CHICAGO TONIGHT: BLACK VOICES IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY FIFTH THIRD BANK AND BY THE SUPPORT OF THESE DONORS.

>> [MUSIC] >> Host: GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO CHICAGO TONIGHT: BLACK VOICES.

I AM BRANDIS FRIEDMAN AND THANK YOU FOR SHARING PART OF YOUR WEEKEND WITH US.

ON THE SHOW TONIGHT, ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF DOCTOR MARTIN LUTHER KING IN CHICAGO NORTH LAWNDALE NEIGHBORHOOD WE VISIT THE WORK HE DID TO END SLUM CONDITIONS AND COMBAT IS CRIMINALLY HOUSING PRACTICES.

>>> THE BLACK CAUCUS TAPPED IT'S CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.

ANGEL IDOWU THE LEGALLY AMANDA BENEKE GIVES US A RUNDOWN ON A SWEEPING WEEK IN SPRINGFIELD.

>> I AM NOT TO BE A DAUGHTER OF AN IMMIGRANT AND THAT AMERICAN STORY.

>> Host: AND, CHICAGO POET LESLE HONORE ON HOW SHE CELEBRATED VICE PRESIDENT ELECT KAMALA HARRIS IS WIND.

MAC TO START US OFF TONIGHT, DOCTOR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., HIS WIFE CARETTA AND THEIR FOUR CHILDREN IT INTO A WESTSIDE TOURNAMENT AND SET TO WORK ADDRESSING A MAJOR FACET IN HIS LIFE LONG BATTLE AGAINST POVERTY.

WHILE THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

THERE IS A LOOK BACK AT HIS TIME IN CHICAGO'S NEIGHBORHOOD.

WHEN REVEREND MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

CAME TO LONGTAIL 50 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH HIS MISSION WAS TO BRING AN END TO DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICES THAT MADE MANY BLACK CHICAGOANS TO LIVE IN TERRIBLE CONDITIONS.

NEXT WE HAVE NOW PROWESS WITH COMING TO CHICAGO WITH GREAT IN EAGER ANTICIPATION.

>> UPON HIS ARRIVAL 3 IS CIVIL RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS SEES THESE THREE FLATS WHERE TENANTS WERE LIVING WITH NO HEAT, ELECTRICITY OR HOT WATER.

KING AND THE OTHER BUILDING TENANTS WORK TOGETHER TO FIX UP THE BUILDING.

KING'S VISION FOR CHICAGO WENT FAR BEYOND FIXING UP DILAPIDATED HOUSING.

IN A 1957 SPEECH HE SAID, " IF THERE IS TO BE GENERAL EQUALITY THERE MUST BE RADICAL DISTRIBUTION OF ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL POWER IN THE.

50 YEARS LATER THE REDISTRIBUTION THAT KING HAD HOPED FOR HAS YET TO REACH LONGTAIL.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD WAS STRUGGLING WITH POVERTY WHEN KING LIVED HERE, 16TH STREET WAS LINED WITH SHOPS AND APARTMENT BUILDINGS.

TODAY, VACANT LOTS DOMINATE 16TH STREET AND AFFORDABLE ALL OF THE HOUSING IS STILL IN SHORT SUPPLY.

>>> HE WAS ASSASSINATED IN 1968, KING WAS PREPARING TO LAUNCH THE POOR PEOPLE'S CAMPAIGN, HIS MOVEMENT FOR ECONOMIC JUSTICE ONE OF THE PILLARS FOR THAT CAMPAIGN REFLECTED HIS WORK IN LONGTAIL, THE FIGHT TO SECURE FAIR HOUSING WHICH HE SAW AS CRUCIAL TO ENABLING FAMILIES TO LIFT THEMSELVES OUT OF POVERTY.

JOINING US TO TALK ABOUT HOW FAIR HOUSING AND POVERTY INTERSECT ARE WILONDA CANNON SENIOR FOR BREAKTHROUGH MINISTRIES A FAITH-BASED GROUP ON CHICAGO'S WEST SIDE AND RICHARD TOWNSELL, FROM LAWNDALE CHRISTIAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION CARED WELCOME TO CHICAGO TONIGHT: BLACK VOICES.

