This week we explore Black organizing in Illinois pre-Civil War. (Used with permission from Northwestern University. All photos in the public domain.)

Mike Stephen discusses a new online exhibit that examines the role of the Black community in pre-Civil War Illinois with Northwestern University history professor and project director Kate Masur. Check out her book called Until Justice Be Done: America’s First Civil Rights Movement, from the Revolution to Reconstruction. Then, we hear from local tai chi teacher Arlene Faulk to learn her remarkable story of how she fought back against multiple sclerosis. She recounts her journey in the book Walking on Pins and Needles: A Memoir of Chronic Resilience in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

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Visit your local bar! (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen gets an update on how the hospitality industry is doing during this stage of the pandemic and discusses Chicago Tavern Week with Mr. Chicago Bars, discusses teacher demoralization with Kenwood Academy teacher Dave Stieber, and learns the Secret History of nonagenarian blues bassist Bob Stroger. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

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We examine the influence of developers on neighborhoods this week. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns about a guide to more public involvement in community benefits agreements with City Bureau senior reporter and special projects manager Sarah Conway, goes curling with the Windy City Curling Club, and discusses the significance of the Illinois Freedom Project with Milton McDaniel, co-founder of the African-American Museum of Southern Illinois, and Matt Meacham of Illinois Humanities. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

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Why not celebrate 800 shows with the limited edition OTL cupcakes? (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the state education legislation moving through Springfield with Chalkbeat reporter Samantha Smylie, learns the Secret History of local blues guitarist J.B. Ritchie, and celebrates 800 episodes of this podcast and radio show with co-founder and former producer Andy Hermann. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 4 years ago Tagged