Community News

12-year-old Chicago girl volunteers to give back to the homeless with Chi Care
By Vi Nguyen • Published September 18, 2024 • Updated on September 18, 2024 at 5:48 pm To watch video report, Click Here. A 12-year-old Chicago girl is helping give back to unhoused individuals in the city with Chi Care. NBC Chicago’s Vi Nguyen reports. In her spare time, 12-year-old Zola Orlov likes to do karate, play her tuba and now volunteer. “I…

Chicago to close 3 migrant shelters by end of October, city says
By Rob Hughes Tuesday, September 10, 2024 5:51PM To watch video report, Click Here. CHICAGO (WLS) — The City of Chicago announced planned closures of three migrant shelters on Tuesday. The city said it currently has more than 5,000 unused beds in the new arrivals system and is re-evaluating the needs of migrants for the rest…

Wrongfully convicted man awarded $50M in lawsuit against City of Chicago, police detectives
By Nate Rodgers Published September 9, 2024 5:28pm CDT To watch video report, Click Here. Wrongfully convicted Chicago man awarded $50M in lawsuit Marcel Brown, who spent nearly a decade in prison for a murder he did not commit, was awarded $50 million by a federal jury on Monday in his lawsuit against the City of…

Forest Park mayor calls for state funding to address security after deadly CTA shooting
The case has caused unease for people in the area, who have complained about crime, drug use and large groups of unhoused people By Kate Chappell • Published September 3, 2024 • Updated on September 3, 2024 at 5:14 pm To watch video report, Click Here. Following a shooting that left four people dead on a CTA Blue Line train, Forest Park Mayor…

5 Education Issues We’re Watching As Chicago Students Head Back To School
The 2024-25 school year will be marked in Chicago history books as the year the city held its first school board elections. by Becky Vevea August 26, 2024 CHICAGO — Chicago students and teachers head back to school Monday for a new school year — emphasis on “new.” The 2024-25 school year will be marked in…

Lawmakers, community leaders convene for Racial Equity Summit
Journey for Justice Alliance aims to secure support for anti-racist legislation by Michael Baniewicz August 21, 2024 The Journey for Justice Alliance gathered elected officials, community leaders and educators Sunday for the 2024 National Racial Equity Summit at Insight Hospital and Medical Center on the Near South Side. The summit, held ahead of the Democratic National…

Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters march on DNC near United Center, rally in Union Park
By Rob Hughes, Mark Rivera, and Chuck Goudie Wednesday, August 21, 2024 11:07PM To watch video report, Click Here. There was a Chicago protest Wednesday. Thousands marched on the DNC, or Democratic National Convention, and gathered for rallies in Union Park. Thousands marched on the Democratic National Convention Wednesday night. Several groups were involved in an unpermitted…

DNC protesters vow to appeal after federal judge sides with City Hall on parade path
Conflicts over park permits and speaker slots outside the convention have also threatened to prolong the litigation. The convention begins Monday at the United Center and McCormick Place. By Jon Seidel Updated Aug 13, 2024, 5:46pm CDT The legal battle over the protest path during Chicago’s Democratic National Convention could continue into the final days before the…

Near Chicago, composting is a “no-brainer” as greener way to dispose of food waste
By Tara Molina, Carol Thompson Updated on: August 5, 2024 / 10:47 PM CDT / CBS Chicago BERWYN, Ill. (CBS) – While it may look like garbage, composting is the process of recycling organic materials to fight food waste. If everyone in the U.S. composted, it would be like removing almost 8 million cars from the road. CBS News Chicago’s Climate…

