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June 29 July 12, 2026 Vol. 34 No. 20

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4 Arts & Entertainment 6 SportsWise

Event highlights of the week!

The SportsWise team talks about Serena Williams' comeback.

7 Cover Story: 250 Years of America & Illinois

The Illinois America 250 Commission comprises appointees from Native and tribal organizations, arts and humanities organizations including museums and libraries, and the civic and business sectors. It was created by Illinois General Assembly legislation to foster an inclusive statewide celebration that highlights Illinois' unique contributions to the nation’s history and explore the many perspectives that shape its legacy. In this keepsake edition, StreetWise also quoted commission chair Gabrielle Lyons, PhD and asked the same two questions of commission members Dr. Dorene Wiese, Dick Simpson, PhD; and Ada Cheng, PhD, as well as StreetWise Vendors: 1. On the occasion of the U.S. Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026, what do you want for America going forward? 2. Being as blue and diverse as Illinois is, do we have a special duty to promote the Declaration of Independence?

15 The Playground

THIS PAGE: Our guest essayists, from top: Dr. Dorene Wiese, Dick Simpson, PhD, and Ada Cheng, PhD. DISCLAIMER: StreetWise publishes perspectives from vendors and contributors to reflect a range of lived experiences and viewpoints. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of StreetWise. We are committed to fostering dialogue grounded in dignity and respect, and we do not endorse language or perspectives that harm or dehumanize others.

Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher

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StreetWiseChicago @StreetWise_CHI

Suzanne Hanney, Editor-In-Chief

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Julie Youngquist, Executive director

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Compiled by Dave Hamilton

Fireworks & More!

Fourth of July Events July 3: Wilmette: Yankee Doodle Dash and Fireworks, Gillson Park; Star Spangled Splash Centennial Park; special USA250 decal. https://wilmettepark.org/independence-day-celebration. July 4: Chicago: Hyde Park 4th on 53rd Parade with marching bands, floats, kids on decorated bikes, 11 am, FREE after-fest in Nichols Park https://4thon53rdparade.com. July 4: Chicago: Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park: Sat. 7:30 pm concert (6:30 pm talk), Grant Park Music Festival Independence Day Salute featuring Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” Robert Lowden’s “Armed Forces Salute,” John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” and more. Free seating in back half of bowl. grantparkmusicfestival.com. July 4: Chicago: Fireworks at Navy Pier @ 10 p.m. navypier.org. July 4: Evanston: morning games, kids fun run, tennis finals, 2 pm parade, 7:30 pm band concert, 9:30 pm lakefront fireworks. evanston4th.org. July 4: Skokie: Noon parade, 6:30 pm festival and fireworks at Niles West HS (Oakton west of the Edens) skokie4th.org. July 4: Winnetka: Firecracker 5K run, 10 am parade, events on the Green, 7 pm concert, 9:20 pm fireworks at Duke Child’s Field. www.winpark.org/wpd-events/winnetkas-fourth-of-july-celebration

Sing It Loud!

Porchlight Music Theatre Fundraiser: ‘Broadway Open Mic’ Porchlight Music Theatre’s Porchlight Young Professionals Associate Board presents its summer fundraiser, the return of “Broadway Open Mic," a live karaoke special event, Saturday, July 11 at 7 p.m. at Bramble Arts Loft, 5545 N. Clark St. Tickets are $35, (entry to event and one song ticket) or $30 (entry to event only), with VIP tickets available for $50 that include reserved seating and a song. All tickets include two complimentary welcome drinks and light bites, sponsored by Big Onion Hospitality and Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar. During the event, attendees may also pay $5 to sing a song or to nominate a friend to sing or pay $10 to get out of singing when nominated to sing! All funds raised support Porchlight Music Theatre's 31st season. Tickets are available at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Sausage of our Lives!

'Hot Dog: An American Icon' Renowned food historian Bruce Kraig, author of “Hot Dog: A Global History” and founding president of the Culinary Historians of Chicago, leads a lively conversation with acclaimed Big Jones chef Paul Fehribach (Midwest Food) about one of America’s most iconic, and contested, street foods: the hot dog. From char-grilled classics to regional oddities, Kraig traces the story of the hot dog, from ancient sausage-making traditions to its current place as a cultural staple. Explore how brands like Vienna Beef, Sabrett, Hebrew National, and Pearl have defined tastes across the country, and delve into the rich tapestry of regional styles, from New York’s mustard-and-sauerkraut carts to Chicago’s fully loaded masterpieces. This flavorful program uncovers international influences, historical myths (did Queen Elizabeth II really eat a hot dog at the White House?), and the role of World’s Fairs in hot dog lore. Tuesday, June 30, 6-8 p.m. at the Driehaus Museum, 50 E. Erie St. Tickets are $25 and include a complimentary hot dog at driehausmuseum.org

Two is Better than One!

