Originally published on chicagodefender.com 9/2/23  |  Photo: Chicago Defender

Saturday’s Chicago Football Classic between Central State University and Mississippi Valley State University will be a spirited matchup of hard-hitting football, colorful pageantry and vibrant school spirit that HBCU showcases are known for. Yet, it is so much more than a game.

The not-for-profit Chicago Football Classic aims to inspire African-American high school and college students to pursue academic excellence and consider the rich cultural and educational opportunities that HBCUs offer.

That was the message at Soldier Field as dignitaries such as the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Gov. JB Pritzker, U.S. Rep Danny Davis, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Alds. Stephanie Golden and Lamont Robinson, along with Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus members, joined CFC co-founder Larry Huggins and Mark Rand for a Friday afternoon Chicago Football Classic press conference at Soldier Field. 

“The Chicago Football Classic is yet another example of our city’s business and philanthropic communities and our political leadership coming together to create an event that draws people from near and far to enjoy the best of Chicago and to lift up our young people,” said Pritzker.

Originally published on hfchronicle.com 9/2/23  |  Photo: Chicago Defender

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced Tuesday, Aug. 29, a number of events in the fifth annual Racial Equity Week, to be held Sept. 11-15.

This year’s theme is “Interwoven Narratives, Collective Impact: 5 Years of Racial Equity Week,” and aims to encourage residents to use their imaginations to understand justice and equity at the intersections of identities through events and programming.

All events will be free and open to the public, unless otherwise specified. All virtual events will be livestreamed and shared on President Preckwinkle’s Facebook page and a list of events and descriptions can be found at www.cookcountyil.gov/service/racial-equity.

“I look forward to observing Racial Equity Week, to sparking conversations and inspiring our residents and community partners in the work we do to make Cook County a place where everyone can thrive, regardless of race, nationality, gender, immigration status or zip code,” Preckwinkle said.