The book “Energy Never Dies: Afro-Optimism and Creativity in Chicago” takes readers through different points in time in Chicago’s Black history and reflects on how those moments influence the creativity and achievements of entrepreneurs and artists today.
Stories by aida mogos
Illinois Celebrates First Holiday Dedicated to Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali
Monday marks not only Martin Luther King Day but in Illinois, it will also recognize the first Muhammad Ali Day. To celebrate, the Illinois Muslim Civic Coalition will host a virtual event honoring the boxing legend, featuring speakers including the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Ali’s daughter Maryum Ali.
The Last Word on Supporting Diversity in Tech Entrepreneurship
Tech start-ups often rely on investors to get their business up and running, but tech entrepreneurs of color often don’t get the same amount of funding as their white counterparts. That unequal playing field is what led to the creation of TechRise, a Chicago initiative to support and fund Black and Latino-owned tech companies.
New ABC Series Tells Life of Mamie Till-Mobley
After the abduction and lynching of her son in 1955, Mamie Till-Mobley became a teacher and civil rights activist. Now her life and influence are the focus of a new limited series.
Parents Frustrated as Teachers Refuse to Work In-Person, District Cancels Classes
Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union have been battling all week over whether it’s safe to have kids in the classroom as COVID-19 cases rise. The dispute has led to classes being canceled for three days as teachers refuse to work in-person, and the district refuses to go remote.
Illinois Congressman Bobby Rush Announces Retirement
In a major announcement this week, longtime Illinois Congressman Bobby Rush announced he will not be seeking another term.
Showcase of African and African American Artists Comes to Prudential Plaza
The exhibit titled “African Diaspora: Chicago” features 20 collage and acrylic mixed media pieces, all related to Chicago. It opened in May, and a new collection of pieces just went up in November. The current exhibit will run until May 22.
One-on-One with Metropolitan Planning Council’s First Black CEO
The Metropolitan Planning Council just hired its first Black president and CEO. The nonprofit, which began in 1934, is an independent planning and policy organization that seeks to build a more sustainable and equitable Chicago.
Anjanette Young Settlement Reignites Calls for Police Reform
Officers left Anjanette Young handcuffed and naked while they raided her home in February 2019, only to find out later they had the wrong home in the first place. The case and video of the raid sparked outrage across the country and once again raised concerns and questions around how police handle incidents in Black communities.
Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, December 18, 2021 - Full Show
We dissect the nearly $3 million settlement for Anjanette Young from a police raid gone wrong. New leadership for the Metropolitan Planning Council. And a West Englewood food pantry has the Last Word.
The Last Word on Serving Others
As we celebrate the holidays, many people in need come to rely on local food banks. One food pantry in West Englewood has been around for more than 20 years. It was started by Samella McKenzie who passed away last year. One of her final wishes was for her 10 children to continue her work and serve people.
Black Developers on City’s Investment in Affordable Housing
Chicago will invest a billion dollars into the creation and preservation of 24 development projects, as a result of federal pandemic recovery money and the Mayor’s 2022 budget. The move not only aims to bring more affordable housing to the city but also looks to support developments led by people of color.
New Book ‘Game Misconduct’ Examines Hockey Culture
Sexual assault in hockey is just one topic explored in “Game Misconduct: Hockey’s Toxic Culture and How to Fix It.” It was written by Chicago author Evan Moore, who is now the press secretary for Chicago Public Schools.
CPL Coach Makes History as First Black Woman to Lead Boys Football Team
A South Side football coach is making history as the first Black woman to lead a boys' football team in the Chicago Public League. And she’s making a difference on and off the field.
Love & Nappyness 3rd Annual Hair Care Drive Runs Through Dec. 17
The Love and Nappyness Hair Care Drive collects unused natural hair care, skincare and personal hygiene products. Anyone can drop off items at six locations across the Chicago area. The products will then be donated to Ignite, a shelter for youth facing housing insecurity, and Saint Leonards.
Dancer Cat Mahari One of Dozens Receiving Historic Grant for Artists
We've introduced you to a couple of local artists receiving cash grants from the Chicago-based nonprofit 3 Arts to help pursue their careers. This week, we're featuring another winner: Cat Mahari, a street dancer and visual artist who identifies as autistic.
Battle Over Chicago’s Ward Map: A Voices Crossover Conversation
Chicago alderpeople are at odds over redrawing the city’s ward map, a procedure that happens every 10 years to account for population changes. The biggest sticking point is the balance of power between Black and Latino Chicagoans.
New Docuseries Shines Light on Chicago Strangulation Cases
A new docuseries is bringing national attention to the unsolved murders of dozens of Chicago women. “The Hunt for the Chicago Strangler” is a three-part docuseries focused on the disappearances of at least 51 Chicago women who were all found strangled from 2001 to 2018.
Food Banks Prepare for Increase in Need Over Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is just a few days away and this year’s dinner celebration is expected to be one of the most expensive holidays ever. That’s largely due to inflation and supply chain issues driving up prices. As the cost of food rises, the need is also increasing.
The Role of Race in the Kyle Rittenhouse Trial
The murder trial of Kyle Rittenhouse is forcing the nation to revisit conversations about race and privilege in the criminal justice system, with many wondering if Rittenhouse would have received the same treatment if he were Black.
The Push to Grow More Trees in Underserved Neighborhoods
Chicago is set to invest $46 million in tree planting over the next five years. Trees can help improve air quality, reduce flooding, and offer several other health and social benefits. But the distribution of trees throughout Chicago is far from equal.
New Movie ‘Passing’ Based on Novel by Chicago Author Explores Historical Struggle
The new Netflix movie “Passing” centers around two Black women who can both “pass” as white but take different paths, one choosing to live as white, the other Black. The film is an adaptation of the 1929 novel by Chicago author Nella Larsen.
Chicago Dancer ‘Poppin’ Chuck’ One of Dozens Receiving Historic Grant
We introduced you to a violinist who's one of dozens of Chicago artists receiving cash grants to pursue their careers. Now, meet an artist with a dance style that started in the late ‘60s but has evolved through the decades.
Black Harvest Film Festival Returns to Highlight Black Cinema
The 27th annual Black Harvest Film Festival kicked off Friday. After going fully virtual last year, the festival is back in-person at the Gene Siskel Film Center. Audiences can watch more than 30 films and documentaries and six short film series.
Violence Prevention Plan Focuses on Youth, Mental Health
Community organizations working to prevent gun violence will soon get a boost in funding from the state. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed an executive order declaring gun violence a public health crisis and announced a plan to address it.
Chicago Nonprofit Awards Nearly $1M to Local Artists
Dozens of Chicago artists are receiving a total of nearly $1 million in cash grants from the Chicago-based nonprofit, 3 Arts. One of those recipients is violinist Caitlin Edwards, who shared her passion for music and the violin with us.
