Latino Voices
Latino Voices
‘Like Lightning Struck’: Community Marks 60 Years Since the First Division Street Riot, Puerto Rican Rebellion
While events for the community are planned for the entire weekend to celebrate Puerto Rican pride and culture, this year also honors the history of Chicago’s Boricua community — marking the 60-year anniversary of the first Division Street riot.
Read more >Latino Voices
As Mexico City Prepares to Host World Cup, Residents Say Construction Is Taking a Toll
Residents said the rapid construction is destroying local infrastructure, severing the very pipelines that communities depend on for daily life. For many, the disruptions have come with little warning and even less explanation.
Read more >Black Voices
Black Voices
South Side Residents Voice Gentrification Concerns Ahead of Obama Presidential Center Opening
Despite years of organizing and city ordinances being put in place, rising housing costs and investor activity continue to threaten gentrification in neighborhoods surrounding the Obama Presidential Center.
Read more >Black Voices
New Columbia College President on Her Vision for the School’s Future
Shantay Bolton was appointed the 11th president and CEO of Columbia College Chicago at what she calls a “pivotal moment” for the school. Bolton, who is the first woman of color to lead the minority-serving institution, inherits a campus that has seen enrollment steadily decline over the last decade.
Read more >Latino Voices
Back of the Yards Coffeehouse Is Bringing Seniors Together With Free Coffee, Activities
Every Monday, Back of the Yards Coffeehouse hosts Senior Mondays, welcoming seniors to enjoy a free coffee and pastry while participating in activities designed to foster community and connection.
Read more >Latino Voices
Column: What the Culture of Silence Around Abuse in the Latino Community Taught Me and Why I’m Speaking Out
Women are often not believed, and in many cases, they are blamed. As a survivor of sexual assault, we need to change the culture of silence around sexual abuse.
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How Latina Leaders Are Responding to Cesar Chavez Sexual Abuse Accusations
A recent New York Times investigation found that Cesar Chavez sexually abused both young girls who worked in his movement and union co-founder Dolores Huerta.
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Chicago Nonprofit Investing in Latino Arts Amid Funding Cuts, Shrinking Philanthropic Support
According to a 2025 report by the University of Illinois Chicago Great Cities Institute, Latinos make up about 30% of the city and the majority of CPS students, yet only around 6% of philanthropic arts funding is directed toward Latino arts.
Read more >Black Voices
Jahmal Cole on His Plan to Live in All 77 Chicago Community Areas: ‘I Want to Build Real Connections’
Not many Chicagoans can say they’ve lived in each of the city’s 77 community areas. But Jahmal Cole, CEO and founder of the nonprofit My Block, My Hood, My City, is looking to do just that.
Read more >Black Voices
Steppenwolf’s ‘Windfall’ Explores a Father’s Grief and the Value of a Life
A son lost in a clash with the police. A huge cash settlement on the table. And a father torn between staying put in Chicago or starting anew. That all-too-real dilemma is what underpins the play “Windfall,” a new work written by Oscar-winning Steppenwolf ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney.
Read more >Black Voices
Yusef Jackson on His Father’s Legacy, Bringing the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Into the Future
The organization the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. made into a national force for economic and racial justice has new leadership: the reverend’s youngest son, Yusef Jackson, who was unanimously chosen by the Rainbow PUSH board.
Read more >Black Voices
Free Doula Program Seeks to Address Health Disparities for South Side Mothers
The South Side Healthy Community Organization and the Chicago Birthworks Collective are partnering to provide free doula services to South Side mothers who are uninsured or on Medicaid.
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Join WTTW News every weekend for analysis and features on a wide range of topics, including arts and life, entrepreneurship and innovation, and equity and justice across the sectors of our society and in the Black and Latino communities in Chicago. Make the VOICES series your definitive source for real conversation and a platform for different voices and perspectives.
Latino Voices
Black Voices
Latino Voices
‘Like Lightning Struck’: Community Marks 60 Years Since the First Division Street Riot, Puerto Rican Rebellion
While events for the community are planned for the entire weekend to celebrate Puerto Rican pride and culture, this year also honors the history of Chicago’s Boricua community — marking the 60-year anniversary of the first Division Street riot.
Read more >Black Voices
New Columbia College President on Her Vision for the School’s Future
Shantay Bolton was appointed the 11th president and CEO of Columbia College Chicago at what she calls a “pivotal moment” for the school. Bolton, who is the first woman of color to lead the minority-serving institution, inherits a campus that has seen enrollment steadily decline over the last decade.
Read more >Latino Voices
As Mexico City Prepares to Host World Cup, Residents Say Construction Is Taking a Toll
Residents said the rapid construction is destroying local infrastructure, severing the very pipelines that communities depend on for daily life. For many, the disruptions have come with little warning and even less explanation.
Read more >Black Voices
New Columbia College President on Her Vision for the School’s Future
Shantay Bolton was appointed the 11th president and CEO of Columbia College Chicago at what she calls a “pivotal moment” for the school. Bolton, who is the first woman of color to lead the minority-serving institution, inherits a campus that has seen enrollment steadily decline over the last decade.
Read more >
Black Voices
Chicago Organizations Work to Address Suicide Rates Among Black Young People
In an effort to combat suicide trends, two community-led organizations in Chicago — No Kids Die in the Chi and Soul Survivors of Chicago — are working to intervene early and provide young people with culturally grounded support.
Read more >Latino Voices
From Dancehall to Reggaeton, Exhibit Explores the Power of Music as Protest
The Museum of Contemporary Art is showcasing a new exhibition tracing the visual, political and spiritual origins of popular Caribbean music. Art installations are designed to immerse visitors in sound and movement.
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