August 7 - 13, 2024

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Arts & Entertainment

Event highlights of the week!

SportsWise

The SportsWise team discusses NFL Training Camps.

Cover Story: Black-Owned Business Month

There used to be a time when people would have a hard time finding Black-owned businesses to patronize. Bigger companies have oppressed small business and placed burdens on low-income communities. Supporting Blackowned business can help close the racial wealth gap as well as give back to the communities that need it the most.

The Playground

DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of StreetWise.

Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher dhamilton@streetwise.org

Suzanne Hanney, Editor-In-Chief suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com

Amanda Jones, Director of programs ajones@streetwise.org

Julie Youngquist, Executive director jyoungquist@streetwise.org

Ph: 773-334-6600

Office: 2009 S. State St., Chicago, IL, 60616

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Compiled by Declan Canaday

Big City, Big Screens!

Chicago Summer Films

The Chicago Park District screens movies for free in parks across the city. August 8 sees "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" speeding into the Jackson Park Fieldhouse (6401 S. Stony Island Ave.) at 8:30 p.m., with the world’s fastest hedgehog returning to face old and new enemies. August 13 will see two classics; Oakwood Beach (1199 E. Oakwood Blvd.) features an 8:15 p.m. showing of "The Wiz," a classic reimagining of the beloved tale of the "Wizard of Oz" focusing on a young African-American schoolteacher and her own journey over the rainbow. Mary Bartelme Park (115 S. Sangamon St.) presents "Apollo 13' at 8 p.m. the same night, telling the true story of three stranded astronauts and the mission to return them to Earth. Navy Pier continues its series of science-oriented Water Flicks with an August 12 showing of "Oppenheimer," the story of the man who led the development of the nuclear bomb, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Beats on the Street!

Northalsted Market Days

Running along Halsted Street from Addison to Belmont, the Northalsted Market Days festival presents dozens of artists celebrating the city’s LGBTQ community on August 10 and 11. All-day lineups on 5 stages are accompanied by over 250 vendors, dance and drag performances, and more, headlined by artists including award-winning actor Billy Porter and "RuPaul’s Drag Race" star Alyssa Edwards. Admission is free, with a $20 suggested donation benefitting local charities. The show runs 11 a.m.-10 p.m. both days.

Get Your Grub On!

Taste of Andersonville

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce presents a full-fledged dining experience along Clark Street August 7. After checking in at the Chamber office (1554 W. Hollywood), attendees are offered three different "routes," each bringing a different culinary journey. Check-in opens at 3 p.m. and ends at 6:30 p.m., with the event running from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $45 for a single route and $80 for the combination special, and can be purchased at andersonville.org/events/taste-of-andersonville

Look to the Skies!

Chicago Air and Water Show

The largest free air show in the country returns to the lakefront August 10 and 11 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., centered at North Avenue Beach. This year’s show features the legendary U.S. Navy Blue Angels performing a set of daring aerobatic stunts, along with live jumps by the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights parachute team and more. Admission is free, with live commentary provided on WBBM 780/105.9 radio.

Sound All Around!

Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology Summer Soundwalk Series

The Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology gathers at Harrison Park (1824 S. Wood) on August 10 for a series of soundwalks, workshops, and more dedicated to the sounds of the local landscape. Listeners will be guided by local sound artists to tune in to the noises of the city, focusing on the clash between the sounds of people, animals, and the environment and how harmony might be achieved. The free event is 4-5:30 p.m.

Stars in the City!

Astronomy in the Parks at Carter Harrison Park

The Chicago Astronomers will bring the universe to Harrison Park (1824 S. Wood St.) on Monday, August 12, providing a variety of lectures and activities for families to discover the wonders of the stars. Telescopes will be available for star viewing, alongside a guided show. The event is free to all, running from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Get Your Kicks!

Route 66 Car Show at La Catedral

In celebration of the upcoming 100th anniversary of the historic highway, the Klairmont Kollections Museum brings a wide selection of classic cars to La Catedral at 1407 S. Washtenaw. Cars from the 1920s to the 1980s will be showcased, alongside a selection of electric cars representing the future of transportation. The event runs August 10 and 11 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Bud Billiken Parade

Bud's Big Day!

The largest African-American parade in the United States commemorates 95 years with its annual back-to-school procession August 10. Running from East 35th to East 55th Street along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, the parade features dozens of floats, performers, and others in a celebration of South Side history and community. Admission is free to all; the show starts at 10 a.m., with after-parties running until 5 p.m. For more info, visit www.choosechicago.com/event/bud-billikenparade/

A Gen X Joint!

Retro on Roscoe

Roscoe Village turns back the clock for this August 9 to 11 festival focusing on all things retro. 2000 W. Roscoe Street becomes a hub for live music, antique vendors, and a classic car show with over 50 vehicles. Admission is free, with a $15 suggested donation to benefit local non-profits. The event runs from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, and noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The City is Your Canvas!