Duo Piano Festival Called a “duo piano mecca” by Pioneer Press, the world-renowned Chicago Duo Piano Festival was founded in 1988 by Music Institute of Chicago faculty members and Piano Duo in Residence Claire Aebersold Neiweem and Ralph Neiweem. Its mission is to foster a deeper interest in the repertoire, performance, and teaching of music for piano, four hands and two pianos, in a fun and supportive atmosphere. The Music Institute of Chicago presents the 38th annual Chicago Duo Piano Festival featuring three concerts, a student recital, and a master class July 12–19 at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston. General admission tickets to the Gala Opening Concert, Faculty Extravaganza, and Guest Duo Concert are $30, $20 for seniors, available at chicagoduopianofestival.org, along with a full schedule. Admission to the master class and final student recital is free.

Let The Sun Shine In!

‘HAIR’ The American tribal love rock musical “HAIR” celebrates the '60s counterculture in all its barefoot, longhaired, bell-bottomed, beaded and fringed glory. To an infectiously energetic rock beat, the show wows audiences with songs like “Aquarius,” “Good Morning, Starshine,” “Hair,” “I Got Life” and “Let The Sunshine In.” Exploring ideas of identity, community, global responsibility and peace, “HAIR” remains as relevant as ever as it examines what it means to be a young person in a changing world. Playing July 2 - September 13 at The Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. Tickets start at $28.52 for previews (through July 17) and at $55.20 for the regular run at kokandyproductions.com

Make Music Together!

Chicago Philharmonic Presents ‘Side by Side’ Community musicians are invited to bring their instruments for a free rehearsal and performance, led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Scott Speck. Participants rehearse and then perform a summer‑evening concert side by side with the musicians of the Chicago Philharmonic. Created in the spirit of connection, creativity, and Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods. FREE. July 11, 1:30 p.m. rehearsal; 4:30 p.m. performance at Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 W. 19th St.

Party On, Toddler Style!

Kid’s Rave Jarvis Square, located on the 1500 block of Jarvis Ave., will host a high-energy, familyfriendly daytime dance party for kids and parents to enjoy together, featuring kid-friendly EDM, techno, and pop on July 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be bubbles, music, and fun! FREE.

True and Relatable!

‘Women Off-Colour’ Ethnicities we’ve dated, ethnicities who’ve wronged us, dads (alive and not), older sister trauma, ethnic moms, cycles we want to break and growing up with curves. These are some of the topics Mantra, Alondra Rios and Anelga Hajjar muse on in “Women Off-Colour.” Featuring musical numbers, sketches and monologues, this show invites women to be offensive, wrong and unapologetic. July 1 - 3, 7:30 p.m. at Steppenwolf, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tickets are $23 at steppenwolf.org

A Movie: But On Stage!

‘The Lizzie McQuire Movie: The Play’ After two sold out runs at Color Club and winning runner up in Chicago Reader's Best New Play category, “The Lizzie McGuire Movie: The Play” is back to show you what dreams are really made of. Through dance, drag, a live band, overthe-top acting and giant DIY cardboard props, this parody production reimagines Lizzie McGuire's iconic trip to Rome in a way Disney would never allow and finally answers the question, "what the hell happened to Miranda??" Friday, July 10 & Saturday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 11 at 3 p.m. at Steppenwolf, 1650 N. Halsted St. $28 at steppenwolf.org

Finding a Future!

‘Deserted’ Jodie and Emma don't want to live in the city anymore. With dreams of a new life, a will to work hard and a generous grant, they set out into a desertified landscape. They nurture their garden in a dying world, but between a scorching climate and a very hungry neighbor, farming provides more challenges than anticipated. The couple struggles to plant their own roots and comes to realize growing on dead land may be a bigger challenge than expected. Will a dying Earth leave them deserted? Playing through August 2 at Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 - $60 at RedtwistTheatre.org, with pay-what-you-can for all Friday night performances.

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Vendors John Hagan and A. Allen chat about the world of sports.

Serena Williams returns!

