New UIUC signs honor early Black students, promotes inclusion
The African American Heritage Trail, established in 2020, is a series of memorial signs that chronicle the history of African Americans throughout the county. Recently, two new displays have been added to the trail. These are dedicated to William F. Earnest and Maudelle Tanner Brown Bousfield. The new signs are located on First street in […]
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation will work with consulting firm to determine future of northern Illinois land
For the first time since the 19th century, a Native American tribe has sovereign authority over land in the state of Illinois. Now, the tribal government has to figure out what to do with it. The Prairie Band Potawatomi, based near Mayetta, Kansas, signed an agreement last week putting 130 acres of farmland in DeKalb County, […]
Movie filmed in Champaign premiering at Eberfest
CHAMPAIGN – Christine Swanson, has been writing, directing, and producing films for over 25 years, but her latest film was shot primarily in Champaign, IL. Albany Road premieres at Ebertfest this Saturday, April 20th, at 4pm at the Virginia Theatre. Swanson spoke with Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield about the film, what it’s like to […]
New leader of Jesse Jackson’s civil rights organization steps down just months on the job
Haynes is the pastor at Friendship-West Baptist Church. He was formally installed as president and CEO of Rainbow PUSH in February.
UIUC’s Black Chorus pays tribute in annual Mom’s Day concert
URBANA – The University of Illinois Black Chorus presents their annual Mom’s Day concert this Saturday, April 13th, at 7:30pm at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield spoke with conductor and professor, Dr. Ollie Watts Davis, about those being honored at the concert and the impact Black Chorus has […]
Long-delayed ‘Falsettos’ production explores family, Jewish identity, LGBTQ+ history
Two of Illinois Public Media’s very own will take the stage for the opening week of Falsettos at the Station Theatre in Urbana. IPM News Director, Reginald Hardwick spoke with IPM’s hosts and reporters Owen Henderson and Kimberly Schofield about their roles and the significance of this musical. Reginald Hardwick: This is Morning Edition from Illinois […]
More than an afterschool program, DREAAM provides mentorship and lasting relationships
When Carolyn Johnson was raising her twins, one of her biggest challenges was helping them get to know people who are different from them. She said back then, Zaire and Kailah, now 15, tended to keep to themselves. That changed after the kids got involved with DREAAM, or Driven to Reach Excellence and Academic Achievement for […]
University of Illinois’ first vice chancellor of Native affairs: “I feel very disrespected”
The University of Illinois is not renewing their contract with the school’s first associate vice chancellor for Native affairs. Associate Vice Chancellor Jacki Rand said it’s part of a larger problem Native faculty and students face.
Native tribe seeks return of ancestral land in DeKalb County
Bill would grant Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation land that currently makes up a state park.
Nadirah Shakoor talks life, music, and her upcoming performance at the Krannert Center
Nadirah Shakoor is best known as the former lead female vocalist of the hip hop group Arrested Development. She’s had a long career, working with big names like Madonna and Quincy Jones, she also spent nearly three decades as the featured female vocalist of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band. Shakoor is coming to the Krannert […]
Capitol Briefs: Pritzker touts manufacturing training funding, announces cultural districts
Proposed budget includes another $24 million for manufacturing training academies.
Dr. Ama Oforiwaa Aduonum to showcase a journey into slave dungeons and African ancestry in “Walking with My Ancestors”
Dr. Ama Oforiwaa Aduonum, a professor at Illinois State University, an award-winning playwright, and a Queen Mother in Ghana, spent months in African slave dungeons to get a better understanding of her ancestors’ experiences. Her time there helped inspire her performance piece Walking with My Ancestors: Cape Coast Castle coming to the Spurlock Museum in […]
Over one-third of Illinois fourth graders don’t have basic reading skills. The state has a plan to change that
Senate Bill 2243 required the Illinois State Board of Education to create a literacy plan. The law emphasizes the plan should help school districts adopt evidence-based teaching strategies, including phonics.
Victoria Vincent gets serious about her comedy
Victoria Vincent is a rising star in the Chicago comedy scene and is performing at the Illini Union this Friday, February 9th at 7pm. Vincent, who started her career as a healthcare worker and still holds her medical license, was named one of the Just for Laughs New Faces in 2022 and is a regular […]
A Dialogue with Chancellor Jones, Shamar Betts, NPR’s Ayesha Roscoe, and Decatur ISD Board Member Alana Banks
“Dialogue” is the weekly news magazine airing Saturdays at 11am and Tuesdays at 7pm on Illinois Soul FM 101.1 and FM 90.9 HD2.
