Stories by erica gunderson

(WTTW News)

‘You Didn’t See Nothin’ Podcast Revisits 1997 Bridgeport Hate Crime

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.

(WTTW News)

City Colleges of Chicago Announces Timuel D. Black Jr. Scholarship and Fellowship

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.

(WTTW News)

Poll: Top Issues for Black Voters in Chicago Include Crime, Police Accountability

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.

(WTTW News)

Mexico Native ‘Physician Magician’ Has More Than Magic Up His Sleeve

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.

(WTTW News)

At 92, Activist Dolores Huerta is Still in the Fight

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.

(WTTW News)

Behind the Brim with ‘Los Toros’ Hat Artist Abel Arciniega

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.

At HHP Lift’s Liftworks social enterprise program, participants are taught how to manufacture home goods while also learning basic workplace skills. (Courtesy of HPP Lift)

Back Home, Back to Work: Occupational Training Prepares Formerly Incarcerated People for the Workplace

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.

(WTTW News)

Programs Aim to Reduce Recidivism in Illinois

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.

Po’boy sandwiches at Daisy’s Po-Boy and Tavern in Hyde Park. (WTTW News)

Celebrate Mardi Gras with a Classic Po’boy in Hyde Park

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.”

Navy Pier is hosting a free Carnivale celebration from 1-5 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Aon Grand Ballroom. (Courtesy of Navy Pier)

Experience the ‘Warm Spirit’ of Carnivale at Navy Pier, Feb. 25

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.

Local nonprofit Young, Black & Lit donates books featuring Black characters to kids across the U.S. (WTTW News)

Young, Black & Lit: Local Nonprofit Launches Young Author Contest

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.

The Rev. Otis Moss III. (WTTW News)

Seeking Light During Difficult Times in ‘Dancing in the Darkness’

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.

(WTTW News)

Domestic Violence Advocacy Groups Alarmed by 5th Circuit Court Ruling Allowing Accused Abusers to Own Guns

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.

Chef Carlos Garza at Carnivale. (WTTW News)

On the Pass: Chef Carlos Garza on What It Takes to Keep a Restaurant Running

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.

A performance at the Chicago International Salsa Congress. (Courtesy of Chicago International Salsa Congress)

Salsa Congress Twirls Back to Chicago for 22nd Year

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.

(WTTW News)

MCA Chicago Speaks Spanish to Art Lovers

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.

(WTTW News)

Lee Bey Shows Off South Side Sites in ‘Building/Blocks’

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.

Students at Chicago Public Schools walk along a hallway in this file photo. (WTTW News)

AP Black History Course Sparks Controversy, Debate

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.

Refugees. (WTTW News)

Welcome Corps Program Allows Private Citizens to Sponsor Refugees to US

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.

Juice Vibe Bar in Berwyn. (WTTW News)

Latina Entrepreneurs Help People Find Ways to Wellness

Fitness instructor NK Gutierrez and juice bar owner Anabelle Martinez are helping people meet their wellness goals.

(WTTW News)

Little Village Honors Memory of Shooting Victim Melissa Ortega

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.

(WTTW News)

Chicago Rolls Out Administrative Debt Relief Program

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.

(WTTW News)

Addressing Childhood Obesity in the Latino Community

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%.

(Petr Kratochvil / Public Domain Pictures)

Proposed Ordinance Offers Course Correction for False Claims Against Gig Workers

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.

(WTTW News)

New Citizen Board for Chicago Police Oversight Gets Ready for Election

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.

(Courtesy of YWCA)

Constructing a New Career with Free 11-Week Job Training Program at YWCA

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.