John: Serena Williams came back to tennis June 9 at the HSBC Championships in London after taking a nearly four-year break since September 2022. She had already won 73 singles titles including 23 Grand Slam titles; and with her sister, Venus, 14 Grand Slam doubles titles. She spent 319 weeks at the World No. 1 position, according to the WTA.

SPORTSWISE

Do you think she will be as good or not as good? Allen: She has a lot of experience, so I think she will do well. She was very strong in the sport, and she started out young. So, whoever she goes against must have just as much experience as she has. If she finds a good partner, she will do well. John: She has won a lot of majors, like the U.S. Open and four Olympic gold medals (Sydney 2000, Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016), so I think she will do fine. The only thing I would be concerned about is that she get into proper tennis shape. I have seen her in commer-

cials for GLP-1 weight loss medication, so I figured she wanted to come back. The reason she stepped away is she wanted to start a family with her husband Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit. After the two children, Alexis, born in 2017 and Adira in 2023, she might want to do something else besides stay around the house. I think she will be good for tennis when she gets back. Will she be as dominant as she once was? Probably not, but I think she will do just fine. Allen: She’s definitely not doing it for the money, because she earned $94.8 million in her career – the highest-paid female athlete of all time – as well as $340 million in sponsorship deals from companies like Nike.

I hope she don’t get injured, I hope she takes it easy. Her 19-year-old doubles partner, Victoria Mboko, hurt her left knee in the HSBC tournament so they both withdrew. Serena doubled up with Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic in her opening round match at the Berlin Open June 16. However, they were defeated by Giuliana Olmos and Erin Routliffe 6-4, 6-4. But all is not lost, however! Wimbledon runs June 29-July 12 and officials announced that they are giving Serena and her big sister Venus -- who turned 46 on June 17 -- a wild card invitation. It will be the first time they have played together since winning Wimbledon doubles in 2016 and they are tied for the most doubles titles in history there.

I am looking forward to her comeback because she is a good player. She brought a lot to the sport and still brings a lot to the game of tennis: she and her sister, Venus, and her dad, Richard Williams, who trained them. Nevertheless, I want to see how she plays effectively at her age (44) and considering that she has been out of the sport for a couple of years. John: My best wishes go to her. Golf and tennis need a shot in the arm and more middle-class participation. She could contribute to that. Any comments, suggestions or topic ideas for the SportsWise team? Email StreetWise Editor Suzanne Hanney at suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com

250 years an illinois celebration Written and Compiled by Suzanne Hanney

Since Illinois became a state in 1818 – 42 years after the Declaration of Independence – “its diverse communities have shaped, and continue to shape, the nation’s identity,” says Gabrielle H. Lyon, PhD, chair of the Illinois America 250 Commission. Indigenous communities had lived on the land for thousands of years, and via French and British exploration through the fur trade, Illinois played a key role in the expansion of the United States, noted Lyon, who is also executive director of Illinois Humanities. Some of the westernmost battles of the American Revolution were fought here and the state was also a site for forced removal of Native Americans. Even though Illinois was a free state, it participated in historic systems of inequality, such as the enslavement and exploitation of African Americans. But, Illinois also deployed over 250,000 soldiers to fight slavery in the Civil War and it was the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, notes the Illinois America 250 Commission Act passed by the Illinois General Assembly in 2022. More than 110,000 African Americans came to Illinois as part of the Great Migration and millions more immigrated here from “Ireland, Italy, China, Poland, Eastern Europe, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Central and South America…across the continents of Africa and Asia, the Caribbean…India, and many other parts of the world.”

“The nation's Semiquincentennial offers a commemoration that focuses on all people who call Illinois home…and centers our shared humanity in this process, as well as our common purpose. It offers every person in Illinois the opportunity to see themselves within this complex history and create a more just future.” Gabrielle H. Lyon, PhD, chair of the Illinois America 250 Commission at the Johnson Publishing Archive at the Stony Island Arts Bank (Mary Rafferty photo).

Chicago has 11 of the nearly 60 sites, because geography shaped its growth and its place in American history. Situated on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, it served as a meeting and trading place for Native Americans and later for European explorers and traders. Completion of the Illinois & Michigan Canal in 1848 connected it to the Mississippi River via the Illinois River, sparking commercial and population growth.

COVER STORY

Whatever injustices were in the past, the patriotically florid legislation exhorts Illinoisans to look ahead on July 4, 2026 with positivity, “to reflect on a diversity of experiences and perspectives that are often left untold.

