Tell us a bit about the industry you are in and the work you focus on. Architecture is an industry where we get to define a city’s culture and history.  We design places for people to work, learn, heal, and enjoy. My firm, APMonarch, is a Chicago based architecture firm with an ethos to design healthy buildings and equitable communities. We love design and designing for people through a lens of social and environmental responsibility. Share with us a special moment in your work career that shows the impact you have. My experience as an architect and small business owner, along ..read more

Tell us about where you grew up and tell a special high school memory/story. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and went to Santa Monica High School; high school was a lot of fun and I have friends from that time that have become like family to me. I played soccer, loved history and English, and played cello in my high school symphony orchestra. During the summer of my junior year, the orchestra toured Spain, which was amazing. We even got a chance to play at the Palau de la Música Catalana, one of the world’s most beautiful venues.   Tell us a bit about the industry you are in and the ..read more

A Conversation with Blake-Anthony Johnson, CEO and President of Chicago Sinfonietta Blake-Anthony Johnson’s multifaceted career has included work as a performer, collaborator, recording artist, and educator. With a focus on community-centric, multi-disciplinary, and educational initiatives that enable cultural institutions to provide equitable access and public service to all, Johnson has been universally recognized and applauded for his civic engagement & transformational leadership. Describe where you are from. Tell us about a special Chicago childhood memory. I’m a native of Atlanta, Ge ..read more

Meet Leon Walker Over the past 20 years, Leon I. Walker, Esq., has spearheaded cutting-edge community development projects that have generated thousands of new jobs and brought grocery stores and health care services into the food and health care deserts on Chicago’s south side. As the Managing Principal of DL3 Realty Advisors, LLC, Mr. Walker works closely with municipalities, anchor institutions, and Fortune 500 companies to execute projects that are sensitive to a neighborhood’s character while creating economic opportunities for local businesses and residents. Mr. Walker’s projects are mor ..read more

By: Markayle Tolliver  As far back as the 1900s, Black History has been woven into history textbooks, documentaries, TV shows and books. However, there have been some misconceptions and misunderstandings about the full extent of what Blacks have endured. Black History IS American History. This month is essential and definitely needed. The Black race has not only endured slavery, discrimination and prejudice actions, but the African-American race in particular is presently still pursuing challenges, overcoming boundaries, and making history. In our modern times, the Black community contin ..read more

 By: Markayle Tolliver  ‘ “The Present Pain of Blacks” In the first publication for this year’s Black History Month campaign, we learned that this month was founded back in the early 1900s by Carter G. Woodson; however the African-American community is presently still struggling with rights as citizens, the acknowledgment of their successes and achievements, and many other systemic issues. These systemic injustices are holding the Black community back from successful elevation. Presently, the African-American community faces hardships in many areas of life; and we will look at the s ..read more

By: Markayle Tolliver   As Chicago continues to grow as well as the advancement and contributions of the African-American community, there are new heights that Blacks continue to aim for and achieve.  African-Americans have had many important and vital roles that have led to great local, national and international changes and impact. Here’s a look at where we stand with Black achievement in the business community and the history behind the Black leaders of Chicago. The city of Chicago was founded around 1780 by an African-American/Haitian male, Jean Baptiste Point duSable.  ..read more

By: Markayle Tolliver  South Shore, Chicago, IL | This afternoon, Regal Mile Studios along with Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Alderwoman Michelle Harris (8th ward), Jim Reynolds, LOOP Capital CEO, and the South Shore community breaks ground on its $100 million media campus just west of the 79th Street corridor.  The Regal Mile Studios Campus 1 is a 380,000 SQFT, 7-acre enclosed media campus and sound stage development in South Shore, just west of the 79th Street INVEST South/West priority commercial corridor. After passing through City Council in the summer of 2021, the Regal Mile Studios i ..read more

“A powerful force for driving growth and creating opportunities throughout the region.” CHICAGO — Today, regional leaders announced the formation of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, a first-of-its-kind united effort including the City of Chicago, Cook County, and six counties across metropolitan Chicago to drive a regional economic strategy intended to deliver mutual benefits to the partners, and strengthen Chicagoland’s economic force in an increasingly fierce competitive global market. “I’m pleased to announce the creation of a regional economic development partnership, recommen ..read more

Chicago is a city of neighborhoodsand we are investing in our local communities. INVEST South/West is leading this effort, providing investment where it is needed most, while World Business Chicago continues to drive inclusive economic growth.      We drive equitable and inclusive economic development.   The Community Impact team at World Business Chicago drives equitable and inclusive economic development. We are here to assist businesses looking to expand and grow in historically disinvested neighborhoods. Access information and resources on how to make a social i ..read more