Community News

Sonya Massey killing sparks renewed scrutiny of police hiring
For decades, applicant vetting has often been less rigorous in smaller departments, according to experts, and a national police shortage has exacerbated the problem. By Simone Weichselbaum, Andrew Blankstein, Janelle Griffith and Kenzi Abou-Sabe Aug. 1, 2024, 6:17 PM CDT / Updated Aug. 2, 2024, 12:42 AM CDT To watch video report, Click Here. In the nearly three weeks since an Illinois deputy…

Center for Better Aging opens Tuesday on Chicago’s South Side
By Shardaa Gray July 22, 2024 / 6:50 PM CDT / CBS Chicago To watch video report, Click Here. CHICAGO (CBS)—A South Side organization dedicated to lifelong health care for people over 50 is opening a new space called the Center for Better Aging, which is also focused on saving lives. “We actually created this space with…

What does Biden’s exit from race mean for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago?
by: BJ Lutz, Brónagh Tumulty Posted: Jul 22, 2024 / 02:32 PM CDT Updated: Jul 22, 2024 / 10:11 PM CDT CHICAGO — The chair of next month’s Democratic National Convention said the “mission remains the same” following the president’s departure from the campaign: share the Democrats’ message and “defeat Donald Trump once again.” Calling Joe Biden “a public…

Austin HOPE Center breaks ground
The community and healthcare center is being built at 5044 W. Chicago JULY 11, 2024, 7:30 By: AMLUKAS KUGLER Lurie Children’s Hospital and Stone Community Development Corporation recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the Austin HOPE Center at 5044 W. Chicago. Planned for a vacant site at the corner of W. Chicago Ave and N. Lawler…

Johnson unveils “Cycle Breakers” initiative as city opens EAC after 8 injured in Little Italy shooting
by: Dana Rebik, Eli Ong Posted: Jul 9, 2024 / 06:54 PM CDT Updated: Jul 9, 2024 / 09:24 PM CDT To watch video report, Click Here. CHICAGO — The City of Chicago opened an emergency assistance center at the Fosco Park Community Center Tuesday after a shooting near the building injured eight people just after midnight last Friday.…

Supreme Court declines to review Illinois assault weapons ban, leaving it in place
By Melissa Quinn Updated on: July 2, 2024 / 1:42 PM CDT / CBS News To watch video report, Click Here. Washington — The Supreme Court on Tuesday turned away a challenge to an Illinois law banning certain semi-automatic rifles and large-capacity magazines, leaving the measure intact. The court declined to review a decision from the U.S. Court…

Undocumented immigrants now eligible for standard Illinois driver’s licenses with “federal limits”
By Sabrina Franza Published on July 1, 2024 Under an Illinois law that went into effect Monday, undocumented immigrants are now eligible for standard driver’s licenses in Illinois. It is a change that seeks to reduce the stigma around driving without citizenship, and to make the roads across the state safer. For more than a…

Cook County plans to replace juvenile detention center with smaller ‘centers of care’
Fewer than 50 kids are expected to remain in the juvenile jail, while most kids will be released post-arrest or held in semi-secure, community-based facilities, according to a proposal from Chief Judge Timothy Evans’ office. By Kelly Garcia Published on My 24, 2024 Cook County officials plan to drastically reduce the size of the Juvenile…

Juneteenth 2024: Nine Ways to Celebrate Around Chicagoland
by: BJ Lutz, Jewell Hillery Updated: Jun 17, 2024 CHICAGO — A military honors ceremony and the raising of the Juneteenth flag on Friday kicked off a three-day weekend celebration and is among a number of events throughout the area and state commemorating Freedom Day. Juneteenth, celebrated each year on June 19, recognizes the true emancipation of all remaining enslaved…

Chicago City Council OKs $50 Million Settlement with 4 Men Wrongfully Convicted of 1995 Murders
By Todd Feurer, Darius Johnson Updated on: June 12, 2024 CHICAGO (CBS) – The Chicago City Council unanimously approved a $50 million settlement with four men who were wrongfully convicted of a 1995 double murder and spent 20 years in prison before they were cleared. Charles Johnson, Larod Styles, Troshawn McCoy, and Lashawn Ezell, the so-called “Marquette Park…
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!