Illinois Humanities and the Illinois Association of Museums collaborated to create a “passport” with nearly 60 sites intended to highlight undertold stories, diverse people and places “that have contributed to making good on the ideals of the Declaration of Independence” – equality, freedom and the pursuit of happiness, Lyon said. The passports are available, while supplies last, at Illinois libraries, visitors’ centers, select museums and via download at www.il250.org/passport

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National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, 3015 W. Division St. The only self-standing museum in the U.S. devoted to showcasing Puerto Rican arts and cultural exhibitions year-round, the museum expresses the vibrancy of Puerto Rican culture and celebrates Puerto Ricans in the economic, artistic, cultural, educational, and social development of the City of Chicago and the nation. nmprac.org

Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr created the country’s most influential social settlement, with kindergarten and day care facilities; an employment bureau; an art gallery; libraries; English and citizenship courses; and theater, music, and art classes. They worked to end child labor, instituted juvenile justice, supported unions, built playgrounds, and advocated for public housing. hullhousemuseum.org

National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St. Representing the Mexican community in its own voice, the museum seeks to stimulate knowledge of this culture from both sides of the border. nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St. Take a class, discover your family history or learn a perspective that has traditionally been silenced at this independent research library, open to the public. newberry.org

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DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place America’s oldest independent Black History museum teaches about Black culture and acknowledges the rich tapestry of global connections across the Diaspora. dusablemuseum.org

The Legacy Walk, 10 pairs of 25'-tall decorative steel "Rainbow Pylons" on North Halsted Street feature bronze biographical memorials that define Chicago's LGBTQ community. legacyprojectchicago. org/legacy-walk

Obama Presidential Center, 6001 S. Stony Island Ave. Captivating exhibits, unique artifacts and hands-on interactions provide a close-up look at life in the Obama White House and explore the moments that shaped President and Mrs. Obama. obama.org

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Ronald Reagan’s Boyhood Home in Dixon, where the 40th president lived from 1920 to 1923. yaf.org/reagan-boyhoodhome/

Jane Addams Hull-House, 800 S. Halsted St. In 1889, Chicago was the fastest-growing city in the world. Czech, German, Greek, Irish, Italian, Polish, and Russian families shaped this densely populated neighborhood, later defined by Mexicans and African Americans.

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Owen Lovejoy House After his brother, Elijah, an abolitionist newspaper editor, was murdered by a mob, Owen became a congressman virulently opposed to slavery, aided behind-the-scenes by Abraham Lincoln. His home in Princeton was a key Underground Railroad station and is now a museum. princetonil.com/community/owen_lovejoy_homestead/ index.php

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Graceland Cemetery, 4001 N. Clark St. The final resting place of many prominent Chicago athletes, politicians, industrialists and many of the finest architects of the 19th and 20th centuries, Graceland is both an active cemetery and an arboretum. gracelandcemetery.org

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Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum in Evanston is devoted exclusively to the art, history, and cultures of Indigenous peoples from the United States and Canada. gichigamiin-museum.org

Chicago Race Riots (1919) Markers After a Black youth was killed by a white man for swimming in Lake Michigan near 29th Street – a part unofficially reserved for white people -- racial violence erupted that left 38 dead, 537 injured, and over 1,000 homeless. https://www.hmdb. org/m.asp?m=270462

Pullman National Historical Park, 610 E. 111th St. Diverse people and their stories intertwine in this planned industrial community for railcar construction famed for its urban design, architecture – and labor history. www.nps.gov/pull/index.htm

Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. Its artifacts, documents, dynamic exhibitions, tours, programs, digital resources, and special events connect people to Chicago’s history and to each other. chicagohistory.org

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Ulysses S. Grant Home, presented by a group of Galena citizens to welcome the Civil War general home on Aug. 18, 1865. Grant later became the 18th president, one of four from Illinois (Abraham Lincoln, Grant, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama). granthome.org

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Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield preserves the papers of the 16th president and history of Illinois. Through Jan. 17, 2027, its exhibit “The Second American Revolution” reveals how the American Civil War and the era of Reconstruction transformed the United States, ending slavery, redefining citizenship, and expanding the promise of freedom and equality. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov N at i o

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Charters of Freedom Etched bronze plates set in limestone in East Central Park, Jacksonville, display the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights as they are presented at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. www.chartersoffreedom.com

