Category: Uncategorized
CHICAGO — I’ve been covering Chicago’s vibrant Black-owned business scene for years, but few stories are as sweet—and as inspiring—as that of Iesha Williams, the force behind Amaze Cakes on the South Side. Iesha opened her bakery in 2015 at 5020 S. Ashland Ave., and quickly earned acclaim. As Fox 32 Chicago noted during a 2023 segment, “Now […]
As far back as middle school, I remember catching whiffs of smoky barbecue wafting from a little takeout joint near 64th and Stony Island as I waited for the 27 South Deering bus to take me to 78th and Exchange. I didn’t have much money, but hunger and curiosity pulled me in. For just a […]
After nearly a decade of serving up Southern staples in Lincoln Square, Luella’s Southern Kitchen has officially closed its North Side doors, marking the end of a beloved chapter in Chicago’s Black‑owned restaurant scene. Chef and owner Darnell Reed, known for honoring his great‑grandmother Luella’s Mississippi recipes, announced earlier this year that he would not […]
By Toure Muhammad Mayor Brandon Johnson’s recent move to eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers and gradually bring tipped wage earners to full minimum wage by 2028 marks a powerful shift—with profound meaning for Black-owned businesses and the Black workforce in Chicago. While critics caution of restaurant closures and job losses, the truth is […]
Springfield, IL – Black farmers in Illinois are facing a major financial blow as federal funding cuts strip millions from programs designed to support small and socially disadvantaged farmers. Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) Director Jerry Costello II testified before the General Assembly’s House Agriculture & Conservation Committee, warning that the cuts will make it harder […]
Online applications open February 10 through March 3; participants receive business support, operational space and personalized coaching Chicago, IL– Boxville®, Chicago’s first shipping container marketplace and small business incubator, is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2025 “Step Up Your Start-Up” Pitch Competition. This initiative is designed to empower local entrepreneurs by providing business development support, […]
Boxville® and The Forum gear up to share “The Best of Build Bronzeville” during city-wide festival [CHICAGO] – For the 5th year, Urban Juncture is excited to represent Bronzeville as a multi-site partner for Open House Chicago (OHC), the highly-anticipated annual festival presented by the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC). On Saturday, October 19, and Sunday, […]
Chicago, a city renowned for its diverse culinary landscape, offers a sweet surprise at every corner with its array of delectable bakeries and dessert shops. Among these are a multitude of Black-owned establishments that stand out not only for their mouth-watering treats but also for their rich cultural heritage and unique flavors. From traditional pastries […]
Chicago, known for its rich cultural diversity and culinary scene, is home to a vibrant array of Black-owned vegan and vegetarian restaurants. These eateries not only offer delicious and healthy plant-based meals but also serve as vital pillars of their communities, promoting wellness and sustainability. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, a vegetarian, or someone curious […]
Bronzeville, a vibrant and historic neighborhood in Chicago, is not only a hub of cultural significance but also a treasure trove of diverse culinary experiences. This blog post is dedicated to showcasing the rich tapestry of Black-owned restaurants in Bronzeville, where each eatery tells a story through its unique flavors and warm hospitality. From soul […]