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

After More Than 30 Years With the City, BACP Commissioner Rosa Escareño Retires

Commissioner Rosa Escareño joins “Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices” via Zoom to discuss her background, history and legacy as she steps down from Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, July 30, 2021. (WTTW News) While she was originally planning to stay for just the first year of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s term, the pandemic delayed Rosa Escareño’s retirement plans – and gave her a firsthand seat to the massive blow COVID-19 dealt to the local economy. Read more >

Latino Voices

Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, July 24, 2021 - Full Show

Univisión’s Alex Hernández guest hosts the 39th episode of “Latino Voices.” (WTTW News) The state’s ban on evictions is set to end — what renters need to know. A rundown of safety protocols for Chicago Public Schools. A local musician infuses modern jazz with South American rhythms. Read more >

Latino Voices

As Eviction Ban Ends, Housing Organizations Say Assistance Programs Will Be Key

In this file photo, houses sit behind metal fencing on a tree-lined street in Chicago. (WTTW News) Residents and property owners in the city and state are seeking aid in recovering economic losses or securing housing. But for some Latino residents, language barriers and concerns over their immigration status keep them from getting the help they need. Read more >

Latino Voices

How a Shared Kitchen is Helping a Community of Street Vendors Build Its Future

Juan Jose Gama Garcia starts his workday in the Gage Park neighborhood, July 20, 2021. (WTTW News) Meet a group of Chicago food vendors who are now the owners of a shared kitchen after renting it for years. With it, they hope they can help their community achieve the American dream. Read more >

Black Voices

Lightfoot’s Comments Put Spotlight on Diversity in Newsrooms

(Cytonn Photography / Unsplash) Mayor Lori Lightfoot kicked off a firestorm of criticism when she announced that interviews about her second anniversary as mayor would only be given to reporters of color. We speak with leaders of local journalist associations on the role of diversity in newsrooms. Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, May 30, 2021 - Full Show

Leaders of local journalist associations on newsroom diversity. The 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. And a local puppeteer’s experience with racial profiling. Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, May 23, 2021 - Full Show

As the anniversary of George Floyd’s death nears, we look ahead with three social justice organizations. A visit to 2300 Jackson Street with two members of the Jackson 5. The last word on gardening. Read more >

Black Voices

The Last Word: Chrystal Whitfield

Chrystal Whitfield gives us The Last Word. (WTTW News) The creator of an Englewood community garden talks about the healing power of growing food as part of our ongoing series. 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, July 10, 2024 - Full Show

Illinois’ reparations commission is set to begin public hearings — a look at what to expect. And a new book explores alternative ways to confront the issue of mass incarceration. 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 >