Printers Row Art Fest

Dearborn Street from Harrison to Polk transforms into a massive artists’ alley on August 10 and 11, showcasing 95 local artists and thousands of pieces. Free entry gives access to live music performances, live painting classes, and an expansive Kid’s Art Zone. The show runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, centered at 701 S. Dearborn.

NFL Training Camp: Then & Now

John: In the early days, neither the money nor the facilities were as great as they are now. The players had off-season jobs to make ends meet. That’s why they had two-a-day practices at training camp.

By 2011 and the agreement in the lawsuit brought by his widow after the heatstroke death of Minnesota lineman Korey Stringer, 10 years earlier, the NFL did away with two-a-days.

This year, training camp opened in mid-July. The Hall of Fame Game between the Bears and the Houston Texans was August 1, and the first of three preseason weeks starts August 8.

Do you think the changes had more of a positive or a negative effect?

Russell: I think it’s positive now. Football is a very dangerous sport. Owners are concerned about their star

players getting hurt ahead of the season. That’s the main reason they cut back on practices.

Allen: I think it’s positive and I agree with Russell. We have to look out for the players because it is a hard game, a physical game. The training camp usually lasts two weeks and six hours a day. During that time, the veterans were earning $3,200 per week. They are talking about increasing the preseason to $3,500 for 2025 and 26.

John: There’s pros and cons. Back in the day you had to do six weeks of two-a-days. Granted, it might get you burned out, but it got you into football shape. But – is it really a safety issue? Because the NFL wants every team to go overseas at least once a year. You also have Thursday night games and turn around and play on Sundays.

As far as star players and safe-

ty, there’s been a lot of injuries due to noncontact, because your body is not accustomed to running the play or throwing the football. So even though it’s not six weeks like you did back in the old days and players keep themselves in shape during the offseason and know about hydration, I would do one or two weeks of two-a-days -- just enough to keep yourself in football shape, make sure the players can take a hit or make a cut without getting hurt.

Russell: I favor less preseason games, more healthy players.

Allen: The good thing about the training camp is, fans are allowed six tickets per training camp and at training camp, they usually have 90 players, including rookies and veterans. And – if you feel you are in shape and ready to go pro, you can try out at training camp. Another good thing, the water boys have to be at training camp, and they

earn $35,000 to $50,000 a year.

John: Another positive is, you have scrimmage games. Say Green Bay and New Orleans in Wisconsin, or Kansas CityMinnesota in Des Moines, Iowa. Also, like A. Allen said, they have more time to sign autographs. That is a fun scenario.

They could tweak it a bit, because we already have players who are physically fit now and have enough information about hydration and health issues. The main thing is to make sure the players are in shape, so that we have quality football at the start of the year instead of midway through the season.

Any comments, suggestions or topic ideas for the SportsWise team? Email StreetWise Editor Suzanne Hanney at suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com

Rashanah Baldwin

Vendors (l-r) Russell Adams, John Hagan Jr., and A. Allen chat about the world of sports.

Every day, La’Drissa Bonivel wakes up at 3 a.m. to prepare for a day’s work at ProFit, the fitness studio she owns and operates in Bronzeville. “I do cardio, I have my tea, have my few moments, do my social media, and we start at 5 a.m. most days at the studio.” She prides herself on her business model, which is centered on the individual needs of her clients. “[The studio] offers a very supportive environment where my clients are able to come in and work on their goals, whatever it is, and it’s all personalized, guided through myself and my staff.”

Black Businesses overcome obstacles

Bonivel has encountered plenty of difficulties on her journey. Several years ago, she faced unemployment when the gym she worked at was evicted by a larger gym taking over their space. “I had about 20 clients, and I had no space to train them anymore ... and I was like, you know what? I need to have the daily control so that being displaced isn’t an issue for us again.”

La'Drissa isn’t alone in her endeavors. Across the country, black-owned businesses are on the rise, recovering from the financial shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic to grow to new heights. According to a study by the local government of Washington, D.C., the number of businesses operated by people of color has risen 30% above pre-pandemic levels, with African American women leading the pack in new investments. The District of Columbia leads the nation in its percentage of black-owned businesses, though the number sits at only 28% of the region’s total. African Americans trail in business ownership on a national level, as well; research by the Pew Center indicates that only 3% of American firms with full-time employees are Black owned, making up 1% of total gross revenue, despite Black people making up 14% of the population.

