Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, Jan. 17, 2021 - Full Show
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.
In Springfield, Sweeping Changes on Policing and Criminal Justice
The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus passes criminal justice legislation. Amanda Vinicky gives us the rundown on a week of sweeping changes in Springfield.
Chicago Poet Leslé Honoré Talks ‘Brown Girl, Brown Girl’
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.
Lawndale Legacy: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Fight for Fair Housing
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.
Reopening Schools: Are CPS Buildings Making the Grade?
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.
State of Vaccination: How Illinois Can Build Trust Among Black Residents
What state governments are doing — and what some think they should be doing — to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates in the Black community.
Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, Jan. 10, 2021 - Full Show
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.
The Last Word: Ajanaku and Coffy
Married musicians and educators Jean-Paul Coffy and Yakini Ajanaku-Coffy share their thoughts on giving back to the community.
Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, Dec. 27, 2020 - Full Show
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.
Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, Dec. 20, 2020 - Full Show
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.
COVID-19 and Higher Ed: Students Face Challenges Applying, Paying for College
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.
‘Tree of Remembrance’ Honors Lives Lost to Chicago Gun Violence
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.
Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, Dec. 13, 2020 - Full Show
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.
Chicago Activists Unite for Better Black and Brown Futures
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.
Gerri Oliver, Owner of Legendary Bronzeville Tavern, Dies at 101
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.