Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 24th of April.
Good morning, Chicago.
🏘️ Community
Housing cooperatives on the South Side give residents affordable homes and community support (including shared decision-making and limited equity models).
La Villita Housing Coop and Qumbya help locals manage housing costs while building tight-knit communities.
🎭 Culture
The documentary Yo No Soy Guapo screened in Bridgeport at the Co-Prosperity Sphere on March 20 (after its U.S. debut) and featured a Q&A with local sonidero advocates like Stephanie (Soli) Herrera; the film captures cumbia’s role in championing community resistance.
Chicago’s vibrant Black punk scene is building momentum as bands like Bussy Kween Power Trip headlined Cafe Mustache on April 13, creating a space for queer & artists of color to reclaim DIY punk music.
Other groups including Directrix and Faerie Dream are inspiring a new generation to find their voice in counterculture.
Pynk Portal Pole Sanctuary (a pole and dance studio for all abilities) reopened on April 16 after a two-week renovation funded by donations and volunteer work.
Founders Ava V. Marie and Gemini Jynx plan community events such as cooking and plant medicine classes for Little Village residents near local schools.
A covered construction walkway outside Island Terrace at 6430 S.
Stony Island Ave has become a public gallery featuring artwork by more than 50 Hyde Park Academy students (11 vinyl banners) that will brighten the space until construction ends in June 2027.
Englewood rapper Heavy Crownz releases his debut album, Trench Baby Turned Farmer — inspired by his farming experience and work with Imagine Englewood if — and he will perform with King Louie, Bella Bahns, Casino Trell, and Ca$h Era at Lincoln Hall on May 22.
21-year-old Menace4Hire of West Englewood is blending fashion and music with his ventures, including aghettoartstudio (his creative hub), and released his 13-track album My Ancestor’s Favorite on April 11 to inspire South Side youth.
New Rose, a family owned bar at the corner of Cermak and Hoyne in Pilsen, opened on February 6 and features DJ sets showcasing post-punk, goth and reggaeton alongside a curated menu.
Owners Benny and Jesse Hernandez aim to boost local community traffic and celebrate Chicago's alternative spirit.
South Side artist Brian Herrera will present his solo show next year featuring his Mesofuturismo art in Little Village—he is also planning to marry his partner, Margo Naragon.
His work fuses ancestral motifs with futuristic design and celebrates cultural resilience.
The documentary 'Yo no soy guapo' by Joyce García, which explores the fight to preserve sonideros culture in Tepito and Chicago, was screened in Bridgeport on March 20, followed by a local Q&A with community leaders (including DJ La Colocha).
The film highlights cultural resistance in local public spaces.
🎓 Education
Friends of Kenwood Academy awarded over $20,000 in microgrants to 21 clubs, sports teams and academic programs this spring, funding projects like a workout nutrition station and an inclusive prom.
The nonprofit seeks volunteers for the Spring Strings Festival on April 30 and Band Festival on May 1.
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