With slim margins and constantly shifting trends, the restaurant industry can be a tough business. Chef Carlos Gaytán uses thoughtful social media content to both attract more business and educate diners about the flavors of his home country.
Stories by erica gunderson
‘Encendidas: Women of the Young Lords’ Exhibit Reveals History of Women in Puerto Rican Civil Rights Organization
Throughout much of Chicago’s history, immigrant communities have made their voices heard socially and politically through the formation of street gangs. During the 1960s in Lincoln Park, a Puerto Rican gang called the Young Lords came together after being pushed out of the barrio due to urban renewal projects.
El Milagro Workers Reach Settlement in Complaint Involving Labor Organizing
Beginning in 2021, workers at the El Milagro tortilla factories went public with their complaints about working conditions and labor violations, including charges of intimidation, harassment and retaliation.
Rogers Park Taco Crawl Showcases Savory and Sweet Eats from 14 Local Restaurants
Tacos are the perfect food to take on a walk — or in this case, a crawl. Fourteen businesses will offer their signature tacos, with a tequila cocktail at the end.
Explore the Legacy of 1930s Artist Jesús Torres at Hull-House and Graceland Cemetery
Throughout his career as an artist, Mexican-born Jesús Torres turned his hand to multiple mediums — but before he moved to Chicago in 1924, his hands were employed as a road construction worker.
Examining Johnson’s Transition Plan for Chicago’s Latino Communities
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration recently released a transition report, “A Blueprint for Creating a More Just and Vibrant City for All,” the work of his 400-member transition committee.
Chicago Cop, Nonprofit Leader Gives ‘The Last Word’ on Showing Up for the City’s Youth
Kenneth Griffin said as a young man growing up in Englewood, he didn’t have many positive interactions with the police. That’s part of the reason the trained chef became a Chicago police officer — to create connections between young people and police in his community.
Study Finds Illinois Worst State in Nation for Racial Financial Equality
In recent decades, Illinois has lost a significant portion of its Black population. While a variety of issues have been cited as reasons for Black families to leave the state, a recent study suggests financial equity could also be a consideration.
Young Performer Tryouts for T.I.P. Fest Scheduled for July 15, Aug. 25
The Chicago Park District is asking the city’s youth performers to try out for its 8th annual T.I.P. (Teens in the Park) Fest, where singers, rappers, dancers and poets ages 14 to 24 can showcase their talents.
Renault Robinson, Co-Founder of the Afro-American Patrolmen’s League, Dies at 80
Renault Robinson, co-founder of the Afro-American Patrolmen’s League who served in various roles under Mayor Jane Byrne and Mayor Harold Washington, died on July 8 at age 80.
Study: Latino, Black People Less Likely to Receive CPR From Bystanders
According to a 2022 American Heart Association study, Black and Latino people experiencing cardiac arrest are 41% less likely than their White peers to receive CPR from a bystander. But health professionals say just about anyone with hands can help save a heart.
Monuments Honoring Latina History Coming to Pilsen
The Pilsen Latina Histories Monuments Project is beginning the process of creating monuments that represent a fuller spectrum of history depicted by the Latinas who lived it.
‘The League’ Explores How Negro Leagues and Black Baseball Players Changed the Game
While modern pro baseball draws its players from all over the globe, America’s pastime wasn’t always so diverse. The new documentary “The League” gives an in-depth look at how Black baseball players and the Negro Leagues forever changed the game.
West Side Hit Especially Hard by Flooding From Week of Storms
The entire city was drenched with torrential rain earlier this week, but residents on the West Side were hit especially hard as more than 8 inches of rain fell in the Austin community and nearby suburbs.
US Rep. Jesús ‘Chuy’ García on Immigrant Support, Supreme Court Rulings and Debt Ceiling Vote
U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García said he doesn’t believe the federal government is providing enough support to Chicago and other cities that are receiving large numbers of migrants from other states.
The Road Ahead for Higher Education After Supreme Court Ruling on Affirmative Action
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions, a policy that withstood challenges reaching as far back as 1978. Now, higher education institutions wishing to achieve racially diverse student bodies have to find a new way forward.
Port District Leaders Call for Funding to Get Port of Chicago Back Into Shape
Erik Varela of the Illinois International Port District said the port brings in steel, iron, concrete and sand. “If the port were to go away or not be invested in, you have to imagine that those commodities are going to go elsewhere, those jobs and those things will go there.”
As Fentanyl Overdose Rates Rise Among Latinos, So Do Calls for Government Action
The synthetic opioid fentanyl remains a danger in Chicago, especially in Black and Latino communities, where the odds of a fentanyl-involved overdose have significantly increased in recent years.
Minimum Wage Increases in Chicago, Cook County
Some workers in Cook County will find a little more in their paychecks starting this month.
Explore African and Caribbean Culture at International Festival of Life, July 1-4
Organizers said the four-day festival will be a “grand celebration” to bring community together. The event celebrates African and Caribbean art, cuisine, dance and music.
What Chicago Brings to the Turntables as Hip-Hop Turns 50
In 1973, DJ Kool Herc set two copies of James Brown’s “Sex Machine” album on the turntables at a Bronx house party and tried out his innovative technique of cutting and mixing songs at the drum breaks. Fifty years later, hip-hop has become an inextricable part of American music and culture.
‘Kicking It Curbside’ Music Series Offers Free Shows at Tack Room in Pilsen
What could be better on a summer night than relaxing on a patio and listening to live music? If that sounds good to you, then grab a folding chair and your dancing shoes and head out to Tack Room at Thalia Hall on Wednesday nights.
More Latino and Bilingual Mentors Needed for Chicago Youth, Mentorship Organizations Say
Research shows that kids in mentorships are more likely to graduate high school and enroll in college, have lower rates of substance abuse and overall report better feelings of self-esteem and confidence.
Police Torture Survivor on Chicago Monument Funding: ‘The Memorial Stands for All of Us’
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a $6.8 million grant to build eight new public monuments. Among them is a long-awaited monument to the Black men tortured by officers under the orders of disgraced former Chicago Police Cmdr. Jon Burge.
Move Your Body at the Chicago House Music Festival
If you’re a house head, Humboldt Park Boathouse is the place to be Saturday. DJs will be spinning the sounds and styles of the dance music genre from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
World Refugee Day Highlights Struggles, Celebrates Contributions of Refugees to Chicago
For refugees, the road to resettlement is often far from smooth. Not only is the journey to the U.S. often dangerous, but once refugees arrive, they can face language barriers, legal challenges and financial difficulties.
