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. 

As Chicagoans say goodbye to loved ones who have died from gun violence, a local artist is working to make sure their lives are honored this holiday season through his nonprofit, Never Forget Chicago.

Our conversation on unity between Black and Latino communities continues. We check in with the new president of Governors State University. Meet an extraordinary athlete who just wouldn’t give up.

A new generation of activists and organizers are working to build on past coalitions and bring Chicago’s Black and Brown communities together to end the systemic inequities that have persisted in our city for decades.

The owner of Gerri’s Palm Tavern appeared in a few WTTW features over the years, including a 1987 special about 47th Street called “Precious Memories.” We revisit that conversation.