Community members ask why the response to Highland Park was different than responses to deadly weekends in Chicago. Plus, Blackness is Golden and a poetic tribute to powerful Black men and women.
Stories by Aida Mogos
New Memoir Highlights Bronzeville’s Rich History and Culture
“When Blackness was Golden!: Observation from the front line” is a memoir by Pemon Rami. It’s a coming of age story that gives readers a look into the civil rights movement in Chicago and an era when Black culture and excellence were on the rise.
The Last Word: Poet Celebrates Powerful Black Men and Women
A Chicago spoken word artist is celebrating Black men and women with a collection of poems praising and acknowledging their accomplishments. Harold Green’s “Black Roses and Black Oak” are odes to celebrities, leaders and changemakers.
How Location Impacts Our Response to Mass Shootings and Gun Violence
Seven people were killed and 46 others injured in the mass shooting. That same holiday weekend, eight people were killed and 60 others wounded in shootings across Chicago. As support pours in for Highland Park, some Chicago residents are left wondering why the gun violence in the city doesn’t receive the same attention.
Field Museum Anthropologist Aims to Show Depth of African Innovation
Highlighting African innovation is the goal of the Field Museum’s new assistant curator of African anthropology, Foreman Bandama.
Deadly Migrant Smuggling Case in Texas Raises Border Policy Concerns
The deaths of 53 migrants in San Antonio, Texas, this week is renewing concerns about border policies and immigration reform. The migrants died in sweltering heat after being left in a tractor-trailer without air conditioning or water.
New Chicago-Set Film Highlights City’s Street Art Scene
“Tagged” follows a street artist named Lex who gets caught up in a murder investigation after the vape shop owner who hired him to create a mural suddenly disappears. The film was released June 27 by Kernel Productions, a grassroots film production company based in Bucktown.
Latino Voices Conversation: Future of Abortion Rights in Illinois and Across the Country
The future of abortion rights is uncertain after the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. The decision has led to ongoing protests nationwide as states swiftly enact abortion bans and restrictions. Questions remain about how the bans will be enforced and the impact on people seeking safe abortions.
Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, July 2, 2022 - Full Show
A Black / Latino Voices crossover discussion on the impact of the Supreme Court overturning the Roe v. Wade decision. And how journalist Natalie Moore’s new play, “The Billboard,” tackles the issue.
Cook County Restorative Justice Program Holds First Graduation: ‘We’re Also Here to Let You Know We Value You’
A total of 29 people graduated from Cook County’s Restorative Justice Program in Englewood. County leaders say the program lasts an average of six to nine months and focuses on education, accountability and job training designed to address non-violent crime and prevent recidivism.
Journalist Natalie Moore’s New Play Set in Chicago Tackles Debate Over Abortion Rights
“The Billboard,” a book-turned-play, follows a fictional health clinic in Englewood at the center of a political race and fight for reproductive rights. It was written by WBEZ reporter Natalie Moore.
Black Voices Conversation: Future of Abortion Rights
A Black Voices/Latino Voices crossover conversation on what the future holds for abortion access in the U.S. Leaders of women’s rights organizations worry about how this decision will specifically impact people of color and people with lower incomes.
Inflation is Going Up and American Families Are Feeling the Effects
The inflation rate reached 8.6% last month, the highest level in 40 years. Food and energy prices, in particular, have skyrocketed forcing the government to take action. The Federal Reserve is raising interest rates to bring down demand and this week President Joe Biden called on Congress to pause federal gas taxes for three months.
Roe V. Wade Has Been Overturned. What’s Next in Illinois?
Abortion regulations are now left up to the states to decide. Anticipating the impending decision, several states have already issued abortion bans. Advocates for reproductive rights are worried about how the decision will impact those seeking access to safe abortions.
New Chicago Office Aims to Help Formerly Incarcerated People Transition Out of Prison
Willette Benford, who has served time in prison herself, has been appointed to serve as Chicago’s director of re-entry. It’s a newly created role that was part of a $13 million initiative to support reentry services for people leaving prison.
DuSable Museum Gets New Name, New Look
The Historic DuSable Museum has a new name. It’s now the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center.
Push for Reparations in Chicago Remains at a Standstill
As we commemorate Juneteenth, calls are growing louder for reparations, but here in Chicago, there’s been very little movement on the issue. A City Council subcommittee was created two years ago to examine how the city could pay reparations to descendants of enslaved African Americans. But since then, it’s met only twice.
Advocates Celebrate Juneteenth Holiday While Looking Toward Reform and Reparations
After years of advocating and campaigning, Juneteenth is being recognized as a federal, state and local holiday for the first time this year. The day recognizes June 19, 1865, that's when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were freed, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Cook County to Host Juneteenth Conference: ‘It’s All About the Black Community, Celebrating our Freedom’
Juneteenth will be recognized as a federal, state and local holiday for the first time this year. The day recognizes the freeing of the last enslaved people in Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865.
Activists to Hold Walk for Missing and Murdered Chicago Women
Several organizations are teaming up for the fifth annual We Walk for Her event. Organizers say they hope the walk brings a sense of urgency to the dozens of cold cases and disappearances.
Voting Advocacy Groups Step Up Final Push as Primary Election Nears
Civic engagement groups are ramping up efforts to get voters to the polls for the Illinois primaries on June 28. The effort comes as 73 Chicago precincts remain without a designated polling place due to pandemic-related closures.
After Recent Mass Shootings, Activists Debate Need for More Gun Legislation
Many survivors of gun-related violence and supporters of the Wear Orange Campaign believe part of the solution to saving lives is stricter gun laws. Groups like Moms Demand Action say the recent shootings make their movement more urgent.
Revived Illinois Commission Focusing on Rising Number of Hate Crimes
According to the FBI’s latest annual report, there were 8,263 hate crime incidents in the U.S. in 2020. That’s up from 7,314 in 2019 when the country experienced the highest number of hate crimes since 2008. Now the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes is set to examine how to prevent and address hate crimes across the state.
Chicago Entrepreneur’s Innovative Creations Land ‘Shark Tank’ Deal
Raquel Graham started her company, Roq Innovation, in 2014 when she was looking for a scarf her kids would wear. What started out as a fix to a problem is now a booming business operating out of a West Town warehouse.
Activists Reflect on Police Reform 2 Years After George Floyd’s Death
George Floyd’s death reignited a movement for civil rights and calls for police to be held accountable. Since then, several states, including Minnesota and Illinois, have passed police reform legislation.
Chicago Chef’s Mission to Make Comfort Foods Healthy Gets Big Boost
A South Side chef is on a mission to make classic comfort foods healthy. David Fuller is founder and president of Eating to Live, a vegan line of dishes that can be found in Chicago-area stores.
