Blog

By Toure Muhammad Mayor Brandon Johnson’s recent move to eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers and gradually bring tipped wage earners to full minimum wage by 2028 marks a powerful shift—with profound meaning for Black-owned businesses and the Black workforce in Chicago. While critics caution of restaurant closures and job losses, the truth is […]

CHICAGO—In many Black neighborhoods across the city, the presence of a full-service, dine-in restaurant is a rarity that speaks volumes about investment—or the lack thereof—in community development. According to Del Marie Cobb, excitement and the scent of sizzling spices filled the air as Jamaican Jerk Villa officially opened its new full-service restaurant in Auburn Gresham. […]

CHICAGO — Doughboy’s Chicago, a beloved South Side eatery known for its inventive comfort food and community spirit, has relocated from its original 71st Street spot to a new home in the South Loop at 2537 S. Wabash Ave. The move marks a new chapter for the family-owned business, expanding its reach while maintaining the soulful flavors […]

Springfield, IL – Black farmers in Illinois are facing a major financial blow as federal funding cuts strip millions from programs designed to support small and socially disadvantaged farmers. Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) Director Jerry Costello II testified before the General Assembly’s House Agriculture & Conservation Committee, warning that the cuts will make it harder […]

Online applications open February 10 through March 3; participants receive business support, operational space and personalized coaching Chicago, IL– Boxville®, Chicago’s first shipping container marketplace and small business incubator, is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2025 “Step Up Your Start-Up” Pitch Competition. This initiative is designed to empower local entrepreneurs by providing business development support, […]

Great news for Chicago’s juice lovers! Sip & Savor Chicago, a beloved Black-owned coffeehouse, is now offering Fresh Jada Juice at its locations. In a recent Instagram post, they excitedly asked, “What day and time are you picking up your Fresh Jada Juice and how many are we putting aside for you?”—letting customers know they can now grab this […]

CHICAGO — With a bold, two-word announcement—“We’re back”—Friistyle Chicago has reemerged, reminiscent of another iconic Chicago return: Michael Jordan’s legendary 1995 comeback to the Bulls. Just as Jordan’s faxed message, “I’m back,” electrified sports fans, Friistyle’s statement has stirred excitement across the South Side. Friistyle, now open at 7114 S. Yates Blvd., blends a multi-cultural […]

Boxville® and The Forum gear up to share “The Best of Build Bronzeville” during city-wide festival [CHICAGO] – For the 5th year, Urban Juncture is excited to represent Bronzeville as a multi-site partner for Open House Chicago (OHC), the highly-anticipated annual festival presented by the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC). On Saturday, October 19, and Sunday, […]

CHICAGO — This past weekend, Chicago’s South Side was buzzing with excitement as the third annual Urban Ag Crawl and Backyard BBQ brought together local farmers, chefs, and community members to celebrate urban agriculture and sustainable food systems. Hosted by Growing Home, Grow Greater Englewood, and Urban Growers Collective, the event featured 17 urban farms […]