Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. Carries the Torch of Revolution from Legacy to Living Movement
Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. opens up about his father’s legacy, his own revolutionary work, and how the Black Panther Cubs continue the movement today (Photo Credit: Tacuma Roeback). “I’ve often said I’m a revolutionary living in reactionary times; much of my work involved being on what we call a political pivot—always adapting to the unexpected while staying focused on the mission. It’s a daily grind. But this is what movement work looks like. We stay ready.” Inside the Hampton House On a brisk afternoon, Chairman Fred Hampton Jr., Leader of
JaSaun Buckner: The Girl Who Did It From the South Side [Video]
South Side native JaSaun Buckner reflects on her Chicago roots, creative rise and cultural impact in this powerful interview. Growing up as a kid on the Southside, I always wondered what my friends and I would become. The thought of being something great, as a kid, was as abstract as the color in the sky but I hoped that we’d all grow up to do something meaningful. And we did, as is evident in this amazing interview I was blessed enough to do with JaSaun Bucker—a true cultural
Tonita Cheatham’s Journey of Resilience and Resolution
Tonita Cheatham is an overcomer. As the executive director of community relations for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, she has built a career defined by resilience, impact and leadership. But her journey to success has been anything but linear. “There will be many turns, detours, setbacks, and even crashes,” Cheatham said. “The person I was then could not have predicted the person I would be today, where I would go, and what I would experience to get here.” That unwavering perseverance has earned her recognition as a
Keiana Barrett Takes the Helm at the Business Leadership Council
Keiana Barrett (Photo Provided). The Business Leadership Council (BLC), the Chicago area’s premier organization of black corporate leaders and entrepreneurs, proudly announces the appointment of Keiana Barrett as its new Chief Executive Officer. For 15 years, the BLC has been active in Chicago’s government, civic and political arenas, representing its members who are among the region’s most prominent and successful minority-owned businesses. Its leadership has been a resource for government leaders at the city, state and county levels, providing guidance on civic boards and commissions and advocacy on issues
Richard Gallion’s Journey: From Chicago’s West Side to Theater and Film Success
Richard Gallion overcame challenges to build a thriving career in acting, writing, and directing. His latest production, “A Fall from Royalty,” explores history, community, and the power of choice (Photo Credit: Richard Gallion Entertainment). On a Tuesday morning, Richard Gallion started his day praying. “I sit silently for at least 15 minutes and pray,” he said. Afterward, Gallion took his youngest son to school, a significant trek up north. “Then, I pick up my other son and take him to school—two completely different directions.” Living on the South Side in
Illinois Attorney General Provides Guidance on Law Enforcement’s Role in Immigration Enforcement
Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued new guidance to Illinois law enforcement, stressing their duty to follow state laws that restrict involvement in federal immigration enforcement. The goal is to build trust between immigrant communities and local police, strengthen public safety, and clearly define the limits of state and local authority. The guidance outlines the provisions of the Illinois TRUST Act, the Voices of Immigrant Communities Empowering Survivors (VOICES) Act, and the Way Forward Act. These laws collectively aim to build cooperation between immigrant communities and law enforcement by
New DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth on Reshaping Chicago’s Cultural Landscape
Recently appointed DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth shares her vision for an inclusive, accessible Chicago arts scene, shaped by the legacy of cultural icons and driven by community engagement (Photo Credit: City of Chicago). Clinée Hedspeth is deeply passionate about art, the City of Chicago, its people, and Margaret Burroughs, the legendary artist, writer, educator and co-founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History. Hedspeth, who was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) this Spring, takes each of these to heart, as they
Dick Allen Will Be Posthumously Inducted Into the Baseball Hall of Fame
Dick Allen (Photo Credit: National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum/X). Former Chicago White Sox slugger Dick Allen has been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Though Allen had only spent three of his 15 Major League Baseball seasons on the South Side, he left an indelible mark on the franchise. Thanks to the Classic Baseball Era Committee, Allen and fellow slugger Dave Parker will be bestowed baseball’s most hallowed honor. This 16-member body considered eight players whose primary contributions to the game occurred before 1980. It’s a posthumous
Speaking of Pardons, Here’s Why Jesse Jackson Jr. Deserves One
The quest for redemption is a journey as old as time. The Parable of the Prodigal Son teaches us that no fall from grace is irredeemable. But for many of the 1.2 million incarcerated Americans, redemption remains a distant hope, an unreachable shore. Upon their return home, they can face burdens like shame, blame and guilt, along with the diminished prospects of enjoying a normal life where finding sustainable employment and affordable housing remains elusive. Jesse Jackson Jr., once a rising star in the Democratic Party and a proud
Sherina Maye Edwards, Advocate for Academics, Named Chair of 25th Annual UNCF Gala in Chicago
Sherina Maye Edwards has been named Gala Chair of the “25th Annual UNCF “A Mind Is…” Gala, which will be held on June 14, 2025, at the Geraghty in Chicago. For the 25th anniversary, the “A Mind Is…” Gala will be a flashback to its original theme, a Black & White Ball. “As an alum of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Spelman College and Howard University School of Law, I am so proud to serve as Chair of the 25th Annual UNCF “A Mind Is…” Gala.