This inequality faced by African American business owners is fed by several factors. In addition to the existing disadvantages posed on Black people by the historic conditions of the United States, Black business owners were greatly affected by the interruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Robert Fairlie, an economics professor at UCLA who specializes in research on minority-owned businesses, was among the first to sound the alarm on the impact of COVID on minority businesses. Fairlie found that, in April 2020, 41% of black-owned businesses in the United States shut down, compared to 17% of white-owned businesses. Using his research as a guideline, Congress implemented programs to support minority business owners, increasing funding for the Minority Business Development Agency and implementing the Paycheck Protection Program to assist entrepreneurs in paying their workers through the lockdown.

by Declan Canaday

La'Drissa Bonivel (Facebook photo).

The shock of the pandemic is only one of several obstacles faced by Black business owners on their path to success. The primary issue among these is the lack of starting investments, either from friends and family or outside investors.

“I find that small businesses care more about their clients and their customers versus the big-box environment... We open these businesses because this is a part of our passion, this is a part of our daily flow of what makes us tick. When you walk in and someone’s attentive to what your needs are and what your goals are, that makes you feel good, and it’s important.”

“The biggest constraint over all the research I’ve done and studies I’ve seen,” states Fairlie, “is financing, the ability to get capital, your ability to finance a startup, your ability to get it to the right scale.” Research performed by information company Crunchbase found that, in 2022, Black entrepreneurs received only 2% of overall funds from venture capital groups. Similarly, financing for Black businesses dropped by 45% that year, despite overall venture capital funding decreasing by only 36%. Funding for the founding and development of a company is essential to entrepreneurs; without a source of investment from family or outside groups, Black business owners are stranded in a limbo, unable to move forward with their goals. Bonivel has personally encountered this issue. “What I struggled with was finding businesses that would do business with a new small gym.” Unable to lease equipment, she was forced to purchase machines with what money was available, around one piece per month.

-La'Drissa Bonivel, owner, ProFit Studio

lack of mentorship. Business organizations reinforce the importance of mentors in their statements; such figures give not only initial financial support, but guidance and information on how to develop and expand enterprises. Without an economic predecessor or a guiding mentor, the process of starting a business can be difficult, if not impossible, to navigate.

With a combination of little funds, no mentors, and a lack of inheritance to build upon, Black entrepreneurs are weighed down from the start. Studies conducted by Fairlie show that black-owned businesses have lower profits, smaller sales, and higher rates of closure. Despite these setbacks, these enterprising people continue to move forward, aided by a variety of new programs on local, state, and federal levels. In the city of Chicago, the YWCA Metropolitan has developed the Breedlove Accelerator, a program dedicated to assisting women of color in their commercial pursuits. Named after the Black hair care entrepreneur, Madame C. J. Walker, the project offers class-based instructions, mentorship, and access to capital investments, seeking to build businesses and grow the communities in which they are placed.

Adding to a lack of capital, Black business owners are often unable to access the intergenerational wealth and inherited businesses that benefit other groups. Children of self-employed workers are two to three times as likely to be selfemployed as the children of non-self-employed workers; this cycle repeats itself across generations, leading to a vicious circle of unemployment. With a lack of self-employed parents due to economic disadvantages, Black entrepreneurs are less likely to have firms or funds passed down to them, stranding them in a position where self-employment is difficult to reach. These individuals often also struggle with a

On a state level, the Illinois Office of Minority Economic Empowerment provides one-on-one support, free online sessions, workshops, and opportunities for networking for minority groups. “Black-owned businesses are the key to our state’s economic success,” remarked Gov. J.B. Pritzker, “employing thousands of workers across the state and providing innovative, high-quality goods and services to millions. Through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois has invested more than $800 million in Black-owned businesses through our Back-to-Business and Business Interruption grant programs.”

ABOVE: The interior of La'Drissa's gym, ProFit Studio, 3700 S. Indiana Ave. (ProFit Studio photo). RIGHT: Denise Moore, CEO of the Black Business Alliance Peoria Chapter (courtesy photo). OPPOSITE PAGE: The Breedlove Entrepreneurship Center graduating class (YWCA Metropolitan Chicago photo).

The Biden administration has also made commitments to improving the fortunes of Black business owners. Focusing on assisting disadvantaged businesses through the "Investing in America" agenda, federal initiatives have poured billions of dollars into Black enterprises, leading to a doubling in the number of Black-owned businesses and historically low unemployment rates.

The growth of independent businesses boosts the economy on a national level, contributing billions of dollars to the economy, but the biggest impact is felt in the communities these entrepreneurs call home. By employing local residents in their businesses, Black entrepreneurs distribute their wealth throughout the neighborhood, sharing their growth with those around them. By spending at local businesses instead of corporate chains, consumers ensure that their money stays within their community, circulating to those around them and ultimately back to them.