WILONDA CANNON LET'S START WITH YOU PLEASE HOW DOES AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND HOUSING ASSISTANCE HELP PEOPLE ACHIEVE FINANCIAL STABILITY?

BE TOO THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

THERE ARE A COUPLE OF THINGS WHEN IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT GETTING PEOPLE HOUSED AND MAKING SURE THAT THEY ARE SAFE, RIGHT?

IT IS ABOUT GIVING G THEM QUALITY HOUSING.

WHEN A PERSON IS HOUSED THEY ARE SAFE, ABLE TO LIVE IN A WAY THAT IS HONORABLE TO THEM AND THAT IMPACTS THEIR EMPLOYMENT AND THEIR ABILITY TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN EMPLOYMENT BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT WHERE THEY'RE GOING TO SLEEP WHERE THEY'RE GOING TO EAT THEIR FOOD THAT IMPACTS THEIR HEALTH AND EVERYTHING IN THERE LIVES.

HAVING HOUSING IS ONE THING THAT AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.

>> Host: YOU MENTIONED ONE OF THEM BUT WHAT IS A POSITIVE RIPPLE EFFECT WITH HAVING THAT KIND OF STABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING?

>> Guest: I HAVE A VERY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THIS.

THERE WAS A PERSON THAT I KNOW WHO WAS GOING TO SCHOOL AND HAD EMPLOYMENT BUT SHE WAS COUCH SURFING WHICH IS SHE DIDN'T MAKE ENOUGH TO LIVE ON HER OWN SO SHE HAD TO LIVE WITH ONE OF HER RELATIVES.

THE RELATIVE COULD NO LONGER ALLOW HER TO SLEEP ON THEIR COUCH.

SHE HAD TO MOVE HER NOTES INTO A STORAGE SHED AND EVERY DAY GO TO THE STORAGE, CHANGE OR CLOTHES AND GO TO SCHOOL AND GO TO HER EMPLOYER.

AS THE EMPLOYER THAT WAS WHERE SHE WOULD SLEEP, WASH UP OR THINGS LIKE THAT.

WHEN THEY FOUND OUT SHE WAS DOING THAT SHE LOST HER JOB.

THIS IS HOW THAT IMPACTS A PERSON'S LIFE.

IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT HOUSING IN THE WAY THAT WE THINK BUT WHEN YOU HAVE A HOUSE YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT WHERE YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE A SHOWER OR FIGURE OUT WHERE YOU'RE GOING TO SLEEP EVERY NIGHT.

THAT VERY SIMPLE THING THAT MANY OF US TAKE FOR GRANTED SOMETHING THAT IS MAJOR AND CAUSED HER TO LOSE HER JOB SIMPLY BECAUSE SHE DID NOT HAVE A LEASE TO REGULARLY REST EVERY NIGHT.

>> Host: WITH LAWNDALE CHRISTIAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, YOU OFTEN HELP ESPECIALLY WITH THE DOCTOR KING LEGACY HOUSING AND THEY STAND ON THE SITE OF THE BUILDING WHERE DOCTOR KING LIVED.

CAN THIS MODEL BE REPLICATED IN OTHER PARTS OF THE CITY?

>> Guest: IT HAS BEEN REPLICATED.

IT HAS BEEN ROBUST WORK IN COMMUNITIES ON THE SOUTH SIDE.

THERE IS A BUSTLING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MOVEMENT IN CHICAGO AND GROUPS LIKE THIS HAVE BEEN DOING IT FOR 50 YEARS.

IT CAN BE REPLICATED, IT HAS BEEN REPLICATED AND WE HAVE LEARNED FROM OTHERS AS WELL IN THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FIELD.

>> Host: IN YOU SAY IT CAN BE REPLICATED AND HAS BEEN REPLICATED WHAT MORE DO CITY GOVERNMENT NEED TO DO TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING?>> Guest: THE ISSUE STARTS AT THE PRIORITY LEVEL.

HUD HAS NOT GIVEN IT.