Nauvoo The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints made this town their headquarters – and the most populous city in Illinois – in the 1840s, until its founder, first prophet, and president, Joseph Smith, was accused by an opposition newspaper of marrying multiple women, which Smith denied. Smith died at the hands of a mob while awaiting his court date. Called to leadership of the church, Brigham Young then led an exodus to Utah. www.nps.gov/places/nauvoo-nationalhistoric-landmark.htm

Giant City State Park Lodge During the Great Depression,odgePresident Franklin D. Roosevelt created the L ark eP Civiliian Conservation Corps (CCC) tat S ty to employ young men. From Ci 1933–1942, the CCC built roads, trails, the lodge and cabins, using local materials, to reflect the region’s natural character. dnr.illinois.gov/ parks/park.giantcity.html

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New Philadelphia preserves the 19th century site of the first known U.S. town platted and legally registered by an African American. In 1836, Frank McWorter, a formerly enslaved man from Kentucky, bought the freedom of himself and 15 family members.

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General John A. Logan Museum A Union Army officer, Logan supported slavery in the South but after the Civil War became a staunch advocate for African American civil rights. As commander of the Union Army veterans’ group, the Grand Army of the Republic, founded Decoration Day as a national holiday, “for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion….” In 1971, it became Memorial Day, placed on the last Monday in May, a national holiday by act of Congress.

1908 Race Riot National Monument commemorates the tragic events of Aug. 14-16, 1908, when African Americans in Springfield were victimized by white residents. A year later, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) emerged from the outrage over the riot, a crucial step in the civil rights movement. www. nps.gov/spra/index.htm hia

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Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site Young Abraham Lincoln lived in this recreated log village for the formative years from 1831 to 1837. Historic interpreters wear period clothing amid stores, homes, tavern, school, wool carding mill, and a saw- and gristmill. dnrhistoric.illinois.gov/experience/sites/site.lincolns-new-salem-state-historic-site.html

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Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument commemorates the abolitionist newspaper editor who was killed by a mob while defending his printing press in Alton on Nov. 7, 1837. Lovejoy’s grave is located nearby. dnrhistoric. illinois.gov/experience/sites/ site.lovejoy-memorial.html

Lincoln Home National Historic Site Managed by the National Park Service, the four-block site in Springfield preserves the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned and the daily interactions that shaped his rise to iconic political leader. www. enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/lincoln-home-national-historic-site

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President Biden signed legislation establishing the New Philadelphia National Historic Site as a unit of the National Park Service in 2022. www.nps.gov/neph/index.htm

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Enjoy Illinois Historical Timeline

StreetWise Vendor Sherry McGee What I’d like to see for our country going forward. My pet peeve is people who murder the police. The police are here to serve and protect and twice they kept me from killing myself. I didn’t call them either time, they were just there on the scene, therefore I can’t hate them for loving them. So going forward for our nation, I would like to see people interact with the police more kindly, treat them as they would like to be treated. Because at the end of the day, the police have families they’d like to go home to, just like anyone else. And that’s in the Bible; our forefathers fought for ideals based in the Bible. The Bible tells us, “Love one another as I have loved you.” Jesus said this.

As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence July 4, 2026 – the founding of our nation – the Spring/ Summer edition of Enjoy Illinois magazine by the State of Illinois Office of Tourism reflects on episodes in its history that contribute to the national experience. From 800-1400 A.D. Nearly 1,000 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the largest pre-Columbian settlement in North America outside Mexico existed near what is now Collinsville: the Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site. Descendants today are represented by multiple tribes. On July 4, 1778, Kaskaskia residents celebrated their independence by ringing a bell when Virginia troops captured the settlement from the British during the Revolutionary War. The Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial is known as the “Liberty Bell of the West.” In 1803, Lewis and Clark spent two days at what is now Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis. They recruited an interpreter and prepped for their winter encampment at Camp Dubois (now the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Hartford), which tells the story of Thomas Jefferson’s vision of liberty and expansion after 1776.

Here in Chicago, the police have Cops and Coffee, the police would meet up with members of the Englewood community, where I lived for 11 years. I feel if we could meet them halfway, things could be better. We want to lift ourselves up. America is good to everyone who comes here. When I was in college one of my teachers said, “America may not be all we want it be, but it’s still the best thing going and everybody wants to be here,” so let us behave.

An Alton mob murdered newspaper editor Elijah P. Lovejoy, an advocate for free speech and the abolition of slavery, in 1837. The Lovejoy State Memorial stands near his grave in the Alton City Cemetery.