Most of all, supporting local businesses provides an individual level of care not found with national chains. La’Drissa Bonivel prides herself on this point. “I find that small businesses care more about their clients and their customers versus the bigbox environment ... We open these businesses because this is a part of our passion, this is a part of our daily flow of what makes us tick. When you walk in and someone’s attentive to what your needs are and what your goals are, that makes you feel good, and it’s important.”

Black businesses are on the rise, and their importance in boosting individuals, communities, and the country is recognized more with each day. August is officially commemorated in Illinois as Black Business Month, an acknowledgement of the contributions of Black entrepreneurs to their towns, families, and neighbors. “Black Business Month is exciting because it gives us an opportunity to focus on a community that is far too often underrepresented when it comes to access to capital and opportunities to build wealth,” says Denise Moore, CEO of the Peoria chapter of the Black Business Alliance. “By celebrating the contributions of Black business owners and entrepreneurs in Illinois, we will not only pay homage to their legacy, but we will clearly acknowledge the important role that Black people in Illinois and across America play in our communities and our economy today."

Black-owned businesses are expanding and innovating across the nation, with opportunities constantly increasing for individual and communal success. As for La’Drissa Bonivel and the ProFit studio, plans for expansion sit on the horizon. La’Drissa is in the process of achieving minority certifications, as well as seeking out grants from local, state, and federal programs to support new locations. “You can put a gym in a community, but if you walk into the gym and you don’t know what to do, then it becomes a hang-out place. That’s where I want to pivot, so that when you walk in, you know what you’re doing.” For now, she keeps up her daily routine, getting up before dawn so she can provide the best service possible to her clients and her community.

A selection of Chicago area black-owned businesses

Food

14 Parish

Caribbean fusion restaurant and bar offering a wide selection of rum cocktails alongside traditional Caribbean meals.

1644 E. 53rd St.

Monday: Closed

Tuesday – Wednesday: 11am – 11pm

Thursday – Friday: 11am – 1am

Saturday 10am – 1 am

Sunday: 10am – 11pm (312) 291-8379

www.14parish.com

Ain’t She Sweet Cafe

A casual café offering smoothies, sandwiches, and house-made desserts.

526 E. 43rd St.

Mon – Fri: 10am – 6pm

Saturday - Sunday: Closed (773) 373-3530

9920 S. Western Ave.

Sunday – Monday: Closed

Tuesday – Saturday: 11am – 6pm (773) 840-3309

aintshesweetcafe.com

Andysunflower Cafe (open)

A café using locally sourced coffee beans to produce a variety of beverages. Located inside the Beverly location of Ain’t She Sweet Cafe. 9920 S. Western Ave.

Tuesday – Friday: 8am – 3pm

Saturday: 8am – 2pm

Sun – Mon: Closed

For Online Orders:

Tuesday – Friday: 8am – 2:30pm, Saturday: 8am – 1:30pm (312) 961-3171

www.andysunflowercafe.com

Bani’s Beets

Cold-pressed juicery specializing in supernutritious beets.

10305 S. Hale Ave.

Tuesday – Saturday: 8am – 12pm

Sunday – Monday: Closed (773) 599-9764

www.banisbeets.com

Basehit BBQ & Catering

Father- and son-owned barbecue spot known for its special ‘BASE’ sauce.

6606 W. North Ave.

Tuesday – Saturday: 11am – 8pm

Sunday – Monday: Closed (773) 417-7970

www.basehitbbq.com

Batter & Berries

Cheery breakfast and lunch spot with a variety of omelets, pancakes, and other dishes.

2748 N. Lincoln Ave.

Only open for delivery or pick-up through Uber Eats, GrubHub, or DoorDash

Friday – Monday: 8am – 3pm

Tuesday – Thursday: 9am – 2pm (773) 248-7710

batterandberries.com

Brown Sugar Bakery

Bakery with a variety of sweet treats, from custom cakes to fresh pies.

328 E. 75th St.

Sunday: Noon – 5pm

Monday: Closed

Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 6pm (773) 224-6262

www.brownsugarbakerychicago.com

Caribbean Jerk Palace

Restaurant offering Jamaican-style grilled meat and seafood.

3792 W. 79th St.

Monday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm

Sunday: Noon – 7pm (773) 498-9723

www.caribbeanjerkpalace.com

Chicago’s Home of Chicken and Waffles

Restaurant with a focus on chicken and waffles, plus a variety of other soul foods. 3947 S. King Drive/ 543 Madison St., Oak Park

Available for pickup and delivery

Sunday – Friday: 9am – 9pm Saturday: 9am – 10pm (773) 536-3300

www.chicagoschickenandwaffles.com

Cleo’s Southern Cuisine

Restaurant specializing in Southern comfort food. Home to the famous Creole-fried catfish! 4246 S. Cottage Grove Ave.