THE SAME WAY THAT CHICAGO GOES AFTER TRANSPORTATION EVERY YEAR THE DELEGATION DOES A GREAT JOB WITH GETTING TRANSPORTATION DOLLARS, THEY HAVE TO DO THE SAME THING AROUND AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

THERE IS A SHORT SUPPLY OF IT FOR EVERY PERSON THAT WINS AN AWARD WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING TO DO A DEVELOPMENT LIKE THE MARTIN LUTHER KING APARTMENTS THERE ARE PROBABLY 10 OR 15 THAT DIDN'T GET IT.

WE NEED RESOURCES TO BE ABLE TO DO THIS WORK IN ADDITION ONE OF THE THINGS WE ARE WORKING ON WITH THE CITY IS WE HAVE A 1000 HOMES CAMPAIGN.

THE SHIRT I HAVE COST $1 AT THE HOUSING ASSOCIATION.

OUR GOAL IS TO BUILD 1000 HOMES ON THE SOUTH AND WEST SIDE FOR FAMILIES AND WE WANT THE CITY TO REALIZE THE FIRST 150 HOMES IN THE AREA.

WILONDA CANNON HAS BEEN KEY TO HELP US TRAIN AND DEVELOP NEW HOMEOWNERS THAT WILL OWN THOSE HOMES.

THE CITY CAN PLAY IT'S PART IN WE HAVE TO PLAY OUR PART AS WELL.

>> Host: WILONDA CANNON WE KNOW YOU ARE A REAL ESTATE AGENT BUT WHAT HELP IS OUT THERE PEOPLE WHO WANT TO HELP HOMES IN CITIES LIKE LONGTAIL?

>> Guest: THAT IS A GOOD QUESTION.

THERE'S QUITE A FEW THINGS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW.

THERE IS DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE AND THAT LOOKS DIFFERENT IN EVERY COMMUNITY ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL, STATE-LEVEL AND LOCALLY THERE'S DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE.

LEADERS ARE STEPPING UP AND MORE RECENTLY SOMETHING WAS RELEASED I WANT TO SAY IN THE LAST 30 DAYS THAT THERE IS ASSISTANCE THAT IS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE STUDENT LOANS THAT CAN BE FORGIVEN.

ALSO, THEY CAN PROVIDE TIPS FOR FORGIVABLE LOANS IF YOU HAVE ANY PROJECTS OR HOMES AS WELL.

THERE'S A LOT THAT IS AVAILABLE.

ONE THING I WOULD ENCOURAGE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR THAT IS TO GET CONNECTED WITH THE NORTH LAWNDALE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION OR FIND WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY.

FIND A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL OR LENDER AND MAKE SURE THEY'RE EDUCATING YOU ABOUT WHAT RESOURCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE.

BECAUSE, THERE ARE SOME AND SOMETIMES THE FUNDING RUNS OUT AND WE NEED MORE BUT WHEN IT'S AVAILABLE THERE'S SOME REALLY AMAZING PROGRAMS THAT PEOPLE CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF.

>> Host: WILONDA CANNON, STICKING WITH YOU FOR 2ND YOUR FAMILY HAS LIVED HERE FOR GENERATIONS WHAT MAKES YOU OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE?

>> Guest: THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE LONGTAIL FOR ME.

MY FAMILY HAS BEEN HERE FOR 6 GENERATIONS.

MY SON GOES TO NORTH LAWNDALE COLLEGE PREP AND I AM A BOARD MEMBER THERE.WE WANT TO SHOW THAT GREAT THINGS COME OUT OF NORTH LAWNDALE.

WE HAVE SOME GREAT PEOPLE IN THE COMMITTEE THE PARKS ARE BEAUTIFUL THE LANDSCAPE IS BEAUTIFUL IN THE COMMUNITY AND PEOPLE EVEN IN THE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION THE COMMUNITY, PEOPLE AND NEIGHBORS, THERE'S NOTHING LIKE WHAT YOU EXPERIENCE HERE IN NORTH LAWNDALE.

I'M VERY PROUD TO BE FROM NORTH LAWNDALE.

>> Host: ABSOLUTELY.

AND, RICHARD TOWNSELL, WHAT DO YOU THINK PEOPLE FEEL ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND WHERE ARE THE BARRIERS TO ACHIEVE IT?

