Chicago Newsletter (March 25th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

Welcome to The Chicago Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Upcoming Art Battle Chicago

  • South Loop Easter Egg Hunt

  • A deep dive into the life of Lorraine Hansberry

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.”

— Dale Carnegie

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!

Who was the notorious gangster that operated in Chicago during the Prohibition era?

A) Lucky Luciano

B) Al Capone

C) John Dillinger

D) Bugs Moran

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The symbol of the Chicago Cubs baseball team is B) Cub.

News

💼 Business

Cushman & Wakefield expands its Board of Directors with the addition of Jennifer McPeek and Raj Vennam. (Link)

The initiative Bring Chicago Home and the MAT Asphalt controversy are featured in the March 19 primary election ballot, alongside the debut of the L1 creative business accelerator. (Link)

Wall Street experiences a rise in anticipation of key central bank meetings worldwide that could influence future interest rate directions. (Link)

The family of a slain South Side Chicago restaurant owner vows to continue his legacy after he was fatally shot outside his establishment. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Boxing legend Roberto Durán received a pacemaker for his heart issues. (Link)

Justin Fields, seen as having MVP potential, could start for the Steelers over Russell Wilson, as noted by a former NFL quarterback. (Link)

The Chicago Bears traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, setting the stage for a new draft selection. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Zacks Investment Ideas recently spotlighted stocks from Micron, Lululemon, and Nike as noteworthy picks. (Link)

Chicago voters are set to have their say on the Bring Chicago Home tax referendum, following a legal victory against business and real estate groups who opposed the count. (Link)

A $45M settlement is in the pipeline for Chicago's City Council approval after a police pursuit in West Town resulted in a car crash, causing severe brain injury to Nathen Jones.(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

🏟 Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers
Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, IL
Friday, Mar. 30th | (More Info)

🏃 Total Sports Camp
Bradley Fieldhouse, Chicago, IL
Thursday, Mar. 28th | (More Info)

👶 Tiny Tots Sports Camp
Bradley Fieldhouse, Chicago, IL
Monday, Mar. 25th - Friday, Mar. 29th | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎻 The Music of Bach
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago, IL
Friday, Mar. 29th | (More Info)

🎤 Tiny Habits
Lincoln Hall, Chicago, IL
Friday, Mar. 29th | (More Info)

🎨 Art Battle Chicago
SPIN Chicago – 344 N State St, Chicago, IL
March 29, 2024 | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🥚 South Loop Easter Egg Hunt
Chicago Women’s Park & Garden, Chicago, IL
March 30, 2024 | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | (More Info)

🐰 Gallagher Way's Easter Egg Hunt
Outside Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
March 30, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 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 “Spaceport integrated into Chicago's central hub” 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

1919: Chicago Race Riot

The 1919 Chicago Race Riot was a violent racial conflict between White Americans and Black Americans that took place on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, from July 27 to August 3, 1919. The riot resulted in the deaths of 38 people, with 23 Black individuals and 15 white individuals losing their lives. The incident was part of the "Red Summer" following World War I, during which approximately 25 race riots occurred throughout the United States. The racial tensions were intensified by Black migration to the North, industrial labor competition, urban overcrowding, and greater militancy among Black war veterans.

The Chicago Race Riot of 1919 had a profound impact on the city and the nation, shocking the country out of indifference to its growing racial conflict. The incident highlighted the racial frictions that were exacerbated by the changing social and economic landscape of the time. The riot also played a role in shaping Chicago's neighborhoods, and its impact on the city's collective memory was not officially commemorated until its centennial in 2019. The 1919 race riot remains a significant event in Chicago's history, reflecting the challenges and struggles faced by the city's diverse communities.

The 1919 Chicago Race Riot serves as a reminder of the deep-seated racial tensions and the need for continued efforts to address and overcome systemic racism. It is an important part of Chicago's history, shedding light on the complexities of race relations and the ongoing pursuit of racial justice and equality in the city and beyond.

Famous People From Chicago

Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965)

Lorraine Hansberry was born on May 19, 1930, at Provident Hospital on the South Side of Chicago. She was raised in a strong family, the youngest of three children born to Nannie Perry Hansberry and Carl Augustus Hansberry. Her life in many ways mirrored her art and dedication to social justice. After moving into an all-white Chicago suburb in 1937, the family was met with physical violence. This experience deeply influenced her perspective and later became a central theme in her work.

Lorraine Hansberry's childhood experiences in Chicago shaped her rebellious spirit and her commitment to social justice. She attended kindergarten on Chicago's South Side, where she faced adversity and discrimination, leading her to become a rebel from a young age. Her early years in Chicago laid the foundation for her future as a writer and activist.

Hansberry's Education and Literary Beginnings (1940s-1950s)

Lorraine Hansberry's education in Chicago provided her with the intellectual and creative foundation for her future literary endeavors. She attended the University of Wisconsin for a brief period before moving to New York City to pursue a career in writing. Her time in Chicago and subsequent move to New York marked the beginning of her journey as a playwright and writer.

A Raisin in the Sun and Broadway Success (1959)

In 1959, Lorraine Hansberry achieved widespread acclaim with the production of "A Raisin in the Sun" on Broadway. The play, which depicted the struggles of a black family living in Chicago's South Side, was a groundbreaking achievement and marked the first drama by an African American woman to be produced on Broadway. The success of "A Raisin in the Sun" solidified Hansberry's reputation as a pioneering playwright.

Activism and Social Justice Advocacy (1960s)

Throughout the 1960s, Lorraine Hansberry remained committed to activism and social justice advocacy. She used her platform as a playwright to address issues of race, class, and gender, becoming a prominent voice in the civil rights movement. Her work and activism resonated with audiences in Chicago and beyond, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in the fight for equality.

Legacy and Impact (Post-1965)

Lorraine Hansberry's legacy as a playwright and advocate for social justice continues to inspire artists, activists, and scholars. Her impact on the theater world and her contributions to the civil rights movement have left an indelible mark on American culture. Her work remains relevant and influential, serving as a testament to her enduring influence.

Key Achievements of Lorraine Hansberry:

  • Author of "A Raisin in the Sun," the first drama by an African American woman to be produced on Broadway.

  • Pioneering playwright and advocate for social justice, addressing issues of race, class, and gender.

  • Inspirational figure in the civil rights movement, using her platform to amplify marginalized voices and promote equality.

Lorraine Hansberry's life and work exemplify the power of storytelling and activism in creating meaningful change. Her legacy as a playwright and advocate continues to resonate with audiences, ensuring that her contributions to American theater and social justice are remembered and celebrated.

Connect With Me

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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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