Friday – Saturday: 12 – 8pm Sunday: 12 – 6pm

Monday – Thursday: Closed (773) 633-2757

www.eatcleos.com

C&W Market and Ice Cream Parlor

1901 Church St., Evanston

Tuesday – Saturday: 11am – 8pm

Sunday: Noon – 7pm (847) 859-6260

www.cwmarketandicecreamparlor.com

Dan’s Soul Food and Cafe

2523 W. 79th St.

Monday – Sunday: 11am – 7:30pm (773) 737-6695

www.danschicagosbest.com

Dat Donut

Oversized donuts in a wide variety of flavors, plus breakfast goods and beverages.

8251 S. Cottage Grove Ave.

Monday –Saturday: 5:30am – 10pm

Sunday: 6:30am – 5pm (773) 723-1002

www.datdonut.com

Doughboy’s Chicago

Restaurant offering high-quality comfort food, along with the world-famous “Spaghedough ” 352 E. 71st St.

Thursday – Saturday: 11am – 8pm

Sunday: Noon – 6pm

Monday – Wednesday: Appointment only (872) 244-7592

www.doughboyschicago.com

Ethiopian Diamond

Authentic Ethiopian stew spot featuring weekly live music performances.

6120 N. Broadway

Available for takeout and delivery Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 9:30pm Friday – Satuday: 11am – 10pm (773) 338-6100 www.ethiopiandiamondrestaurants.com

Flammin Restaurant & Co

Restaurant offering a large range of soul food, from Italian to Mexican to burgers. 641 E. 75h St.

Available for takeout and delivery Tuesday – Thursday: 9am – 4pm Friday: 9am – 5pm Saturday: 9am – 3pm

Sunday – Monday: Closed (773) 675-8983 www.flamminrestaurant.com

Flippin Flavors

Sandwich and salad spot with a wide scale of mild and spicy flavors. 1848 W. 95th St.

Debit and credit card only. Only available for takeout.

Wednesday – Friday: 11am – 6pm Saturday: 11am – 4pm

Sunday – Tuesday: Closed (773) 253-2680 www.flippinflavors.com

Forty Acres Fresh Market

(5713 W. Chicago)

Produce shop delivering groceries to the West Side. Delivery service only, Chicago and Western suburbs along I-290 up to Westchester. (847) 497-5435 www.fortyacresfreshmarket.com

Frontier

Restaurant serving whole animals alongside oysters and tap brews.

1072 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Monday –Tuesday: Closed Wednesday – Thursday: 5 – 10pm

Friday: 4pm – Midnight

Saturday: – midnight

Sunday: noon – 4pm (773) 772-4322 www.thefrontierchicago.com

FruvEé xPress Juicery

Juicery offering healthy organic smoothies, açai bowls and juices.

1374 E. 53rd St.

Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm

Saturday: 9am – 4pm

Sunday: 10am – 4pm (773) 966-6700 www.fruvexpressjuicery.com

Garifuna Flava

Caribbean and Latin fare and a full bar in a cozy space.

2518 W. 63rd St.

Available for no-contact deliveries and curbside pickup

Wed, Thurs & Sun: Noon – 8pm

Friday & Saturday: Noon – 9pm

Monday & Tuesday: Closed (773) 776-7440

www.garifunaflava.net

Home of the Hoagy

Compact restaurant serving a wide variety of sandwiches.

1316 W. 111th St.

Available for takeout

Tuesday, Friday & Saturday: 11am– 8pm

Wednesday & Thursday: 11am – 7pm

Sunday & Monday: Closed (773) 238-7171

home-of-the-hoagy.weeblyte.com

Ina Mae

New Orleans-style seafood and chicken alongside live music performances. 1415 N. Wood St.

Monday: Closed

Tuesday – Thursday: 5 – 11pm

Friday: Noon – 2am

Saturday: 11am – 2am

Sunday: 11am – 10pm (773) 360-8320

www.inamaetavern.com

Ja Grill

Authentic Jamaican cuisine in a casual lounge space with DJ performances.

1510 E. Harper Ct.

Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 9pm

Friday & Saturday: 11am – 10pm (773) 752-5375

www.jagrill.com

Jerk Taco Man

Charcoal-grilled Jamaican jerks and other specialties derived from family recipes.

7723 S. State St.

Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 9pm

Friday & Saturday: 11am – Midnight (312) 709-8281

www.jerktacoman.com

Jerk Villa Bar & Grill

Low-key Jamaican chicken and seafood. 2216 S. Michigan Ave.

Available for delivery and takeout

Tuesday – Thursday: Noon – 9:50pm

Friday & Saturday: Noon – 12:45am

Sunday: 2 – 11:45pm

Monday: Closed (312) 225-0983

www.jerkvillachicken.com

Josephine’s Southern Cooking

All-day soul food, cocktails and Sunday brunch.

