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It was just a year ago when Chi STEM started as a once a week program that exposed youth to STEM curriculum.  Founder Darius Nix  quickly learned that the kids needed more time.  This year he is excited to share that the program has been extended to 6 weeks during the summer. Zakiyah Williams (Curriculum Writer and Chief Program Officer) shared that the educational experts are “planning to offer an amazing program.” Youth between the ages of 6-12 will get […]

As we are adapting to the ever-changing world of technology, local entrepreneur Nauje Change figured out a way to combine beauty and technology with her new app ‘Beaudentity‘.  This app was created to help ease the task of beauty management for black women as well as provide a platform for black-owned retailers and retailers that sells black brands. Nauje stopped the WGN Skyline studios to talk about all the cool features on the Beaudentity app and why this app is […]

  For 10 years now, Astin Hayes has been growing frustrated with the lack of multi-player games that celebrated the black culture.  After playing a game of Taboo with friends she knew something was missing and soon after she went to the store to purchase game cards. This trip to the store would  later be a game changer for everyone. Amanda Spann is a “self-taught techie”.  Her goal is to “solve everyday problems for black people through technology.”  After the […]

After recognizing the accomplishments of black Americans during the month of February for Black History Month,  we are now celebrating the women who has influenced history for the month of March.  So many people has played a role in shaping our nation which is why it is important for us to honor diversity. Chipedia Podcast, WGN Plus, Cinespace Chicago Film Studios and CineCares Foundation has worked collectively to present a 6-part anthology series that explores Diverse Voices in Film & TV. […]

Classically trained pianist, Megan Stokes is turning heads on the music scenes with her unique mix of blending classic music with other genres such as hip-hop, neo-soul and rock. She’s more than a pianist, she’s also a composer and teacher.  She has taken the stage at numerous venues and has made a cameo appearance on the TV show ‘Empire’. Megan graced the ‘Skyline Stage’ at WGN Radio on the Steve Cochran Morning Show with a live performance.  Stay tuned there’s more […]

After recognizing the accomplishments of black Americans during the month of February for Black History Month,  we are now celebrating the women who has influenced history for the month of March.  So many people has played a role in shaping our nation which is why it is important for us to honor diversity. Chipedia Podcast, WGN Plus, Cinespace Chicago Film Studios and CineCares Foundation has worked collectively to present a 6-part anthology series that explores Diverse Voices in Film & TV. […]

The award-winning Praize Productions is set to take their audience on a spiritual journey for their 8th annual theatrical production. This year’s theme is titled ‘Smells Like Freedom’.  Praize Productions founder and dance instructor Reesie Davis shared her inspiration behind the title, “I took a deep inhale and it smells like freedom.”  “The show will allow viewers to manifest freedom in the tangible form and live out loud.” While taking on a holistic approach, audience members can expect infused dance, […]

The Circle Foundation is celebrating a decade of work that has helped facilitate educational development for Chicago youth at Innovations High School. The non-profit has effectively helped challenged high school students aim for high standards and harmonious social interactions. This year they will be honoring Sheila Brown (Executive Director of CineCares Foundation), Mikkey and Rico Nance ( Restaurant and Entertainer Entrepreneurs) and Marcus Kline (Freedom Home Academy International). The gala will take place at Alhambra Palace, March 17, 2019 at […]

In celebration of Black History Month,  Com-Ed launched their 4th annual Solar Spotlight program that exposes African American high school students to (STEM) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. With the rising numbers of STEM careers, African Americans fulfilling STEM degrees and jobs are lagging.  Com-Ed has made a commitment to serve the communities and “help build the workforce for the future” says Shawn Daniel, lead IT analyst for Com-Ed. Solar Spotlight took place February 2nd at the Illinois Tech campus […]

Even though he is mostly known for teaming up with his brother Shawn Wayans, Marlon has been venturing out solo for the past 5 years.  He finally released his first stand-up comedy special “Woke-ish” in 2018 on Netflix.  This was a big hit for the streaming site and gave fans an up close and personal experience with the comedian. While Marlon is no stranger to taking on multiple roles at one time his new film “Sextuplets” has just been released […]

In honor of Cancer Awareness Month, Lotsu Digestive Health & Nutrition Center will host an open house Monday, February 18 from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Dr. Dzifaa Lotsu M.D. is very passionate about educating people on digestive health and stresses that “cancer can be prevented if it’s detected early”.  Hosting this open house for the community will give guests the opportunity to discuss topics like cancer screenings,  prevention, diet, nutrition, fitness and more. If talking in an open dialogue is too much,  guests will also have the opportunity […]

