Latino Voices

Latino Voices

‘Like Lightning Struck’: Community Marks 60 Years Since the First Division Street Riot, Puerto Rican Rebellion

(Courtesy of the Chicago History Museum) 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

(Medill School of Journalism) 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

From a Replica Oval Office to Michelle Obama’s Dresses, What’s Inside the Obama Presidential Center

Visitors experience the “Yes We Can” installation at the Obama Presidential Center Museum on March 1, 2026. (The Obama Foundation) WTTW News visited the Obama Presidential Center for a firsthand look at the exhibits, installations and everything in between. Read more >

Black Voices

South Side Residents Voice Gentrification Concerns Ahead of Obama Presidential Center Opening

The Women’s Garden at the Obama Presidential Center Museum in Chicago on Thursday, May 14, 2026. (The Obama Foundation) 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 >

Latino Voices

Business Owners in Little Village, Back of the Yards Say Sales Declining Amid Fears of ICE Raids

Some Little Village business owners say sales have declined amid fears of immigration raids. (WTTW News) Latino neighborhoods in Chicago are on edge amid increased reports of immigration raids by federal law enforcement agents. Read more >

Latino Voices

Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, Jan. 23, 2025 - Full Show

Joanna Hernandez hosts "Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices" on Jan. 23, 2025. (WTTW News) How officials are preparing immigrants as deportation threats loom. Mexico launches an app to help people facing deportation. And the debate over ending birthright citizenship. Read more >

Latino Voices

Deputy Mayor Pledges to Protect Chicago’s Undocumented Immigrant Communities

Beatriz Ponce de León joins "Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices" on Jan. 23, 2025. (WTTW News) Chicago’s immigrant communities are preparing for the worst amid President Donald Trump’s promises of mass deportation for undocumented immigrants. Read more >

Latino Voices

Mexican Government Launches App to Help People Facing Deportation

(Oatawa / iStock) The app is designed to provide resources and to alert relatives, lawyers and officials at the nearest consulate when someone is being detained or deported. Read more >

Black Voices

New Documentary Showcases Southside Blooms, Importance of Environmental Education

“In Our Nature” documents Southside Blooms’ work. (Courtesy of Synchronous Pictures) For years, Southside Blooms has been beautifying blocks one flower at a time. The new documentary “In Our Nature” digs into the nonprofit’s work and highlights environmental educators planting the seeds of meaningful change. Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, June 18, 2025 - Full Show

Brandis Friedman hosts the June 18, 2025, episode of "Chicago Tonight: Black Voices." (WTTW News) City Council narrowly approves a “snap curfew.” And a wrongfully convicted man gets a settlement after almost three decades behind bars. Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago’s ‘Snap Curfew’ and How the Approved Ordinance Could Affect Teens

A view of Chicago looking west. (AndresGarciaM / iStock) The Chicago City Council on Wednesday passed the "snap curfew" ordinance by a vote of 27-22. Mayor Brandon Johnson has pledged to veto it. Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, June 11, 2025 - Full Show

Brandis Friedman hosts the June 11, 2025, episode of "Chicago Tonight: Black Voices." (WTTW News) The mayor says the city is ready for large-scale protests this weekend. And exploring the challenges facing many Black fathers. Read more >

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

(Courtesy of the Chicago History Museum) 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

Jesse Jackson’s Daughter on His Leadership and Handling Adversity: ‘He Was Not Going to Back Away’

The Rev. Jesse Jackson is honored at a memorial in Chicago at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters on Feb. 26, 2026. (WTTW News) “Let us continue with the work.” That was the call to action from the family of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights activist and religious leader who died last week at the age of 84. Read more >

Latino Voices

As Mexico City Prepares to Host World Cup, Residents Say Construction Is Taking a Toll

(Medill School of Journalism) 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

South Side Residents Voice Gentrification Concerns Ahead of Obama Presidential Center Opening

The Women’s Garden at the Obama Presidential Center Museum in Chicago on Thursday, May 14, 2026. (The Obama Foundation) 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 appears on “Chicago Tonight” on June 2, 2026. (WTTW News) 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

From Dancehall to Reggaeton, Exhibit Explores the Power of Music as Protest

Matthew McCarthy and Maxine Walters, “The Most High–a serious t’ing,” 2026. Installation view, “Dancing the Revolution: From Dancehall to Reggaetón,” MCA Chicago, April 14-Sept. 20, 2026. (Michael Tropea / MCA Chicago) 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. Read more >