Welcome to The Chicago Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• St. Paddy's Day 5k & 8k run/walk

• A deep dive into the life of Gwendolyn Brooks

• Upcoming Destin Conrad performance

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

- Matt Haig

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza establishment founded in 1943?

A) Giordano's

B) Lou Malnati's

C) Pizzeria Uno

D) Gino's East

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Chicago World's Fair took place in B) 1893.

News

💼 Business

ADM announces the release of its fourth-quarter financial results and the filing of Form 10-K on March 12. (link)

StretchLab is expanding in Chicagoland with new locations, starting with a debut in Highland Park next week. (link)

Steelcase plans to move its longstanding Chicago showroom to the former MillerKnoll space. (link)

🏒 Sports

Owen Caissie shows promising performance in Spring Training, aiming to climb higher in the Chicago Cubs' farm system. (link)

The Chicago Bears apply the franchise tag to cornerback Jaylon Johnson following his first Pro Bowl appearance in his final season. (link)

Michael Kopech impresses with three strikeouts over 2 2/3 innings against the Dodgers in his second Spring Training start. (link)

🏦 Finance

Investment banks unveil their 2025 US summer analyst programs, offering early career opportunities in the finance sector. (link)

Women in Securities Finance names Fleming as the lead of its Chicago chapter, advancing leadership roles for women in the industry. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 Dallas Mavericks vs Chicago Bulls
United Center, Chicago
March 11 | (More Info)

🏒 Chicago Blackhawks vs Ducks
United Center, Chicago
March 12 | (More Info)

🏃  St. Paddy's Day 5k & 8k Run/Walk
Lincoln Park, Chicago
Sunday, Mar. 17th | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 R&B Music Experience Chicago
Wintrust Arena, Chicago
March 16 | (More Info)

🎤 Destin Conrad - Submissive Tour
House of Blues Chicago, Chicago
March 12 | (More Info)

🎸 Bouncing Souls
Bottom Lounge, Chicago
March 10 | (More Info)

🎵 The Rocket Summer
Cobra Lounge, Chicago
March 11 | (More Info)

Family

🐠 Shedd Aquarium Family Day
Shedd Aquarium, Chicago
Sunday, Mar. 17th | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Futuristic Chicago with a network of sky bridges” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Chicago Historical Events

1905: Founding of the Industrial Workers of the World.

In 1905, the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) was founded in Chicago, marking a significant milestone in the history of labor unions. The IWW, also known as the Wobblies, was formed by representatives of 43 groups who came together to oppose the American Federation of Labor's acceptance of capitalism and its exclusion of unskilled workers from craft unions. The IWW's founding was a response to the need for a union that represented the interests of all wage workers, regardless of skill level, and sought to bring about revolutionary industrial unionism.

The founding of the IWW in 1905 was a result of an informal conference of six leaders in the socialist and labor movement, which laid the groundwork for the convention attended by 203 radical trade unionists representing 43 organizations. The IWW's fiery rhetoric, daring tactics, and program of revolutionary industrial unionism captured the imagination of a generation and marked a new chapter in the labor movement. Despite experiencing divisions and splits during its early history, the IWW's founding in 1905 remains a pivotal moment in the fight for workers' rights and fair labor practices.

The IWW's founding in 1905 in Chicago set the stage for a new approach to labor organizing and advocacy, challenging the status quo and advocating for the inclusion of all wage workers in the labor movement. This pivotal moment in history laid the foundation for the IWW's ongoing commitment to representing the interests of workers and promoting solidarity among all members, regardless of their trade or skill level.

Famous People From Chicago

Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000)

Gwendolyn Brooks was an American poet, author, and teacher who made significant contributions to literature and the arts. Her life and work are a testament to her passion for storytelling and her commitment to representing the experiences of ordinary people, particularly in her hometown of Chicago.

Early Life and Family (1917-1930s)

Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks was born on June 7, 1917, in Topeka, Kansas, and later moved to Chicago with her family. Her father, a janitor, aspired to become a doctor, while her mother was a schoolteacher and a classically trained pianist. Their support nurtured Gwendolyn's love for reading and writing from a young age.

Literary Beginnings and Chicago Connection (1940s)

Brooks began her literary career in the 1940s, publishing her first collection of poetry, "A Street in Bronze Ville," in 1945. This collection reflected her experiences and observations of life in the Bronze Ville neighborhood of Chicago, where she lived and drew inspiration for her work.

Pulitzer Prize and National Recognition (1950)

In 1950, Brooks achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first African American to receive a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for her collection "Annie Allen." This recognition brought national attention to her work and solidified her position as a prominent figure in American literature.

Poetic Legacy and Influence (1950s-1960s)

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Brooks continued to produce influential poetry that captured the struggles and triumphs of African American life. Her work resonated with readers across the country and contributed to a broader understanding of the African American experience in literature.

Teaching and Mentorship (1970s-1980s)

In addition to her writing, Brooks was dedicated to teaching and mentorship. She served as a teacher and lecturer, sharing her knowledge and passion for poetry with students and aspiring writers. Her impact on the literary community extended beyond her own work.

National Recognition and Honors (1990s)

In the 1990s, Brooks received further recognition for her contributions to American literature. She was named the poet laureate of Illinois and the United States, and she was honored as the National Endowment for the Arts' Jefferson Lecturer. Her influence on the literary landscape was celebrated on a national scale.

Legacy and Remembrance (2000 and Beyond)

Gwendolyn Brooks passed away on December 3, 2000, leaving behind a legacy of powerful poetry and a commitment to representing the voices of her community. Her impact on the literary world and her connection to Chicago continue to be remembered and celebrated.

Key Achievements of Gwendolyn Brooks:

• First African American to receive a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.

• Poet laureate of Illinois and the United States.

• Honored as the National Endowment for the Arts' Jefferson Lecturer.

• Legacy of influential poetry that captures the African American experience.

• Remembered as a trailblazer in American literature and a champion of ordinary people's stories.

Gwendolyn Brooks' life and work exemplify the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of representing diverse voices in literature. Her connection to Chicago and her dedication to her craft have left an indelible mark on American poetry and the literary community.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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