Illinois news

• Chicago Originals: Dave Jeff and Yohance Lacour Talk Kicks, Culture, and Coming Up

  18-05-2025 16:00 via chicagodefender.com
  Cultural leaders Dave Jeff and Yohance Lacour reflect on Chicago sneaker culture, fashion hustle, and purpose-driven design during a powerful conversation at The Emily Hotel in Fulton Market (Photo Credit: Terence Crayton Photography).
  My family influenced my style, as we would often go shopping at various stores on weekends. Some of those eras have shaped my worldview and continue to influence my style today.
  In the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market District, two longtime friends and cultu
  
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• Jawanza Kunjufu’s Revolutionary Voice for Black Education

  18-05-2025 15:00 via chicagodefender.com
  Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu authored more than 40 books, including the seminal “Countering the Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys” (Photo Credit: African American Images). 
  By Bahia Overton
  This article was originally published on Word In Black.
  In late April, Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu became an ancestor.
  Our community was blessed with this social and educational justice warrior who dedicated his 71 years to the liberation and elevation of our beautiful Black children. I hope that he is proudly
  
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• Chicago to Honor Pope Leo XIV with Citywide Celebration and Mass at Rate Field on June 14

  18-05-2025 14:45 via chicagodefender.com
  Photo Credit: Getty Images
  Chicago is getting ready to celebrate a historic moment—and the whole city is invited.
  On Saturday, June 14, the Archdiocese of Chicago will host a citywide celebration at Rate Field in honor of Pope Leo XIV, the first pope born and raised in the Chicago area. The event will include music, film, live testimonials, prayer, and a Catholic Mass.
  Held at the home of the White Sox, the gathering is expected to draw thousands of residents and visitors for what the Arch
  
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• SCOTUS Affirms Lawsuit Against Cop Who Killed Black Man During Traffic Stop

  18-05-2025 14:30 via chicagodefender.com
  Photo: GoFundMe
  An excessive force lawsuit filed by the mother of a Black man killed by police during a traffic stop in Houston can move forward, the Supreme Court ruled.
  On Thursday (May 15), SCOTUS justices unanimously determined that a lawsuit filed on behalf of Ashtian Barnes, a 24-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by an officer in April 2016, can proceed, per NBC News.
  The ruling reaffirmed an existing precedent that the “totality of circumstances” has to be taken into acc
  
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• Simone Biles, Jenifer Lewis Get Honorary Degrees At Washington University

  18-05-2025 14:00 via chicagodefender.com
  Photo: Getty Images
  Actress Jenifer Lewis and gymnast Simone Biles have received honorary degrees from Washington University.
  On Sunday (May 12), Lewis and Biles were among the six individuals who earned honorary doctorate degrees from Washington University in St. Louis during the school’s commencement ceremony, per theGrio.
  The Black-Ish alum received a doctorate in Fine Arts, while the Olympic gold medalist was awarded a degree in Humane Letters.
  Dressed in a collegiate cap and gown, Bil
  
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