Namir Smallwood is a force to be reckoned with in the theater world. Since joining the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble in 2017, he has delivered memorable performances in productions including Seagull, Bug, True West, and BLKS. His talent has taken
The 2025 NFL Draft is just days away, and the Chicago Bears find themselves in an extremely pivotal position. General manager Ryan Poles is tasked with the challenge of transforming this team into a competitor. The Bears have seven draft
Shad Moss, aka Bow Wow, is a legend. His significance in the 2000s paved the way for many who came after him. He created a rare blueprint that helped define an era and demonstrated how an artist with multiple talents
On April 18, 2025, Chicago’s Wintrust Arena transformed into a vibrant time capsule as the Millennium Tour 2025 brought together a stellar lineup of early 2000s R&B and hip-hop artists. Headliners Trey Songz, Omarion, and Bow Wow led the charge,
During Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17), stories that highlight both challenges and strength of Black mothers are being uplifted. Chicago-area pastor Tracey Young’s journey stands as a powerful testament to survival, faith, and purpose after being diagnosed with postpartum
Shawntà Hooks is a mindfulness practitioner and wellness curator dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with themselves through intentional rest and reflection. With a passion for creating healing spaces, she founded The Zen Zone—a multisensory, nature-based mindfulness experience designed to help
Joyce Hurley is a powerhouse vocalist whose sound is deeply rooted in gospel, soul and lived experience. From her early days singing in church to commanding intimate stages like Mesler at The Sophy Hotel, Hurley has turned her passion for
Chicago vocalist Marquita Gatling, better known as Miss Honeywater, is a force driven by intention, emotion and an innate desire to heal. Recently featured in the All That Jazz Dinner Series at Mesler inside the SOPHY Hotel, she and her
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
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
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
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
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 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
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,
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
Megan McCarthy, the Emmy-nominated writer and producer known for “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic” and “Centaurworld,” has taken on a new challenge as showrunner for Apple TV+’s animated series “BE@RBRICK.” Based on the iconic collectible figures from MEDICOM TOY,
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 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
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
