UIUC’s Black Chorus pays tribute in annual Mom’s Day concert
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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
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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
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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” 
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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. 

Nadirah Shakoor in front of a wall
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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…

Dr. Ama Oforiwaa Aduonum to showcase a journey into slave dungeons and African ancestry in “Walking with My Ancestors”
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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
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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. 

New exhibit examines Midwestern Black lesbian experience
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New exhibit examines Midwestern Black lesbian experience

CHAMPAIGN — Archival photos are the centerpiece of a new display at the Krannert Art Museum focusing on the Black lesbian experience in the Midwest. The new solo exhibition by Jen Everett, “Could You Dim the Lights?” opens February 1 and runs through October 2024.  Powell noted the universal appeal of Everett’s work, saying, “She’s…