The Biden administration has released its racial equity agenda. We talk with the leaders of the National Urban League and its Chicago affiliate about their hopes for the next four years.

Looking back at this week’s historic inauguration with local journalists. Remembering civil rights icon Ida B. Wells, with her great-granddaughter. And honoring another pioneer, the late Jim Tilmon. 

We kick off the first installment of our Black Voices Book Club series with a new biography on a Black woman whose legend looms large in Chicago. And it’s written by Michelle Duster, her great-granddaughter. 

Journalists Brandon Pope (WCIU), Glenn Reedus (Chicago Reporter) and Rachel Hinton (Chicago Sun-Times) look at what’s ahead for the country under the new Biden administration.

A museum honoring the “father of modern Chicago blues” is headed to North Kenwood. Family members of the late musician Muddy Waters tell us what’s in store for the MOJO Museum.

Revisiting North Lawndale decades after Martin Luther King Jr. moved into the area. A history-making week for Black lawmakers in Springfield. A local poet honors Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus passes criminal justice legislation. Amanda Vinicky gives us the rundown on a week of sweeping changes in Springfield.

Following the election of Kamala Harris as vice president in November, Chicago poet Leslé Honoré updated a poem she wrote in 2017 to celebrate the historic nature of Harris’ win. 

On the 55th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s arrival in Chicago’s Lawndale neighborhood, we revisit the work he did to end slum conditions and combat discriminatory housing practices.

For the first time in 10 months, some Chicago Public Schools students are set to return to their school buildings Monday. What parents can expect — and what critics of the plan have to say.

What state governments are doing — and what some think they should be doing — to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates in the Black community.

Getting COVID-19 vaccines to Black and Brown communities. Some CPS students prepare to head back to the classroom. How different protesters are treated by law enforcement. Plus: The Last Word returns.

Married musicians and educators Jean-Paul Coffy and Yakini Ajanaku-Coffy share their thoughts on giving back to the community.

Some of our favorite stories from the year, including the local ties of the NFL’s first Black team president. Plus, a Red Line expansion, MSI’s new leader and the story of a family owned record shop.

Planning for college during a pandemic. A victory for opponents of the planned closure of Mercy Hospital. Remembering victims of gun violence during the holidays. Plus, a Kwanzaa throwback.

In any year, applying for college can be a stressful time for high school students. But like so many other things this year, the pandemic has made the application process even more uncertain and difficult.