hope Academy — a private school on the city’s South Side — took students to Ensenada, Mexico, last month to help rebuild homes for three families. The academy, a small, nondenominational school, was founded as an alternative to Chicago Public Schools. It accepts high school students from all over the city. With the...
Read on...

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel Monday helped open The 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates at the University of Illinois at Chicago Forum.   “It is my hope that over the next three days we can see what character and courage can do to make a difference,” Emanuel told the audience and others watching...
Read on...

She walked in wearing a cropped jean jacket and a large white purse with the aura of a self-assured woman. Sunglasses rested on her head and summer sandals on her feet. Aaja Corinne Carr, 21, is more than just a stylish woman. She uses fashion to champion causes. Carr is a stylist, model coach,...
Read on...