Latino Voices

Latino Voices

Grassroots Effort Grows Into Queer-Led Community Hub in Gage Park

Antonio Santos and Katia Martinez founded the Gage Park Latinx Council. (WTTW News) In a neighborhood where nearly 90% of residents identify as Latino and many families are rooted in Catholic traditions, the queer-led Gage Park Latinx Council has grown into a hub for families. Read more >

Latino Voices

New Short Film Showcases Life, Work of Puerto Rican Activist

The case and crew of the short film “Mataron A Pedro” at a screening in Chicago. (Carmona Rivera / National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture) Members of Chicago’s Puerto Rican community recently took park in a special screening of a new short film based on the life of Pedro Albizu Campos.  Read more >

Black Voices

Black Voices

Curating Sounds and Tastes: Meet 2 Chicagoans Working to Make the Obama Presidential Center a Success

Visitors enjoy lunch in Tafari’s Kitchen at the Obama Presidential Center Museum in Chicago on May 12, 2026. (The Obama Foundation) There are a host of locals who acted as the behind-the-scenes cast to prepare the Obama Presidential Center for its opening ceremony. Read more >

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 >

Latino Voices

Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, November 13, 2021 - Full Show

Univision’s Alex Hernández guest hosts the 55th episode of “Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices” (WTTW News) The latest in the fight against COVID-19. Help for those who can't afford broadband internet. Exploring immigrant identity in a new show. And La Ultima Palabra on standing up for your community. Read more >

Latino Voices

Child Vaccination, Antiviral Treatments Brighten Pandemic Outlook

In Chicago, more than 6,000 children ages 5 to 11 received COVID-19 vaccinations this past week. (WTTW News) Two antiviral treatments for existing COVID infections are on the horizon. And in Chicago, more than 6,000 children ages 5 to 11 received COVID-19 vaccinations this past week. But, case counts are again on the rise and with holiday gatherings just around the corner, the threat of COVID remains. Read more >

Latino Voices

Can’t Afford Broadband Access? An FCC Program Can Help

(ArtisticOperations / Pixabay) For the last two years, stay-at-home orders and closed schools made people’s reliance on the internet more apparent than ever. It also showcased the inequities in access to broadband internet. Nationwide, Latino households are not only less likely to have broadband access, but also the devices needed to get connected. Read more >

Latino Voices

‘La Gran Tirana’ at Aguijón Theater Sings Love Song to Caribbean Music, Immigrant Experience

“La Gran Tirana” explores the idea of immigrant identity as it follows the journey of Ana Morgana, an immigrant who transcends her own reality by imagining herself to be the Cuban diva La Lupe. (Courtesy Aguijón Theater) Aguijón Theater of Chicago on the Northwest Side kicked off its 21st season with “La Gran Tirana,” exploring the idea of immigrant identity as it follows the journey of Ana Morgana, an immigrant who transcends her own reality by imagining herself to be the Cuban diva La Lupe. Read more >

Black Voices

Home Appraisal Discrimination Puts a Dent in Black Wealth

Research shows Black homeowners are at risk of losing out on the value of their homes due to discrimination in appraisals in Chicago. (WTTW News) Research shows Black homeowners are at risk of losing out on the value of their homes, due to discrimination in appraisals. Now, there’s a growing push to pass federal legislation to protect Black homeowners from appraisal discrimination.  Read more >

Black Voices

Embracing Cello with the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative

Kailie Holliday, began playing the cello at age 7, She says that as a child, it was the size of the instrument that drew her in. (WTTW News) Back in February, we met four teenagers participating in a program that helps students pursue careers in classical music. Here, one of those students, Kailie Holliday, talks about playing the most huggable string instrument as she plays “The Courante” from Bach’s cello suite. Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago Historian, Activist Timuel Black Dead at 102

(WTTW News) Legendary Chicago historian and activist Timuel Black died Wednesday at the age of 102. We discuss the legacy of Timuel Black with Laura Washington and Shermann “Dilla” Thomas.  Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, October 16, 2021 - Full Show

Brandis Friedman hosts the 51st episode of “Chicago Tonight: Black Voices.” (WTTW News) Helping Black homeowners confront discrimination affecting their home values. Remembering Chicago historian Timuel Black, who died this week after 102 years of activism. And a young musician on cello. 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

Grassroots Effort Grows Into Queer-Led Community Hub in Gage Park

Antonio Santos and Katia Martinez founded the Gage Park Latinx Council. (WTTW News) In a neighborhood where nearly 90% of residents identify as Latino and many families are rooted in Catholic traditions, the queer-led Gage Park Latinx Council has grown into a hub for families. Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, Aug. 28, 2024 - Full Show

A look at how Black men could impact the outcome of this year’s presidential race. And we explain the history of redlining and how it began in Chicago. Read more >

Latino Voices

New Short Film Showcases Life, Work of Puerto Rican Activist

The case and crew of the short film “Mataron A Pedro” at a screening in Chicago. (Carmona Rivera / National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture) Members of Chicago’s Puerto Rican community recently took park in a special screening of a new short film based on the life of Pedro Albizu Campos.  Read more >

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

‘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 >