Famous French Nobel laureate and novelist Anatole France beautifully wrote: “Toaccomplish great things; we must not only act but also dream; not only plan but also believe.” Hope and belief in a brighter future are virtues that guide us as humans. Without hope, we would not be where we are today. It is why we […]
One of Africa’s most dire challenges in health and human services remains the number of orphaned children. A recent study published by African Union/African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child reported an estimated 35 million children in Africa have no parental care. In South Africa alone, nearly 210,000 children lost […]
“One out of every ten non-profit arts organizations in the U.S. reports that they ‘doubttheir ability’ to survive the pandemic,” The Wall Street Journal reported on January 21, 2021. As a college student, I clearly remember calling my mother from the communal phone inmy dormitory at Illinois State University. I was struggling with what, at […]
According to a recent study conducted by Northwestern University, more than half of US counties lack access to local news or have very limited access to it. This staggering statistic underscores the critical need for reliable and independent news sources, especially at the local level. In an era where misinformation runs rampant and trust in […]
The migrant student population of Chicago Public Schools continues to grow. Reports indicate that up to 9,000 students enrolled in the city’s schools for the 2023-2024 school year. Nearly 100 students signed up for classes in just one Chicago elementary school, according to ABC 7 Chicago. Many of these new students face the challenge of […]
Each July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month, commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. The ADA has become the cornerstone legislation that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, public housing, transportation, and other areas. It has been a crucial tool for holding ourselves accountable and creating […]
Nearly every Saturday, 11-year-old Brody wakes up early, not to scroll on his phone and watch YouTube videos, but rather to volunteer alongside his parents and siblings. Brody is one of many children in Chicagoland who steps up to address pressing challenges in our communities, such as poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness. According to Illinois […]
Across the United States, how long you live is determined by where you live. A person’s health is shaped by their environment, their ability to access nature, and the systems that support communities. In Lake County, IL, north of Chicago, often recognized for an abundance of nature, including Lake Michigan, forest preserves, parks, and grassroots-created […]
As a zillennial who appreciates good branding, I love going to health foods stores to see the unnecessary, overly-priced snacks for a splurge. During a recent excursion through the nibbles-and-concoctions aisle, the plethora of pretty packaging featuring the words “golden milk” struck me. This is a prime example of the exoticization and cultural appropriation of […]
I married a world-class father. In fact, Nick Noyes’ children from his first marriage — Henry, then 14, and Elizabeth, then 12 — played a huge role in our courtship. We laughed more and loved harder when Henry and/or Elizabeth were with us. So I knew he would be a good dad to our kids […]
