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

New Law Requires Many Illinois Companies to List Salary Range in Job Postings

A file photo of an office. (WTTW News) In addition to requiring the salary range being made public, the law also requires companies to internally post opportunities for advancement. Read more >

Latino Voices

Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, Dec. 26, 2024 - Full Show

Seeking parole after 47 years in prison — a new documentary explores one man’s journey. And how different Latino cultures are celebrating the new year. Read more >

Latino Voices

New Documentary Examines One Man’s Journey and the Politics of Parole in Illinois

A still of Ronnie Carrasquillo from the documentary “In Their Hands.” (Footage provided) Ronnie Carrasquillo served nearly 47 years in prison before being released. A new documentary, “In Their Hands,” highlights his journey while raising questions about mass incarceration, the parole system and the meaning of getting a second chance. Read more >

Latino Voices

How Different Latino Cultures Are Ringing in the New Year in Chicago

(WTTW News) With New Year’s Eve quickly approaching, people are already planning how to step into 2025 with their best foot forward. In Latino cultures that could mean practicing traditions like eating 12 grapes under a table, wearing white or light-colored clothing or deep cleaning. Read more >

Black Voices

Despite Promises to Promote Racial Equity After George Floyd Murder, Many Companies Now Dropping DEI Initiatives

(Jovanmandic / iStock) Dozens and dozens of companies are dropping diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives they loudly launched five years ago. Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, May 21, 2025 - Full Show

Brandis Friedman hosts the May 21, 2025, episode of "Black Voices." (WTTW News) Five years since the murder of George Floyd. We explore what’s changed and what hasn’t — from community relations to DEI pledges. Read more >

Black Voices

Semicolon Books Owner Reflects on Business Struggles After 2020 Surge

Semicolon Books. (WTTW News) When Danielle Moore started Semicolon Books in West Town in 2019, business was slow — until the social justice movement after George Floyd’s murder in May 2020 launched her store into the spotlight as Black businesses and books gained national attention. Read more >

Black Voices

5 Years Later, How George Floyd’s Murder Has Impacted Police-Community Relations

Protesters march along Dearborn Street while holding a sign honoring George Floyd. Eric Russell, right, an activist with the Tree of Life Justice League, joins them. He also spoke at the protest. (Evan Garcia / WTTW News) Nationwide protests erupted in the summer of 2020, a so-called racial reckoning, shortly after a video of the killing surfaced online. Residents took to the streets demanding systemic change to policing and the prison system. 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

CPD Policy That Does Not Ban No-Knock Warrants Leaves Anjanette Young ‘Frustrated’

Anjanette Young joins “Chicago Tonight” on Feb. 3, 2026. (WTTW News) A new Chicago Police Department policy that does not ban officers from serving no-knock warrants or from pointing guns at children during raids is now final. 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 >