NNPA NEWSWIRE — Can a seed planted and cultivated at a historically Black university over time grow into a full-blown, competitive NCAA Division 1 program in an athletic endeavor that many don’t even consider a sport, even after Tiger Woods? So far, the answer seems to be yes.
Commitment
VVSD Early Childhood Center dedicated to honor former Supt. James A. Mitchem, Jr.
Dr. James A. Mitchem Jr. served as VVSD Superintendent of Schools for a decade, and during that time, he was the driving force behind establishing a building whose sole purpose is to serve VVSD’s youngest learners. His vision came to fruition in 2017 when the newly remodeled Valley View Early Childhood Center opened.
AG Raoul urges Department of Education to fix public service loan forgiveness program
Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 22 attorneys general, late last week urged the U.S. Department of Education to take robust action to fix the broken Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
Grant aims to address teacher shortage in early education
The Joliet Junior College Child Development (CDEV) program has received a grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) to strengthen and diversify the early childhood workforce. JJC is the only community college in Illinois to receive this grant, which is funded by the federal Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five initiative, in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development.
Voter access – a priority for Will County
While Senate Democrats edged closer to an agreement this week on new voting rights legislation, 18 states have enacted 30 laws to make it harder for Americans to vote, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.
Faster Vote by Mail counting system coming soon to Will County
Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry announce recently that the Will County Board has unanimously approved $1.9 million in funding to purchase equipment to automate her office’s growing Vote By Mail program.
Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) to Receive 2021 NNPA National Leadership Award
NNPA NEWSWIRE — When selected for the position of pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Georgia, Warnock was the youngest ever to serve in that leadership role at the historic church. As the now Senator Reverend Warnock, in addition to a seat on the church dais, he fills a critical seat in the U.S. Capitol Building and Senate.
Boys & Girls Club, Joliet receives new WiFi-Connected “Lift Zone” from Comcast
TTW Pressroom Comcast launched this week a new WiFi-connected “Lift Zone” at the G.W. Buck Boys & Girls Club of Joliet (GWBBGC) located at 226 E. Clinton St. Lift Zones are safe spaces where children can get online to do schoolwork and adults can get online to learn new digital skills, search for employment and access an array of services. The COVID-19 crisis put many low-income students and families at risk of being left behind and accelerated the need for comprehensive digital equity and Internet adoption programs to support them. The Lift Zones are part of a larger multiyear plan by Comcast to support community-organization-based WiFi at more than 1,000 Lift Zones throughout the country – including in the Chicago area.
“Let It Be Known:” NNPA Rolls Out Live Daily Breaking News Broadcast
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Wholly embracing the print, social, and digital worlds, the NNPA finished 2020, having broadcast hundreds of livestreams over its many social media channels and on its primary news site, www.BlackPressUSA.com. The NNPA’s latest initiative into live broadcasts in 2021 is the new daily morning breaking news program, “Let it Be Known,” hosted by NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Stacy Brown.

