In the US, February marks Black History Month, and while there are no shortage of opportunities to learn about important and significant people of African descent this month, the purpose and history behind the event is sometimes lost. While Africans have been present in North America at least since colonial times, black history had barely begun to be studied — or even documented — when the tradition formally began in 1926. It wasn't until later... more ›

Chicago Hip-Hop Heritage Month is almost half over. What have you done to celebrate it? If you have yet to feel the flow, here are some recommendations: * There’s still room enough on the bandwagon for you, so pick up copies of Rhymefest and Lupe Fiasco’s new albums. Rhymefest’s Blue Collar dropped earlier this week and Fiasco’s Food and Liquor has an official release date of August 8th though it leaked to the Internet faster... more ›

In honor of her 70th birthday, the Chicago City Council has declared today Irma P. Hall Day in Chicago. Shame on you if you just said "Who?" Best known for smacking you upside your head because she's "trying to hep you, boy!", Ms. Hall has been the go-to actress in recent years when filmmakers need someone to symbolize the themes of a picture (Soul Food), provide comic relief (The Ladykillers), or ground a picture that... more ›