Writer, actor and producer Fawzia Mirza uses comedy to jump start conversations and challenge stereotypes
By Muna Khan Fawzia Mirza stands on a practically bare stage. Her only companions are three chairs situated on a colorful carpet, suggesting a movie
Bitter consequences: Pipeline protesters batten down the hatches for North Dakota winter
By Pat Nabong and June Leffler [Package of Standing Rock and the Dakota Access Pipeline stories here] CANNON BALL, NORTH DAKOTA — Opponents of a controversial
Resilient Syrians could use community support
By Maryam Saleh Wadad Elaly likely has much in common with her classmates at Sullivan High School. Her favorite subject is math, and least favorite
All-points call for more deputies to police Standing Rock protest draws critics
By June Leffler and Cloee Cooper [Package of Standing Rock and the Dakota Access Pipeline stories here] The words “Sheriff Mahoney, No Pipeline Guards, Bring
Chicago Marathon champion outruns cancer
By Siyan (Jen) Huang Cancer, a relentless killer, gave hope to Serena Burla. Her cancer in her right hamstring brought her the courage and strength
Acclaimed artist combats violence with innovative graphic design
By Grant Rindner The air of protest is undeniable in Rick Valicenti’s newly opened (maybe) This Time exhibit at Loyola University’s Ralph Arnold Fine Arts
Transgender rights activists claim safe spaces
By Jordan Gaines Like many transgender women across the nation, T.T. Saffore found no safety in law enforcement, and threats of violence were a normal
Chicago women call foul on Trump’s ‘Grab ’em’ comments at #GOPHandsOffMe protest
By Anna Foley and Teresa Manring Women activists in Chicago want Republicans to take their hands off them–quite literally. Nearly 200 of them chanted their
Chicago charter school teachers could make history with first-ever strike
By Meredith Francis For the first time in U.S. history, charter school teachers could strike. Though the Chicago Teachers Union narrowly avoided a strike last
Carving out space for funny girls in Wicker Park
By Carolyn Cakir Chicago is a mecca for comedy lovers and comedians. But many female comedians lament the fact that comedy is still very much
Fighting the Digital Caliphate: The war against the keyboard jihadis
By Shahzeb Ahmed The video starts with two hands raised in prayer. Soon, the hands are preparing a bomb. The man appears to don the
Millennial Era Jazz: Marquis Hill
By Thaddeus Tukes [A version of the story was co-published on Blavity.] Jazz is the essence of black culture, yet for years, black musicians have