In the ever-shifting landscape of Chicago’s media ecosystem, few platforms have demonstrated the cultural staying power and community impact of What’s the Word. Founded in 2011 by Cordaro “Cody” McKee as a college publication at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, What’s
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
Dorri McWhorter, a trailblazer in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors, has been named the next president and CEO of the Executives’ Club of Chicago, effective June 2. With this appointment, McWhorter becomes the first African American to lead the
Bartees Strange is a genre-defying artist who continues to push the boundaries of sound and identity. With a voice that cuts through and lyrics that resonate deeply, he’s carving a unique lane at the intersection of rock, soul, and everything
Set on Salt Lake City’s west side at the Utah State Fair Park, Kilby Block Party stretched across four dynamic days, drawing a vibrant and eclectic crowd that spanned generations and genres. While I didn’t make it for all four
Salt Lake City is a place where contrasts become harmony. The first moment you lay eyes on the towering mountains that cradle the city, you understand why Utah’s motto is “Life Elevated.” No skyscraper could compete with that kind of
On the first night of Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” tour stop in Chicago, Chanté Stepney, daughter of famed producer Charles Stepney, and her son Eddie Stepney-Anobah experienced a whirlwind of emotion, artistry, and joy—all wrapped in golden light and thunderclouds. The
Namir Smallwood’s presence is unmistakable, measured and thoughtful, with the kind of quiet intensity that has become his signature on stage. Currently starring as Buddy in Suzan-Lori Parks’ “The Book of Grace,” Smallwood brings a raw authenticity to a character
In Chicago, a city with deep historical ties to Haiti through its founder Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a vibrant cultural renaissance is taking place partially under the leadership of Cyndee Montes Newman. As the Executive Director of Daughters of
In the quiet hours before dawn, while most of Chicago sleeps, Tracey Young and her husband arrive at Planet Fitness. It’s 3:30 a.m., a time chosen deliberately to avoid the social butterflies who gather later in the day. The couple,
The Emerge Fashion Show hosted a Met Gala Night Party at Chele’s on Sunday, May 5, 2025. Guests came out in celebration of the 2025 Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” The Black woman-owned venue was filled with individuals
In the heart of Chicago, two dynamic women are reshaping the landscape of early childhood education and children’s literature. Tamera Fair and Tonia Evans, best friends and business partners, have combined their extensive experience in childcare to create The Purple
Ravinia is one of the go-to experiences for Summertime Chi. This year, it is no different and they are holding space for culture. The 2025 lineup provides something for everybody with performances that will surely be impactful, push sound forward
Coco Jones is making history in the music world. As R&B is making its resurgence, The Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and actress has secured the No. 1 New R&B Artist Debut of 2025 via her groundbreaking album Why Not More? This
On May 4, 2025, the historic Chicago Theatre transformed into a sanctuary for lovers of rhythm and blues as the October Nights: Calling All Lovers tour made its Windy City stop. Powered by The Black Promoters Collective, the 24-city tour
