RICH, Soho, Groovevolt

The Play Series welcomes Rich and his haunting brilliance

On March 27, 2025, the Play Series made its Chicago debut with an unforgettable performance by Rich. Presented in a speakeasy-style setting by Groovevolt and hosted at Soho House, the night offered an intimate showcase that felt both haunting and

Jahi Kearse shines on stage in ‘Moulin Rouge’

Actor Jahi Kearse has lived a life in the arts. From booking his first role at age 8 to now lighting up the stage as Toulouse-Lautrec in Moulin Rouge: The Musical, Kearse brings depth, spirit and a revolutionary soul to

Fosta Wilson and Dearborn Realtist Board enter new chapter

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Dearborn Realtist Board hosted its 84th Annual Installation Gala & Awards Ceremony at ROW 24, located at 2411 S. Michigan Avenue in Chicago. This vibrant spring afternoon brought together trailblazers, community leaders, and real

The rise of Ashlee Bankz, find out why she is unstoppable

In an exclusive conversation with rolling out, Chicago’s own Ashlee Bankz opens up about her unapologetic approach to rap, the authenticity that sets her apart, and her triumphant journey to becoming the 312 Awards’ Rising Artist of the Year. Inspired

Illinois State Black Chamber, Business, Chicago

Illinois State Black Chamber expands global horizons

On March 6, 2025, the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce (ISBC) hosted a vibrant networking event at Gallery Guichard, situated in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago. The gathering served as a significant platform for Black-owned businesses across Illinois

Tracey Iheme’s mission to transform post-op care

Tracey Iheme is the passionate owner and driving force behind D’body by Ceytra, a specialized post-operative care and body-contouring clinic dedicated to guiding clients safely through cosmetic surgery recovery. Inspired by her own traumatic experience with cosmetic surgery complications in

Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton drives menopause initiative

Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton is spearheading a push for menopause awareness, healthcare access, and supportive policies advancing women’s health advocacy. The state’s groundbreaking initiative was highlighted at the University of Illinois Chicago’s March 13, 2025 event, “The Menopause Imperative: Advancing Care,

Ladies Auxiliary honored with museum expansion

Lyn Hughes’ legacy centers on preserving overlooked narratives of Black labor movements, particularly the Ladies Auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. Hughes, founder of the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, and her son, David Peterson, the

Saba, Chicago, No ID, Rap

Saba and No ID deliver one of 2025’s best albums

On March 18, 2025, Chicago rapper and Pivot Gang leader Saba and Grammy Award-winning super-producer No ID released their powerhouse joint album, From the Private Collection of Saba and No ID via ARTium Recordings/Pivot Gang Records, LLC. The fact that

Mary J. Blige, Chicago, Hip Hop, Soul, Queen

Mary J. Blige: A trailblazer in music and womanhood

Mary J. Blige stands as one of the most influential figures in contemporary music, earning her title as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” through decades of groundbreaking artistry. Since emerging in the early 1990s, Blige has dominated charts and fundamentally

How Mary J. Blige turned Chicago into a royal affair

At 54, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, remains as stunning and commanding as ever. Her presence at Chicago’s United Center on March 14 for her Mary J. Blige, For My Fans Tour, was legendary, with thousands of

Jesse Sharp explores fatherhood, comedy in ‘Beetlejuice’

Jesse Sharp has mastered the art of bringing larger-than-life characters to the stage. From his standout performances as Gomez in The Addams Family to his current role as Charles in Beetlejuice, Sharp’s ability to blend humor and heart has made

K Love The Poet

K Love the Poet on poetry, purpose, and divine alignment

From an early age, K Love the Poet felt a deep responsibility to nurture and uplift those around her. As a child, she gathered neighborhood kids on her porch, braided their hair, and took them to the library—unknowingly walking in

Karen Freeman-Wilson, Chicago Urban League, Crain's

Karen Freeman-Wilson calls for unity at women’s luncheon

Karen Freeman-Wilson, President and CEO, delivered a powerful message at Crain’s Women of Influence Luncheon on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Chicago. Her words resonated amid the current economic and political climate facing the country. Freeman-Wilson acknowledged the honor of

Roxanne Shanté, Grammy, Star Studio

Roxanne Shanté’s journey from battle rap to Grammy glory

Few artists can say they have stayed true to themselves in an industry that often demands reinvention, compromise and sacrifice. But Roxanne Shanté, the battle rap phenom who carved out her place in hip-hop history as a teenager, has never

Freddie Old Soul, Chicago, Hip Hop, Rap

Freddie Old Soul is here to change the conversation

Chicago has always been a city of storytellers, and rapper Freddie Old Soul is one of its most dynamic voices. Born from the poetry scene, nurtured by the legendary Brother Mike and shaped by the city’s evolving hip-hop landscape, Freddie’s

Dr. Scherly Leon

Dr. Scherly Leon on kidney disease risks and warning signs

Kidney disease is a silent but deadly health issue disproportionately affecting Black and Hispanic communities. In this exclusive interview with rolling out, Dr. Scherly Leon, an independent healthcare advocate, breaks down the key risk factors, early warning signs, and the

Joel Q, Rapper, Chicago

Why Joel Q believes drill is dead and what’s next

Joel Q’s journey with words started early — at just 6 years old, he was already writing poetry, shaping the foundation of his lyrical approach today. Growing up with an educator for a mother, he was instilled with the importance

How Shaun T inspires transformation with new podcast

Transformation is a mental and physical journey. Not many understand this better than fitness guru, podcaster and motivator Shaun T. He has become a household name encouraging millions of people to believe in who they are and take action when