Bree Specific sheds light on Chicago’s music industry

Bree Specific is an influential and vibrant voice in Chicago’s music and entertainment industry. Known for her undeniable position as a tastemaker, she reveals in an exclusive interview with rolling out what makes Chicago unique in the music industry, highlights

To grill or not to grill: ‘Fat Ham’ at Goodman

“Fat Ham,” written by James Ijames and directed by Tyrone Phillips, is a humorous adaptation of the Shakespeare classic “Hamlet.” Ijames’ version is set during a backyard cookout. The backyard, located in North Carolina, serves double duty as a place

Griffin MSI art exhibit marks 55 years of Black creativity

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry launched its Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition on Jan. 20, 2025, running through April 27, 2025. This year’s exhibit shared its launch with family day at the museum. The exhibition, running since 1970,

YahZarah on triumph, challenges and her City Winery show

In an exclusive interview with rolling out on Star Studio Talk, YahZarah shared the powerful story behind her name. Rooted in her lineage, YahZarah honors her grandmothers — two extraordinary women whose lives inspire her daily. Her Ghanaian grandmother, a

wellness

Find your voice with wellness coach Ariane Camille

Ariane Camille is a licensed professional counselor, emotional wellness coach, and the founder of Emotional Exchange, LLC. With a passion for empowering ambitious, faith-based Black women, Ariane specializes in helping clients navigate mental health challenges, develop emotional intelligence, and build

mindset

Vibe Tribe CEO Kenny Brown connects mindset to success

Kenny Brown is a Mindset Coach, Lead SEL Instructor, and founder of Vibe Tribe University (VTU), a wellness platform for BIPOC students. With three degrees in business and accounting, and over 15 years of leadership experience, Kenny specializes in Social

Shawntà Hooks

Leadership expert Shawntà Hooks’ insights on mindfulness

In the vibrant backdrop of Detroit’s 1980s and ’90s, Shawntà Hooks discovered an unexpected inheritance—her father’s meditation practice, which she later transformed into a powerful movement. An award-winning leadership expert and certified mindfulness facilitator, Hooks has spent over two decades

Ben Jealous sounds alarm at breakfast honoring MLK

More than 1,000 people gathered at Soldier Field in Chicago to celebrate the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 20, 2025. The PUSH for Excellence Dr. King Breakfast continues the impactful work of the Rev.

Malik Yusef returns to Chicago with Full Moon Poetry

Grammy Award-winning songwriter and poet Malik Yusef had the Bronzeville Winery buzzing with anticipation on Jan. 12, 2025, for the return of Full Moon Poetry. The event, presented by InVINCEable Ones in partnership with MYJ Industries, brought out some of

black parents

A guide to Chicago’s best winter theater in 2025

Chicago brings more than a cold front during the winter season. This year the theater productions are shining bright. This list highlights shows that you must see playing at famed theaters such as Steppenwolf, Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, Nederlander

Chi-Village’s Kwanzaa event draws hundreds to its celebration

On Dec. 26, Chicago’s Conrad Worrill Track and Field Center was awash with vibrant colors and a deep sense of community as Chi-Village launched its second annual Kwanzaa celebration. The celebration centered on Umoja (Unity), the first of Kwanzaa’s seven

Chicago rapper Cya brings gold medal-level bars with ’81 Olympics’

Chicago rapper Cya recently released his project “’81 Olympics” to critical acclaim. The lyrical master continues to push the envelope and represent hip-hop culture. His focus on emceeing and delivering stories with impactful meaning separates him from the pack. Share

Usher

After 30 years in the game, Usher’s still got it

Watching Usher at the United Center on Oct. 28, 2024, was the epitome of seeing a master at work. The venue was filled to capacity and brimming with the type of excitement only Usher can bring. Usher entered the industry