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Frances Willard was elected president of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), headquartered in Evanston, in 1879. Under Willard’s direction, the WCTU became the largest women’s organization in the U.S. and tackled social reform issues such as labor and prison reform, age of consent – and women’s suffrage. Forty years later, Illinois was one of the first states to ratify the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote.

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Speaking at the Republican state convention as a candidate for the U.S. Senate, Abraham Lincoln gave his “House Divided” speech on June 16, 1858 at what is now the Old State Capitol State Historic Site in Springfield. He said the U.S. could not remain half-slave and half-free, an issue that led to the Civil War.

The U.S. Army forced thousands of Native Americans to relocate to reservations in Oklahoma, following a rugged trek through southern Illinois in 1838. Thousands of Cherokee, Creek and Chickasaw tribal members were trapped at makeshift camps with a lack of food. Their deaths, at what is now the Trail of Tears State Forest in Jonesboro, are a reminder that the Declaration of Independence fell short for Indigenous peoples.

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During a campaign for an eight-hour work day, unarmed strikers were killed. When supporters held a public meeting at Haymarket Square in May 1886, a bomb was thrown and police responded with gunfire, killing 10 people and wounding dozens. Afterward, event organizers and others with unpopular opinions were arrested and tried; four were executed. The Haymarket Memorial, 151 N. Desplaines St., invites reflection on free speech, labor and assembly rights. eA

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Co-founder of Hull House in 1889, Jane Addams was not only an advocate for the poor, she also worked for women’s suffrage, peace and immigrant rights – broadening liberty to these groups left out in 1776. The Jane Addams Hull House Museum hosts public tours twice a week. The Jane Addams burial site is in Cedarville Cemetery, 120 miles northwest of Chicago.

Workers at the Pullman Palace Car Company made sleeping cars for cross-country train travel and lived in a town owned by the same company. During a recession in 1894, their wages were cut but prices were not, so they went on strike, which affected most U.S. railways and the mail. Federal troops were sent to end the strike via a court injunction. The Pullman National Historical Park tells how the strike reshaped American labor relations. Mary Harris Jones – “Mother Jones” – was a labor organizer who fought for child labor reforms and for better conditions for mine workers. Miners built the Mother Jones Monument at her burial site at the Union Miners Cemetery in Mt. Olive in 1936, alongside miners who died in the 1898 Battle of Virden. “This campaign can’t only be about me,” said Barack Obama to a crowd of 17,000 as he stood on the steps of the Old State Capitol State Historic Site in Springfield, as he announced his campaign for the presidency in 2007. Obama became the first African American president (2009-2017). –Kristin Hagenson, Enjoy Illinois Spring/Summer 2026

Opinion: Dr. Dorene P. Wiese 1. As a Native American woman living in Chicago, I want America to be a place where all people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or where they live. I want urban Native tribal voices to be heard and our histories, cultures, and contributions to be recognized as the foundation of America. 2. Yes, Illinois has a special responsibility to celebrate the Declaration of Independence, because our diversity reflects America. While many people, including Native Americans were excluded from many of its promises, promoting the Declaration today means continuing the work of making its ideals of liberty and equality a reality for everyone. Dr. Dorene P. Wiese is proud to be an enrolled White Earth Ojibwe tribal citizen. The Ojibwe are the largest tribe of both the Great Lakes area and the Council of the Three Fires- the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, Ottawa tribes - who they acknowledge by treaty documentation as having lived in Chicago and Illinois for many years before any non-Native people, and they honor the hundreds of other smaller tribes that have called Chicago home, thousands of years before the Anishinaabe and those who represent over 100 tribes who reside here today, as newer inhabitants fleeing reservation and urban racism, poverty, violence, poor health care, persecution and unemployment. She holds a doctorate in Leadership and Policy Studies from Northern Illinois University and is the founding president of the American Indian Association of Illinois. Dr. Wiese currently serves as president of NAES College Inc., which was the only urban-based American Indian college in Illinois. She is also the Artistic Director of the Black Hawk Dance and Performance Company, which has shared Native music and dance throughout Illinois for over 20 years. She is also a member of the Illinois America 250 Commission. Illinois has the 10th largest American Indian population of any state, with representatives of 100+ tribes. www.streetwise.org

