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Published in the Chicago Crusader on November 30, 2024
The Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce, a cornerstone of economic and community development in Chicago's historic Woodlawn neighborhood, is thrilled to announce that it will honor legendary publisher Dorothy R. Leavell at its Winter Reception and Fundraiser on Friday, December 6, 2024. The event, themed "Celebrating Woodlawn: A Neighborhood Growing Stronger," will take place at The Grand Ballroom on Cottage Grove Avenue and promises an evening of celebration, reflection, and inspiration.
Dorothy R. Leavell, the indomitable editor and publisher of the Crusader Newspaper Group, has been a tireless advocate for the Black Press and an inspirational figure in journalism for over five decades. Her publisher role began in 1968 when she assumed leadership of the Crusader following the passing of her first husband, Balm L. Leavell Jr., co-founder of the newspaper. Under her stewardship, the Crusader has remained a vital voice for Black communities in Chicago and Gary, Indiana.
Mrs. Leavell's contributions extend far beyond journalism. Her leadership within the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has elevated the organization to international prominence. As a three-time chairman, she spearheaded initiatives that amplified the visibility of Black newspapers and championed civil rights causes. Her advocacy has taken her from local boardrooms to global stages, including a historic delegation to Nigeria during a political crisis.
Her accolades, including inductions into the Illinois Black Hall of Fame, the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame, and the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame, speak to her extraordinary influence and enduring legacy. In addition to being a media pioneer, Mrs. Leavell is a philanthropist, an advocate for the arts, and a devoted supporter of youth empowerment programs.
The Crusader, a long-standing institution in Woodlawn since April 1964, has been a cornerstone of community engagement and advocacy. Under Leavell's leadership since 1968, the newspaper has remained a steadfast voice for justice, equity, and progress. Her ongoing support for the Chamber is further reflected in the Crusader serving as its registered agent address.
The Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce, led by Executive Director Dr. Loren Williams, is committed to fostering business growth and entrepreneurial success to improve the quality of life for Woodlawn residents. By offering resources, advocacy, and education, the Chamber empowers local businesses and contributes to the neighborhood's economic development.
Dr. Williams, a social entrepreneur and licensed counselor, combines her expertise and compassion to lead the Chamber's initiatives. She emphasizes the transformative power of entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth and prosperity, aligning her advocacy for equitable access to resources with the Chamber's vision for a stronger and more inclusive Woodlawn.
The Chamber seeks input from both businesses and residents to guide development that improves the neighborhood for individuals across all socioeconomic levels. This collaborative approach ensures that the needs and aspirations of the community inform initiatives, fostering shared prosperity and inclusive growth.
By engaging with residents, local officials, and business owners, and providing support to small businesses, the Chamber reinforces its commitment to equitable progress. Its focus on community input and entrepreneurial empowerment drives sustainable growth and positive change in Woodlawn.
The Winter Reception and Fundraiser reception will highlight the strides made by the Woodlawn community in 2024. Attendees will enjoy an evening of food, music, and camaraderie while reflecting on the achievements of local entrepreneurs and organizations.
The Winter Reception and Fundraiser will take place at:
The Grand Ballroom 6351 S. Cottage Grove Ave Chicago, IL 60637 Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM CT
This event is open to community members, supporters, and friends who share a vision for a thriving Woodlawn. Proceeds from the event will support the Chamber's programs, which focus on business development, entrepreneurial training, and community revitalization.
Dorothy R. Leavell
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 8, 2025 Contact Information: Christopher Weishaar Digital Public Relations Specialist cweishaar@studentloan.org (515) 273-7140
Six $1,500 scholarships now open to Midwest high school seniors High school seniors from six Midwest states have a chance to earn the scholarships
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA — High school seniors from Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin now have a chance to receive one of six college scholarships worth $1,500. Registration is open now through April 30, 2025. Parents are also able to register their student. High school seniors or their parents may register for the ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship at www.IowaStudentLoan.org/Midwest. ISL Education Lending will award $1,500 scholarships to six students whose names are randomly drawn after the registration period. There are no financial need, grade point average or class rank requirements. The ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship can be used at any eligible institution in the United States. Registered participants also receive emails highlighting financial literacy tips, such as the importance of early career and college planning and ways to reduce student loan indebtedness. “Student loan debt is a huge concern for new college students,” said Steve McCullough, president and CEO of ISL Education Lending. “As a nonprofit, we provide tools and resources to help high school seniors plan so they can reduce the amount of debt they need to take on while achieving their education goals. Students sign up for a chance at a $1,500 scholarship, and we take that opportunity to share information with them about our free resources.” The ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship is open to legal U.S. citizens who are seniors at a high school in one of the qualifying states during the 2025-2026 school year and who intend to attend college, either virtually or physically, in fall 2025. It is a no-purchase-required program, and full rules and details are available at www.IowaStudentLoan.org/Midwest. Additional Resources Available In addition to offering student loans, ISL Education Lending has other resources for families planning for college and for students who intend to pursue advanced degrees. The Parent Handbook consists of valuable tips to help families of students in sixth through 12th grades prepare for success in college and other postsecondary options. Parents of students in eighth through 12th grades can also sign up to receive twice-monthly emailed tips on academic, college and career planning through the Student Planning Pointers for Parents program. The College Funding Forecaster helps families understand the total cost of four years of college based on a freshman-year financial aid offer. Information about these resources is available at www.IowaStudentLoan.org/SmartBorrowing.
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About ISL Education Lending Established in 1979 as Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation, a private, nonprofit organization, ISL Education Lending helps students and families obtain the resources necessary to succeed in postsecondary education. ISL has helped nearly 400,000 students pay for college, offering student loans and other products under the name ISL Education Lending. The organization, based in West Des Moines, Iowa, also provides an array of borrower benefits, financial literacy tools and community reinvestment programs, including support for free college planning services for students and their families. For more information, visit www.IowaStudentLoan.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 7, 2025 Contact Information: Illinois State Medical Society Jann Ingmire janningmire@isms.org (312) 520-9802
Illinois State Medical Society offers free programs for health professionals to address human trafficking awareness
As January marks National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) is offering a free, two-part webinar series aimed at equipping physicians and other health care professionals with the tools to identify and support those individuals exploited by human trafficking. The series, which is available on demand, is designed to challenge stereotypes, clarify the various factors contributing to trafficking, and provide practical approaches for assisting survivors of both sex and labor trafficking. Health care professionals are uniquely positioned to identify and assist trafficking victims due to their frontline access and trusted roles within the community. By offering these programs, ISMS aims to raise awareness and offer resources to professionals who may come across survivors in their care. January 11 is recognized as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and the month as a whole is dedicated to increasing awareness of trafficking, which affects millions globally. According to a 2017 survey of 127 human trafficking survivors, 69% reported having accessed health care services at some point during their exploitation. Of those, 85% sought treatment for injuries or illnesses related to their trafficking. Despite this, only 6% of health care workers reported having treated someone who was a victim of trafficking. The two no-cost, on-demand programs, available 24/7, offer continuing medical education (CME) credits and are designed to help health care professionals recognize signs of trafficking, improve their response, and ensure proper support for survivors. Human Trafficking: Identification and Response in a Healthcare Setting Presented by Anna Pastor, coordinator, Cook Co. Human Trafficking Task Force Human Trafficking: Practical Approaches and Resources in a Healthcare Setting Presented by Traci Kurtzer, M.D., medical director for trauma informed care and education, Northwestern Medicine The programs are free to all health care professionals and the public.
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