436 E. 79th St.

Available for delivery and takeout

Tuesday – Sunday: 9am – 6pm

Monday: Closed (773) 487-2900

www.josephinescooking.net

Just Turkey Grill

Turkey-based spot serving turkey burgers, barbecue, and ‘ribs’.

4353 S. Cottage Grove

Available for delivery and takeout

Monday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm Sunday: Closed (773) 924-0000 justturkeygrill.com

Kizin Creole

Traditional Haitian meals in a straightforward dining room.

2311 W. Howard St.

Available for no-contact delivery, takeout and curbside pickup

Monday & Tuesday: Closed Wednesday – Friday: 4 – 9pm Saturday & Sunday: 1 – 9pm

Subject to change, call to verify. (773) 961-7275 www.kizincreole.com

Lem’s Bar-B-Q

Late-night barbecue and ribs spot with food to go.

311 E. 75th St.

Available for takeout

Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday & Monday: Noon – 10pm

Friday & Saturday: Noon – 11pm

Tuesday: Closed (773) 994-2428

lemsque.com

Let’s Get Poppin, Inc.

Family-owned popcorn spot offering tins of unique flavors.

11758 S. Western Ave.

Monday – Saturday: 11am – 7pm

Sunday: Closed (773) 779-6132 letsgetpoppin.com

Lexington Betty Smokehouse

Smokehouse offering meat by the pound, along with wagyu dogs and a mixture of soul food.

756 E. 111th St.

Available for delivery, takeout and curbside pickup

Tuesday – Saturday: 11am – 7pm

Sunday: Noon – 6pm

Monday: Closed (708) 927-5614

lexingtonbetty. com

LiteHouse Whole Food Grill

Health-focused spot focusing on organic and vegetarian options. Check sundown hours.

1368 E. 53rd St.

Monday – Thursday: 11am – 10pm

Friday: 11am – 4:30pm

Saturday: 5pm – Midnight

Sunday: Noon – 10pm (773) 633-2587

litehousewholefoodgrill.com

Live and Believe Nutrition (LAB)

A smoothie and juice bar.

2025 W. 95th St.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 7am – 2pm, 6 – 8pm

Wednesday & Friday: 7am – 2pm

Saturday: 9am – 2pm

Sunday: Closed (312) 894-9589

liveandbelievewellness.com

Luella’s Southern Kitchen

Classic Southern fare with a modern twist.

4609 N. Lincoln Ave.

Monday & Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday – Friday: 5 – 9pm

Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 3pm, 5 – 9pm (773) 961-8196

luellassouthernkitchen.com

Mabe’s Sandwich Shop

Sandwich shop with a range of soups and salads.

312 E. 75th St.

Monday – Thursday: 9am – 4pm

Friday: 10am – 5pm

Saturday & Sunday: Closed (773) 891-1798

mabesss.com

Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine

Spot focusing on vegan and other plantbased options.

7167 S. Exchange Ave.

Monday: Closed

Tuesday – Friday: Noon – 6pm

Saturday: Noon – 7pm

Sunday: 11am – 4pm (773) 359-4019 majani.biz

M Lounge

Live jazz lounge offering martinis and other beverages.

1520 S. Wabash Ave.

Thursday: 6pm – Midnight

Friday: 6pm – 2am

Saturday: 7pm – 2am

Sunday – Wednesday: Closed (312) 447-0201

www.mloungechicago.com

Momentum Coffee

Premium coffee, lunch, catering, and coworking.

2119 S. State St.

Monday–Thursday: 7am-2pm

Friday: 7am–2pm

Saturday: 8am–Noon

Sunday: Closed

11 N. Michigan Ave.

10am–5pm daily

2644 W. Ogden

Monday–Friday: 7am-2pm

Saturday & Sunday:Closed

5100 W. Harrison St.

Monday–Friday: 8am - 2:30pm

Saturday & Sunday: Closed 1122 W. 63rd St.

Monday–Friday: 8am–Noon

Saturday & Sunday: Closed

300 N. Central Park Ave.

Wednesday–Sunday: 10am-3pm

Monday & Tuesday: Closed

Soul Veg City

Vegan and vegetarian soul food with a juice bar.

203 E. 75th St.

Monday – Friday: 11am – 6pm

Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 6pm (773) 224-0104

www.soulvegcity.com

Pearl’s Place

Southern-style soul food in an elegant space. 3901 S. Michigan Ave.

Monday – Sunday: 8am – 7pm (773) 285-1700 pearlsplacerestaurant.com

Shawn Michelle’s

Homemade Ice Cream

Signature handmade ice cream and brownies with high-quality ingredients.

46 E. 47th St.

Monday – Saturday: 12:30 – 8:30pm

Sunday: 1 – 6pm

Sip and Savor

Fair Trade certified coffee offered with pastries, tea, and other treats.