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Opinion: Dick Simpson 'Fulfilling 250 Years of Promise' Do we still uphold the right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness 250 years after the American Revolution? Our failure to live up to these ideals is clear in the level of hunger and homelessness today. The loss of government food programs, medical care, and affordable housing in Chicago demand our attention. This semiquincentennial commemoration of the birth of our nation as a people gives us the opportunity to reflect and to act. As part of the commemoration, the Illinois 250 Commission has over 270 organizational partners planning events. We have passed resolutions in 84 participating counties and the Chicago City Council encouraging commemorations, distributed 100,000 Illinois America Passports to guide tours of historic sites, and equally importantly, organized the largest service effort in Illinois’ history. Through Illinois Voices we are recording our neighbors’ reflection on this anniversary to be permanently housed at the Library of Congress. Our commemoration events are organized around five themes: 1. We the People. Chicago is one of the most racially and culturally diverse places in the United States where each race and ethnic group has a particular understanding of what needs to be done to fulfill the promise of the Revolution. 2. The Power of Place. Illinois has contributed to America since its founding. 3. The American Experiment. We learn from the founding principles of our government how to guide our efforts to engage actively and positively. 4. Making History. Doing history means that we have an active role in doing things which will affect the present and the future of our communities including ending hunger and homelessness. 5. The Unfinished Revolution. The most important deliberation in our commemorations is how we can continue to apply the core values of American Revolution to address today’s challenges and promote a more inclusive society. This 250th anniversary offers each of us the chance to rededicate ourselves to the principles of the American Revolution. We, the people, have continuing challenges here in Chicago and we require practical solutions to the questions about who we have been and what we can do to bring about the Rebirth of Democracy. 2026 has been a year in which there has been an attempt to roll back our rights and reverse our progress. But it is also an opportunity to get our nation back on track. To complete the unfinished revolution we need to overcome racial and income inequality; pass laws and a constitutional amendment to end big money in politics; increase the level of citizen and voter participation; overcome political polarization and the politics of resentment; curb political corruption; solve undemocratic structural problems like Gerrymandering, the Electoral College, and the Senate Filibuster; and stop wars, the imperial presidency, and economic inflation. Most of all, each of us needs to rededicate ourselves to a Rebirth of Democracy. Dick W. Simpson, PhD taught political science at the University of Illinois at Chicago for more than 50 years, received four of its highest awards for teaching and was principal researcher for studies that have led to government reform in Cook County. Author or co-author of more than 20 books on political action, ethics, and politics, he served two terms as alderman of the 44th ward, despite a well-financed opponent with an army of precinct captains. Reform proposals he was able to get enacted include elimination of bank redlining, ending salary discrimination in the city budget for women holding the same jobs as men and programs to help people who are homeless or hungry.

StreetWise Vendor Sylvia Spivey A lot of people are still being victimized for a crime they did not commit because people are walking around doing things undercover. When you speak out or defend yourself, they victimize you, say you’re bad. call you a b-word. People need to stop walking around accusing people of doing something. Stop lying to other people, hurting other people.

StreetWise Vendor Lee A. “Awesome” Holmes What I look for in America going forward is more transparency in our government, stiffer penalties for those politicians that break the laws. Even the playing field for all Americans: give us all the opportunity to grow and have generational wealth as well as starting businesses, something positive and productive for this country. Get rid of the “isms” and schisms, not just to make it great again, but to make it awesome for the next 250 years.

StreetWise Vendor Kevin Taylor We need to come together. There are so many reasons we are divided: race, religion. We need to respect and love one another as a human family. Animal species have more respect for each other than the human species, who are supposed to be wiser.

StreetWise Vendor John Hagan Jr. I want to go forward with people respecting each other, being kind to each other despite any differences we have, and also put Illinoisans and Chicagoans first, over everybody else, in America too.

