In 1997, 13-year-old Lenard Clark was beaten into a coma simply for being Black in a White neighborhood. Chicago leaders began calling for racial reconciliation — a rapid turn that stuck with Yohance Lacour, then a fledgling journalist.
Stories by erica gunderson
City Colleges of Chicago Announces Timuel D. Black Jr. Scholarship and Fellowship
Mar 4, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
The program honors the life and work of Timuel D. Black Jr., the late City Colleges professor, activist and historian. The goal is to help 20 City Colleges students develop into community leaders in the mold of Black, who died in 2021 at the age of 102.
Poll: Top Issues for Black Voters in Chicago Include Crime, Police Accountability
Feb 25, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
A nonpartisan poll from Northwestern University found the vast majority of likely Black voters support more funding for youth programs, more affordable housing and increased funding for all public schools.
Mexico Native ‘Physician Magician’ Has More Than Magic Up His Sleeve
Feb 25, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
Neonatologist, professor and magician Ricardo Rosenkranz performs as the "Physician Magician" or “El Mago Medico," offering performances in English and Spanish at a Rogers Park theater.
At 92, Activist Dolores Huerta is Still in the Fight
Feb 25, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
It’s a simple sentiment, but the phrase “sí se puede” or “yes we can” has powered demands for justice around the world. The woman behind those words is Dolores Huerta, one of the most influential labor activists in America and the leader of the Chicano civil rights movement.
Behind the Brim with ‘Los Toros’ Hat Artist Abel Arciniega
Feb 25, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
For the fifth year running, the Chicago Bulls rolled out their BMO Artist Hat Series: six limited-edition hats featuring local artists’ spins on the team’s iconic logo. Among this year’s hats was a Mexican-tinged design created by artist and Chicago native Abel Arciniega.
Back Home, Back to Work: Occupational Training Prepares Formerly Incarcerated People for the Workplace
Feb 18, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
Research shows formerly incarcerated people who maintained employment for one year after release had only a 16% recidivism rate, compared to a 52% rate for those who did not stay employed.
Programs Aim to Reduce Recidivism in Illinois
Feb 18, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
A 2018 report found 43% of those released from prison in Illinois will be convicted of another crime and return to prison. About a quarter of those re-offenses are for so-called “technical violations” like violating curfew or missing a meeting with a probation officer.
Celebrate Mardi Gras with a Classic Po’boy in Hyde Park
Feb 18, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
At Daisy’s Po-Boy and Tavern in Hyde Park, Chicago chef Erick Williams serves up classic New Orleans-style po’boys. “This will be our first Mardi Gras season. … We’re going to serve a lot of hurricanes and a lot of great food and play the music loud and have a lot of fun.”
Experience the ‘Warm Spirit’ of Carnivale at Navy Pier, Feb. 25
Feb 18, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
Carnivale is getting underway with festivals bursting with dance, music and food. All are invited to see, hear and taste some of the international Carnivale traditions in a free multicultural event at Chicago's Navy Pier.
Young, Black & Lit: Local Nonprofit Launches Young Author Contest
Feb 18, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
For young Black book lovers, it can be tough to find books that reflect the readers and their worlds. In 2018, the local nonprofit Young, Black & Lit took it upon itself to make sure that Black children have plenty of options for their bookshelves.
Seeking Light During Difficult Times in ‘Dancing in the Darkness’
Feb 11, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
In days when the bonds holding the country together can feel fragile, it can be difficult to see past the worry and anger in order to work toward justice. In his new book, the Rev. Otis Moss III draws upon stories from his congregation, forebearers and family.
Domestic Violence Advocacy Groups Alarmed by 5th Circuit Court Ruling Allowing Accused Abusers to Own Guns
Feb 11, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
A recent ruling by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals said the Second Amendment allows people accused of domestic abuse to have guns. The ruling applies only to the 5th District, but advocates said there could be ramifications nationwide.
On the Pass: Chef Carlos Garza on What It Takes to Keep a Restaurant Running
Feb 11, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
Chef Carlos Garza heads the kitchen at one of Chicago’s biggest and most recognizable restaurants, Carnivale. He said Carnivale’s pan-Latin menu reflects the way he thinks about food — a connecting of cultures.
Salsa Congress Twirls Back to Chicago for 22nd Year
Feb 11, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
The 22nd Chicago International Salsa Congress, a four-night, three-day event, kicks off Thursday with three free beginner dance workshops teaching salsa, bachata and rueda casino.
MCA Chicago Speaks Spanish to Art Lovers
Feb 4, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago has launched its first major bilingual exhibit. The museum plans to present everything, from its website to wayfinding signs, in both Spanish and English by 2024.
Lee Bey Shows Off South Side Sites in ‘Building/Blocks’
Feb 4, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
There’s more to Chicago’s architectural legacy than its gleaming downtown skyline. All throughout the city, there are buildings that inspire — you just have to know where to look.
AP Black History Course Sparks Controversy, Debate
Feb 4, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
The College Board this week released its updated curriculum for an Advanced Placement African American studies course after receiving criticism from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Welcome Corps Program Allows Private Citizens to Sponsor Refugees to US
Feb 4, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
Refugees to America often find themselves starting from scratch, but a new program is offering everyday Americans a way to give refugees a softer landing.
Latina Entrepreneurs Help People Find Ways to Wellness
Feb 4, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
Fitness instructor NK Gutierrez and juice bar owner Anabelle Martinez are helping people meet their wellness goals.
Little Village Honors Memory of Shooting Victim Melissa Ortega
Jan 28, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
It's been one year since 8-year-old Melissa Ortega was shot to death in Little Village. The community is honoring her memory with a mural and peace tree.
Chicago Rolls Out Administrative Debt Relief Program
Jan 28, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
Chicago’s latest phase in debt relief sets its sights on administrative debt, the sort of debt incurred by tickets for noise violations or littering. People can pay the original fine, and the city will waive any accrued penalties or fees.
Addressing Childhood Obesity in the Latino Community
Jan 28, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
Latino CPS students are more likely to be overweight or obese than other demographics, data shows. Latino CPS kindergartners in 2020 had an average overweight or obesity rate of nearly 39%; by ninth grade, the average rate climbed to almost 49%.
Proposed Ordinance Offers Course Correction for False Claims Against Gig Workers
Jan 28, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
Activists said "bad actors" lie about rideshare and delivery drivers to avoid paying. The Chicago ordinance would allow app drivers accused of misconduct to share their story and recoup income if they were found to be unfairly deactivated.
New Citizen Board for Chicago Police Oversight Gets Ready for Election
Jan 28, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
Voters will elect three-member councils for each of the city's 22 police districts. Those councils will be charged with holding regular meetings and bringing concerns and recommendations from community members to the city and police leadership.
Constructing a New Career with Free 11-Week Job Training Program at YWCA
Jan 21, 2023 | Erica Gunderson
The YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is now accepting applications for a free 11-week program that pays its trainees a stipend to learn the basics of construction and utilities trades.