>> Guest: IN THE 50S AND 60S WHEN MOST PEOPLE ARE MOVING TO NORTH LAWNDALE, MIGHT FAMILY MOVED FROM TENNESSEE OTHERS MOVED FROM MISSISSIPPI FROM THE SHARECROPPING LIFE TO THE BIG CITY TO WORK AT SEARS AND WESTERN ELECTRIC, MANY THOSE COMPANIES ARE GONE.

THOSE JOBS THAT WERE HERE WHEN PEOPLE TO THE GREAT MIGRATION ARE GONE AND THAT IMPACT IS IT.

I ALSO THINK WHEN FOLKS FIRST MOVED HERE MANY PEOPLE COULD NOT BUY HOMES THEY COULD ONLY BUY HOMES ON CONTRACT SO BECAUSE OF THE WORK WITH THE MONSIGNOR AND CONTRACT BUYERS LEAD, NOW PEOPLE CAN GET MORTGAGES IN PLACES LIKE NORTH LAWNDALE BUT FOR MANY YEARS IN THE 50S AND 60S WE COULDN'T AND WE WERE DENIED OPPORTUNITIES FOR WEALTH AND THAT WAS A BIG REASON AND CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM TODAY AS FAR AS APPRAISAL GAPS AND THINGS.

WE DID A PIECE ON LENDING ACTIVITIES IN CHICAGOLAND AND HOW ONE COMMUNITY ON THE NORTH SIDE DID MORE LENDING THAN EVERY COMMUNITY ON THE SOUTH AND WEST SIDE WHERE AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND LATINOS ARE COMBINED.

>> Host: SORRY TO JUMP IN I THINK CHASE SAID THEY ARE GOING TO TRY TO DO MORE IN REGARDS TO LENDING.WITH JUST A FEW SECONDS LEFT IT IS CLEAR THAT MARTIN LUTHER KING'S TIME IN LAWNDALE STILL RESONATES TODAY.

WHAT ARE YOU HEARING ABOUT RESIDENCE AND WHAT IT MEANS TO LIVE IN THESE APARTMENTS?

>> Guest: THEY LOVE LIVING THERE.

IT IS BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE AND IT'S WELL-DESIGNED ARCHITECTURALLY.

WERE GOING TO BRING A NEW RESTAURANT IN THERE, THE TURKEY CHOP AND WENT IN LOVE IF YOU KNOW WHO HE IS IS AN AMAZING CHEF.

WE HAVE A CULTURAL CENTER THERE AND THERE'S A LOT GOING ON IN LAWNDALE.

>> Host: IS SOUNDS DELICIOUS.

MY THANKS TO WILONDA CANNON AND RICHARD TOWNSELL FOR JOINING US.

>> Guest: THANK YOU.

IT.

>> Host: BE SURE TO JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT AT 7:00 FOR A WTTW SPECIAL FOCUSING ON POVERTY IN AND AROUND CHICAGO PART OF A DEBUT OF WTTW FIRSTHAND LIVING IN POVERTY A MULTIPLATFORM INITIATIVE EXPLORING INTERGENERATIONAL POVERTY IN A DOCUMENT A SERIES REPORTED STORIES, EXPERT TALK AND COMMUNITY DISCUSSIONS.

>>> AS CHICAGO IN THE NATION SAW THE STREETS ERUPTED IN PROTEST AGAINST RACISM AND POLICE BRUTALITY IN THE WAKE OF GEORGE BOYS KILLING ILLINOIS BLACK LEGISLATORS PROMISED THE STATE WOULD TAKE ACTION.

THEY FOLLOW THROUGH ON THE PROMISE THIS PAST WEEK WHEN LEGISLATORS APPROVED A PACKAGE OF MEASURES AIMED AT ELIMINATING SYSTEMIC RACISM.

PERHAPS THE MOST SWEEPING MEASURE DEAL OF POLICING AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE.

AMANDA BENEKE HAS BEEN THERE ALL WEEK AND SHE JOINS US.

>> THIS HAS BEEN A HUGE WEEK.

THE BLACK CAUCUS WAS FORMED AND IT WAS SUCH A BIG WEEK IN FORM WITH THE COLLECTION OF BILLS THAT YOU MENTIONED BUT ALSO THE CAUCUS HAS IT'S FIRST BACK SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE IMMANUEL WELSH 'S WIFE AND CHILDREN CAME TO SPRINGFIELD TO CELEBRATE HIS FIRST DAY ON THE JOB.