Opinion: Ada Cheng I don’t speak for the IL America 250 Commission as a whole, which is currently under the leadership of Illinois Humanities. However, I do find myself aligning with the spirits of all the ongoing endeavors dedicated to America 250 projects. Rather than saying there are specific destinations I would like to reach going forward for the United States, I would instead like to see that we are engaged in a consistent and sustainable process for productive and open dialogues centered around strengthening trust and community building as well as building alliances across differences. What I have learned through conversations with various communities these past few years is that the premise of a healthy community is not superficial harmony devoid of conflicts and tension. In fact, conflicts, disagreements, and tension are an integral fabric of community. As a matter of fact, no communities are homogeneous and we inevitably converge and diverge in interests, thinking, and actions. The measurement of a healthy community is this: Does there exist a mechanism for conflict resolution and for initiating and maintaining productive dialogues to work through conflicts? People would describe that it is political disagreement that is tearing communities apart or pitting communities against one another. While I agree with that to a certain extent, I would say there is a deeper issue in terms of the lack of trust, be it within or across communities. A lot of what I do in my own artistic work and what IL America 250 is doing is to create and maintain spaces for sharing, for conversing, for salvaging and building trust, and for building a sense of community across differences. The premise of these spaces is about coming together, having curiosity of each other’s journey without making assumptions, understanding what’s shared amongst us, and moving forward with this sense of our shared history while addressing historical harm and injustice. Focusing on the process of community engagement gives me a sense of the ritual that we are doing something concrete. That itself keeps me hopeful. Ada Cheng PhD was a tenured professor in sociology at DePaul University for 15 years until she resigned to pursue storytelling and performance. Committed to amplifying and uplifting marginalized voices, she has created numerous storytelling platforms for BIPOC and LGBTQIA community members to tell difficult and vulnerable stories – from Illinois and Texas to Canada and Kathmandu. She is a member of the 7th Congressional District Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force (MEATF) and American Multi Ethnic Coalition (AMEC). renegadeadacheng.com www.streetwise.org

StreetWise Vendor V.W. There was something in the news about making the state of Illinois two states. I don’t want that to happen, because it’s an extremely big state with all those cities, towns, villages. The Republicans would want that, but I am hoping it stays the same – one single state -- because It’s so great and big. I don’t think it should be divided to accommodate the rich, so they won’t have to go someplace else when they raise that tax. It should only remain 50 states.

one building at a time.

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PreservationChicago.org

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Eric Allix Rogers

I think the Democrats and the protesters and the community organizers and the people need to continue the fight to keep everything non-selfish, to be mindful to be of help and of service to those who are less fortunate, who don’t have the ability or the resources in case of trauma -- whatever would displace them from holding jobs, whatever would disrupt their lives. Whether natural disasters, fires, being laid off. That they stay strong and as is, being supportive with temporary aid until they can go back to work to contribute back. It pools back into when they’re on their feet and able to pay taxes back into the system. Not for everyone running away from the issues. The rich – their wealth is laid up from everyone. Their business consists of the people, from the people. Their wealth is based on all the people – they gain from everyone.

Preserving Chicago’s Heritage,

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Love Your City Fiercely!®

Tiffany Mosaic Ceiling (1907) At Marshall Field’s / Macy’s on State Street Over 1.6 million pieces of iridescent favrile glass comprise the 6,000-square-foot barrel-vaulted mosaic ceiling designed by Tiffany Studios. Designated a Chicago Landmark on November 1, 2005

DuSable Black History and Education Center (DuSable photo).

Ward Miller Richard H. Driehaus Executive Director of Preservation Chicago

(312) 443-1000 WMiller@PreservationChicago.org

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PuzzleJunction.com

Streetwise 6/13/16 Crossword

Sudoku

To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

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Last week's answers Sudoku Solution

Solution

Sudoku Solution

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Crossword Across 1 Blood fluids 5 Palm starch 9 Amazon or emmet, e.g. 12 Summits 13 Door opener 14 Roulette bet 16 Moves briskly 17 Spanish liqueur 18 The “O” in S.R.O. 19 Intercellular substance 21 Amusing account 23 Japanese entertainers 25 Withdrawn 26 Hadron’s place 27 In pieces 31 Kind of ©2016 PuzzleJunction.com hygiene 34 Fax button 9 Pain reliever 60 Scored on serve 36 Christopher of 10 Faux pas 62 Type of cow “Superman” 11 Knight fight 63 Supports 37 According to 12 20’s dispenser 64 Indian bread 38 Dockhand, e.g. 65 Tequila source 15 Kind of flour 40 Loser at 20 Bantu language 66 Permit Antietam closely related 67 Spanish lady 41 Draw forth to Zulu 68 Just say no 43 Mozart’s “Il 22 Bird’s vibrant mio tesoro,” Down sound e.g. 24 Marine or 1 Scrawny one 44 Skating venue parasitic 2 Chew the 45 Communist protozoa scenery buddy 27 Aimless 3 Convicted 47 Mrs., in 28 Pastrami one’s hope Germany purveyor 4 Sports stat 49 Bring into play 29 All square 5 Calypso 50 Turkish 30 Raise a stink offshoot dynasty 6 Actresses 31 Oil grp. 53 Medical fear 32 Change the Paquin and 57 Military Faris decor vehicle 33 Jack-in-the7 Enter 59 In alignment 8 Preoccupy pulpit, e.g.

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