The greater Englewood area has been subject to land theft for over 80 years. It’s apparent when you see boarded-up windows and overgrown weeds that cover the community. Empty houses abound, a legacy of the impact that racism has had on the area for years, vacant lots indicating opportunities withheld from aspiring Black homeowners. It’s […]
Author Archives: Meggie Gates
Posted inCity Life
Taking the plunge
Early risers who wanted to greet the lake had a place to gather on Friday mornings this summer and fall. Friday Morning Swim Club, a group meetup for early morning swimmers, was created by five friends last summer and has become very popular over the past year. What started as a small gathering surpassed anything […]
Posted inArts & Culture
A Black art renaissance in Lawndale
There’s a painting hanging on the wall at Art West, an art space on the west side. The painting depicts a woman with an afro, while fake plants and ivies hang from the walls to help bring the exhibit alive. Inside her hair, butterflies point their wings toward the sky as they take flight within […]
Posted inCity Life
Cuddle Bunny is a furry, feel-good utopia
Destress at the city’s only bunny club.
Posted inCity Life
Suicide inside a global pandemic
How is it possible to keep dark thoughts at bay when everyone is struggling to survive?
Posted inArts & Culture
Long live the Lincoln Lodge
The long-running DIY institution settles into a permanent home.
Posted inArts & Culture
Blood, ink, and tears
Tattooing is still dominated by white men, but women, nonbinary people, and people of color are making their mark.
Posted inFood & Drink
After church, come experience the gospel of fried chicken
Darnell Reed shares his family recipes in his two Luella’s restaurants.
Posted inCity Life
How to deal with the death of a pet
“Letting go doesn’t mean you’ve failed them.”
Posted inArts & Culture
The rise of the viral drag queens
A generation that grew up queer on the Internet finds a home on Chicago’s drag stages.