LIKE MY SON, TYLER, WELCOME TYLER.

[APPLAUSE] I WAS TOLD THAT SHE WANTED TO INTRODUCE HERSELF SO HOLD ON ONE SECOND.

>> MARLEY.

[LAUGHTER] >> THE BIG REASON IT OF THE BLACK CAUCUS SUCCESS IS GETTING THROUGH MAJOR BILLS OF LEGISLATION.

>> WE ARE FUNDAMENTALLY CHANGING THE WAY WE DO CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN THIS STATE.

WE ARE FUNDAMENTALLY CHANGING THE WAY THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE COMMUNITY INTERACTS.

WE ARE FUNDAMENTALLY CHANGING THIS.

YOU ARE RIGHT.

MY GOOD FRIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT THIS IS A COMPLEX PIECE OF LEGISLATION IT IS BOLD AND TRANSFORMATIONAL.

IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE.

>> Host: FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES AMANDA WHAT EXACTLY DOES THIS MEASURE DEAL?

>> AS HE INDICATED TRANSFORMATIONAL, COMPLEX, IT WOULD BE EASIER TO TELL YOU WHAT IT DOESN'T DO.

AMONG THE CHANGES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT ARE BANNING POLICE FROM USING CHOKE HOLDS.

IT PROHIBITS THE USE OF MILITARY GRADE EQUIPMENT FOR CROWD CONTROL PURPOSES.

IT SETS A PATH FOR POLICE TO LOSE THEIR CERTIFICATION IF THEY DO WRONG AND IT REQUIRES ALL POLICE STATEWIDE HAVE TO WEAR BODY CAMERAS BY THE YEAR 2025.

>> Host: WHAT ABOUT ON THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE FRONT?

>> IT CHANGES HOW PRISONERS ARE ACCOUNTED FOR WHEN IT COMES TO LEGISLATION.

THAT IS A BIG DEAL BECAUSE IT WILL BOOST POPULATION IN CITIES LIKE CHICAGO VERSES THE MORE RURAL AREAS THAT HOST PRISONS.

ALSO INMATES WHO ARE PREGNANT GET SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS.

ALSO, DETAINEES UPON ARREST WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE SEVERAL NOT JUST ONE PHONE CALL.

THEY WILL BE ABLE TO GET PHONE NUMBERS FROM THEIR CELL PHONE BEFORE THOSE PHONES ARE CONFISCATED AND PUT IN INVENTORY AND THEN THIS IS A BIG DEAL, IT ENDS CASH BAIL.

HOW SPONSOR REPRESENTATIVE JUSTIN SAUTER GOT EMOTIONAL HE WAS TALKING ABOUT ALL OF THIS ON THE HOUSE FLOOR.

>> FOR BLACK COMMUNITIES ALL ACROSS THE STATE OF ILLINOIS THE TIME IS NOW.

THE TIME IS NOW TO GO FROM PROTEST TO PROGRESS, CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM CANNOT WAIT.

>> THE CRITICS HAVE REAL FEARS ABOUT SMALL POLICE DEPARTMENTS NOT BEING ABLE TO AFFORD ALL THE BODY CAMERAS.

ALSO, THE LACK OF CASH BAIL WILL MEAN THAT VIOLENT OFFENDERS WILL BE RELEASED ONLY TO DO MORE HARM.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE PATRICK LYNN HORSE PREVIOUSLY SERVED AS A STATE ATTORNEY FOR 14 YEARS AND HE SAID THAT WHILE PRIME ROSE IN THE YEAR 2020 RIGHT TO THAT IT ISN'T GOING DOWN.

>> FROM THE EARLY 90S TO 2014 WE SEE MASSIVE DECREASES IN CRIME ACROSS THE STATE AND COUNTRY.

A MASSIVE OVERHAUL OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, I BELIEVE, WILL LEAD TO INCREASES IN CRIME AND IN UNDOING OF THINGS THAT HAVE OCCURRED OVER THAT 20 TO 25 YEAR PERIOD OF TIME THAT HAVE RESULTED IN A SAFER SOCIETY.

