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

Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, April 4, 2024 - Full Show

What Chicago is doing to combat a spike in measles cases. Everything you need to know about the solar eclipse that’s just days away. And a Venezuelan artist captures his journey to America. Read more >

Latino Voices

Venezuelan Migrant Depicts His Journey to Chicago in Series of Paintings

Artist Yeison Perez, 31, is a Venezuelan migrant whose work will be on display at Starting Point Community Church from April 5-6, 2024. (WTTW News) Last year, a Belmont Cragin pastor opened his church’s doors to house a group of migrants who were sleeping at a police station. One of the men has now created a series of paintings describing his journey to America. His artwork will be on display this weekend. Read more >

Latino Voices

Examining Donald Trump’s Support Among Latinos in Light of a New Poll

A Chicago polling place on March 19, 2024. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News) According to a poll by The New York Times and Siena College, Hispanic voters could be favoring former President Donald J. Trump over President Joe Biden in the upcoming presidential election, but sample size limits exact conclusions about the support.  Read more >

Latino Voices

It’s Increasingly Difficult for Bilingual Parents to Raise Bilingual Children, Research on Chicago Spanish Speakers Finds

(WTTW News) Research shows it’s becoming harder for bilingual speakers to raise bilingual children — but also points to factors that can improve opportunities for Spanish development. Read more >

Black Voices

Vacant Bronzeville Lot Transformed Into Community Gathering Space Offering Wide Variety of Programs

South Side Sanctuary opened in Bronzeville on Aug. 6, 2024. (WTTW News) A new community gathering space has officially opened its doors in Bronzeville. It will offer a variety of activities raging from arts and sports to business support and wellness.  Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, July 31, 2024 - Full Show

Trump’s visit to Chicago quickly turns contentious. Growing calls for justice in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey. And COVID-19 cases are on the rise. Read more >

Black Voices

COVID-19 Cases Are on the Rise. Here’s What Chicago Health Officials Say You Should Know

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases started to rise the week ending May 18 and have seen a steady incline since. With the start of the new school year right around the corner — just what is the latest COVID-19 guidance? Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, July 24, 2024 - Full Show

Growing outrage as more details emerge on the fatal police shooting of Sonya Massey. A deep dive into Kamala Harris’ historic presidential campaign. And a new exhibit honoring Black baseball history hits Chicago. 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

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, Aug. 20, 2025 - Full Show

Brandis Friedman hosts the Aug. 20, 2025, episode of "Chicago Tonight: Black Voices." (WTTW News) The head of the Chicago Teachers Union on the district’s budget deficit and more. And prison lockdowns are on the rise — we explore the reasons. 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 >