The intro, “King Carter,” opens Tha Carter VI with big, bold, and epic energy—a poetic tribute to Lil Wayne’s impact. It sets the stage for something monumental. You expect greatness, a defining chapter in the legacy of one of rap’s
In the summer of 2022, Victoria Vann made history in the village of Westchester, Illinois, when she organized the community’s first-ever Juneteenth celebration. As a newly elected village trustee, Vann saw an opportunity to bridge cultural recognition with civic engagement
New Music Friday: June 6, 2025 — Major Drops from Lil Wayne, Little Simz, Joey Purp and More Hip-hop and R&B heat up with big releases this week It’s the first Friday of June, and that means a fresh batch
In 2025, the Carter G. Woodson Regional Library marks a significant milestone: its 50th anniversary. Situated at 9525 S. Halsted Street in Chicago’s Washington Heights neighborhood, the library has been a cornerstone of education, culture, and community engagement on the
More than seven decades after Henrietta Lacks’ cells were taken without her consent and used to create groundbreaking medical advances, her grandson Alfred Lacks Carter is working to transform her complicated legacy into a force for community healing and medical
Dr. Teni Brown is working to transform women’s healthcare from within the medical establishment. As a urogynecologist and reconstructive pelvic surgeon, she specializes in treating conditions that many women find difficult to discuss, including pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence. But
As Black maternal mortality rates continue to reach alarming levels in the United States, advocates are turning to traditional practices and community-centered solutions to address the crisis. Star August Ali, director of the Black Midwifery Collective, is at the forefront
Sister Yaa Simpson describes herself as “your favorite community epidemiologist,” and her approach to public health research reflects a deep understanding that effective healthcare interventions must be rooted in cultural authenticity and genuine community connection. Working with the Association of
On May 31, 2025, TACTS (The Association of Clinical Trial Services) hosted its Annual Health & Wellness Networking Social in recognition of National Clinical Trials Day. The event, grounded in advocacy, awareness and healing, brought together health leaders, community members
Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Chicago is rolling up its sleeves and calling on residents, corporate partners and community organizations to do the same. As part of its 50th anniversary and in recognition of National NeighborWorks Month, NHS is leading
Dr. Chakika Williams is redefining what comprehensive healthcare looks like in the modern era. As a dual board-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, she has created something unprecedented in the wellness industry through her SkyRose Rejuvenation Clinic &
Louisiana native Meghan Dawson is making waves as she steps into one of musical theater’s most demanding roles. The accomplished performer, who credits her upbringing surrounded by rich musical culture for sparking her performance aspirations, now commands the stage as
Every Friday, fans of hip-hop, rap, and R&B wait to see who’s dropping the next must-listen project. This week, May 30, 2025, does not disappoint. From long-awaited returns to standout debuts and genre-pushing experiments, here are the hottest releases you
In the ever-shifting landscape of Chicago’s media ecosystem, few platforms have demonstrated the cultural staying power and community impact of Whats the Word. Founded in 2011 by Cordaro “Cody” McKee as a college publication at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Whats
For more than 30 years, Marqueal Jordan has carved out a distinctive place in the contemporary jazz landscape, seamlessly blending his roles as saxophonist, vocalist, and bandleader. The Los Angeles native, who was raised in Kansas City and has called
Black Boy Art Show brings a powerful celebration of expression to Chicago Thousands made their way to the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago’s Bridgeport community to witness a powerful cultural moment of creativity, acknowledgement and celebration. The Black Boy
Thus far, 2025 has been a start-and-stop kind of year for album releases, with artists teasing projects and pushing timelines. But this week, the floodgates opened. Rob49—responsible for making the phrase “What they Helly” a national chant—delivered his highly anticipated
In an era where conversations about intergenerational trauma and systemic inequities are gaining momentum, Chicago’s Veronica Harrison stands at the forefront with her powerful book Hood Healing. On May 18, Harrison made history by bringing her message behind the walls
You know that moment when someone starts the grill and suddenly everyone’s debating what music should be playing? There’s no debate needed here. We’re talking about the songs that have been the soundtrack to Black BBQs for decades — the
Picture this: you’re standing over a sizzling grill, tongs in one hand, cold drink in the other, and the most perfectly curated soundtrack flowing through your speakers. That’s not just dinner prep — that’s creating an experience. The right music