>> IN ORDER TO GET THE MEASURE PASSED THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, PROPONENTS DID HAVE TO GET RID OF A PROVISION THAT WOULD HAVE ELIMINATED QUALIFIED IMMUNITY FOR LEASE.

CRITICS SAY THAT IS A PRACTICE THAT SHIELDS THAT ACTORS.

THAT WAS NOT PART OF THE FINAL PLAN AND IT WAS NOT ALLOWED TO PASS.

>> THIS WILL RECEIVING A CONSTITUTIONAL MAJORITY IS HEREBY DECLARED PAST.

>> YOU CAN SEE BLACK CAUCUS MEMBERS CELEBRATING THERE.

A COALITION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT GROUPS AREN'T SURE ABOUT THE MEASURES PASSING IN THE DARK OF NIGHT AS THEY PUT IT CALLING IT OMINOUS ACHING ILLINOIS LESS SAFE AND THEY ARE ASKING GOVERNOR J.B. PRITZKER TO VETO IT.

>> I BELIEVE HE'S GOING TO SIGN IT WHILE HE DID NOT SPECIFICALLY SAY SO HE DID RELEASED A STATEMENT SAYING THAT THE PACKAGE CARRIES THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE OUR STATE INTO A LESSON IN JUSTICE.

AND AS YOU KNOW, AS THE BRAND-NEW ASSEMBLY GOT UNDERWAY, REPRESENTATIVE SAID THAT ALL LAWMAKERS SHOULD BE PROUD FOR BEING A NATIONAL LEADER ON POLICE REFORM.

>> THERE'S A LOT OF TALK ABOUT BLACK, BLACK, BLACK, BLACK, BLACK, BLACK, WET, WET, BLACK, WE DID IT TOGETHER JUST LIKE THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT AND ALL OF THE MOVEMENTS THAT CHANGE THE NATION AND CHANGE THE WORLD, IT HAPPENED BECAUSE WHITES AND BLACKS CAME E TOGETHER.

>> HE SAID THAT LEGISLATORS WHO DID D NOT VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL WILL HAVE OTHER CHANCES AS HE PUT IT.

THERE'S STILL A LONG WAY TO GO TO MAKE JUSTICE BACK TO YOU.

>> Host: GREAT REPORTING IN SPRINGFIELD, AMANDA, THANK YOU.

NOW HERE'S A LOOK ON WHAT'S ON TAP FOR TRIAL TONIGHT.

PARIS?

>> BRANDIS, I HAVE A LOT PLANS ON CHICAGO TONIGHT.

A WTTW SPECIAL THE HISTORY OF POVERTY IN THE AREA.

WHERE IT STANDS AND WHERE TO GO FROM.

IT IS ALL PART OF OUR INITIATIVE TO FOCUS ON POVERTY.

NOW BRANDIS, WE GO BACK TO YOU.

>> PARIS, THANK YOU.

FOLLOWING KAMALA HARRIS'S ELECTION OF VICE PRESIDENT LAST YEAR CHICAGO POET LESLE HONORE ENTITLED A POEM CALLED BROWN GIRL, BROWN GIRL TO CELEBRATE HARRIS'S HISTORIC WIN.

THE NEW VERSION MADE IT THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA INSPIRING MANY BLACK AND BROWN WOMEN TO SHARE THEIR OWN FEELINGS OF BEING WOMEN OF COLOR IN THE SECOND-HIGHEST OFFICE.

I RECENTLY TALKED TO HER ABOUT HER WORK AND ASKED HER WHERE THE POEM ORIGINALLY CAME FROM.

>> Guest: IT WAS ORIGINALLY A POEM I WROTE THAT I PUBLISHED IN 2017.

A POEM THINKING ABOUT WHAT I WANT MY DAUGHTERS TO SEE AND FEEL AND KNOWING ALL THE OBSTACLES THEY HAVE IN THERE PATH AS THEY FIND A WAY TO OVERCOME.

>> Host: WHAT WAS IT THAT INSPIRED THE UPDATE THIS TIME?

>> Guest: I THINK EVERYONE WERE ON PINS AND NEEDLES WAITING FOR IT TO BE CALLED.

