In 1921, Georgiana Rose Simpson became America’s first black woman to graduate with a Ph.D. How her trailblazing achievement is being honored at her alma mater through the new group GRO.

We celebrate Juneteenth by tracing history through a cemetery of prominent Chicagoans, remembering one of the first Black women to receive her Ph.D. and sitting down with an award-winning chef.

It’s an idea that’s grown increasingly popular in recent years: guaranteed or universal basic income payments. Now, a pilot program is launching just outside Chicago, where more than 100 residents have started to receive monthly payments of $500.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot kicked off a firestorm of criticism when she announced that interviews about her second anniversary as mayor would only be given to reporters of color. We speak with leaders of local journalist associations on the role of diversity in newsrooms.

Leaders of local journalist associations on newsroom diversity. The 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. And a local puppeteer’s experience with racial profiling.

As the anniversary of George Floyd’s death nears, we look ahead with three social justice organizations. A visit to 2300 Jackson Street with two members of the Jackson 5. The last word on gardening.

The creator of an Englewood community garden talks about the healing power of growing food as part of our ongoing series.

One year ago, the world watched a horrific, pivotal video of George Floyd gasping for air under the knee of former police Officer Derek Chauvin. We reflect on the lessons of the past year as local and national organizations continue their push for social justice and equity.

We comb through efforts to end discrimination against Black hairstyles. The Black engineering firm steering CTA’s modernization. And we share the mic with WBEZ host Sasha-Ann Simons.

Black hair has been politicized, penalized and legislated throughout history. As a bill addressing hair discrimination heads to the Illinois House, we break down the politics of Black hair.

Critics of the Chicago Police Department’s use of ShotSpotter technology question its value. The head of Chicago Public Schools announces her departure. A trip to the Hampton House. And fabulous fabrics.

A new study by Northwestern University’s MacArthur Justice Center found that 86% of ShotSpotter alerts resulted in no report of any crime, leading to questions of the gunfire detection system’s value in violence reduction.

It’s a story many Chicagoans know, but since the Oscar-nominated film “Judas and the Black Messiah” was released, more people are learning about the life and death of Fred Hampton. We talk with his widow and his son. 

This month’s Black Voices Book Club selection traces the civil rights trail blazed by Dr. C.T. Vivian. We discuss Vivian’s legacy with Steve Fiffer, the co-author of “It’s in the Action: Memories of a Nonviolent Warrior.”

The power of public art for a community. Our latest Black Voices book club selection about a civil rights activist. Harmonica lessons with legendary blues musician Billy Branch.

Chicago journalists break down the Derek Chauvin trial and verdict. A new life for the old Michael Reese Hospital site. A throwback to WTTW’s show “Our People.” And a history-making Oscar nominee.