5301 S. Hyde Park Blvd.

Monday - Saturday: 7am-6pm

Sunday: 7am-4pm

528 E. 43rd St.

Monday-Sunday 7am-6pm

Sunday:7-4pm

78 E. 47th St.

Monday-Sunday: 7am-3pm

Sunday: 7am-1pm

31 E. Roosevelt

Monday-Friday 6am-6pm

Saturday: 7am-6pm

Sunday:7am-4pm

1070 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.

Monday-Friday: 6am-6pm

Saturday:7am-6pm

Sunday: 7am-4pm sipandsavorchicago.com

Thee Beauty Bar

Cocktail bar showcasing live music and entertainment from local artists.

810 E. 43rd St.

Friday & Saturday: 7pm – 1am

Sunday – Thursday: Closed (612) 322-2435

theebeautybarchicago.com

Soule

Creole-inspired food by reservation only. 3615 W. Roosevelt Rd.

Tuesday – Sunday: 2 – 9pm

Monday: Closed (773) 696-9485 soulechicago.com

Surf’s Up South Shore

Lively seafood spot known for Hennessy wings and shrimp.

2236 E. 71st St.

Available for delivery and takeout

Sunday & Monday: Closed

Tuesday – Saturday: 11am – 8pm (773) 891-5544

Sweet Maple Cafe

Country-style meals with all-day breakfast and lunch options.

1339 W. Taylor St.

Available for takeout

Wednesday – Sunday: 7am – 1:30pm

Monday & Tuesday: Closed (312) 243-8908 sweetmaplecafechicago.com

Taste 222

Stylish "New American" cuisine with a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

222 N. Canal St.

Monday – Friday: 11am – 7pm

Saturday & Sunday: Closed (312) 383-6620 taste222chicago.com

TeaPotBrew Bakery

Drinks and pastries baked daily.

1802 S. Wabash Ave.

Monday – Thursday: 7:30am – 2pm; Friday: 7:30am - 3pm Saturday & Sunday: 8am – 3pm

The Slab Bar-B-Que

Family-owned spot with a signature sauce.

1918 E. 71st St.

Monday – Friday: 11am – 9pm

Saturday: 11am – 11pm

Sunday: 11am – 7pm (773) 966-5018 slabbbq.com

The Woodlawn

Combination restaurant, internet cafe, commercial kitchen, and event space with various resources for the local community.

1200 E. 79th St.

Tuesday – Thursday: 3 – 10pm

Friday & Saturday: 11am – 11pm

Sunday: 12:30 – 6pm

Monday: Closed (708) 986-3008 thewoodlawn1200.com

Truth Restaurant

Relaxed Italian spot.

56 E. Pershing Rd.

Monday – Wednesday: 8am – 3pm

Thursday & Friday: 8am – 11pm

Saturday & Sunday: 8am – 5pm (312) 715-8796 truthitalian.com

Turkey Chop Gourmet Grill

Turkey-oriented grill serving Mexican, Italian, Asian and Southern dishes.

3506 W. Chicago Ave.

Tuesday – Saturday: 11am – 7pm

Sunday & Monday: Closed (773) 384-2500 turkeychop.com

Two Fish Crab Shack

Beach-themed space providing custom seafood boils and fried fish.

641 E. 47th St.

– Friday: 3 – 10pm

Saturday: 1 – 10pm

Sunday: 1 – 6pm

Monday: Closed (773) 855-8845 twofishcrabshack.com

Vee-Vee’s African Restaurant

Genuine West African dishes served dine-in or to go. 6232 N. Broadway

Monday – Saturday: 2 – 10pm

Sunday: 1 – 9pm (773) 465-2424 veeveesafricantogo.com

Services

The Amber Inn

3901 S. Michigan Ave.

Open 24/7 (773) 285-1000

Beautiful Sisters Nail Spa

6722 S. Stony Island Ave.

Monday – Thursday: 10:30am – 7pm

Friday & Saturday: 10:30am – 8pm Closed Sundays (773) 359-4174 www.sisterspas.com

Black Box Creative

Marketing service specializing in web design and digital promotion for businesses.

432 E. 46th Place #2 (312) 775-2269 blackboxcreative.com

Chatto Skin & Hair Care

2023 W. Carroll Ave. By appointment. (312) 640-0003 chatto.com

Christmas in the Wards

Charity organization providing support to families in marginalized neighborhoods for the holiday season.

1030 E. 87th St. (773) 734-1600 www.christmasinthewards.com

Creative Genius Law

Legal service providing services for creative industries: arts, entertainment, and media.