I WAS DRIVING WITH MY OLDEST DAUGHTER AND I GOT A TEXT FROM MY OTHER DAUGHTER AND SHE SAID WE DID IT, WE GOT THE VOTES AND SHE SAID MOM, ALL PULL OVER BECAUSE I KNOW YOU WANT TO WRITE ABOUT IT.

SO I PULLED OVER AND I THOUGHT, I'M GOING TO WRITE SOMETHING NEW BUT BROWN GIRL KEPT ON COMING IN MY MIND.

I MADE A COUPLE OF EDITS ON MY PHONE AND POSTED IT AND I HAVE BEEN ENJOYING THE RIDE EVER SINCE.

>> Host: THIS ISN'T THE FIRST TIME YOU'VE GONE VIRAL.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO SEE THIS POEM TAKE OFF ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

>> Guest: THIS ONE WAS SPECIAL AND I'VE BEEN VERY LUCKY AND VERY BLESSED THAT SO MANY PEOPLE IDENTIFY WITH WHAT I WRITE.

I LIKE TO TALK ABOUT MY POETRY BECAUSE IT'S NOT SLAM POETRY AND ACADEMIC WHERE IT'S TALKING ABOUT A LEASE AND WE DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON.

IT IS IN THE MIDDLE AND TO HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE CONNECT WITH IT AND SHARE IT, FOR SOMEONE TO TAKE THE TIME TO READ A POEM ON FACEBOOK, IT ALWAYS BLOWS ME AWAY BUT THIS WAS SO DIFFERENT.

TO HAVE MOTHERS REACH OUT AND SEND ME VIDEOS OF THEIR DAUGHTER'S READING POEMS, IT JUST MAKES ME WELL UP.

>> Host: MANY OF YOUR POEMS ON OUR PRE-VERSE BUT THIS IS A RHYME AND SING AND CHANT.

WHY DID YOU WRITE IT THAT WAY?

>> Guest: I DON'T KNOW THAT'S HOW IT WAS BORN.

IT SEEMED VERY JOYFUL.

WHEN WE HAVE THINGS THAT ARE IN RHYTHM AND CADENCE WE ARE AT A TIME WHERE THINGS CAN FEEL SO HEAVIEST MADE ME REALLY HAPPY TO WRITE IT AND READ IT AND FIND PEOPLE ENJOYING IT AS WELL.

>> Host: YOU YOURSELF HAVE MULTIPLE ORIGINS.

DID YOU FIND YOURSELF IN KAMALA HARRIS?

>> Guest: IN SOME WAYS.

THERE WASN'T A BOX FOR US TO CHECK UNTIL THE LATE 90S AND THERE WASN'T A WAY FOR US TO SHOW THE WORLD HOW YOU CAN BE MULTI RACIAL.

MY FATHER IMMIGRATED FROM MEXICO AND I'M PROUD OF BEING A DAUGHTER OF AN IMMIGRANT AND WHAT THAT MEANS TO THE AMERICAN STORY AND HOW QUINTESSENTIAL AMERICAN THAT IS I AM EXTREMELY PROUD.

>> Host: WHAT DOES THE ELECTION MEAN TO YOU?

>> Guest: IT IS A TANGIBLE HOPE A REPRESENTATION OF WHAT CAN HAPPEN.

ROCK OBAMA'S ELECTION WAS HUGE BUT WERE ALL ACCUSTOMED TO SEE MEN IN HIGH POSITIONS OF POWER.

TO SEE VICE PRESIDENT ELECT KAMALA HARRIS THIS POSITION AND BEING ELECTED AND CHOSEN IS A WAY FOR US TO LOOK AT IT AND SAY ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

I WILL BE SO EXCITED WHEN THIS IS NO LONGER THE FIRST HIT WHEN IT'S NO LONGER THE EXCEPTION BUT WHEN IT IS AND ACCEPT THAT NORM LIKE EVERY OTHER STRAIGHT WHITE MAN WHO RUNS FOR OFFICE.

>> YOU'VE WRITTEN POEMS FROM ANYTHING WITH CURRENT EVENTS TO MOTHERHOOD AND SISTERHOOD.

HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION?

>> Guest: I WRITE ABOUT WHAT I'M FEELING WHETHER IT'S PERSONAL TO ME I TRIED TO BE VULNERABLE AND TRANSPARENT IN WHAT I FOUND IS EVEN WHEN I FEEL LIKE I'M SPECIAL MY STORY IS RY IS NOT.