Illinois athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics
Dozens of athletes from the Prairie State are looking to make a name for themselves in Paris. Author: Nora Reichardt, Mikaela Schlueter Published: 2:47 AM CDT July 31, 2024 Updated: 1:55 PM CDT August 5, 2024 PARIS, France — The 2024 Paris Olympics have kicked off, and dozens of Illinois athletes are looking to make a name for…
Local Organizations
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Rainbow PUSH Coalition - We protect, defend, and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields, and to promote peace and justice around the world.
Chicago Urban League - Since 1916, the Chicago Urban League—through collaborative community, corporate and civic relationships—has helped people find jobs, secure affordable housing, enhance their educational experiences, and grow their businesses. One of the oldest and largest affiliates of the National Urban League, we promote strong, sustainable communities through advocacy, innovation, and collaborative community, corporate and civic relationships.
Grassroots Collaborative - Grassroots Collaborative builds power with working families through strategic community-labor organizing, grassroots leadership development, civic engagement, and training. We started in Chicago and our 9 member organizations and their 125,000 members, along with an effective and diverse set of ally organizations across movements create transformative change to win fully funded resources for our public schools, social services, and affordable housing that working families depend on.
First Defense Legal Aid - First Defense Legal Aid provides free, 24-hour legal representation to people in Chicago Police custody and educates Chicagoans about how to protect their constitutional rights. We undertake these activities to promote fairness and accountability in the justice system.
Inner-City Muslim Action Network - The Inner-City Muslim Action Network is a community organization that fosters health, wellness and healing in the inner-city by organizing for social change, cultivating the arts, and operating a holistic health center. IMAN incorporated as a nonprofit in 1997 through the drive of people directly affected by and deeply invested in social issues affecting communities of color living on Chicago’s South Side.
One Northside - Organizing Neighborhoods for Equality: Northside is a mixed-income, multi-ethnic, intergenerational organization that unites our diverse communities. We build collective power to eliminate injustice through bold and innovative community organizing. We accomplish this through developing grassroots leaders and acting together to effect change.
Polished Pebbles - The mission of the Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program is to provide girls (7-17 years old) with the opportunity of learning the vital life skill of effective communication. Our Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring program instills confidence in girls to face the challenges of daily life by substituting aggressive forms of communicating and problem solving with new strategies that allow them to gain a solid reputation and respect without retaliating.
Restore Justice Illinois - Restore Justice Illinois believes in the possibility of rehabilitation, redemption, and reunification with the community for all incarcerated people, even those who have committed the most serious crimes.
Safer Foundation - Safer Foundation is one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit providers of services designed exclusively for people with criminal records. We focus on helping our clients secure and maintain jobs because we understand that employment offers the best chance at successful re-entry.
Dovetail Project - We give young African American fathers – ages 17-24 – the skills and support they need to be better fathers for their children and better men in their communities.
Black Youth Project 100 - BYP100 is National, member-based organization of Black 18-35 year old activists and organizers, dedicated to creating justice and freedom for all Black people. We do this through building a network focused on transformative leadership development, direct action organizing, advocacy, and political education using a Black queer feminist lens. BYP100 envisions a world where all Black people have economic, social, political, and educational freedom.
Upcoming Events

Beats + Ballots
Beats & Ballots is a dynamic community event that combines music, culture, and civic engagement. This event provides a platform for young people to come together, celebrate local talent, and engage in discussions around the importance of voting and participating in the democratic process. Attendees can enjoy live performances, learn about voter rights, and take…

Opal’s Walk for Freedom
On Thursday, June 19th, Dr. Opal Lee will complete her annual 2.5-mile walk to recognize the 2.5 years it took for the news and enforcement of freedom to reach the enslaved people in Texas. Now a national holiday, Juneteenth celebrates the freedom gained when slavery was abolished all across the country. Unity Unlimited and Ms.…

Empowered – A Day of Healing and Resources
Empowered is an event designed to connect crime survivors with vital resources and support their healing journey. Hosted by the Collin County Crime Victims Council in partnership with the Plano Police Victim Services Unit, this event aims to empower survivors and help them thrive. Enjoy food from the CUTX Food Truck (3:30 PM – 5:00…

A Social Justice Impact Celebration
Join LoveJustice for an unforgettable evening at the LoveJustice Social Justice Impact Celebration, a prestigious awards dinner dedicated to honoring North Texas’ changemakers and advancing social justice efforts.

Actress and activist Diane Guerrero to speak at CU Boulder April 10
The Cultural Events Board (CEB) is proud to welcome Diane Guerrero—acclaimed actress, author and activist—as this year’s keynote speaker. Guerrero, best known for her roles in “Orange is the New Black” and “Doom Patrol,” has become a leading voice in the national conversation on immigration and social justice. Guerrero will speak at CU Boulder this…

Chicago Homeless Outreach Packing Day Every 3rd Friday of the Month
Assemble essential care packages for individuals experiencing homelessness. During this event, volunteers will work together to pack bags filled with toiletries, blankets, socks, hygiene products, and other necessary goods. These packages will then be distributed to our friends on the street the following day. No prior experience is needed; bring friends/family, supplies to donate, and…

Volunteer to Write Easter Cards 4 Prisoners
Write Easter cards for prisoners in collaboration with Kolbe House Prison Ministry at St. Michael in Old Town and spread love and hope to those who may need it most during this holiday season. No artistic skills required.

LoveJustice Day of Learning for 2025
Join the LoveJustice community for our first Day of Learning in 2025. During this virtual gathering, we will come into greater understanding of how we can support those experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.
Local Hero Spotlight
Members can nominate a local hero for recognition on their local LoveJustice.com city page!
Anyone and everyone can make an impact, and at LoveJustice we believe that they deserve to be recognized for their good, necessary work!
