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, March 28, 2024 - Full Show

An effort to require the mayor’s office to publicly track how many migrants are evicted from Chicago shelters. A new poll shows Donald Trump’s support is growing among Latino voters. And exploring the role the Spanish language plays in Latino culture. Read more >

Latino Voices

‘This is a Beautiful Way to Meditate’: Little Village Pastor Reflects on Stations of the Cross

Inside Good Shepherd Church in Little Village. (WTTW News) On Friday, many Catholics will gather for the annual Stations of the Cross ceremony to mark Good Friday ahead of Sunday’s Easter holiday. Read more >

Latino Voices

After Illinois Supreme Court Loss, Jesse Reyes Reflects on Latino Representation on the Bench

Justice Jesse Reyes appears on “Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices” on March 21, 2024. (WTTW News) The campaign highlighted the lack of Latino representation on the state’s top court — which has long been a concern of many in the Latino legal community and beyond.  Read more >

Latino Voices

Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, March 21, 2024 - Full Show

A look at Latino representation in government and the courts. The latest on evictions at Chicago migrant shelters. And a body-inclusive dance studio.  Read more >

Black Voices

As Black Women Across US Mobilize for Kamala Harris, Chicagoans Share Hopes for Historic Campaign

File photo of Vice President Kamala Harris. (WTTW News) Organizers and voters have already started rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign for president. More than 40,000 Black women joined a Zoom call — with another 50,000 streaming on other platforms — this past Sunday to express their support. Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago Fed Money Museum Debuts Exhibit on Black Baseball History

An exhibit now on display at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Money Museum honors players in the Negro Leagues. (WTTW News) In 2020, the United States Mint created a commemorative coin collection to honor the Negro National League on the centennial anniversary of its founding. An exhibit of those coins opened at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Money Museum this month.  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 >

Black Voices

Illinois Reparations Commission to Host Public Hearings, Starting in Chicago

(Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News) The African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission is tasked with researching and reporting on possible reparatory actions for Black residents who are descendants of slavery. Leaders said the public’s input will be used in developing proposals for policymakers. 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

Illinois’ SNAP Education Program to End Amid Federal Funding Cuts. How That Could Impact Local Communities

(Photography By Tonelson / iStock) More than 1 million Illinois residents have benefitted from an educational program that teaches SNAP recipients about nutrition. 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 >