171 N. Aberdeen, Suite 400 (312) 528-9259 creativegeniuslaw.com

Crystal-Eyez

Makeup and Beauty

Lounge

1933 S. Archer Ave.

Tuesday – Friday: 10am– 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday & Monday: by request (312) 465-2639 crystal-eyez.com

DeskFlex

Hoteling and scheduling.

55 E. Jackson Blvd., Suite #1005 (847) 359-3990 www.deskflex. com

Doc Able’s Auto Clinic

936 Chicago Ave., Evanston

Monday – Friday: 8am – 6pm Saturday: 9am – 2pm Sunday: Closed (847) 475-3600 docable.com

Donna’s Loving Doggy Palace, Inc.

336 E. 103rd St. (773) 366-3393 facebook.com/donnaslovingdoggypalaceinc/

Gone Again Travel & Tours

Travel agency focused on affordable family trips and connecting with African heritage. 4952 W. Chicago Ave. (773) 417-8808 www.goneagaintravel.com

Hyde Park Hair Salon

5234 S. Blackstone Ave. Monday – Sunday: 9am – 7pm (773) 493-6028 hydeparkhairsalon.biz

Knight, Morris and Reddick Law Group

Boutique law firm for residential and commercial real estate transactions.

333 S. Wabash Ave., Unit 2700 (312) 574-0181 kmrlawgroup.com

Le Flair Hair Lounge

Popular salon run by internationally renowned hairstylist Ashley “Fushia Le’Flair” Peters.

1S132 Summit Ave. #301a, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Tuesday – Saturday: 7am – 7pm

Monday: Subject to availability. (312) 857-5495 leflairhair.com

Mohall Commercial and Urban Development

1 N. Orleans St., #9000n

Monday – Saturday: 9am – 6pm Sunday: Closed (312) 826-9925 mohallcommercialud.com

Neat Cleaning Services

7609 W. Irving Park Rd. (773) 622-8127 neatcleaning@yahoo.com

Nwar Studios, Inc.

LGBTQ-friendly salon offering waxing, facials, and lash extensions for all who come. 5204 N. Damen Ave.

Wednesday – Friday, Monday: 11am - 7pm Saturday, Sunday & Tuesday: Closed (312) 929-8379 nwarstudiosinc.com

Official Anais Consulting PR Firm (708) 320-6815 www.vauveanais.com

Patrice’s Picture of Beauty Hair Salon

306 E. 75th St.

Thursday & Friday: 9am – 6:30pm Saturday: 8am – 4:30pm

Sunday – Wednesday: Closed (773) 723-0500 pictureofbeauty.net

ProFit Studio

Fitness Training

3700 S. Indiana Ave. (773)217-0662 profitstudiochicago.com

Chicago Defender

Historic online African-American newspaper focusing on local and national news. (312) 225-2400 chicagodefender.com

Retail

Absolutely Anything Essential

Health, wellness and home decor shop with classes on making your own products.

3521 S. King Drive

Friday: 3 – 6pm

Saturday: Noon – 4pm

Sunday: Noon – 6pm

Monday – Thursday: Closed (312) 238-9447

www.absolutelyanythingessential. com

Bon Bon Vie

Custom clothing, totes, mugs, and more by Black artists and designers. (312) 342-4611

bonbonvieshop@gmail.com wearbonbonvie.com

GoGoVie

Premium baby carriers. Monday – Friday: 9am – 7pm (833) 464-6843 gogovie.com

Jordan’s Beauty Supply

1911 E. 79th St.

Wednesday – Friday: 10am – 5pm

Tuesday & Saturday: 10am – 3pm

Sunday & Monday: Closed (773) 734-6268 jordansbeautysupply.com

Kido

Kids’ clothing and toy store. 1137 S. Delano Ct. , Floor 1 Monday – Saturday: 10am – 6pm Sunday: Noon – 5pm (312) 285-2957 kidochicago. com

Luster Products Inc

Hair products. 1104 W. 43rd St.

Monday – Friday: 8am – 4:30pm

Saturday & Sunday: Closed (773) 579-1800 www.lusterproducts.com

My Girlfriendz Party Rentals

Company offering event rentals from Port-aPotties to balloons.

404 Gainsborough Ct., Bolingbrook

Tuesday – Friday: 5am – 11:30pm Saturday: 6am – 11:30pm Sunday & Monday: 5am – Midnight (630) 216-9515 mygirlfriendzpartyrentals.com

Solo Beauty Supply

8158 S. Cottage Grove Ave.

Monday – Saturday: 12 – 7pm Sunday: Closed (872) 888-7962 solobeautysupply.com

SilverRoom

Jewelry boutique that hosts art shows and musical parties. 1506 E. 53rd St.

Monday – Friday: 11am – 8pm Saturday: 10am – 8pm Sunday: 10am – 6pm (773) 947-0024 thesilverroom.com

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