By Obie Shelton The heat was on, but the rain held off as more than 200 people visited the African American Cultural Garden to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday.  “This is what it’s all about—community,” said organizer Beverly Lloyd.  Martin Luther King Boulevard was closed off between Superior and St. Clair from noon until 4 p.m. to give full access to the celebration as the temperature soared to 90 degrees. Live music was provided…

By Ron Calhoun The City of Cleveland’s efforts to establish a resilient information technolgy (IT) infrastructure, as promised by Mayor Justin Bibb during his campaign bid, have faced scrutiny. Shortcomings in utilizing American Rescue Plan Act – or ARPA – infrastructure funds and addressing an outdated system have come to the surface. The recent spotlight on the City’s technological infrastructure has sparked discussions about essential practices for ensuring data protection and…

  Story & photos by Mark Silverberg. The Stella Walsh Recreation Center was buzzing with excitement on April 19, as its first Sneaker Ball brought together fathers, children, and community members for a night of celebration and bonding. Organized as a tribute to the neighborhood’s fathers and their vital role in the community, the Sneaker Ball encouraged attendees to don formal attire paired with their freshest sneakers, creating a unique and stylish atmosphere. “This…

By Tonya Sams Money issues can cause an enormous amount of stress and fear. Concerns about money can determine housing choices, whether or not basic needs are met, a person’s quality of life, and more. Money stressors not only include the size of a paycheck or being in debt, but also employment and unemployment issues, foreclosures, estate planning, taxes, and bankruptcy. The Economic Justice group at The Legal Aid Society of…

 By Sharon Lewis What is cord blood? It is the blood in the umbilical cord – the lifeline that connects a baby to its mother. While cord blood is considered medical waste, it contains red and white blood cells and is rich in stem cells. Red blood cells (RBCs) transport oxygen from the lungs to the body and return carbon dioxide to the lungs. White blood cells (WBCs) are key to the…