“The hippest trip in American” will make an impression in households once again. ‘American Soul’ is a drama series that tells the story of Soul Train and its creator Don Cornelius.  The 10 episode series will premiere February 5th on BET and will air every Tuesday. The all-star lineup cast and crew will put you in a time capsule that will take you on an emotional journey throughout the 1970’s. Lead actor, Sinqua Walls (Don Cornelius) and singer/actress Kelly Price (Brianne Clarke) stopped by the WGN […]

Grammy award-Winning Jazz Trumpeter Maurice Mobetta Brown is coming home for the holidays to celebrate with the Mobetta Annual Holiday Jam. He’s been serenading us with this holiday jam for seven years straight and leaves us each time waiting for the next year.  This time he’s bringing along special friends Chris Dave (Drums), Mononeon (Bass), Isiah Sharkey(Guitar/Vocals) and Peter Cottontale (Keys/Vocals). This will go down December 22,  2018  at Martyrs’ 3855 N. Lincoln Ave.  Showtime at 9:00pm.  Tix can be bought in advance. Here’s what you […]

Comedian Tommy Davidson sat down to chat with Marsha Lyles prior to hitting the stage at Chicago Improv. He talks about rebooting  ‘In Living Color’, many things that he’s learned during his travels  on his series ‘Vacation Creation’, learning about being abandoned as an infant and more! Check him out at the Chicago Improv: Dec 21st- 8:00pm & 10:15pm Dec 22nd- 7:00pm & 9:15pm http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3579198/3579198_2018-12-21-164138.64kmono.mp3

During her trip to Chicago for a sold out show at the Improv Schaumburg, comedian Mo’Nique stopped by the WGN Radio studios to talk with Marsha Lyles. Her vocality has caused quite a stir in 2018.  After having as a dispute with Netflix about a $500,000 deal to do a comedy special, Mo’Nique took to social media to express her dismay about inequality and felt they were gender and color biased.  At that point she asked her fans to boycott the platform. […]

The hair industry is constantly evolving with new hair trends that is now becoming more unisex.   The breakthrough of ‘Man Weave’ or  some may refer to it as a ‘hair replacement unit’ is a transformation that is sweeping the nation. Erskine Reeves is a CEO, barber, stylist, educator and consultant.  Most importantly he’s heaven sent. Erskine took on this trend of ‘Man Weave’ and mastered his own technique which sends his clients home with a boost of confidence and looking 10 years younger.  He also teaches a hair unit class […]

Susan Taylor Batten (President/CEO of The  Association of Black Foundation Executives ABFE) shared a lot of wise and encouraging words for fellows at this years ”CLFP Leadership Summit” which took place November 11-16 in Chicago. The 13th Class of Connecting Leaders Fellowship Program (CLFP) is comprised of 11 philanthropic leaders that are dedicated to affecting change in black communities. This year’s seminar offered learning sessions and experiential activities centered around Chicago ’s Black Community. Susan spoke with Marsha Lyles to give […]

Brandon Fox is a singer/songwriter from Chicago.  While his passion for music runs deep from childhood, his passion for spreading awareness to mental health runs just as deep. Having experienced first-hand the effects of mental illness, Brandon realizes how important it is for everyone to become educated on this common illness that affects 1 out of 4 Americans and he wants those who suffer to know  “you are no longer alone”. Labeled a new independent artist, Fox charted top 30 on iTunes the first week […]

Shawn Wayans joins Marsha Lyles to talk about life growing up in a household with 9 siblings, how the Jackson 5 inspired his family to become THE family of comedy, advice to the youth and what projects we should be on the lookout for. Listen here: http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3563035/3563035_2018-11-02-123535.64kmono.mp3 Catch Shawn Wayans LIVE at the Chicago Improv.  Friday, November2nd and Saturday November 3rd.

A celebration is under way as True Star Foundation prepares to launch their new digital platform, TrueStar.Life.  The soon-to-be go-to digital platform for the youth will replace True Star Magazine.  The final print issue of True Star has been released and you will find both founders, DeAnna McLeary Sherman and Na-Tae Thompson on its’ cover. Co-founder DeAnna McLeary shares a quote from the students “Print is not it”.  True Star is a non-profit media company ran by youth in Chicago.  McLeary and Thompson believes in listening to the youth because this is the […]