A LOT OF WOMEN FEEL WHAT I HAVE FELT AND HAVE BEEN IN PLACES WHERE I HAVE BEEN.

I TRIED TO FIND THAT THREAD OF HUMANITY WHICH IS ART WHICH LINKS US DESPITE OUR AGE, BACKGROUND.

WHAT ART HELPS US SEE IS WHO WE ARE OUTSIDE OF ALL OF THAT WHETHER IT IS SPOKEN WORD, POETRY OR PAINTING THAT IS WHAT WE CONNECT WITH AND TO OUR HUMANITY AND I AM REALLY PROUD WHEN I CAN TAP INTO THAT.

>> Host: YOU TALKED ABOUT YOUR MOM BUT WHO ARE THE OTHER STRONG BLACK AND BROWN WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE?

>> Guest: DEFINITELY MY MOM IS SHE IMMIGRATED AT 15 AND SPOKE NO ENGLISH AND THEN BECOMING A TEACHER AND SHOWING ME THIS QUIET STRENGTH AND CONTINUES TO PERSEVERE GET MY MOM IS HIGH ON MY LIST.

I HAVE WONDERFUL GIRLFRIENDS HERE WHO ARE MY CHOSEN FAMILY WHO LIFT ME UP AND ENSURE I MAKE IT THROUGH EVERY DAY AND MY GIRLFRIENDS THROUGH MY OWN GROUP THAT I AM PROUD OF AND THEY REMIND ME OF THIS JOURNEY THAT WE ARE IN TOGETHER.

>> Host: AS WE GET READY FOR KAMALA HARRIS'S INAUGURATION THIS WEEK WE ASKED SOME CHICAGO GIRLS TO GIVE US A SPIN ON HER WHEN PAIRED.

>> BROWN GIRL BROWN GIRL WHAT DO YOU SEE?

>> I SEE A VICE PRESIDENT THAT LOOKS LIKE ME.

>> BROWN GIRL BROWN GIRL WHAT DO YOU DO?

I THOUGHT I HOPE I SPEAK WHAT IS TRUE.>> BROWN GIRL BROWN GIRL, WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

THAT THERE ARE STRONG WOMAN WHO WANT ME TO GROW.

>> BROWN GIRL BROWN GIRL WHAT DO YOU FEEL?

THAT BLACK GIRL MAGIC THAT WILL HELP US ALL HEAL.

>> BROWN GIRL BROWN GIRL WHAT DO YOU SEE?

A WORLD THAT SEES MY SKIN BEFORE IT SEES ME.

>> BROWN GIRL BROWN GIRL WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?

>> MARCH AND CREATE UNTIL I SEE THIS WORLD A WHOLENESS.

NEXT BROWN GIRL BROWN GIRL HOW ARE YOU SO STRONG?

I HAVE QUEENS IN MY BLOOD TO HELP PUSH ME ALONG.

>> Host: OUR THANKS TO THE CHILDREN'S CHOIR MEMBERS TO HELP US WITH THAT AND ADVENTURE STATE CHICAGO GENESIS CLARK FOR THEIR PERFORMANCES.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOME SNACKS TO ENJOY AS YOU WATCH THE INAUGURATION WEDNESDAY THE LOCAL BAKERY HAS YOU COVERED WITH TREATS INSPIRED BY THE POEM.

YOU CAN READ WTTW REPORTER PATTY WHATLEY AND HER STORY AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE.

THAT IS OUR SHOW FOR SUNDAY NIGHT.

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT WTTW.com/ NEWS FOR THE VERY LATEST ON HOW YOU CAN CELEBRATE MLK DAY VIRTUALLY THIS YEAR.

JOIN PARASITES AND MEET TOMORROW NIGHT AT 7:00 ON CHICAGO TO MAKE A SPECIAL, FIRST-HAND LIVING IN POVERTY.

FOR ALL OF US ON CHICAGO TONIGHT: BLACK VOICES I AM BRANDIS FRIEDMAN THANK YOU FOR SHARING PART OF YOUR WEEKEND WITH US.

STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE AND HAVE A GREAT NIGHT.

>>.

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