‘She takes care of all of us’: Chicago woman celebrates 50 years on the job at Jewel-Osco

Sandy Farrer’s first day on the job at Jewel-Osco started a bit, well, sticky.  She bagged groceries alongside a cashier who liked to move quickly. But when two liter glass bottles of pop bumped together, exploding all over her, Farrer said she spent her first shift soaked in the drink.  But Farrer overcame the bumpy start, recently celebrating her 50th anniversary with the grocery chain. Oh, and that cashier — he’s now her husband.  “I said this to my husband, ‘God I’ve known you for 50 years.’ It was like, wow,” she said, adding that they started dating a few […]

Pastor kicks off summer with a parade that prays for a nonviolent summer

As the last days of school approach and summer gets under way in the city, minds and hearts turn toward making sure that the warmer months are filled with nonviolence. Pastor John Hannah of New Life Covenant Southeast Church mobilized thousands to come out Saturday for the annual “Prayer on the 9” peace march in […]

She earned her first college degree at 10. Now, this Bronzeville teen has a Ph.D.

Dorothy Jean Tillman II had always dreamed of her prom dress: royal blue, with a sweetheart neckline and a fitted bodice.  “She’s such a teenager,” her mom, Jimalita Tillman said. But unlike other teens, Dorothy isn’t in high school – far from it. Earlier this month, the 18-year-old graduated with a PhD in integrated behavioral health from Arizona State University. Her friends call her DJ, short for Dorothy “Jeanius.” “I’m just grateful that I was able to make it this far,” Dorothy said. “I have a very supportive team of people around me, so I feel very lucky.”  The Bronzeville […]